Check Out Miami DDA’s Super Helpful Interactive Transportation Map Posted on January 5, 2018 by Michael Light The Miami-Dade Downtown Authority (“Miami DDA”) has a resourceful interactive “story map” of Downtown Miami’s key transportation & infrastructure systems and projects…and it’s really helpful for visitors and locals, alike. Miami is already a major global city for business, residents and visitors, but it continues to evolve, and with this ever-evolving transformation, new and enhanced commercial transportation and infrastructure systems play a vital role in a successful transformation. Accordingly, many new and enhanced transportation systems are either in the works or on the near horizon, but with so many different systems and names, it can become super confusing for visitors and locals. So, when I found the Miami DDA’s interactive map with color-coded routes of the different modes of commercial transportation or streetscapes such as the proposed Tri-Rail Coastal Link and All Aboard Florida, which is currently under construction, I had to share it with all of you! CLICK HERE to access the Miami DDA’s interactive story map of Greater Downtown Miami’s key transportation and infrastructure systems. If you, or someone you know, are interested in learning more about Greater Downtown Miami, please contact Michael Light, Broker Associate and Senior Director of Luxury Sales at Douglas Elliman Real Estate. You may reach Michael directly at michael@miamiluxuryhomes.com or (305) 350-9842.
Downtown Miami in the News: Named Global Up-and-Coming Neighborhood; New 73-Story Proposed Mixed-Use Project; and Elysee Secures $16.5 M Construction Loan Posted on October 6, 2017 by Michael Light Knight Frank Names Downtown Miami Global Up-and-Coming Neighborhood Experts from Knight Frank carefully and strategically identified the 5 neighborhoods across global cities that are the top up-and-coming neighborhoods on the rise to buy a home, and of course, Downtown Miami made the list. Downtown Miami was only one of two neighborhoods in the United States to make this list, along with Buda, which is a booming neighborhood in Austin, Texas. The other neighborhoods on the rise across the globe were St. Leonards in Sydney, Australia; Harumi in Chuo Ward, Tokyo; and Sarria-Sant Gervasi in Barcelona, Spain. Why Downtown Miami? Greater Downtown Miami, which includes Brickell, Midtown and Edgewater, has completely transformed over the past few years, becoming a thriving live, work and play neighborhood. This cosmopolitan city which used to literally shut down at 6 pm on weekdays has prospered into a booming area where people want to live, work and play, and the massive amount of residential development, completion of urban centers such as Brickell City Centre and the nearly completed Miami Worldcenter has significantly impacted the rise of Downtown Miami. Further, the continued infrastructure of public transportation has also contributed to the success of this area of the Magic City. Knight Frank Residential is the world’s largest privately-owned global property agency and consultancy firm. Exclusively and strategically partnered with Douglas Elliman Real Estate in the United States, Knight Frank reaches over 488 offices in 59 countries across 6 continents. New 73-Story Proposed Mixed-Use Project in Downtown Miami Renderings of the Proposed 73-Story Mixed Use Project Dubbed “The Sterling” Dubbed “The Sterling,” a sleek, tulip-inspired 73-story mixed use project has recently been proposed by Turkish developer, Okan Group, for 555 N. Miami Avenue in Downtown Miami, just west of the American Airlines Arena and south of the highly-anticipated Miami World Center. Designed by Behar Font, the proposed mixed-use project is planned to include 362 residential units, 300 hotel rooms, 55,400 square feet of office space, 3,030 square feet of retail space and 9,820 square feet of restaurant space. Miami’s Urban Development Review Board is scheduled to review the plans for The Sterling on October 6th, according to The Next Miami. Elysee Secures $16.5 M Construction Loan Rendering of Elysee Miami Elysee, a 57-story luxury pre-construction condo tower planned to rise along Biscayne Bay at 700 NE 23rd Street in the Edgewater neighborhood of Greater Downtown Miami, has secured a $16.5 Million construction loan from Mosaic Real Estate Credit, according to Curbed. Securing this construction loan allows the developers of Elysee, Two Roads Development, to move along with the initial phase of construction for the waterfront development. Installing pilings, excavation work and pouring the foundation will start soon, so that Elysee can be on its ways for a slated completion of 2019. Click HERE to learn more about Elysee. If you are interested in buying or selling luxury properties in Miami, or simply want to learn more about the luxury real estate market in Miami, please contact Michael Light, Broker Associate and Founder and Owner of the Miami Luxury Homes Group at Douglas Elliman Real Estate.
A Transforming Downtown Miami Baywalk/Riverwalk on the Horizon?? Posted on July 15, 2017 by Michael Light A Baywalk/Riverwalk along Biscayne Bay and the Miami River in Downtown Miami is moving closer to a reality since the Miami Downtown Development Authority (“Miami DDA”) formally requested proposals from qualified and interested consultant teams. Moreover, the Miami DDA is seeking proposals from interested parties until July 28th at 5p.m. The proposals are supposed to include a development of a brand identity for the baywalk/riverwalk, a unifying design element or palette of elements to incorporate into the existing landscape/hardscape and an implementation and maintenance strategy. According to the Miami DDA, no other waterfront project has the potential of transforming Downtown Miami as does this project, which will also be a celebration of Miami’s unique heritage and generate a legacy for generations to come. This is largely because Downtown Miami has recently emerged as one of the country’s fastest-growing urban centers with a huge supply and demand of urban living, so with this demand, residents and businesses want more pedestrian-friendly green spaces and streets that have a multitude of purposes for those who live, work and play in Downtown. Site Map for the Proposed Future Baywalk in Downtown Miami If you, or someone you know, are interested in learning more about Downtown Miami and the current real estate market in Miami, please contact Michael Light, Founder/Owner of the Miami Luxury Homes Group at Douglas Elliman Real Estate and the Director of Luxury Sales at Douglas Elliman. You may reach Michael on his cell at (786) 566-1700 or via email at michael@miamiluxuryhomes.com. Photos: Courtesy of MiamiDDA.com.
Top 6 Miami Spots to Enjoy the 4th of July, 2017 Posted on July 1, 2017 by Michael Light One of the perks of living in South Florida is the array of 4th of July festivities to celebrate America’s Independence Day. Whether you choose to celebrate and watch from land or sea or a high-rise condo, the exploding lights in the sky in Miami are quite spectacular. In many locations in Miami from boat or high-rise condos, you can see upwards of 5 or 6 different firework shows at once…we definitely live in the Magic City! Below are our top 6 picks for 4th of July celebrations this year, but first, we want to say that we are eternally grateful to those men and women who have fought and sacrificed for our country and our freedom. Miami Luxury Homes is wishing you and your family a happy, safe and peaceful Fourth of July Weekend! CocoWalk’s 4th of July Picnic & Fireworks CocoWalk, the iconic outdoor shopping center in Center Coconut Grove, has a full day of fun activities for the whole family. The Coconut Grove celebration kicks off at 11 a.m. for an old-fashioned picnic at the historic Barnacle, then onto the CocoWalk festivities beginning at 3 p.m. which include live entertainment, interactive games and the 9th Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest at 6p.m. The firework show will begin at 9 p.m. at Peacock Park. Biltmore’s 2017 Fireworks Spectacular This spectacular annual event is put on by the City of Coral Gables and includes open bar, BBQ and fireworks display with general admission (per person) for members at $145 for Adults/$45 Children and non-members at $180 for Adults/$50 Children. VIP tables of 10 people are also offered for $1,700. America’s Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park This downtown firework display along Biscayne Bay is the largest free firework show in South Florida and includes music, food, beverages and a kid’s zone opening at 3 p.m. with fireworks starting at 9 p.m. South Pointe Park This prestigious neighborhood located on the southern point of Miami Beach is cozy and surrounded by water, making it a beautiful place to enjoy the fireworks. Key Biscayne 4th of July Parade and Fireworks This Independence Day celebration is kicked off by the 57th Annual Parade on Crandon Boulevard at 11 a.m. and followed by fireworks at 9 p.m., which can be viewed from the Village Green. North Beach 4th of July Celebration This North Miami Beach celebration will take place around 73rd Street along Ocean Terrace beginning at noon with live musical performances and yummy food trucks. The firework show will begin at 9 p.m. “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.” Abraham Lincoln.
Winner, Winner…I-395 Signature Bridge Design Chosen…with Controversy Posted on May 20, 2017 by Michael Light Rendering of the “Fountain” bridge design for I-395 | Rendering courtesy of Archer Western – De Moya The Florida Department of Transportation (“FDOT”) voted on the design of the new I-395 signature bridge in Downtown Miami, and the winning design has been announced with much controversy. The winning design of the $800 Million project that was approved this past week by the FDOT was created through a joint venture led by Archer Western and the de Moya Group and is named “Fountain.” So, what is the problem, and why are people so upset about the Fountain? Renderings of the “Fountain” bridge design for I-395 | Rendering courtesy of Archer Western – De Moya Well, after many years of rumors about the design for the state-funded bridge that has been anticipated to become an iconic landmark in South Florida, the FDOT decided on the design without residents and taxpayers actually having a fair say. In addition, many are claiming that the FDOT has not been transparent about the approval, and some are even charging voter maneuvering that diluted the power of the final approving aesthetic panel, according to the Miami Herald. And, the FDOT seems to be ducking questions about their voting process, even though community leaders are publicly speaking out. Overall, people are upset about the lack of transparency of the FDOT and that the bridge design that won was not the preferred design by the aesthetic panel. The aesthetic panel actually preferred the design below by Fluor-Astaldi-MCM, which consists of 2 scissor-like towers meant to look like dancers cavorting before the adjacent Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Second Place – Proposed Rendering for the I-395 bridge design submitted by Fluor-Astaldi-MCM Nevertheless, rumors are already flying that the bridge construction may be delayed, and that there may be some ability to override the score of the panel if Fluor-Astaldi-MCM can provide an overall better value…we will wait and see. Please let us know your thoughts about the winning design.
TODAY is the Grand Opening of the Frost Science Museum in Downtown Miami Posted on May 8, 2017 by Michael Light Aerial View of Frost Science Museum | Photo by Robin Hill Today is the public grand opening of the highly-anticipated Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science situated in Museum Park in the epicenter of Downtown Miami. Dubbed ‘Frost Science,’ this museum is one of the most innovative and sophisticated science museums in the world offering an array of exhibitions and high-tech experiences. From the LASERsHOW gallery to the vast three-level aquarium to the state-of-the-art Frost Planetarium featuring 16-million-color 8K projection, Frost Science truly offers a dynamic experience. “Frost Science is more than a building. It is the embodiment of curiosity, investigation and an enthusiasm for knowledge that will inspire generations to come,” according to the museum’s website. Key Exhibitions of Frost Science Discover the captivating science behind the miraculous human body and mind, vibrant ecosystems and the frontier of innovation and technology. Frost Planetarium | 250-seat planetarium in a 67-foot dome featuring 16-million-color 8K projection (1 of only 13 in the entire world) with surround sound and a huge dome screen to take you on incredible visual odysseys of outer space. Aquarium | A distinct 3-level aquarium that carries you from the surface to the depths of South Florida’s aquatic ecosystem and beyond. North & West Wings | Explore the remarkable ways that your body and mind work together, the physics of light, flight and lasers and absorb the science behind the solar system, and much more. Frost Science Museum Aquarium’s 31-Foot-Wide Oculus Lens | Photo by Robin Hill Despite major setbacks, the 250,000-square-foot museum is finally opening, and Miamians are ecstatic. Frost Science was supposed to open last summer, but a series of unfortunate events delayed the opening for a year. The Frost Science Museum will be open daily from 9am-6pm and offers Miami-Dade residents a 15% discount off ticket prices. If you, or someone you know, are interested in learning more about the extraordinary transformation of Downtown Miami and how the downtown real estate market is benefiting from this transformation, please contact Michael Light, Director of Luxury Sales at Douglas Elliman Real Estate. You may reach Michael at (786) 566-1700 or michael@miamiluxuryhomes.com.
Miami Events Schedule for 2017 Posted on January 28, 2017 by Michael Light Miami, its surrounding neighborhoods and the beaches offer an exciting, eclectic variety of events that take place each and every year in the Magic City, and I would like to share with you some of these fun events that will take place in 2017. EVENT AREA DATE Biscayne Green Downtown Miami January 6-26 Splendor in the Garden at Fairchild Coral Gables January 11 Miami Jewish Film Festival Miami/Miami Beach January 12-26 Art Deco Weekend Miami Beach January 13-15 Wodapalooza Miami Fitness Festival Downtown Miami January 13-15 Redland Heritage Festival Homestead January 14-15 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade Liberty City January 16 Festival Miami Coral Gables January 19-February 11 Fairchild’s Chocolate Festival Coral Gables January 20-22 Coconut Grove Comedy Festival Coconut Grove January 21 Fine Arts Festival at Pinecrest Gardens Pinecrest January 21-22 Taste of the Garden Miami Beach January 27 Coral Gables Festival of the Arts Coral Gables January 28-29 Miami Marathon & Half Marathon Downtown Miami January 29 Fashion, Art, Music Night Coconut Grove February 4 Groundup Music Festival Miami Beach February 10-12 Street Art for Mankind Art Exhibition Little Haiti February 10-20 Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build 2017 Miami February 10-25 Wynwood Art Walk Wynwood February 11 Carnaval Miami Throughout Miami February 11-March 12 Family Day in the Design District Miami Design District February 12 Miami International Boat Show Key Biscayne February 16-20 Art Wynwood Wynwood February 16-20 Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens Pinecrest February 18 Model Beach Volleyball Tournament Miami Beach February 18-19 Coconut Grove Arts Festival Coconut Grove February 18-20 South Beach Food & Wine Festival Miami Beach February 22-26 Winter Party Festival Miami Beach March 1-6 Artopia Coral Gables March 2 Miami Film Festival Downtown Miami March 3-12 Fashion, Art, Music Night Coconut Grove March 4 Carnaval on the Mile Coral Gables March 4-5 Bacardi Miami Sailing Week & Bacardi Cup Coconut Grove March 5-11 9 Mile Music Festival Key Biscayne March 11 Calle Ocho Festival Little Havana March 12 Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival Hard Rock Stadium March 18-19 Miami Open f/k/a Sony Open (Tennis) Key Biscayne March 20-April 2 Winter Music Conference Miami Beach March 21-24 Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Sweetwater March 23-April 16 Ultra Music Festival Downtown Miami March 24-26 Deering Seafood Festival Cutler Bay March 26 Miami Riverday Festival Downtown Miami April 1 South Miami Food Wine & Spirits Festival South Miami April 1-2 Miami Beach Gay Pride Miami Beach April 7-9 The Longines Global Champions Tour Miami Beach April 13-15 Wynwood Life Festival Wynwood April 21-23 Mercedes Benz Corporate Run Downtown Miami April 27 Miami International Jazz Festival Little Haiti April 27-29 Miami-Dade Women’s Fund Raise the Bar Downtown Miami May 8 South Florida Taste of the Nation (No Kid Hungry) Wynwood May 12 History Miami Free Family Fun Day Downtown Miami May 13 Best of the Best Music Fest Downtown Miami May 28 Out in the Tropics Festival Miami Beach June 1-30 Fourth of July Fireworks and Festivities Throughout Miami July 4 International Mango Festival Coral Gables July 8-9 Swimshow Miami Beach July 22-25 Miami Home Design & Remodeling Show Miami Beach September 1-4 Miami International Auto Show Miami Beach September 10-18 South Beach Seafood Festival Miami Beach October 18-21 City Bikes Ironman 70.3 – Miami Downtown Miami October 22 Coconut Grove Seafood Festival Coconut Grove October TBA Grovetoberfest Coconut Grove October TBA The Seed Food & Wine Festival Miami Beach November 1-5 Miami Beach Annual Veteran’s Day Parade Miami Beach November 11 NASCAR Ford Championship Weekend Homestead November 17-19 Harvest Festival South Miami November 18-19 Great Grove Bed Race Coconut Grove November TBA Art Miami Downtown Miami December 5-10 Art Basel Miami Beach & Throughout Miami December 7-10 Indian Arts Festival Miccosukee Indian Village December 26-January 3, 2018 King Mango Strut Parade Coconut Grove December TBA Monthly Miami Specials Miami and the Beaches also offer monthly “temptation programs,” which offer locals and visitors alike, money-saving specials on something different each month. See below for each month’s cool theme! January – Miami Cruise Month February – Miami Romance Month March – Shop Miami Month April – Miami Sports & Wellness Month May – Miami Museum Month June – Miami Film Month July – Miami Spa Month August – Miami Spa Month & Miami Spice Month September – Miami Spice Month October – Miami Attractions Month November – Miami Live Arts Month December – Miami Heritage Month Disclaimer – Miami Luxury Homes is not affiliated and/or working on behalf of any of the above-referenced events and/or organizations. This information is for informative purposes only and is not to be relied upon. Dates are subject to change without notice. This is not an inclusive list of the events in and around Miami that will take place in 2017.
Miami Luxury Homes Picks: Top 9 Real Estate Stories of 2016 Posted on January 6, 2017 by Michael Light 2016 was an interesting, but great year, so Miami Luxury Homes has rated its Top 9 Real Estate Stories of 2016…in no particular order. 1. Miami Condo Market is Far From a Bust: Response to the Wall Street Journal 2. New Order Affecting All-Cash Luxury Real Estate Purchases in Miami Starts Today 3. Redesign of Miami Worldcenter—From “Mall” to Open-Air, Lincoln Road-Esque shopping District 4. The Miami River is Experiencing a Resurgence 5. Camp Biscayne’s “Hammock House” Brings the Outside In (VIDEO) 6. Seller Beware: Agents Will Try to “Buy” Your Listing? 7. Canadian Sellers Grab Instant 45% Return Due To Exchange Rate 8. The Mother of all Amenities: Private Jet Parking for Turnberry Ocean Club Buyers 9. Rockwell Island Luxury Homes in Bimini | Exclusive Video Tour of Genting Group Chairman K.T. Lim’s Estate Although many naysayers predicted that the sky was going to fall in Miami, it was far from that. Because of the crazy (GOOD CRAZY) few years we have had with prices skyrocketing, the market had to stabilize itself, and that’s what it did in the 2nd half of 2016…prices leveled off, inventory rose, and we slowly shifted into a buyer’s market. We all know that international buyers LOVE Miami. But, just like a game of whack-a-mole, when one group backs off, another steps up, and that is what is happening with buyers from Canada. According to a recent report by the Miami Association of Realtors, Canadians have surpassed Colombians as the top buyers of South Florida real estate. And, we have seen an even greater number of domestic buyers than ever before. 2017 should be very interesting… If you are interested in learning more about the Miami real estate market, please contact broker Michael Light, Director of Luxury Sales at Douglas Elliman. You may reach Michael on his cell at (786) 566-1700 or via email at michael@miamiluxuryhomes.com.