Ugo Colombo Speaks To Haute Residence About What Makes Vita At Grove Isle Special

 
As the piles are being driven into the ground on Coconut Grove’s Grove Isle in preparation for the foundation of Vita at Grove Isle, developer Ugo Colombo sits down with Haute Residence to discuss his career and how this project really stands out in a sea of new projects coming to market.

About Ugo Colombo

Of course, most Miamians have at least heard of Ugo Colombo. He is the Italian-born powerhouse developer of such projects as Epic Residences and Brickell Flatiron. In earlier decades, he was the visionary behind such buildings as Bristol Tower and Santa Maria in South Brickell’s “Millionaire’s Row.” Looking at the projects from the 1990’s, you would never know they were constructed some 30 years ago. He even sold new projects in the 1980’s that had been taken over by the FDIC during the S&L crisis. These projects include the iconic Villa Regina (the rainbow building in South Brickell) and Imperial at Brickell (one of Arquitectonica’s first large-scale projects). He is a reserved man, quiet even. But his mark on the Miami skyline speaks up.

In Coconut Grove, Colombo’s CMC Group is also responsible for the long-celebrated Grovenor House, which was constructed in 2006. Again, you would never know the age of this project by looking at it.

Today, his latest endeavor is the grand finale of Coconut Grove’s Grove Isle. On the last available build site the private island has to offer, Vita at Grove Isle recently broke ground and dirt is moving as quickly as the sales.

Vita at Grove Isle Boat Dock Rendering

Thoughts on Grove Isle

In the Haute Residence piece, Mr. Colombo mentions the fact that 5 Grove Isle Drive is not only the last waterfront development spot on the island, it is also the last waterfront development site in the Grove. Pair that with the fact that Coconut Grove is the “it” neighborhood in Miami at the moment, evolving from Birkenstocks to Billionaires, old world glamour and charm with modern amenities such as the impressive schools nearby and proximity to other places (such as the airport) that one may need to travel to plus the privacy and exclusivity that the Isle offers, of course he took on this opportunity.

Speaking candidly with him, another thing he loved about the site is its sheer size. He is able to build 65 large apartment homes without having to go so far into the sky, allowing the residences to truly feel like elevated homes, each with a panoramic water view.

Rendering of Vita at Grove Isle Entry

Thoughts on Vita at Grove Isle

Admittedly, there is a sea of new construction product coming to market currently. But Mr. Colombo does not believe in trends or quantity over quality. He believes in timeless elegance, even if it takes developing fewer homes in a given time. He will do one or two projects at a time in order to preserve his focus to not miss any details. These include materials actually sourced from Italy (as opposed to Italian-inspired), book-matched marble for the bathrooms and kitchens.

CMC Group was also the first to develop estate-size apartments. When he set out to begin his first building, apartments were seen as second-class. Having been raised in an estate-sized apartment in Milan, he knew that something different could be done and the market would come to see. And here we are. The market is hungry for larger apartments, conducive of full-time living.

Some of the perks that stand out about Vita at Grove Isle are also the private marina, that makes boating easily accessible. The island is only accessible via the small bridge or boat, so is incredibly secure yet convenient. You truly have all of the comforts of a single-family home in a condo residence at Vita.

Inventory at Vita at Grove Isle

With only 65 residences and high demand, Vita has been selling steadily. The residences each have three to four bedrooms and 2,500-square-feet to 6,500-square-feet of interior space. Penthouses range from 3,400-square-feet to 6,600-square-feet. The upper penthouses will feature private rooftop terraces with full-sized swimming pools and summer kitchens.

Delivery is anticipated in late 2024. Current prices range from $5.8 million – $23 million.

If you are interested in a presentation and specific pricing, please contact Michael Light, Broker and Executive Director of Luxury Sales at Douglas Elliman AND long-time Coconut Grove resident. You may reach Michael directly at (786) 566-1700 or via email at michael@miamiluxuryhomes.com.

Images Courtesy of CMC Group

Rendering of Vita at Grove Isle Lounge

Rendering of Vita at Grove Isle Interior

Rendering of Vita at Grove Isle Kitchen

Rendering of Vita at Grove Isle Bedroom

Rendering of Vita at Grove Isle Primary Bath

Rendering of Vita at Grove Isle Balcony

Vita at Grove Isle Penthouse Terrace Rendering

Rendering of Vita at Grove Isle Dining Room

Vita at Grove Isle Primary Bathroom Dual Vanity Rendering

Vita at Grove Isle Primary Bathroom Rendering

Vita at Grove Isle Pool Deck Rendering

Rendering of Vita at Grove Isle Spa

Rendering of Vita at Grove Isle Fitness Center