The Downtown Miami Underdeck Lands $60 Million US Department Of Transportation Grant Posted on March 26, 2024March 28, 2024 by Sarah Elles Boggs The new I-395 Underdeck and Heritage Trail project is one step closer with a $60 million grant that has been earmarked by the US Department of Transportation. This federal grant will make up the majority of the $83 million needed for the landmark project and is the largest federal grant ever received by the City of Miami, according to Mayor Francis Suarez. About the Downtown Miami Underdeck Not unlike The Underline, which stretches under the Miami Metrorail lines south from the Miami River, The Underdeck will bring jogging trails, bicycle lanes, sports parks and active-urban activation to the community. The Underdeck is located under the I-395 bridge and is comprised of 33 acres that is currently considered dead space. Community leaders and locals have long complained that I-395 and I-95 have created a waste of space and a division between the neighborhoods. The space had previously been a catch-all of litter and despair, which is also an opportunity to create a family-friendly urban greenspace. When completed, The Underdeck will tie together the Overtown, Downtown Miami, The Miami Arts’ District, Miami Worldcenter and on into Edgewater. Not only will the communities be brought together, property values will increase as well with the ease of access between the districts. Renderings have been released for the project that is being designed by Hargreaves Jones, whose name has become synonymous with activating urban open spaces and streetscapes. Their previous work can be found in New Orleans’ Crescent Park as well as South Pointe Park in Miami Beach. Rendering of the Downtown Miami Underdeck – Landscape Architecture Scope of the Project When completed, The Underdeck will transform a mile-long deadspace into a public park that stretches from Overtown to the Biscayne Bay. There are four main components that include Neighborhood Green, Active Heart, Live Work Play and the Civic Waterfront. Rendering of Downtown Miami Underdeck – Heritage Trail From the Neighborhood Green to the West, The Underdeck will add a play areas with splash pads for kids, an event lawn for yoga or concerts, plazas and the beginning of the Heritage Trail. Crossing over the Florida East Coast Railway tracks, the Active Heart area offers the signature pedestrian bridge so that joggers and bicyclists can safely cross over the railway as well as a pet playground and sport courts. Continuing to the East, Live Work Play and Civic Waterfront are home to more playgrounds, cafes and concession areas, beautiful water features and the new iconic Signature Bridge that will redefine our skyline. The redesign of I-395 and addition of the new Downtown Miami Signature Bridge was the project that spurred discussion of activating the space below the highway and making the area a fully-designed and activated urban community. Rendering of Downtown Miami Underdeck – Wildflowers Rendering of Downtown Miami Underdeck – Bicycle Trails Rendering of Downtown Miami Underdeck – Pedestrian Bridge The new Signature Bridge is scheduled to be complete in 2027. If you would like to have first-hand accounts as the project comes together, Community Meetings are open to the public and take place virtually or in person. You can access a schedule and reserve a spot here. Maps of The Downtown Miami Underdeck Rendering of Downtown Miami Underdeck – Neighborhood Green Rendering of Downtown Miami Underdeck – Active Heart Rendering of Downtown Miami Underdeck – Civic Waterfront Rendering of Downtown Miami Underdeck – Scope of Project
Nick Jonas Brings Rooftop Tequila Bar To Downtown’s Miami Worldcenter Posted on February 14, 2024March 7, 2024 by Sarah Elles Boggs Calling all Miami tequila aficionados! Jonas Brothers superstar Nick Jonas has teamed up with menswear designer John Varvatos to announce Villa One Tequila Gardens, a chic speakeasy-style tequila bar that is set to open on the rooftop of the Miami Worldcenter Jewel Box at 150 NE 8th Street in Downtown Miami. Villa One Tequila Gardens restaurant and bar is designed by Mexico City-based KOM Studios and pays homage to the rich culture of Mexico. Throughout the 13,000 square foot indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar guests will find vibrant colors, Mexican textures and materials that are reminiscent of top destinations in Mexico such as Tulum, with views of the beautiful Downtown Miami skyline. Rendering of Villa One Bar Miami Worldcenter Inside the main dining room, the duo has planned a raw bar and tequila tasting room that offers more than 160 tequilas and mezcals curated by a tequila sommelier. The menu will embraces the colorful Baja-stye cuisine and cocktails. Some offerings such as the old fashioned, carajillo and canarito are prepared tableside. The Villa One brand was formed in 2019 when Nick Jonas and John Varvatos introduced their successful tequila concept with Stoli Distillers. Since then, they have expanded the brand to include a fully-immersive experience with the Tequila Gardens outposts. This will be the brand’s fourth location alongside Las Vegas, San Diego, and Los Angeles (opening soon). “Villa One Tequila Gardens will create a unique entertainment destination within Miami Worldcenter with a special rooftop experience unlike anything else in downtown,” says Nitin Motwani, managing partner of Miami Worldcenter Associates. “Fusing Mexican-inspired cocktails and cuisine with modern Miami sophistication, guests will be transported to an exotic destination within Downtown’s dynamic urban core.” Rendering of Villa One Bar Miami Worldcenter Lounge About Miami Worldcenter Opening in 2025, Villa One Tequila Gardens will join an ever-growing list of retailers and entertainment establishments at Miami Worldcenter such as Container Store, Savage X Fenty, Lululemon, Sephora, and Ray-Ban as well as Juvia, Starbucks, Chicago’s Maple & Ash, Serafina, Sweet Paris Creperie & Café, Earls Kitchen + Bar, Sixty Vines, Brasserie Laurel, Chug’s Express, El Vecino Cigar & Cocktail Bar, Bowlero, and a dual-concept location for BurgerFi/Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings. The $6 Billion Miami Worldcenter development is redefining Downtown Miami with 27 acres of retail, entertainment and residential space. There are currently three completed residential towers that include Paramount Miami Worldcenter condos as well as multifamily buildings Caoba and Bezel Miami. Over 2,000 additional residences and three more residential towers are currently in the planning phase and will be delivered within the coming years. More than 93% of the developments 300,000 square feet of retail space has currently been leased. Rendering of Villa One Bar Miami Worldcenter Rendering of Villa One Bar Miami Worldcenter Jewel Box Rooftop Image Credit: KOM Studio
Latin Music Week Is Here! Read About This… Posted on October 2, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs My friends, Latin Music Week is here. In most of the world, they probably don’t care much about it but in Miami, Latin Music is life. Buckle up. Hear the reggaeton and embrace the culture. For my tribute this year, I’m going to uncover some secrets. Sound studios that not many people know about and they’re all right here with us. Some of the best sounds to blast on your speaker could have been produced right here. The stars could be your neighbors. Latin Music has had such a surge in popularity and we are so happy to be able to be here with these people as they rise to stardom. Not everyone understands the words they sing, but they’re always soulful and never about violence. We have an immense respect for the hill these artists have to climb in order to get on the Billboard charts, so let’s celebrate them. Where The Stars Live If you have been out and about in Brickell, you might have bumped into a latin megastar without realizing it. They are known to have homes somewhere in the Brickell or Downtown area. When out and about, they look just like your or I. I ran into J Balvin at brunch recently at Le Bouchon and aside from his hair color, he blended with everyone. Nobody bothered him and he didn’t bother anyone. Nicky Jam was casually hanging out in the lobby of Rise at Brickell City Center, even though we have known him to have apartments at Millecento Residences and Paramount Miami Worldcenter, finally settling at 1000 Museum. Chencho Corleone was a fixture at Barsecco with his signature hairstyle before he got famous. Now he would need a security detail but the vibe is still there and we can’t ignore Bad Bunny’s restaurant, Gekko, in SLS Lux. If you go a little further north, you will find Porsche Design Tower. That is where Anuel AA lives. Secret Studios We aren’t supposed to talk about this but we will anyway. There are secret recording studios throughout Miami that produce some of the best music this decade will offer. Paramount Miami Worldcenter has a studio where Nicky Jam still records. It is a common area amenity that is included with any rent or purchase in the building. Buy or rent a unit and you could potentially run into Nicky Jam in the studio. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s there. In Infinity at Brickell, there is a studio under the name Gallardo Productions. They mostly work on Latin tracks and are based from Ecuador. Skipping over to South Beach, we can’t avoid the secret studio in the penthouse of The Setai. Units there average $4 million without considering the secret penthouse recording studio. It was designed by Lenny Kravitz in the same time he designed the common spaces of Paramount Bay in Edgewater. At that moment, he blew everyone’s mind as nobody had pegged him to be an interior designer but here he is. The best of the best. We are so happy this week to honor all of the Latin artists that keep our culture alive. Un abrazo! Image Credit: ibiza-spotlight.com
Inside Downtown Miami’s Outstanding Angels Ambassador Program Posted on September 4, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs If you have been walking in the Downtown Miami and Brickell area, you have probably encountered a team of friendly people in orange polo shirts. These are not the local police. They are the Downtown Miami Outstanding Angels Ambassadors, a team of helpers employed by the city to help people find their way safely. What the Downtown Miami Outstanding Angels Ambassadors Do If you are new in town or lost, or if you feel unsafe for whatever reason, the Ambassadors are available to assist you. They roam the streets of the urban core through Downtown Miami and Brickell, and are generally just available to help seven days per week. This is just one of many programs provided by the City of Miami in order to assure the safety and comfort of our residents. They can direct you to the passport office, your designated consulate, restaurants and events and even just accompany you on your walk home so that you are not alone. The Downtown Miami Outstanding Ambassadors work in conjunction with the City of Miami police force in order to provide non-emergency assistance and to be an additional pair of eyes on the streets. They are available to residents, tourists, businesses and employees in the area free of charge. Downtown Miami and Brickell Safety It has been brought up that a large factor of the mass migration of young professionals from cities like Chicago and New York has descended on the Miami in area in large part because of the safety and cleanliness of our city. The Downtown Miami Outstanding Angels Ambassadors are just one program that promotes this safety and cleanliness for residents and visitors. They are also available to help with code compliance issues, parking issues, littering, panhandling and suspicious people. If a scenario is more serious than what they are able to help with, they will assist you in contacting the proper authorities. You can contact the Ambassadors on their website seven days per week, and they also offer regular events to encourage engagement from the locals in the community. Outstanding Ambassadors Downtown Miami Team Image Credit: FB/Outstanding Angels Ambassador Program
Terra Group Has Big Plans In Downtown Miami With Smart City Posted on April 27, 2023May 9, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs Later this year Smart City, led by Terra Group, will close the most expensive development site in the history of Miami. For $1.2 Billion, they will acquire the old Miami Herald/Resorts World Miami site at 1431 North Bayshore Drive. The site boasts 800 linear feet of water frontage and 15.5 acres of developable land. This is an interesting feat for all involved as the price works out to just under $1,800 per square foot. There was a time in the not-so-distant past when individual condos that were listed at $1,800 per foot were considered astronomically priced. Of course, those days are gone but this is still something for everyone to celebrate. This means that Terra and Smart City really have something monumental in the works. Speaking of celebrations, Genting is likely having themselves a large party. They purchased the land a decade ago for $263 million, so are enjoying a profit of over $900 million. It should also be noted that the (now) second most expensive land purchase in the history of Miami was just a year ago when Citadel purchased Tibor Hollo’s 2.5-acre site at 1201 Brickell Bay Drive for $363 million, or $145 million per acre. These groups are clearly invested in the Magic City’s future. We are anxiously awaiting their plans! About the site. If you have ever attended Art Miami, you know this site. It is situated along the Biscayne Bay waterfront directly between Miami Beach and Miami International Airport. There are wide views, easy access to Miami Worldcenter and all of the attractions that the Miami Arts & Entertainment District and Edgewater offer. It is adjacent to the Adrienne Arscht Center for the Performing Arts and will have plenty of access to the Miami Metromover to easily cruise to Brickell and the Miami Riverfront. “This is a prized piece of real estate in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing cities, and we are honored to have been selected as the property’s next owner. At Terra, we have a long history of enhancing communities and transforming neighborhoods through careful planning, beautiful design, and a focus on connectivity and resiliency. Our development on Biscayne Bay will continue this tradition.” said David Martin, CEO of Terra Group. What are the plans though? It’s impossible to say at this point. We assume it will be some sort of luxurious live-work-play area on the waterfront, but no clear word yet. Certainly don’t quote us on it. It’s just an idea we had. What we do know is that Martin said via a statement, “The scale and location of this site offers the opportunity to do something spectacular, something that all Miamians can take pride in, and we will deliver nothing short of that. For now, our team is focused on understanding the full potential of the property and the surrounding area. Our vision will evolve as we learn more. Over time, we will arrive at a plan that elevates Downtown Miami, improves access to the waterfront, and is welcomed by our community.” If you are interested in more information about this area and possible nearby investments, 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. Photo credit: Avision Young
Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Downtown Miami Construction Update Posted on March 28, 2023March 28, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs Site work for the Waldorf Astoria Residences in Downtown Miami is well underway and on track with the developer’s construction timeline, according to an update received today. In addition, a construction loan has been issued for the project provided by Mack Real Estate Credit Strategies. The issuance of the construction loan is a notable milestone in any development, indicating the strength of the developer as well as the project itself. Most construction loans are collateralized by contracts and deposits on the pre-sold residences, which are typically offered at more reasonable prices to those investors who are able and willing to make a purchase decision from a simple plan and set of renderings. Construction lenders also keep an eye on the portfolio of an active developer in order to hedge their risk against the project being started and not completed. Given the fact that Waldorf Astoria was nearly halfway sold far before groundbreaking, the strength of PMG’s portfolio and the fact that a timeless brand such as Waldorf Astoria is putting its name on the building, the construction loan was practically a no-brainer. “The outpouring of support we’ve received so far from our partners and key lenders has been nothing short of outstanding. It once again underscores Miami’s unprecedented demand for luxury residences and the eagerness from our buyers to explore truly revolutionary projects. We are looking forward to seeing Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences evolve in the coming years and bringing this remarkable living experience to the heart of Miami.” said Ryan Shear, Managing Partner of Property Markets Group. Rendering Of Waldorf Astoria Miami Over Clouds To prepare for vertical construction, the deep soil mix (DSM) work should be completed by May. From there, foundation piles will go in. The underground infrastructure for temporary power is complete and ready for FPL to activate. We should see the vertical structure begin to rise by the start of 2024. High rises such as these typically rise at a rate of 1 floor per week, followed by a year to trim out the structure with all of the luxurious finishes you can see pictured in the brochure and have come to expect from a brand like Waldorf Astoria. When all is said and done, closings should begin in early 2027, just in time for the opening of the new Miami Signature Bridge nearby. Prices are set to range from $3.8 million for studios to upwards of $43 million for a penthouse so high, it looks down upon incoming jets. We are incredibly eager to see this architectural gem come to fruition in our skyline and will keep you abreast of construction updates as the development team progresses. For more information including pre-construction sales of Waldorf Astoria Miami, please contact Douglas Elliman Real Estate broker Michael Light at 786-566-1700 or via email at michael@miamiluxuryhomes.com.
Miami Is The Nation’s Most Pet Friendly City Posted on February 27, 2023February 28, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs Of all the cities in the nation, Miami is ranked #1 as the best city for dogs according to a study by Rent.com. And why wouldn’t we? Which other city in the nation has its very own “Dogs and Cats Walkway and Sculpture Garden” through an art-filled waterfront park? That’s right, Miami has dedicated a portion of Museum Park (Ferre Park) in Downtown Miami to a permanent sculpture garden dedicated to our furry friends. The sculpture garden, a pet project by Commissioner Joe Carollo (see what I did there?), beautified a previously-blighted and ignored section of the public walkway that is adjacent to the Perez Art Museum and the Frost Science Museum. Photo by Phillip Pessar Carollo and the Bayfront Park Management Trust brought in 50 local artists and commissioned sculptures of dogs and cats from each, resulting in 52 total works in the 1-acre section that is landscaped with a rainbow of bright flowering plants and walkways. “I was amazed by just how much of that talent we have in Miami,” Carollo, the Bayfront Park Management Trust chair, said during a press conference. The project was not delivered without controversy though. Some felt that the $896,000 price tag was high for a free public display, and some simply felt the money was better spent elsewhere. Despite the naysayers, Carollo soldiered on and here we are. This opening comes in the same week that Rent.com released the findings of their population study surrounding pets. Researchers totaled up the number of dog-friendly amenities and services per capita and per square mile. This includes dog parks, pet supply stores, veterinarians, groomers and animal shelters. Photo by Phillip Pessar Some of Miami’s specific amenities that were mentioned were the Underline and many dog-friendly beaches and our overall walk score of 77 (some of the more urban areas have walk scores up to 100!). They did cite the many pet-friendly condos in the Magic City, which might be a bit misleading, but we keep up with the pet rules for the local buildings and can steer you in the right direction should this ever become a question. We hope that you bring your furry friend to check out the most chic dog walk in the most dog friendly city in the nation!
Demolition Permit Issued For Office Complex Where Casa Bella Residences Will Be Built Posted on February 7, 2023February 8, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs The new year is off to a busy start at the City of Miami Building Department. In addition to other projects, a demolition permit has been issued for the 3-story office complex at 1400 Biscayne Boulevard, making way for Related Group and ALTA Development’s new Casa Bella by B&B Italia project. It is unclear when the 250,000-square-foot office building will actually be demolished, but tenants have already begun to vacate the building. The permit was officially approved on January 30 after just weeks of consideration. Casa Bella Downtown Miami Location While the specs of Casa Bella are inconsistent depending upon who you are speaking with, the sales team reports that the tower will be completed in 2026 with 56 stories and 317 residences priced between $735,000-$13 million. Sales have been brisk since the official launch last year, several of the floor plans have completely been reserved and the ten penthouse residences have been revealed. The prime location in the new Arts & Entertainment district of Downtown Miami is all-encompassing with spectacular views of the Biscayne Bay, Downtown Miami’s glittering lights and the colorful sunsets to the west. Residents will be able to simply cross the street heading south in order to visit the Adrienne Arscht Center for Performing Arts. Directly east is a transit hub, where the Metro Mover will take you for free to Downtown Miami, Miami River attractions, Bayfront Park and Brickell, and soon all the way to Miami Beach. Additionally, the location is convenient to both the I-395 MacArthur and I-195 Julia Tuttle Causeways from mainland Miami to Miami Beach. Casa Bella by B&B Italia will offer residents an elevated lifestyle with luxurious finishes, high ceilings and five star service. Two full floors are dedicated to amenities, entertainment spaces, a wellness center and spa facilities. Outdoors, residents will enjoy a pool deck with Italian-inspired gardens, a 78-foot lap pool as well as a rooftop pool and terrace. The development of Casa Bella has generated much anticipation and excitement and is set to make a significant impact in the area once construction begins. While the demolition permit has been issued, the City of Miami Building Department has the construction permit under review. The developers have hired Coastal Construction, one of South Florida’s premiere construction firms to act as general contractor, as well as MTCI Private Provider to work with the contractor in expediting the permit process. Below is a synopsis of the finishes chosen for the residences as well as a list of the planned amenities. Rendering of Casa Bella Residences The Residences All residences feature two private elevators and a private vestibule. Elevators are equipped with biometric access control for enhanced security. Most units enjoy spacious pass-through layouts with soaring 10-foot ceilings and breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay, Miami’s downtown skyline, and stunning sunsets from the west. Sleek Italian cabinets in kitchens and baths by ITALKRAFT An exquisite selection of cabinet finishes and countertops, all individually selected by Piero Lissoni Top-of-the-line black glass appliance package includes integrated, paneled 36-inch Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, silent paneled dishwasher, Wolf built-in convection oven, Wolf built-in speed oven, ceramic glass countertop, and wine refrigeration (in most units) Oversized stainless steel zero radius sink with single-lever European-designed pullout faucet drawer Piero Lissoni-designed master baths with Italian cabinetry and design Vanity backlit mirrors Elongated electric water closet Spacious spa tubs and frameless glass-enclosed showers in master baths Imported porcelain flooring and walls Italian-designed faucets Powder rooms in select residences Casa Bella Residences Features & Amenities 57-story luxury condo building located in Miami’s Art & Entertainment District in Downtown Miami 2 full floors of private amenities State-of-the-art wellness and fitness center offering on-demand services Yoga room Spinning room Salon with manicure/pedicure stations Adult entertainment lounge Game room Kid’s playroom with smartboard and educational games Residents’ party room Wine room Movie theater Museum-quality curated art collection High-tech business center with conference room Co-workspace Pet spa Expansive pool deck situated on the 11th floor overlooking Biscayne Bay 78’ lap pool Outdoor spa Poolside bar and café Poolside cabanas and lounge areas Towel service Sun-care kiosk Open-air lawn perfect for yoga Lush gardens designed by acclaimed landscape architect Enzo Enea Pickleball court BBQ with outdoor dining area Ground-level restaurant open to the public 56th-floor Sky Terrace boasting rooftop pool and observatory (650 feet) with high-tech telescope 24-hour valet parking 24-hour security 24-hour maintenance staff Multilingual team on site On-demand concierge services available including housekeeping, grocery shopping, “while you’re away” butler services, dry cleaning, childcare, pet care, courier services, translation service, and more Residents enjoy a 1-year complimentary membership at the Grand Bay Beach Club in Key Biscayne