OKO Group Commences Vertical Construction at Aman Residences, Miami Beach

Following extensive below-grade piling, excavation work and construction from OKO Group and Access Industries’, Aman Residences, Miami Beach, will commence vertical construction. With the development’s foundation system now complete, general contractor Suffolk is now progressing skyward with approximately one floor set to be completed every two weeks through top-off in early 2026. Delivery of the fully committed 18-story residential tower, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, remains on track for 2027.

Located at 3425 Collins Avenue, Aman Miami Beach will blend ultra-luxury amenities and residential offerings within Miami Beach’s Faena District. The tower will feature 22 Aman-branded residences alongside the preserved historic Versailles Hotel, which will host 56 hotel rooms, designed by the acclaimed Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston, a long-time interior and architecture collaborator with Aman.

“With the foundation of Aman Residences, Miami Beach nearing completion, we’re entering a pivotal stage in the project as the structure begins to rise visibly above grade,” said Alan Chun, Chief Operating Officer of OKO Group. “This momentum builds on Aman’s record-setting residential sell-out, with the development poised to elevate Miami Beach as a world-class destination for design, wellness, and luxury living.”

The start of vertical construction follows intensive groundwork, including the creation of a two-level underground parking structure – an engineering feat made possible through advanced Deep Soil Mixing and Triple Soil Mixing techniques. These methods stabilized the beachfront site’s soil and mitigated groundwater intrusion, enabling the installation of the building’s foundation system.

“Suffolk is honored to help bring this exceptional project to life,” said Tom Thrasher, General Manager of Suffolk’s Florida East Coast. “The prestige of the Aman brand and the design pedigree of Kengo Kuma make this one of the most exciting builds in the history of Miami Beach. We are thrilled to leverage our cutting-edge technologies, data, and AI solutions to deliver an exceptional experience and project that will exceed expectations and help redefine how iconic projects are built.”

Designed by celebrated Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, Aman Residences, Miami Beach, embraces a minimalist aesthetic that combines angular lines and soft, undulating forms. It draws on Japanese materials and motifs while respecting Miami Beach’s Art Deco heritage. Kuma’s design introduces fluid transitions between interior and exterior spaces, creating a structure that is both visually striking and harmonious with the surrounding landscape.

Images via OKO Group/Access Industries

For more information about Aman Residences, Miami Beach or to inquire about purchasing a unit please fill out the form below:

Fisher Brothers Tops Off Wynhouse Miami Mixed-Use Wynwood Multifamily

New York City-based Fisher Brothers, a fourth-generation real estate company that owns, manages and operates unique spaces across the country, has topped off Wynhouse Miami, a mixed-use multifamily development in the heart of Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. This construction milestone, completed by national contractor Suffolk, brings the project one step closer to opening its doors in Q1 2025. Rising eight stories, Wynhouse Miami will deliver 308 rental residences, approximately 26,000 square feet of ground floor retail and paseo space and nearly 25,000 square feet of expansive indoor and outdoor amenities.

“We are incredibly excited to have achieved this important milestone and be on track to deliver our innovative vision for Wynhouse Miami in this vibrant neighborhood early next year,” said Winston Fisher, Partner at Fisher Brothers. “Wynhouse Miami is the most exciting project yet in Fisher Brothers’ House brand, which will bring a unique character designed to match and enhance the existing culture, history and energy of Wynwood. We look forward to the next phase of bringing Wynhouse Miami to life and finalizing its multitude of amenities and artistic details.”

“Today’s achievement celebrates a monumental step in our collaboration with Fisher Brothers to transform Wynhouse Miami from an idea into reality,” said Jay Fayette, President, Suffolk Florida East Coast. “Our industry-leading approach to construction and sophisticated technologies have made the construction of this unique mixed-use building seamless. We look forward to completing this project throughout the year and opening the doors for the Wynwood community to enjoy.”

“Witnessing the activity on-site at Wynhouse Miami and celebrating this construction milestone is incredibly exciting, said Manny Gonzalez, Executive Director of the Wynwood Business Improvement District. “Fisher Brothers has made a dedicated effort to ensure that this new development reflects the spirited nature of the Wynwood district, and I can’t wait to see the next phase of the project come to life.”

Located at 2200 NW First Avenue, this highly-amenitized mixed-use building will transform the thriving Wynwood neighborhood with striking public art across its facade and two public passageways, known as paseos, that will invite pedestrians to engage with everything the building has to offer, including the community spaces and ground-floor retail.

Wynhouse Miami’s residences range from 474 to 1,405 square feet and feature a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom floorplans, along with select penthouse units. Designed by ID & Design International (IDDI), the units’ interiors will feature neutral tones and bold, colorful accents to complement the artistic, diverse community of Wynwood.

Wynhouse Miami is Fisher Brothers’ latest multifamily development within its House brand, a collection of highly-amenitized, design-forward properties built to complement the existing fabric of the neighborhood Earlier projects completed as part of the House brand include House 39, which features 297 residences in the Murray Hill neighborhood of New York City, and Station House, which offers 378 apartments in Northeast Washington DC. Wynhouse Miami represents Fisher Brothers’ longstanding commitment to delivering innovative, thoughtful residential developments and is reflective of the firm’s active expansion to key markets throughout the U.S.

In recent years, the Wynwood neighborhood has transformed into an energetic hub featuring captivating street art and brimming with mystery as it is filled with hidden entrances, surprising corridors and a network of connected alleyways. Building architect Nichols Architects incorporated these elements as the starting point for the design of Wynhouse Miami. In the next phase of construction, Nichols Architects’ conscientious exploration of Wynwood’s existing culture and rich history will come to life in the completion of Wynhouse Miami.

Located on the lobby, second floor and roof, the building’s indoor and outdoor amenities were designed by award-winning interdisciplinary architecture and design firm Rockwell Group to compliment the lively cultural scene in Wynwood and provide active spaces to enhance the residential experience. Residents will be greeted by an eclectic and artistic lounge as soon as they enter through the lobby. The second floor will provide a lawn area, fitness center, co-working lounge with meeting and individual conference rooms, entertainment lounge, creative lounge and expo kitchen, all of which are connected by a multi-story, indoor-outdoor courtyard that will be decorated with planters and seating to create a tranquil space for residents. On the rooftop, residents will enjoy a pool, spa, outdoor entertainment space and barbeque area, while soaking in the views of beautiful Wynwood and the nearby skyline of Downtown Miami.

Renderings via Fisher Brothers

KAR Properties Locks Down $128 Million Condo Inventory Loan For 2000 Ocean In Hallandale Beach

KAR Properties, led by Shahab Karmely, have closed on a $128 million condo inventory loan for the recently completed 2000 Ocean in Hallandale Beach. Madison Capital Realty provided the loan which will be used to pay off a $103 million construction loan issued by Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance in 2018. 2000 Ocean was completed in December 2021 and closings are set to begin January 14, 2022.

KAR Properties first launched sales for the project in October 2017 with Douglas Elliman Development Marketing before partnering with Edgardo Defortuna’s Fortune International Group to take over sales and marketing in August 2018. The project officially broke ground in November 2018 with Suffolk Construction as the contractor.

2000 Ocean rises 38 stories, providing spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. The boutique condo tower, which is designed by Enrique Norten of TEN Arquitectos with concept design by Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design, landscape architecture by Sasaki and interior design by Minotti.

The project features 64 residences, the smallest being a 2,913 SF half floor 3 bedroom and ranging up to 5,832 SF full floor 5 bedroom penthouse residences. 2000 Ocean also features a duplex sky vill which comes complete with a private pool deck. Residences are designed by Minotti and feature expansive flow through floor plans, 10' ceilings, private elevator landings, floor-to-ceiling windows, custom kitchens by Minotti Cucine, Monterrey Marble flooring throughout including terraces, custom stone master bath with Agape floating bathtubs.

Services and amenities include two swimming pools with expansive sunrise and sunset views, direct beach access with private beach, private arial and valet entrance, 24-hour valet and concierge, an oceanfront library with garden views, an oceanside lounge and juice bar, an indoor theater, entertainment room, fitness center and a freestanding spa pavilion complete with treatment rooms, Hammam (steam bath), ice room and yoga room. The lushly landscaped grounds feature curated gardens by Landscape Architect Sasaki Associates. The original design concept architect for the project was Kobi Karp.

Prices at 2000 Ocean ranged from $2.6 million to $4.4 million and penthouses ranged from $8 million to $12 million. Remaining developer units start at $3.1 million and range up to more than $10 million for penthouse residences.

For more information about 2000 Ocean, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

Ian Bruce Eichner Launches Sales At 'La Baia' In Bay Harbor Islands

Visionary New York developer Ian Bruce Eichner, who developed the Continuum South Beach, has launched sales at La Baia in Bay Harbor Islands. The boutique bayfront condominium will feature its own private marina. A boutique, eight story structure, La Baia, Bay Harbor Islands will feature 68 luxurious residences with 20-boat slips and more than 30,000 SF of resort-style amenities. A private enclave on the Bay Harbor Islands, La Baia offers world-class waterfront living set against a backdrop of the beautiful Biscayne Bay and Miami’s ever-evolving tower-filled skyline. The project is slated for completion and delivery in November 2023.

“We are delighted to launch sales now - as Bay Harbor’s unique lifestyle is being discovered and in high demand by a new wave of buyers looking to relocate here,” said Eichner, the founder of The Continuum Company, LLC. “Just as Continuum paved the way for South of Fifth to reach its potential, so too will La Baia be transformative for Bay Harbor Islands.”

Eichner has assembled an award-winning team of design talent to bring La Baia, Bay Harbor Islands to life. La Baia is designed by Revuelta Architecture and the rooftop amenity deck and lush greenery was envisioned by world-renowned landscape architect Enzo Enea. Suffolk Construction, one of the nation’s most successful builders spanning over four decades, has been selected as the project’s general contractor.

“The same attributes I recognized in South of Fifth a decade ago draw many parallels to the Bay Harbor Islands today,” Eichner explains.

La Baia is located 9201 East Bay Harbor Drive on one of the last large-scale land parcels remaining on Bay Harbor Islands. Residences are priced from $810,000, sales are being exclusively handled by Pgutman LLC and headed by Phil Gutman.

Residences are sized from one- to four-bedrooms and range between 1,100 SF to 2,500 SF. Each La Baia, Bay Harbor Islands home will be delivered completely finished and ready to be designed, decorated and furnished. Every residence features well-appointed fixtures and finishes curated by New York-based Durukan Design. Ceiling heights range between nine- to 10- feet, there are spacious his-and-her walk-in closets, balconies with glass railings and a pair of secure underground parking spots for each owner.

In the kitchens, custom Italian cabinetry by Snaidero is complemented by Miele appliances, along with quartz stone countertops and Hansgrohe fixtures. Every La Baia, Bay Harbor Islands primary bathroom and powder room features marble flooring and dual rainfall showers.

“La Baia’s waterfront setting offers the optimum active and healthy Miami lifestyle. Now more than ever, families are taking pleasure in a wide range of outdoor activities and experiencing the joys of boating as never before,” said Phil Gutman, President of Pgutman LLC. "Our private marina is a fabulous amenity as is the ability to kayak, paddleboard or swim. It's the essence of a Florida lifestyle.”

The Bay Harbor Islands are private, yet accessible, with scenic walkways, charming neighborhoods and elegant dining and shopping along Kane Concourse that offer world-class sophistication. The Islands’ Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center is ranked among the best schools in the region, while Miami International Airport is just a short drive away.

Image via We Are Visuals

For more information about La Baia, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

Video: 2000 Ocean by KAR Properties Construction Update

New York-based developer KAR Properties has shared their latest construction update and renderings for 2000 Ocean, a beachfront condo development in Hallandale Beach. It has been going vertical since June 28th, when Suffolk poured one of the largest concrete pours in the city in a decade. Today, the building is over 50% complete and hurricane glass has been installed up to the eighth floor.

Upon completion, the building will be positioned closer to the ocean than its neighboring buildings and will include luxury amenities like furnishings by the Italian design brand Minotti, a transformative art curation program spearheaded by curator Megan Kincaid, and wellness amenities found in some of the world’s most luxurious resorts.

KAR Properties expects to finish construction of 2000 Ocean in mid-2021.

By Katya Demina

KAR Properties Locks Down $103 Million Construction Loan For 2000 Ocean Designed By Enrique Norten In Hallandale Beach

Shahab Karmely’s KAR Properties has locked down a $103 million construction loan for the now under construction 2000 Ocean in Hallandale Beach. The financing is being provided by Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, a New York-based real estate investment trust. KAR Properties first launched sales for the project in October 2017 with Douglas Elliman Development Marketing before partnering with Edgardo Defortuna’s Fortune International Group to take over sales and marketing in August 2018. The project officially broke ground in November 2018 with Suffolk Construction as the contractor.

When complete, 2000 Ocean will rise 40 stories, providing spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. The boutique condo tower, which is designed by Enrique Norten of TEN Arquitectos, features 64 residences, the smallest being a 2,913 SF half floor 3 bedroom and ranging up to 5,832 SF full floor 5 bedroom penthouse residences. 2000 Ocean also features a duplex sky vill which comes complete with a private pool deck. Residences are designed by Minotti and feature expansive flow through floor plans, 10' ceilings, private elevator landings, floor-to-ceiling windows, custom kitchens by Minotti Cucine, Monterrey Marble flooring throughout including terraces, custom stone master bath with Agape floating bathtubs. Services and amenities include two swimming pools with expansive sunrise and sunset views, direct beach access with private beach, private arial and valet entrance, 24-hour valet and concierge, an oceanfront library with garden views, an oceanside lounge and juice bar, an indoor theater, entertainment room, fitness center and a freestanding spa pavilion complete with treatment rooms, Hammam (steam bath), ice room and yoga room. The lushly landscaped grounds feature curated gardens by Landscape Architect Sasaki Associates. The original design concept architect for the project was Kobi Karp.

Pricing at 2000 Ocean ranges from $2.6 million to $4.4 million with penthouses ranging from $8 million to $12 million. 2000 Ocean is expected to be delivered in 2020.

For more information about 2000 Ocean, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach Officially Tops Off Targeting Delivery In 2019

The Developers of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach have celebrated another major milestone as the tower has officially toped off at 52-stories and is slated to be delivered to residents in 2019. The ultra-high-end condominium, which is comprised of 212 residences, broke ground in June of 2016. Joint developers Fortune International Group and Château Group toasted to the milestone at the top of the tower, along with general contractor, Suffolk Construction. Located on 250’ of pristine beachfront with no hotel on the premises, The Residences and its resort-like, five-star amenities and services will be managed by The Ritz-Carlton, which has been a draw for high-end buyers in the U.S. and around the world.

“Luxury buyers from across the globe have been specifically seeking this project out as their preferred alternative in Miami,” said Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group. “Not only do they recognize the sheer significance of the name of the tower and the weight that it carries, but they see the location, architecture and level of services as the best in the marketplace.”

“What we have created here is a transformative addition to the coastline,” said Manuel Grosskopf, CEO of Château Group. “This project is one of the few standalone residences for The Ritz-Carlton brand in the world. It is therefore an honor to unveil this jewel to high-end buyers in Sunny Isles Beach.”

The signature curvilinear silhouette of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach was designed by Arquitectonica and the airy and sunlit interiors were designed by acclaimed Florentine architect Michele Bönan to complement the exterior, blending the spirit of modern day Miami with its rich architectural past.

The tower will have a private club level on the 33rd floor, beach restaurant, pool deck, kids club, spa, fitness center and wellness center, among other top-line amenities. All residences are delivered smart home technology-ready and will include walk-in closets, laundry rooms with full-size washers and dryers, and pre-wiring for high-speed internet access and Wi-Fi. Penthouses will feature lush garden terraces spanning 2,000 SF – 4,000 SF, private pools and summer kitchens, custom-designed Italian cabinetry, service quarters, and well-appointed master suites. Residences start at $2.6 million, with penthouses offered upwards of $25 million. Sales are being overseen by Fortune International Realty.

For more information about The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

The Enrique Norten-Designed 2000 Ocean Breaks Ground In Hallandale Beach

KAR Properties has officially broken ground on 2000 Ocean in Hallandale Beach, designed by Enrique Norten of TEN Arquitectos. Suffolk Construction is the contractor on the project where sales launched in November 2017 with pricing starting at $2.6 million. 2000 Ocean is expected to be delivered in 2020.

2000 Ocean will rise 40 stories, providing spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. The boutique condo tower features 64 residences, the smallest being a 2,913 SF half floor 3 bedroom and ranging up to 5,832 SF full floor 5 bedroom penthouse residences. 2000 Ocean also features a duplex sky vill which comes complete with a private pool deck. Residences are designed by Minotti and feature expansive flow through floor plans, 10' ceilings, private elevator landings, floor-to-ceiling windows, custom kitchens by Minotti Cucine, Monterrey Marble flooring throughout including terraces, custom stone master bath with Agape floating bathtubs. Services and amenities include two swimming pools with expansive sunrise and sunset views, direct beach access with private beach, private arial and valet entrance, 24-hour valet and concierge, an oceanfront library with garden views, an oceanside lounge and juice bar, an indoor theater, entertainment room, fitness center and a freestanding spa pavilion complete with treatment rooms, Hammam (steam bath), ice room and yoga room. The lushly landscaped grounds feature curated gardens by Landscape Architect Sasaki Associates. Douglas Elliman Development Marketing is exclusively overseeing sales and marketing.

Enjoy the video overview and renderings below:

For more information about 2000 Ocean, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

The Future Role of Virtual Reality in Real Estate

When most people think of virtual reality, they imagine a cool gadget synonymous with video games and sci-fi movies. But as virtual reality technology improves and develops, more industries are finding creative ways to incorporate it into their business. Traditionally, real estate has had a slow pace of tech adoption, but the potential of VR is quickly being realized.

Suffolk Construction, the innovative building contractor, has opened a Smart Lab in its downtown Miami office to “identify, test and scale new technologies intended to transform the construction experience and revolutionize the industry.” Just last year, they opened similar labs in Boston, New York City, and San Francisco, which are physical manifestations of Suffolk’s ‘build smart’ approach that enables its teams to leverage new tools and technologies in order to create more value for their clients. 

“The momentum from our ‘build smart’ approach is unmistakable as we redefine what it means to be a builder and, more importantly, provide significant value and a positive project experience for clients, architects and trade partners,” said Chris Mayer, executive vice president and chief innovation officer at Suffolk. 

One of these interactive technologies is a virtual reality CAVE (Computer Aided Virtual Environment) room, which immerses the user in a realistic 3D model of renderings using an HTC Vive headset. The concept allows teams to identify and address logistical challenges before construction begins by ‘stepping inside’ the building. “The basic concept behind the Smart Lab is that we can build it in pixels before we build it in brick and mortar,” said Joe Fernandez, vice president of operations for Suffolk Construction. “We take real-time decisions and put them in a 3D model so the client can immediately see the finished result. 

Only six percent of construction companies currently implement VR technology, according to a survey by Software Connect, but its benefits have already been recognized. Fortune International Realty Group collaborated with Suffolk in building Jade Signature luxury condo tower in Sunny Isles Beach, whose futuristic structure was designed by prize-winning Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron. CEO and president of Fortune, Edgardo Defortuna, said “We knew Jade Signature would be an extraordinary undertaking and that a collaboration with Suffolk would be a cornerstone of the project’s development.” During preconstruction in 2016, his sales team shipped virtual reality goggles to prospective Jade buyers. “The result has exceeded every expectation.” 

For virtual reality to take off, it needs competitive pricing and increased computing power in order to run high-end VR simulations. These key variables are present, but the availability of headsets and computers makes distribution of the experience a challenge. As early enthusiasts give way to wider adoption and awareness, VR may become a key technology when it comes to the designing, building, buying and selling of real estate.

Article by Katya Demina