Miami Worldcenter Foundation Pour Set for 1:00 a.m. October 22, 2016 Posted on October 17, 2016June 25, 2021 by Michael Light Paramount Miami Worldcenter is scheduled to begin their concrete foundation pour at 1:00 a.m. this Saturday, October 22, 2016 and continue for 30 hours until around 7:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. Although Paramount Miami will not be hosting a formal event for the commencement of the foundation pour, brokers and buyers will be invited to Paramount’s viewing platform that will be located in the same spot where Paramount Miami held their demolition ceremony back in September of last year. Facts About the Paramount Miami Worldcenter Foundation Pour A 700-person work crew will work in 3 shifts over 30 hours. Supermix Concrete, which is Florida’s largest independent producer of concrete products, will utilize 100 concrete trucks delivering 1,300 ten-cubic-yard loads each trip. 120 yards of concrete poured every 6 minutes. Approximately 13,000 cubic yards of concrete weighting 52,000,000 pounds will be poured into the massive excavated hole for the foundation: 32,000 sq/ft by 9 feet deep and 10,500 sq/ft by 6 feet deep. Foundation measures 222 feet by 142 feet by 9 feet deep and 65 feet by 142 feet by 6 feet deep. The foundation is supported by 431 Augercast pilings: 30 inches in diameter and 142 feet long. Supermix Concrete will supply the concrete from 4 ready-mix plants located in Miami. Each plant has 2 batches. Steel sheet piling was utilized to brace the soil. 6 temporary wells drilled for dewatering system and more than 8 dewatering pumps have been working 24/7 for almost 5 months. Coastal Tishman will place 4,800,000 pounds of high-strength reinforcing steel in the foundation. 6 truck mounted concrete pumping booms located around the perimeter will place the concrete. 300 drivers working in 3 shifts will be needed for the continuous pour which will run approximately 30 hours. If you would like to learn more about Paramount Miami Worldcenter, the newest ultra-luxe condo project with unprecedented amenities located in the epicenter of Downtown Miami, please contact Miami condo specialist Michael Light. You may reach Michael at (786) 566-1700 or via email at info@paramountmiamicondos.com.
RENDERING ALERT | Paramount Miami Worldcenter Game Room Posted on July 27, 2016 by Michael Light Paramount Miami Worldcenter just unveiled 3 brand-new amenity renderings of the Game Room, which will be an exclusive sports, golf and gaming hub for residents to enjoy indoors at the luxe condo development. The Game Room at Paramount Miami will include a “TV Bar,” golf simulator, gaming consoles and lounging area. Paramount Miami Worldcenter Game Room Paramount Miami Worldcenter Golf Simulator As most of you already know, Paramount Miami Worldcenter has definitely set the bar high for other condo buildings in Miami when it comes to amenities as they claim to have the most amenities in the world, well in the condo development world! In fact, Curbed Miami dubbed Paramount Miami South Florida’s new Amenity King! Also, check out Paramount’s rooftop observatory deck and indoor basketball court that was unveiled about a month ago! If you, or someone you know, are interested in purchasing a luxury condo at Paramount Miami, please contact Michael Light. You may reach me on my cell at (786) 566-1700, directly at my office at (305) 350-9842 or via email at info@paramountmiamicondos.com.
Miami Condo Developers Need to Embrace Technology to Survive Posted on July 13, 2016 by Michael Light Developers in the South Florida real estate market need outside brokers, meaning brokers that do not work for the developer and have no association with a specific project, to sell their pre-construction condo projects, especially brokers that utilize technology marketing. Think about it…the more people marketing a specific project means the more buyers for that project. Developers Should Take Notice So many developers in South Florida think they will just hire an in-house sales team, and the sales team will sell all of their inventory. OK, sounds easy enough…but, it is not that simple. In my experience, less than 5% of a project’s sales are done with a buyer who just “walks in off the street” with no outside broker representation (which is a big mistake for a buyer because in-house agents do not have the buyers’ interests in mind, but instead the developers) and the rest are represented by outside brokers. Developers need outside brokers to sell their projects, especially brokers who utilize technology marketing, like myself. A Big Mistake…Missoni Baia I was one of the very first outside brokers introduced to the newest luxury condo project in Edgewater dubbed Missoni Baia, a collaboration by the OKO Group and Italian fashion house Missoni. I was shown renderings of the project and was quite impressed with its overall design and quality, so I wrote a detailed article about it which displayed a few of the renderings in an effort to present the project to my clients and readers. Strike One I published the article on a Saturday afternoon, and the following Monday morning at 7:30 a.m. I started receiving phone calls from my brokerage’s CEO about the article. Why? Because the in-house sales team hired by OKO Group, Cervera, was up-in-arms that I had written about the project, and instead of calling me directly to discuss it, Cervera’s managing partner called my CEO. After a bit of back-and-forth, I decided to take the article down if only to keep the peace. What Cervera, OKO Group or Missoni (whichever was upset about my article) doesn’t understand is that they will not sell their project without outside brokers. How am I supposed to share the project with my clients and readers if I am restricted in marketing? Missoni Baia is absolutely an incredible project, but compared with the average pricing in Edgewater, it is the most expensive project ever to launch in Edgewater. Do they somehow think that buyers will hear about the project, call them directly and pay whatever price they are asking…without any guidance on the overall market? And trust an agent that works directly for the developer…as if that person has the buyer’s best interests in mind? Hardly. Strike Two The same day I published the article I mentioned above, I purchased the URL www.MissoniBaiaCondos.com with the intention of creating a website to market Missoni Baia (as some of you know, I currently operate 6 different real estate websites with 6 more currently in development). However, before I got the chance to even launch the website, I got a letter from Missoni’s trademark attorney demanding that I transfer the domain immediately to Missoni because I was in violation of their trademark. Now, I’m not going to get into the legal analysis of the trademark laws because I am not an attorney, but my point is that I am trying to help Missoni sell their product at no cost to them. Now, I was not the only broker that was forced by Missoni to transfer my domain, other agents were included in their demand including an in-house agent who works for the developer—yes, an in-house agent working for the developer was also given a demand letter! Strike Three…I’m Done After I purchased the URL, but before I received the demand letter, I was personally invited by the sales team to take a tour of the sales gallery. While taking pictures of the sales gallery, I was told by the sales manager that I could not post these pictures on my website or social media. Again, do they not understand they need outside brokers? How am I supposed to share the project with my clients, readers or followers? Maybe the in-house sales team wants to control publicity and not cooperate with outside brokers? Maybe they have discovered some super-secret marketing strategy that gets as FEW eyes on their project as possible and somehow results in success? Most Developers Get It…Paramount Miami Worldcenter & Park Grove One of the many websites that I own and operate is www.ParamountMiamiCondos.com. This is a building-specific site dedicated to marketing Paramount Miami in Downtown Miami. Now, when I first launched this website, the developer, Dan Kodsi, was not particularly happy that I was “competing” with his own website. However, when I quickly became one of the top brokers at the project for many reasons including my website, not to mention the more than 25 articles I have written about the project because I do truly believe in it and the impact it will have on the City of Miami, the developer soon realized that my website actually only helped his project and its sales. And, thereafter, began giving me inside scoops and stories before anyone else, which then I was able to share this exclusive info with my clients. It was a so-called team effort between me, an outside broker, and the developer. There are many other developers in Miami who have embraced outside brokers and understand what I am trying to say. David Martin, President of Terra Group, understands and embraces relationships with the broker community. His most recent project, Park Grove – the most prestigious condo development ever constructed in Coconut Grove, is currently approaching the 90% sold threshold which is due in large part to his cooperation with outside brokers and utilization of technology marketing. Conclusion Developers, please understand….you need outside brokers to market your pre-construction condo developments. Let us use our own resources and utilize technology marketing to sell your inventory. Here are a few key points from a recent Inman News article that I found interesting: You need to implement the latest technological trends to succeed in real estate. Advancements in technology will aid real estate agents’ efforts to sell homes more than they know. There’s no way faster to cripple a healthy real estate business than by ignoring tech. Technology is meant to make our lives easier; anyone not taking advantage of it is essentially doing the opposite. Those who refuse to adopt advancements in technology will be rendered moot by the competition in no time flat. Basically, the days of pouring money into a fancy sales office with brochures, floor plans and a scale model, and taking out ad space in magazines to drive traffic to said sales office is long over. Developers need brokers just as much as brokers need developers.
Paramount Miami Worldcenter Unveils Rooftop Observatory Deck & Indoor Basketball Court Posted on June 27, 2016 by Michael Light Paramount Miami Worldcenter recently unveiled two brand-new amenity renderings that include its incredibly cool rooftop observatory deck and a sleek indoor basketball court. The panoramic rooftop observatory deck will boast 12-foot-high floor-to-ceiling glass windows throughout, a skylight and a telescope to gaze over the Magic City. The half-court indoor basketball court will add to Paramount Miami’s laundry list of sport-related amenities that will include a boxing gym, tennis courts, a full-size soccer field, a Tai Chi deck, fitness center, yoga deck and multiple swimming pools. Paramount Miami Worldcenter Indoor Basketball Court Paramount Miami Worldcenter has definitely set the bar high for other condo buildings in Miami when it comes to amenities. In fact, Curbed Miami has just dubbed Paramount Miami South Florida’s new Amenity King! If you, or someone you know, are interested in purchasing a luxury condo at Paramount Miami, please contact Michael Light. You may reach me on my cell at (786) 566-1700, directly at my office at (305) 350-9842 or via email at info@paramountmiamicondos.com. Paramount Miami Worldcenter Soccer Field Paramount Miami Worldcenter Boxing Gym Paramount Miami Worldcenter Yacht Skyview Deck
VIDEO ALERT: Miami Worldcenter Updates Video Adding High-Street Retail Shopping District Posted on May 29, 2016May 29, 2016 by Michael Light New footage was added to the already existing Paramount Miami Worldcenter video showcasing the new Lincoln Road-esque, high-street retail shopping district that has replaced the original traditional mall plans. Although the beginning of the video below is the same as before, the new footage of the open-air retail district starts at 2:11 of the video. Miami Worldcenter announced back in February of this year that they scrapped the original plans of a traditional box-style mall in favor of an open-air, high-end shopping district that will consist of a high-street retail concept featuring a pedestrian-friendly, Lincoln Road meets Lincoln Center-type district. The Lincoln Road-esque outdoor district will offer an unparalleled collection of retail offerings including high-end boutiques and shops, European-style outdoor cafes, bars and restaurants, along with various lively entertainment. As the second largest urban development in the entire country, Miami Worldcenter is certain to bring a refreshing energy to Downtown Miami by offering an exciting blend of first-class retail, hospitality and residential offerings in one unique and exceptional location. If you, or someone you know, are interested in learning more about Miami Worldcenter and/or are interested in purchasing a luxury condo at the signature condo tower within Miami Worldcenter, Paramount Miami, please contact Michael Light. You may reach me on my cell at (786) 566-1700, directly at my office at (305) 350-9842 or via email at michael@miamiluxuryhomes.com.
Miami Worldcenter & Paramount Miami Groundbreaking Ceremony With Helicopter Video Posted on March 4, 2016 by Michael Light Miami Worldcenter and Paramount Miami had their official groundbreaking ceremony yesterday on the project site in Downtown Miami. The all-day celebration was in true Miami fashion as it featured Veuve Clicquot Champagne, Mimosas, Bellinis, a full coffee bar and delicious brunch tapas with music, dancers and helicopter rides for a select few VIP guests. The helicopter ride was the highlight of my day as the pilot took me and my clients, Ahmed & Lana Tantawy and Jason Smith, to 700′ above the Paramount Miami site to see the views from the upcoming “Yacht Skyview Deck” that will sit like a crown on top of the building. In addition, we got to fly all over Miami-Dade seeing such cities and neighborhoods as Miami Beach, Key Biscayne and Fisher Island. Check out my video of the helicopter ride below! In attendance at the fun-filled celebration was Miami Worldcenter developers Art Falcone and Nitin Motwani; Paramount Miami developer Dan Kodsi; architects of the mega-project Elkus Manfredi Architects, Mayor Carlos Gimenez, Miami Commissioner Keon Hardemon and Miami Commissioner Audrey Edmonson. In addition, many buyers of condos at Paramount Miami came to celebrate the groundbreaking of their future residences. Buyers came from all over the world for this event including two of my buyers who flew in from Egypt and the Cayman Islands. Paramount Miami has attracted buyers from all over the world from 34 different countries, and rightfully so. It truly is going to be an amazing condo development as a “city within a city” offering elevated luxury living. Kodsi told the crowd yesterday that “Paramount will transform the way people live.” I truly believe in this incredibly amazing project, which is why I highly recommend this project over many others in the Greater Downtown Miami area, with the exception of One Thousand Museum which is #1 on my top 5 condo projects for 2016, though at a completely different price point. If you, or someone you know, are interested in purchasing a luxury condo at Paramount Miami Worldcenter, please contact Michael Light. You may reach me on my cell at (786) 566-1700 or via email at info@paramountmiamicondos.com. Check out some pictures from the Miami Worldcenter groundbreaking ceremony below. Miami Worldcenter Developers Art Falcone and Nitin Motwani Paramount Miami Worldcenter Developer Dan Kodsi Michael Light, Art Falcone, Ahmed Tantawy and Jason Smith Peggy Fucci and Michael Light Helicopter for the Miami Worldcenter Groundbreaking Ceremony Michael Light, Jason Smith, Ahmed Tantawy, Lana Tantawy Miami Worldcenter and Marriott Marquis Convention Center Construction Site Miami Worldcenter Construction Site – Taken from Helicopter East View from Paramount Miami Worldcenter Yacht Skyview Deck Southeast View from Paramount Miami Worldcenter Yacht Skyview Deck
Paramount Miami Worldcenter Groundbreaking Ceremony to Include Helicopter Flights Posted on February 25, 2016February 25, 2016 by Michael Light The official groundbreaking ceremony for Miami Worldcenter and its signature residential condo tower, Paramount Miami, will be held on Thursday morning, March 3, 2016 with special attendance by Art Falcone and Nitin Motwani. The VIP invite-only event will include a Veuve Clicquot champagne brunch catered by Eggwhites Special Event Catering to celebrate the groundbreaking of the $2+Billion mega project in Downtown Miami. Most importantly, the ceremony will include a flight in a Eurocopter Twinstar helicopter that is reserved for only select contract holders and their brokers. This will give buyers the chance to really capture the stunning views that Paramount Miami will offer and the overall excitement of the entire project that is certain to transform Downtown Miami. I have to admit, my clients are very excited about the helicopter ride and the opportunity to see the entire project from the sky. Eurocopter Twinstar – Photo Source: stratosjets.com Although the developers only recently redesigned the “mall” portion of the project into an outdoor, high-street shopping district, the construction of the mega project is moving right along. So far, 20% of the pilings for the retail portion of the project have been drilled and 260 of the total 427 pilings for the signature condo, Paramount Miami, have been placed. Furthermore, pilings for Miami Worldcenter go down 150 feet, almost as deep as the record-setting depth that 1000 Museum (which is adjacent to Miami Worldcenter) posted last year. Miami Worldcenter is estimated for completion in late 2017 and Paramount Miami is estimated for completion in late 2018. There are still unbelievable deals on standard residences and luxury penthouses at Paramount Miami. So, if you, or someone you know, are interested in purchasing a condo at Paramount Miami, please contact Michael Light. You may reach me on my cell at (786) 566-1700, directly at my office at (305) 350-9842 or via email at info@ParamountMiamiCondos.com.
Redesign of Miami Worldcenter—From “Mall” to Open-Air, Lincoln Road-Esque Shopping District Posted on February 17, 2016February 18, 2016 by Michael Light Although the official groundbreaking of Miami Worldcenter is set to begin in March, developers of the $2+ Billion mega-project in Downtown Miami, Miami Worldcenter Associates, announced a few weeks ago that they have decided to change the original plans of a traditional mall to a more “High Street” retail concept boasting a pedestrian-friendly, Lincoln Road meets Lincoln Center type shopping district. That being said, renderings of the newly-designed, high-end shopping district were just released to the public. The new renderings of the retail space show that the shopping district will run from NE 10th Street to NE 7th Street between NE 1st Avenue and NE 2nd Avenue and will include 2 to 3-story, ultra-luxe shops and fine restaurants interspersed with chic, public promenades and plazas. Miami Worldcenter Plaza at Night The original plans for the Mall at Miami Worldcenter, which will be renamed at a later date, was set to include 765,000 square feet of first-class indoor retail space anchored by a 220,000-square-foot Macy’s and a 127,000-square-foot Bloomingdale’s along with a 7th Street Promenade to span 90,000 square feet boasting fine and casual dining and a variety of entertainment. However, traditional “box” malls around the country have struggled as of late, so the developers have decided to change their original mall plans into a more Miami-esque shopping district within the urban development that is expected to transform Downtown Miami. With this transition to a more high-end shopping district, Miami Worldcenter Associates no longer want a big-box Macy’s within the project, even though the developers are trying to “accommodate” Bloomingdale’s in some way…whatever that means. Would losing Macy’s and/or Bloomingdale’s be such a bad thing? I really don’t think so. I think the new plans are much more suitable for Miami. As a result, the high-end shopping center at Miami Worldcenter could possibly shrink from its planned 765,000 square feet of indoor retail space closer to 450,000 square feet but, at this point, I don’t believe anything is set in stone except for construction, which is currently in process on the site. Miami Worldcenter—Redesigned Aerial View Paramount Miami Worldcenter Condos Now, with this transition to a shopping district at Miami Worldcenter, people are up in arms and complaining about the changes without knowing the facts. Specifically, naysayers are speculating that Paramount Miami, the signature condo development above Miami Worldcenter, will be negatively affected by the recent changes to the “mall. This is simply not true. Further, the amenities available to the residents at Paramount will not change. Just look at the rendering above. The Paramount Miami amenity deck will still include all of the same, over-the-top features that were originally planned! I truly believe that the changes to the retail portion of the project is helpful to the overall value of Paramount Miami. Are you interested in purchasing a luxury condo at Paramount Miami Worldcenter, or simply would like an exclusive presentation of the project? If so, please contact me, Michael Light, directly at my office at (305) 350-9842, on my cell at (786) 566-1700 or via email at michael@miamiluxuryhomes.com.