Ancient Artifacts Found At Brickell Construction Site – What Happens Now? Posted on February 9, 2023February 9, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs The internet is ablaze once again as word has spread that ancient artifacts have been unearthed at the construction site where Baccarat Residences prepares to be built. How could Related Group continue building on an ancient Tequesta settlement? Why hasn’t the City of Miami done anything? What is going to happen with the project? Can we have a park instead? We have all the answers here. Let’s break it down. The Back Story This week, the Miami Herald published a story about the ancient artifacts being found at the riverfront construction site. A link to the original article is here, but there is a paywall. Archaeologist William Pestle told the newspaper that the artifacts date back to “the time of the emergence of the first cities in Mesopotamia,” thousands of years before the Roman Empire. Prior to being lodged in the heart of the Brickell Financial District, the site was home to the Tequesta tribe for thousands of years before the Spanish arrived in the 16th century. People panicked. Rumors swarmed. The comments section on Instagram and Facebook posts are filled with questions, speculation, and accusations. People are saying that Related Group is paying off the city in order to brush this under the rug. The development site should become a park dedicated to the Indians who once lived here. The local politicians are crooked. There is more, but you get the gist. The Actual Situation Yes, ancient artifacts were found. The discovery was not a surprise and it did not cause a delay. Related Group expected this and is acting accordingly. What a lot of people seem to forget that in being the most prolific developer in South Florida, Related Group knows the land that they are building on. They know how to navigate this discovery. In fact, ancient artifacts were also found across the street in what is now Miami Circle Park (pictured above at the mouth of the Miami River and just across Brickell Avenue from the current construction site. Miami Circle’s discovery also caused a stir and did cause a delay in construction of Icon Brickell as archaeologists tried to figure out what the circle was. Related Group worked with the city and archaeologists and the living Tequesta Indians in order to find a way to commemorate the tribe’s past while still moving into the future with their tower, Icon Brickell. Another circle was discovered on the opposite side of the river, in what is now Muze Apartments. The developer of Muze also made changes to their project in order to honor history. Another aspect of real estate that many people seem to have forgotten is that every structure built has some sort of artifact below it. That is the nature of the permanence of real estate. One day thousands of years in the future, people will be unearthing iphones and wondering what they are. How Can Related Be Stopped? The only thing that will stop Related Group from developing this piece of property is if it does not make financial sense. At this stage, it is highly unlikely that anything could deter them for long. The plans for all three towers are in place, the construction of the rental tower is funded. The Baccarat Residences tower is well into their sales process and the hotel component is waiting close behind. Politicians with City of Miami are also doing what they can within the scope of their power, but just like Related Group, they knew before dirt started moving that something would be found. A press release with drama and outrage and special meetings is unnecessary for an issue that can be handled quietly. This discovery is not even new. It was first reported by the Wall Street Journal over a year ago. Since then, Related Group has voluntarily undergone additional expense of hiring archaeologists and funding their excavation of the site including collection of artifacts. The Best Solution Naturally, the developers are eager to see their project come to fruition in as timely manner as possible. Residents and the descendants of the original inhabitants want some respect paid to those who came before us. Abby Apè from the Brickell Homeowner’s Association said in an Instagram post, “Preserving some kind of history is important to our neighborhood. We want to see these artifacts preserved and we want the city to do the right thing. The concern is that perhaps they’re not taking the proper steps that code requires them to take. It would be beautiful if the developers could have an on site-park that the neighborhood could enjoy.” I do agree with Ms Apè regarding the preservation of history, but the park idea is quite tired for this neighborhood. The park just across the street is dedicated to the Tequesta tribe and the neighborhood residents do not do their part to take care of it. It is constantly littered with pet droppings despite the issuance of trash cans and free baggies, and taxpayers have already had to come out of pocket more than once in the last 10 years to have the park refurbished. We also already have many other parks that are under-utilized. The brand-new Underline is just a few blocks away, and another upgrade to the area under the Metro Mover lines is in the works. Related will be connecting the baywalk between Brickell on the River and Brickell Avenue for public use. They are doing their part and following codes. It is also important to note that Related Group is concerned about what is found under the development site. They have donated at least 2 other parks to the city in conjunction with other developments. Icon Bay has an art-filled waterfront park that was a gift to the city, as well as the Miami Circle Park. They have never said that they are unwilling to preserve the artifacts found beneath their project. Perhaps Related Group could add some sort of curated display of a selection of artifacts along the baywalk for residents to enjoy, and the residents can also do their part by picking up after their pets so the things that we do have will remain nice for years to come. We wouldn’t want future developers to unearth and preserve a bunch of litter, now would we?
Cipriani Residences Miami Opens Sales Gallery Near Construction Site Posted on February 3, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs Showcasing the luxurious finishes and design touches of their first ever ground-up residential tower, the Cipriani brothers and Mast Capital have opened a sales gallery near the site of the upcoming development in Miami’s Brickell Financial District. The distinguished interiors have been designed by the aptly-named 1508 London, who is based near Buckingham Palace in London. The sales gallery is conveniently located near the construction site where the tower will soon stand and offers a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the elevated concept that Cipriani Residences Miami is bringing as well as the convenience of the location. The design elements of the tower will be highlighted including views from the actual residences that do not yet exist as well as a taste of the world-class service offered by the Cipriani brand. “The demand for Cipriani Residences Miami has been overwhelming given the tower’s authentic interpretation of the brand and its central location in the heart of Miami’s Financial District,” said Camilo Miguel, Jr., CEO and Founder of Mast Capital. “The sales gallery is a glimpse into the exceptional service and refined design, with best-in-class finishes and materiality that awaits residents both within their homes and in the amenity spaces.” Rendering of Cipriani Residences Brickell Miami Lounge 1508 London, whose effortless style comes to life with the thoughtful use of high-gloss walnut millwork and dazzling Murano chandeliers, also pays homage to Cipriani’s Italian heritage and splendor. The gallery was designed to embody the essence of the development and provide a taste of what it would be like to be a resident. Cipriani staff greets guests with the same sincere hospitality offered at any of their establishments. Guests will notice Taj Mahal flooring to epitomize the sophistication of the new tower with warm camel and cool blue color palettes that also pay homage to the classic Cipriani aesthetic. Custom crystal Venetian fixtures are scaled replicas of the full-scale chandeliers that will hang in the completed lobby. Arquitectonica has provided a nine-foot scale model of the building with floor-to-ceiling glass and a curved cascading façade. A model kitchen and primary bath have been constructed to offer a tangible experience of two key elements in choosing a new home. Rendering of Cipriani Residences Brickell Miami Kitchen The open-concept eat-in kitchen is decked out with Wolf Sub-Zero appliances, integrated with custom Italian cabinetry that eloquently displays the Cipriani’s famous style that is evocative of a luxury superyacht. In the primary bath, a grand, stand-alone bathtub is nestled near a dramatic solid bookmarked marble backdrop. The separate shower and water closet feel spacious and luxurious and the elegant vanity is encapsuled by premium high-gloss walnut cabinetry, finished with Italian style. The stainless-steel trimmed drawers open and close graciously and are complemented by a dramatic Calacatta marble countertop. “We carefully wove together a design that would be both derivative of the brand’s flagship properties and unique to this building. It was important to us that residents feel immersed in the Cipriani lifestyle and also have a sense of place in the heart of Miami’s Financial District.” said Leo Bertacchini, Design Director at 1508 London, to The Robb Report. Cipriani Residences Miami offers one- to four-bedroom residences from $1.4 million. The residences each offer private elevators to the 1,123 to 3,495 square foot layouts. Construction is expected to finish in 2026. If you are interested in a tour of the sales center with a presentation of the project and specific pricing, please contact Michael Light, Broker and Executive Director of Luxury Sales at Douglas Elliman. You may reach Michael directly at (786) 566-1700 or via email at michael@miamiluxuryhomes.com.
UNA Reaches 90% Sold Status As Vertical Construction Begins Posted on July 27, 2022July 30, 2022 by Sarah Elles Boggs Just as UNA in Brickell begins to go vertical (pictured above), OKO has announced that 90% of the residences have been sold. Only 13 of the 135 residences remain, spanning 47 floors on the Biscayne Bay waterfront. The developers expect the dramatically beautiful project to be completed in the first quarter of 2024. The prices of the remaining residences are between $3.5 million for a 3 bedroom/3.5 bath, up to $10 million for a 5 bedroom/6.5 bath residence that also has a den and housekeeper suite. Una Residences Brickell Located on the quiet southeastern tip of Brickell’s financial district, UNA will offer a luxurious and serene repose, but also has immediate access to the Rickenbacker Causeway for immediate access to I95 for those who need to go to the airport or commute to other areas of the city. The actual address is 175 SE 25th Road and the Vlad Doronin took design inspiration from a yacht, ready to set sail. What about the construction problems with UNA? One of the features of the tower is underground parking, something that has become a popular addition to new construction condos over recent years. Buildings such as Jade Signature in Sunny Isles, Aston Martin Residences in North Brickell/Downtown Miami (depending upon who you ask), and Brickell City Centre all boast underground parking. For whatever reason, UNA was targeted by a group of NIMBY’s (activists who live in older buildings nearby and do not want their views obstructed or additional traffic. NIMBY stands for Not In My Back Yard). They published photos of the construction site while the parking garage was being constructed, and it showed the garage to be flooded and construction coming to a halt. What they did not recognize is that all buildings flood during that phase of construction in South Florida. I have seen it personally in Brickell City Centre, Aston Martin, Brickell House, Millecento, SLS Brickell and Brickell Flatiron, among others. It is a completely normal stage of construction in South Florida. Thank god these people didn’t report ancient Roman ruins that were actually form pilings like they did with Centro in Downtown Miami in 2014. *eye roll* The fact of the matter is that UNA Residences is being built by Vlad Doronin, who an accomplished international investor and real estate developer focused on luxury residential, commercial and hospitality properties. They are responsible for Missoni Baia in Edgewater Miami as well as the new office tower, 830 Brickell. 830 Brickell is just east of SLS LUX and has recently inked a record-breaking lease with Law firm Sidley Austin. They are a firm from Chicago, who will join Ken Griffin’s Citadel transactions in relocating from the Windy City to the Magic City. In addition to these towers, OKO Group is known for Aman New York, at 730 5th Avenue in New York. They are a reputable firm and UNA is slated to be as luxurious and private as you can get near the center of an international city. If you are interested in a private presentation of the project, with specific pricing of the remaining 13 residences or possible resales, please contact Michael Light, Broker and Executive Director of Luxury Sales at Douglas Elliman. You may reach Michael directly at (786) 566-1700 or via email at michael@miamiluxuryhomes.com.
The Light Group Completes Four Seasons Brickell Closing, Residence 58E Posted on July 14, 2022July 14, 2022 by Sarah Elles Boggs Residents at The Four Seasons in Brickell are getting a new neighbor, and we are proud to have helped our buyer client find such a custom gem of a home in the sky at such a great price. The residence closed at $4.1 million, or $1200/ft! Residence 58E is located on the 58th floor of the tower with sweeping views of the Biscayne Bay and ocean to the east as well as beautiful and animated Brickell views to the north. The floor plan shows 4 bedrooms, however the interior designer has changed one of the rooms to a beautiful waterfront bar for entertaining guests and just relaxing in the evenings. Four Seasons Residences Miami Brickell 58E Floor Plan The interiors have been customized by world renowned interior designer, Luis Bustamante. Hailing from Madrid, he is commonly known to bring his talents to New York, Miami, London, Gstaad, Dominican Republic, Mexico among others. For Four Seasons Miami 58E, he included custom marble floors and imported custom ceilings. Four Seasons Residences Miami Brickell 58E Night View Some may say that $1200/ft is awful high for a 3 bedroom apartment, but let’s remember a few things… First, this is the most desirable floor plan in the building because of the layout and direct water view. Also, it is the Four Seasons. The Four Seasons is among the pinnacle of luxury and service brands. The apartment is customized and if you also think the apartment is beautiful, there is one available down on the 41st floor for $5.9M. So, our new neighbor is going to move in with instant equity. If you are also interested in finding a stellar deal in the area, please contact Michael Light, Broker and Executive Director of Luxury Sales at Douglas Elliman. You may reach Michael directly at (786) 566-1700 or via email at michael@miamiluxuryhomes.com.
Major Food Group and JDS Make Major Moves in Brickell with Major Residences Posted on May 26, 2022December 19, 2022 by Sarah Elles Boggs Keeping up their reputation of being the effervescent trendsetters and risk takers, New York’s Major Food Group has teamed up with Michael Stern and JDS Development Group to bring a new and shiny super-tall tower to Miami’s Brickell Financial District. The 90-story, 1049 foot tall super-luxury condo and hotel tower is beginning sales this summer. It is slated to be built at 888 Brickell Avenue, replacing an office tower that is currently occupied by Diario las Americas (for those Brickellians who recognize building names before addresses). About the Developers For those who are more familiar with Miami than New York, Major Food Groups lives up to their name. They are, in fact major. In addition to being trendsetters and risk takers, they are also influencers. Teaming up with Michael Stern (the co-developer of Echo Brickell and Monad Terrace) was a natural fit. Major Food Groups has founded more than 30 restaurants, hotels and private clubs. Many of these have popular outposts in South Florida including Carbone and HaSalon in Miami Beach, Dirty French Steakhouse at 12th and Brickell, Sadelle’s in Coconut Grove and the members’ only ZZ’s Club in the Miami Design District. We could go on, but let’s get to this gilded tower… Rendering of Major Brickell Miami Residences Exterior via JDS About the Building With 259 residences spanning 90 floors, the 1,049 ft supertall skyscraper will also have 115,000 square feet of amenities spanning 8 floors. It is set to boast existing Major Food Group concepts as well as new ones. There has been speak of a Chinese restaurant in the private club, according to the developers. There will also be a 20,000 square foot spa, a fitness center that includes a boxing gym, F1 and golf simulators and sports court, plus the pool deck is multi-leveled with cabanas. Speaking of the pool, we forgot to mention that it is gilded. Yes, sir. “I want to celebrate this sexy City with an indulgent swim in the only silver and gold pool in Miami,” said tower designer William Sofield of Studio Sofield. Lest we not leave out the champagne pool and mineral pool. The valet court is also trimmed in gold leaf and decked out in monolithic slabs of Italian travertine and canopied by a gold-beaded screen that emits a warm, indulgent glow. “It will exude exuberant Gatsby-level energy and delight,” the developer said. 250 parking spaces are accessible by car elevator or valet. With culinary delights in mind, there will be restaurant spaces on at least four floors as well as event space, wine rooms and a cigar room. Inside the Residences One of the stand-out features of these residences is that the hotel and condo sections of the building are not separated. They are considered hybrid condo-hotel units and each one has a unique “lockout” function that allows the unit to convert from a residence to a suite or even just to a guest room. Rendering of Major Residences Brickell Miami Kitchen via JDS Details of the kitchen and bath finish outs are not yet available, however custom furniture by Studio Sofield is included with each apartment. This allows continuity for those owners who wish to add their residences (or portions of the residence, as the case may be with the new lockout system) to the hotel program for use while they are away. The apartments are slated to range from one to four bedrooms and Tier 1 (friends and family) prices are set to range from $1.6 million to $11 million. Penthouse prices and details have not yet been released. If you are interested in a presentation, more details about the new concept lockout system and/or specific pricing, please contact Michael Light, Broker and Executive Director of Luxury Sales at Douglas Elliman. You may reach Michael directly at (786) 566-1700 or via email at michael@miamiluxuryhomes.com. Rendering of Major Residences Brickell Miami Views via JDS
Brickell Waterfront Development Site At 1201 Brickell Bay Dr Sells For $363M Posted on April 22, 2022April 22, 2022 by Sarah Elles Boggs Ever since we very first started working in the Brickell area, new residents ask the same question. “What’s going on with this waterfront lot in between Jade at Brickell and The Mark on Brickell Bay Drive?” The answer has always been the same. “Right now it is a parking lot, but one day it will be a tower.” But the history is not so vague. The development site was owned by Tibor Hollo of Florida East Coast Realty. He has developed a host of waterfront buildings from Brickell to Edgewater over the years, including Panorama Tower. He is quite an interesting man and has quite the interesting story, but for today we are talking about the Brickell waterfront development site. The History of the Site The site was originally slated to be developed into a monstrosity of a multi-use development in 2006 dubbed Villa Magna. When 2006-2009 happened (don’t pretend you don’t remember), the project was placed on hold and Mr. Hollo focused on other projects. He says himself that he likes to build only one tower at a time, and you kind of have to respect that out of him, but he still had something big planned for the site. Fast forward to 2016 and he still had big plans, albeit different. Mr. Hollo had Panorama Tower under construction, the tallest tower south of Manhattan (he loves having the tallest tower, everything he builds is substantial in height), and he had a new vision for his waterfront development site at 1201 Brickell Bay Dr. He intended to call it “The Towers” and it was to be designed by Pritzker Prize-winning British architecture firm Foster + Partners. The Towers were slated to feature two 1,049 ft towers with a total of 660 luxury units, connected by a rooftop amenity deck. When I spoke with him about it, his face lit up as he boasted, “If you have ever been impressed by the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, you’re going to love this development.” His robust enthusiasm for the neighborhood is infectious. Today’s Update Time has passed and the market has changed. Florida East Coast Realty (the company Mr. Hollo founded) has owned the 2.5 acre lot since the year 2000, when they purchased it for a mere $15.5 million. Mr. Hollo’s son, Jerome Hollo is now managing TWJ 1201 LLC, the entity that holds the property. This week, the property has changed hands for a whopping $363 million to 1201 Brickell Bay LLC, a Delaware-based foreign LLC that is managed by Randall Davis in Chicago according to the South Florida Business Journal. The price jump is expected, as this is one of the last waterfront development sites available in Brickell, and is the only one that is completely ready to begin construction. Others would need to go through a lengthy condo termination process including complicated owner buyouts followed by demolition, or the saga that we have seen with the First Presbyterian parking lot site. So, at a time when so many businesses and residents are flocking to the area, the premium paid for this parcel completely makes sense. The main question now is… will the new owners uphold Mr. Hollo’s vision? He currently still has the tallest tower in Florida with the 868-foot Panorama Tower, but PMG’s Waldorf Astoria in Downtown is set to surpass that with their 1,049-foot design. Only time will tell. If you would like to stay up-to-date with the project, subscribe to our newsletter. Also, please do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in buying or selling in Brickell or surrounding areas. You may reach Broker and Executive Director of Luxury Sales, Michael Light, directly at 786.566.1700 or via email at michael@miamiluxuryhomes.com.
Cipriani Residences Miami Brings Chic Elegance To Brickell’s Financial District Posted on March 8, 2022March 8, 2022 by Sarah Elles Boggs Ending a legal battle that seemed like forever, Mast Capital has unveiled their plans for the newly-acquired development site at 1420 South Miami Avenue, in the heart of Miami’s Brickell Financial District. They have teamed up with Cipriani to bring the first ever ground-up residential tower for the luxury brand, in my opinion an amazing choice for this massive site! Cipriani does have residential towers in other markets, albeit those are remodels and repurposed properties. Miami’s tower will be the first ever brand new location, paying homage to our obsession with all things glittery, chic and new. The tower will span 80 stories and offer 397 residences comprised by 1-bedroom up to 4-bedroom floor plans. Residents will enjoy sweeping views of the Biscayne Bay, the glittering skyline and Simpson Park, which is a nature preserve that is nearly 8 acres right in the middle of the city. Rendering of Cipriani Residences Miami Brickell Views Known as the “Wall Street of the South,” Brickell is the second most dense neighborhood in the country (behind Manhattan, of course). Brickell is also home to more international banks in one neighborhood than any other neighborhood in the country, and with Miami’s weather, Brickell is also one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the country. Cipriani has over 30 locations worldwide, including a residential tower at 55 Wall Street in New York, making the site an obvious choice for the brand. “We are lucky enough to have been successful in the Brickell area for many years now with our Cipriani restaurant and Socialista lounge, and it seemed natural to extend our service oriented philosophy to people’s everyday life and homes,” Cipriani CEO, Giuseppe Cipriani, tells Forbes in a rare, exclusive interview. “Miami has evolved tremendously attracting culture, business and entertainment and guarantees an enviable quality of life. It is becoming a first or second residence for an increasing number of demanding and traveled individuals and families.” Some original Brickell residents will know this site as what was “the big hole in South Brickell.” I can’t think of a new resident or client that I have not had to explain the story behind the site. Originally slated to be a different super luxury project called Capital at Brickell, construction began and did not complete, leaving a large escavated hole in the city. CCCC Construction ultimately purchased the site, but constant internal discourse prevented them from doing anything with it aside from filling it in (after YEARS). And here we are today, with Mast Capital and Cipriani Residences to the rescue. We are very eager to provide additional details on the project as they become available. If you drive by the site, you will see that preliminary environmental work is being performed and the city seems to be as excited about the new addition to the neighborhood as we are. If you are interested in a presentation and specific pricing, please contact Michael Light, Broker and Executive Director of Luxury Sales at Douglas Elliman. You may reach Michael directly at (786) 566-1700 or via email at michael@miamiluxuryhomes.com.
A Gift To The Miami Skyline: St Regis Residences in Brickell Release Details & Renderings Posted on March 7, 2022March 9, 2022 by Sarah Elles Boggs Related Group & Integra Investments, the developers behind the St Regis Miami Residences in Brickell, have come through with their promise to release details on the project in early 2022. Here we are. The initial tower to be constructed will be the East Tower, which will feature 149 residences within 48 stories. Each residence will have a private elevator, custom European marble flooring throughout, 11-foot ceilings with integrated linear diffusers in the living areas, and integrated smart home technology. Rendering of St Regis Brickell Miami Each kitchen is set to be outfitted with hidden paneled Sub-Zero refrigerators and freezers, full-height wine refrigerators, and Wolf convection ovens, steam ovens and microwaves. All of the plumbing throughout the residences are by Dornbracht and the bathrooms are slated to have oversized marble showers and free-standing tubs. The primary suites will have spacious walk-in closets and midnight bars with a butler’s pantry. The residences also include keyless residential entry with biometrics, smart home climate and lighting control services, fiberoptic wifi service throughout all residences and amenities and an exclusive St. Regis residents-only app. As this is a St Regis development, exclusively-trained butlers, housekeepers and in-residence dining services are available as well as St Regis global membership privileges. Each residence will also feature a sweeping view of the Biscayne Bay and the Brickell or Coconut Grove skyline. Being nestled just South of 15th Street at 1809 Brickell Avenue allows for a reprise from the hustle and bustle of the financial district, but still convenient to the restaurants, lounges and offices to be easily accessible by walking or driving. Rendering of St Regis Miami Brickell Primary Bathroom Rendering of St Regis Miami Brickell Bedroom Staying inside the development, owners and guests will enjoy over 60,000 square feet of opulent amenities. On the ground floor, a fine dining restaurant is scheduled to be added along with lush park-like grounds that are designed by famous landscape designer Enzo Enea. There is also a state of the art media room, full-service business center with a coffee bar and conference rooms, children’s playroom, teen’s video game lounge, golf simulator if you do not feel like driving to the course, a fully equipped beauty salon and a pet spa that includes grooming and dog walking services. Along the bayfront, an infinity pool and whirlpool with private cabanas, poolside bar and cafe are provided along with a bayfront garden with comfortable seating areas to enjoy the breeze. For going off-site, the development provides house bicycles, a private marina and exclusive beach club access. Inside the holistic wellness center, residents will enjoy a fully-equipped fitness center with bay views, relaxation area and juice bar, pilates and yoga studio and curated wellness programming by The Wright Fit. For those looking to relax, a salt spa room, dual saunas and steam rooms and luxurious treatment rooms are also available. Rendering of St Regis Miami Brickell Lap Pool On the 31st level, you will find the entertainment space. This includes a double-height bar and lounge with bay and ocean views, the signature St Regis cognac room, a traditional St Regis tearoom and a billiards room, perfect for any gathering. A catering kitchen is also available for a formal dinner party, or for passed hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Rendering of St Regis Miami Brickell Library Bar At this point in the development process, prices are available from just under $3 million up to $8 million each with a water and city view. As the project is just being launched, pricing is expected to change but with the reputation of St Regis, the quality is not. If you are interested in a presentation of the project, with specific friends and family (1st tier) pricing, please contact Michael Light, Broker and Executive Director of Luxury Sales at Douglas Elliman. You may reach Michael directly at (786) 566-1700 or via email at michael@miamiluxuryhomes.com. Rendering of St Regis Miami Brickell Lobby