Carbon Neutral Apple Miami Worldcenter Now Open In Downtown Miami's Miami Worldcenter

In a significant addition to Downtown Miami, Apple has announced the upcoming grand opening of its new store at Miami Worldcenter, designed to be a vibrant destination for technology enthusiasts and casual shoppers alike. This will mark Apple’s sixth retail location in the Miami-Dade County, further cementing the tech giant’s expanding footprint in this bustling region.

Located in the heart of the fast-developing Miami Worldcenter project, the store occupies 15,000 square feet at 725 NE 1st Ave. The Miami Worldcenter itself is an ambitious 27-acre development, boasting a $6 billion investment and featuring a mix of residential, commercial, and hospitality assets. With the Apple store situated adjacent to a 20,000-square-foot outdoor public plaza, dubbed World Square, it’s designed to enhance community interaction and pedestrian traffic. This stylish, one-story structure will not only deliver Apple’s renowned customer experience but will do so in an environmentally conscious manner.

Reflecting Apple’s commitment to sustainability, Apple Miami Worldcenter has been constructed using regionally sourced mass timber and other low-carbon materials, successfully reducing the carbon intensity of its construction. The store operates on 100% renewable energy, achieving carbon neutrality in its operations. The design embraces biophilic principles, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the lush green surroundings, which is particularly inspired by Miami’s diverse and multicultural landscape.

Accessibility is a core focus of the new space, featuring universal design principles to accommodate all customers. The layout includes varied table and seating heights to facilitate product exploration, spacious access routes for wheelchair users, and assistive listening technology for customers who use hearing aids.

Furthermore, the Miami store introduces the first dedicated Apple Pickup area in the city, streamlining the process for customers who prefer to shop online and collect their orders in-store.

To celebrate its grand opening on January 24 at 10 a.m., Apple Miami Worldcenter will host a lineup of special programs. Customized sessions of Today at Apple will highlight the store's unique environment and sustainable design, along with special Made for Business events facilitated by local entrepreneurs. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with Apple’s rich ecosystem of products, featuring the latest iPhone 16, iPad, MacBook Pro, and more.

The store's team, comprising over 150 Apple specialists, is dedicated to providing exceptional support and education to customers, helping them navigate Apple's innovative features and tools.

Miami Worldcenter stands as one of the largest privately owned urban development projects in Florida. Its ongoing phases are set to incorporate a breathtaking mix of lifestyle, dining, and retail experiences, alongside residential towers. Ground-breaking new restaurants, retail brands, and hospitality venues—including a citizenM hotel and a Lucid Motors showroom—are already part of the vibrant landscape.

With the Miami Worldcenter Apple Store, the development promises not just to bolster the local economy but also enrich community ties through technology and innovation. As Miami continues to evolve as a tech hub, Apple’s presence aligns perfectly with the city’s vision for growth and sustainability.

Renderings via Apple

Chicago-Based Regency Development Group Launches Kobi Karp-Designed La Maré Bay Harbor Islands

Chicago-based Regency Development Group has launched La Maré, an exclusive collection of two light-filled modern contemporary boutique residential buildings in Bay Harbor Islands. La Maré features the 33-unit Regency Collection and the 9-unit Signature Collection, featuring vertically stacked tropical luxury villas designed by world-renowned architect Kobi Karp, while Brazil-based Debora Aguiar Arquietetos, known for her design of 1 Hotel South Beach among others, leads the interior design. La Maré represents Regency Development Group’s first project in the South Florida market. Groundbreaking is expected for later this year and completion is expected in 2025. Residences will range from $1.375 million to $8 million.

“With recycled materials as the foundation, the design ethos is centered around its honoring natural surroundings - water and its movement – to create an ongoing connection to the environment,” said Kobi Karp. “The positioning of each building on the island is intentionally set to optimize sunlight and natural air flow through each residence, while the glass enwrapped LEED certified spaces accentuate peak sunrise and sunset views.”

“We’re creating sky villas that provide families with expansive living and entertainment spaces right on the water in a pocket of Miami that provides everything families desire, from top dining options to one of the top-ranked schools in Miami-Dade County,” said Michael Troyanovsky, Managing Partner of Regency Development Group. “As a company that is family-run, we value and understand what families are looking for in South Florida.”

The eight-story Regency Collection glass-clad modern boutique building will feature 33 residences. Soft interiors frame the panoramic ocean blues by nine-to-10-foot floor-to-ceiling windows that open out to expansive wraparound outdoor living spaces. The residences with direct private elevator access will range from two bedrooms, two baths to four bedrooms, four and a half baths with 1,600 to more than 4,000 square feet of living space. On the second floor, two prestigious 4,200 square feet Bay Villas adorn the north and south corners featuring spiral staircases that lead down to the ground deck with their own individual pools and summer kitchens. Four penthouses top the building, of which two are flow-through corner residences with access to their own private rooftop pools and summer kitchens.

Exclusive building amenities for the Regency Collection include a state-of-the-art fitness center and residential lounge for group gatherings and screenings.

“I liken La Maré’s Regency Collection to a Harlequin butterfly that opens up in both east and west directions,” said Kobi Karp, founder and principal of Kobi Karp Architects. “This design creates flow-through residences with three glass wraparound windows that bring the outdoors in.”

This eight-story Signature Collection building will feature an exclusive collection of only nine residences thoughtfully designed for families with privacy at the forefront, ranging from 2,100 to more than 4,200 square feet. The top four floors will be comprised of one residence per floor with four bedrooms and four and a half baths. The rest of the building will offer three-bedroom residences and one standout residence will be at the lobby level with private access to the waterfront sundeck.

Exclusive Signature Collection building amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a wine cellar and outdoor kitchen and bar lounge. Residences will range from $2.875 million to $6.3 million. Groundbreaking is planned for later this year and completion is expected in late 2024.

Inspired by the movement of water, The Signature and Regency Collections will offer bayfront verandas and outdoor spaces with landscaping, boat slips, lounge areas and a resort-style rooftop pool deck that will have a pool, jacuzzi and lounge chairs.

Designed to be LEED certified and blend with the neighborhood of Bay Harbor, the low impact all-glass buildings will be constructed on elevated pilings that allow the buildings to be independent of high and low tides to adhere to the everchanging climate of South Florida.

The orientation of the buildings is designed to reduce carbon footprint by minimizing energy loads and maximizing natural sunlight. By incorporating all-glass balcony shadow boxes, its architecture plays with the sunlight to reduce solar gain and maintain a cool temperature throughout the building.

Green rooftops with tree canopies, open green lounge areas and a pool will be built to create a third place for residents to connect and entertain all while doubling as building insulators. The green rooftops will be built on raised wood-like decks made from recycled plastic lifted off the concrete roof to create a natural cooling system, which reduces the use of added material for roof insulation by 70%. Its lush greenery will exclusively feature native species sustained by two-meter irrigation systems that capture and filter rainwater.

Recycled locally sourced materials are married throughout the interiors blending bleached driftwood, travertine, sand-colored natural stones, concrete and metals to create idyllic modern sprawling living areas enhanced by panoramic bay views. Other interior features include private and/or semi-private elevators, elegant custom Italian kitchen and bath fixtures by Antonio Lupi, dual shower and deep soaking tub in primary bathrooms, stone countertops, cabinetry by top-of-the-line luxury Italian brand Poliform and Miele appliances. Additional sustainable features include HEPA filtration systems and in-line heating, Insta-hots, displacing traditional hot water tanks that hold mold overtime.

The Regency Collection La Maré Residences will be located at 9927 E Bay Harbor Drive, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154  and the Signature Collection La Maré Residences will be located at 9781 E Bay Harbor Drive, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154. The Sales Gallery is at 10301 E Bay Harbor Dr. Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154.

Ytech Reveals Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel-Designed 70-Story Partially Solar Powered Condo Tower 'The Residences at 1428 Brickell'

1428 Brickell, LLC, a subsidiary of Miami-based real estate development firm Ytech, has revealed The Residences at 1428 Brickell, a 70-story iconic centerpiece of the quintessential Miami skyline, located at one of the most prestigious addresses on Miami's Brickell Avenue. The building will be the first ever high-rise residential tower using solar energy and is designed by architecture and interior design firm ACPV ARCHITECTS and international architecture firm Arquitectonica. The distinctive architecture and design of this private, residential property includes a limited collection of 189 homes priced from $2 million to $7 million, including a Penthouse Collection priced from $8 million to over $40 million. Cervera Real Estate serves as the sales team representing the property. Among the most prolific luxury condominium builders in the country, John Moriarty Associates (JMA) is the general contractor for The Residences at 1428 Brickell.

The Residences at 1428 Brickell will be the world’s first luxury, high-rise residential tower to integrate photovoltaic glazing within the building’s façade. This solar energy feature is deftly blended into the building’s architectural aesthetic, expressing the importance of sustainability and carbon reduction along each of its 70 floors. Since the solar cells are integrated into the glass, the effective lifespan of the panels can match the window itself. The property will feature 500 photovoltaic-integrated windows along the west-facing façade, creating a “Solar Backbone” comprising nearly 20,000 square feet of energy-producing glass. With this orientation and permanently installed generating capacity, the system is capable of producing up to 170,000 kilowatts, or 170 megawatts, of clean energy per year. This is intended to result in the reduction of approximately 4,700 tons of CO2 and the use of 3,000 barrels less of oil. Ytech has selected award-winning firm Cosentini Associates as the property’s expert solar energy consultant to implement this technology into The Residences at 1428 Brickell.

“Over a decade of planning and market research has come to fruition with The Residences at 1428 Brickell. Ytech’s vision is to create residential sanctuaries in an urban environment where design is driven first and foremost by resident experience and needs,” said Yamal Yidios, CEO of Ytech. “Complemented by impeccable architecture and advanced engineering, a remarkable combination of form and function, The Residences at 1428 Brickell will become iconic in delivering an unparalleled, service-oriented living experience.”

Ytech has selected a world-class team of artisans, designers, architects and engineers who understand the nuances of architecture, space, objects and human interaction to conceptualize and deliver a truly exceptional residential product. The concept for The Residences at 1428 Brickell was developed based on market research gathered from more than 250 luxury residential and hotel properties globally and interviews with three dozen renowned architects and designers. As a result, the property was created with the owner’s experience and privacy at the forefront of every decision, making The Residences at 1428 Brickell not only beautiful to behold but ideal to live in. The end result – meticulously curated residences with thoughtfully crafted amenity spaces and private areas throughout the building that will deliver a perfect balance between beauty and functionality. These exclusive and private residences are focused on empowering owners with a sense of privacy, safety and individuality.

Led by CEO Yamal Yidios, Ytech is ​​inspired by great thinkers, creators and innovators, and this inspiration has been woven into each intentionally conceived detail of The Residences at 1428 Brickell. Through the firm’s in-depth market research, design vision and meticulous execution, complemented by Yidios’ background as an engineer and internationally influenced perspective, The Residences at 1428 Brickell have been crafted with intelligence and artistry to create an instant, lasting sense of belonging for all who call it home.

Alongside world-renowned architecture and interior design firm ACPV ARCHITECTS and international architecture firm Arquitectonica, Ytech has meticulously designed a perfect balance between form and function without compromise. Over the years, ACPV ARCHITECTS has designed some of the world’s most iconic projects including the Bulgari Hotel Paris, Arte Surfside in Miami Beach and La Bella Vita high-rise in Taiwan among others. ACPV ARCHITECT’S vision for the interior spaces emerges from the firm’s penchant for designing the art of living, with a unique micro and macro perspective, making The Residences at 1428 Brickell a living space where emotion and intellect combine to produce the highest quality of life.

“For the tower’s interiors, we selected furniture, materials, textures and colors that create an ambiance of informal luxury,” said Patricia Viel, CEO of ACPV ARCHITECTS. “Throughout the property’s amenity spaces we integrated pieces of furniture from a selection of world-renowned Italian and international designers, focusing primarily on earth tones to bring nature inside the building while simultaneously celebrating the joyful feeling of spending time outdoors in the company of your loved ones.”

“The architecture and interior design of The Residences at 1428 Brickell fuse seamlessly to make residents feel welcome and at ease from the moment they enter the building. Imagining how owners would use each space within the property was the guiding principle of our design for the interiors,” said Antonio Citterio, chairman of ACPV ARCHITECTS. “For example, we designed large amenity spaces to act as an extension of residents’ private living areas, such as the dining area, pool, bar and wine cellar, and integrated full-height windows in the lobby to offer uninterrupted views of the striking Brickell skyline, bridging the gap between indoors and outdoors.”

The Residences at 1428 Brickell's limited collection of residences will be fully finished with two- to four-bedroom plus den units ranging from 1,800 to 4,000 square feet. The Penthouse Collection residences range from 4,000 to 10,000 square feet. The residences showcase stunning water views and have been thoughtfully created with a true flow-through configuration to maximize light. A significant portion of residences within the property are two-stories, creating the feeling of a single-family home in the sky.

The Residences include high-quality, contemporary finishes and one-of-a-kind Antonio Citterio-designed signature pieces. Further highlights include deep sunrise and sunset terraces with a summer kitchen; two private elevators and a foyer per residence with double door entry including a compartment for in-room dining deliveries and private storage on each level. Encompassed by Rimadesio glass enclosures, standard residences will feature Italian Arclinea kitchens with 11-foot ceilings, while penthouse residences will include limited production Vaselli kitchens and 12- to 30-foot ceilings.

Over 80,000 square feet of amenity space will adorn The Residences at 1428 Brickell. Located 860 feet in the sky, Ytech dedicated five of the eight amenity levels within the top of the tower which will be home to curated private and shared spaces showcasing stunning, panoramic city views.

Level 70, a rooftop pool and atrium, features a pool with direct sunlight exposure; a hot spa and daybed lounging area; and a sky atrium offering a serene, lush greenhouse experience surrounded by foliage.

Level 67 includes a world-class, two-story wine and fine art lounge. The level also features state-of-the-art office suites with private offices and lounge; private dining room with a jewel Vaselli kitchen, ideal for entertaining, private cooking classes or catering; an owner’s lounge with expansive seating for entertaining and a full bar featuring craft cocktails and culinary delectables. Additional services include an on-site beverage director and sommelier as well as private a la carte catering and event services.

Level 66 features an expansive 10,000 square foot gym with weight room, HIIT room and an indoor/outdoor yoga room; a juice and wellness bar offering healthy pre and post-workout food and beverage options; and an immersive spa featuring a meditation room, infrared sauna, steam room, cold and hot plunge pools, treatment rooms, beauty suite and barbershop. Services on this level include a wellness concierge available to assist in scheduling personal training, spa and beauty treatments, nutritional coaching and IV treatments.

Level seven offers a family-focused environment featuring a pool with shallow wading area and poolside cabanas; aquatic therapy area with a stationary exercise lap pool; children’s recreation and learning center featuring indoor and outdoor areas with splash pools, interactive playgrounds and creativity rooms; cinema screening room and a teen’s room. Fully furnished, private guest suites will be available on level eight.

The building’s entrance and arrival lounge features an impressive porte-cochere and access control facility creating a welcoming, immersive arrival experience that includes a library with wine and food options for residents and their guests. Additional services include reception, valet and porter; bellman and doorman services, and a pet facility with grooming area, and in-unit package delivery, among other amenities.

Terranova Reveals Arquitectonica-Designed Carbon-Neutral Mixed-Use Building On Miracle Mile In Coral Gables

Terranova Corporation, led by Stephen Bittel, has revealed plans for 93 Miracle Mile, the first carbon-neutral building in Florida on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. The Arquitectonica-designed mixed-use commercial building will use electricity-generating photovoltaic glass and will be the first built under the new Miracle Mile Overlay zoning code. Plans were recently submitted to the City of Coral Gables for approval. 93 Miracle Mile will rise four-stories and will feature 6,700 SF of ground floor restaurant space, 9,700 SF of retail space on the 2nd and 3rd floors, and 7,300 SF of office space on the 4th floor. The building will also feature a rooftop terrace.

Terranova is the largest property owner on Miracle Mile with a portfolio spanning 15 properties and 120,000 SF. They acquired the .2-acre site with a vacant 9,000 SF retail building which was previously Navarro Discount Pharmacy for $6.8 million in December 2021.

Miami Design District Becomes The First Neighborhood In The World To Achieve LEED Gold Certification

The Miami Design District has achieved the prestigious LEED Gold certification, becoming the first neighborhood in the world to achieve the Gold level (LEED ND: Built v4 Gold). Miami Design District marks the third neighborhood in the world to achieve LEED certification, which means “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design,” for Neighborhood Development (version 4 Built). The trendy, luxury shopping, art and entertainment enclave is setting the bar for sustainable development in communities across the country.

Miami Design District is home to a number of luxury fashion houses, art galleries, fine dining experiences, and cafés. The open-air, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, known for its many distinct and artistic façades, notably boasts a highly energy-efficient infrastructure.

Amongst the many sustainability aspects of the neighborhood’s redevelopment focus, several to highlight include: the re-infiltration of rainwater and restored natural hydrology made possible by the additions of expansive vegetated and high-albedo white roofs and tree-shaded streets, enhanced walkable streets and pedestrian walkways that promote community connectivity and encourage visitors to spend more time outdoors, and the integration of innovations from other Green Building Standards, including the WELL's feature "Beauty and Mindful Design," which incorporates different design elements and artwork that lend to a more calming environment.

In 2011 Island Planning Corporation (IPC) was brought in by DACRA and L Catterton Real Estate to design the Landscape Masterplan for the neighborhood. Miami Design District was inspired by the worlds leading shopping districts including Fifth Avenue and Rodeo Drive. IPC helped to establish a sophisticated visual continuity throughout the neighborhood, with mature canopy-covered streets and walkways, sculptural specimen trees, and extensive rooftop gardens.

Spinnaker Group, one of the most respected leaders in the green-building movement, provided LEED for Neighborhood Development consulting and energy modeling for this distinctive project, marking the neighborhood’s 4th earned LEED certification. Spinnaker Group also provided LEED Consulting, Building Commissioning and Energy Modeling for three other landmark projects within the Miami Design District including the Garden Building, featuring an intensive rooftop garden lounge designed by Island Planning Corporation (LEED Gold certified in 2013) - Palm Court, featuring underground parking to allow for a large open courtyard above for pedestrians and artwork, such as the Buckminster Fuller’s futuristic Fly’s Eye Dome (LEED Gold certified in 2015) - and most recently, Paradise Plaza, featuring intensive green roofs and underground parking with a large plaza above for pedestrians and artwork (LEED Gold certified in 2020).

Bentley Motors And Dezer Development Reveal Bentley Residences In Sunny Isles Beach

Dezer Development, a leading real estate developer in South Florida, is pleased to announce its exclusive partnership with Bentley Motors to develop the first ever Bentley-branded luxury residential tower in the world, Bentley Residences. Standing at 749 feet and over 60 stories high, the Sunny Isles Beach building will be the tallest residential tower on a beachfront in the United States.

Designed by the world-renowned architectural firm Sieger Suarez Architects, known for its work on Dezer Development’s Porsche Design Tower and Residences by Armani/Casa, Bentley Residences will contain 200+ luxury apartments built for residents who expect the very best in design and quality.

The Bentley design team has collaborated with Dezer on the exterior and interior of the building, translating Bentley’s luxury design to the residential experience. Each residence will include an in-unit multi-car garage, allowing for cars to be securely stored alongside the apartment – the ultimate statement in exclusivity and privacy. The patented car elevator is a prominent and luxurious feature for any car enthusiast.

Homes in the Bentley Residences will feature a private balcony, pool, sauna and outdoor shower. Other amenities will include a gym, pool, spa, cinema, whisky bar, restaurant and lounge, cabanas and beautifully landscaped communal gardens.

The innovative design of the Bentley Residences will offer unique ocean and bayside views, thanks to the building’s cylindrical form and floor-to-ceiling windows. The tower will be designed to inspire new ways to embrace space and connect to the stunning surrounding environment.

“The modern and progressive brand identity of Bentley Residences is at work in both the tower’s interior and exterior spaces, rooted in authenticity and innovation. We’ve partnered with Dezer to create a living experience that expresses the very philosophy of the Bentley brand and stays true to our vision of inspiring extraordinary journeys,” said Adrian Hallmark, CEO of Bentley Motors.

“Partnering with Bentley Motors, a true global luxury brand, and being able to create another first in the Miami marketplace is an extraordinary opportunity,” added Gil Dezer, President of Dezer Development. “We’ve been instrumental in changing the face and value of the South Florida real estate industry through the introduction of brand partnerships. With Bentley Motors, we will create something inspiring, powerful and iconic – a true game-changer when it comes to luxury living.”

The development is keenly focused on luxury living in a sustainable environment. The building is being designed in accordance with the Florida Green Building Council (FLGC) certification and other environmental regulations to protect the local environment and minimize the impact of the development on local wildlife. Further, environmentally-safe building materials will be used, and reduced coastal lighting implemented to protect endangered sea turtles. The tower will be designed and engineered to reduce energy consumption.

Construction on Bentley Residences is estimated to begin in early 2023 with completion expected in 2026.

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

City Of Miami Approves Wynwood Streetscape Mater Plan Designed by ArquitectonicaGEO

City of Miami Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the ArquitectonicaGEO-designed Wynwood Streetscape Master Plan. The approval follows over two years of public hearings and community workshops. The construction will begin immediately and is funded by the Wynwood Business Improvement District (BID) as well as local property owners. The streetscape will feature the conversion of three streets to Woonerfs, which open up space for pedestrians while also allowing car access. It will also feature a green half-mile pedestrian and bike trail; landscaping designed to help combat climate change by capturing stormwater runoff, as well as reintroduce native plant species and provide shade via tree canopies; additionally, the installment of safety and mobility improvements such as new crosswalks, widened sidewalks, updated signage and protected bicycle lanes.

Check Out This Solar Powered Estate Asking A Record $17.75 Million In West Palm Beach

Developer Steve Bendat of Aquantis Group Development broke the record of the highest price single family home sale in West Palm Beach last year when he sold 2914 Washington Road; now ,Bendat is looking to break that record again with the launch of his newest project, 6717 S Flagler. The lavish waterfront compound is asking $17,750,000 and is one of the most unique properties ever built in Palm Beach County. The compound estate has the ability to run completely on solar power energy with electrical service tied to a solar panels that are capable of net zero metering.

6717 S Flagler was designed by developer Steve Bendat and architect David Lawrence. The estate compound maximizes the tropical nature of South Florida, overlooking the spectacular Intracoastal with views of the ocean. The 15,000 square foot three-story compound is an architectural masterpiece complete with an interior “floating” glass staircase, an outdoor stainless-steel circular staircase, an all-glass indoor elevator with back-lit onyx surround, a commercial exterior elevator, six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and two powder rooms. 

6717 S Flagler is full of lavish features offering a theater room, a dedicated gym, a VIP guest suite, a private guest house, a home office, and a four-car air-conditioned garage. The home also features wine room, glass wine cellar with 1000 bottles capacity, dining room, battler’s pantry, kitchen, breakfast nook, family room with fireplace, laundry room, media room with bar and full bath, AV room, mudroom and pool bath, two large outdoor loggias one with fireplace, a rooftop deck and multiple summer kitchens. Outside 6717 S Flagler also features fully planned landscaping. From rooftop synthetic grass to the lush living walls, from the west side of the house to the east side, there is either greenery or water surrounding you.

6717 S Flagler is built to withstand the regions most intense hurricanes, built with extra-large footers, reinforced steel, poured concrete floors, and concrete-filled block, the home is virtually indestructible and soundproof.  The home is also pre-wired with fiber optic cable capable of transmitting 8K video to every room and patio. There’s also a whole house 70Kw generator at the ready in case of emergency.  All recessed lighting is the highest end Tech Lighting Element fixtures.  

The home also features has a commercial-ready Savant control system that can manage lighting, temperature, security, home theater, fireplaces, cameras, locks, advanced security system and more.  Lighting is controlled by a Lutron Homeworks system coupled with programmable metal Palladiom keypad switches. Each room has wired Lutron Sivoia QS shades that provide translucency and privacy.

6717 S Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach is currently listed for $17,750,000 with Burt Minkoff of Douglas Elliman .

Terra And Crescent Heights Break Ground On Canopy Park In South Beach

Terra and Crescent Heights, along with development partner New Valley, have broken ground on Canopy Park, located at the gateway to South Beach at after winning approval from the Miami Beach City Commission last year. The developers are building a three-acre public park, named Canopy Park, alongside a new residential tower at 500 Alton Road. Terra is led by David Martin and Crescent Heights is led by Russel Galbut, both longtime local Miami-based developers.

The three-acre park, located between the 600 and 700 blocks of Alton Road, will include open green-spaces shaded by native tree species, pedestrian and bike paths, an outdoor gym and dog run, a MONSTRUM-designed children’s playground, and public art displays. Canopy Park will be connected to the South of Fifth neighborhood and the Miami Beach baywalk via a new pedestrian bridge over I-395. The pedestrian bridge was designed by artist Daniel Buren and has been dubbed the Miami Beach Canopy. Construction of Miami Beach’s newest world-class city amenity is now underway, with completion estimated for Summer 2021. Canopy Park is located at the site of the former South Shore Hospital which the developers recently demolished.

“Canopy Park will be a gateway for the City of Miami Beach, a destination for visitors, and an everyday amenity for residents, so we’ve taken the time to assemble a team of design, art and planning visionaries who have led some of the most transformational projects in the world,” said David Martin, President of Terra. “The end result will be an active park and design experience that rivals public spaces in the world’s greatest cities.”

“World class cities and neighborhoods are defined by their public spaces, and Miami Beach is home to some of the most desirable parks and open spaces anywhere,” said City of Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “Our City’s newest public green space, Canopy Park, will quickly become a welcomed amenity for nearby residents and a favorite gathering spot for our entire community.”

The development team has enlisted an ensemble of artists, designers and architects who will bring the park to life, including architects Bernardo Fort-Brescia & Raymond Fort of Arquitectonica; landscape architect Laurinda Spear of ArquitectonicaGEO; design advisors Daniel Vasini of West 8, Anda Andrei of Anda Andrei Design, and Michael Gabellini and Kim Sheppard of Gabellini Sheppard Associates; and art advisor Lisa Austin. 

A major design component of Canopy Park will feature a “natural play” playground by Danish design firm MONSTRUM, which is famous for creating artistic and architectural playscapes around the world. Standout elements of the playground will include a giant butterfly, a mangrove forest and a caterpillar slide enabling children to jump, climb, balance, and express their inner imaginations.

The Miami Beach Canopy pedestrian bridge, subtitled Walking Under, Along, and On the Colors: work in-situ by Daniel Buren, will complete the Miami Beach Baywalk, creating a safe and seamless connection running from Southpointe Park north to the Lincoln Road District and east to the beachfront. The Canopy will become an instant icon for Miami Beach and a beloved work of public art that guides pedestrians along a rainbow of colorful shadows. Completion of the Miami Beach Canopy pedestrian bridge is anticipated for 2022.

Plans for Canopy Park also include an array of sustainability and resiliency features, including habitat restoration, vegetation, biodiversity, native plant communities, irrigation, water conservation and rainwater management. The park will also serve as an educational resource to inform and inspire the public about resilience and sustainability efforts being made by the city.

Metronomic Officially Acquires Properties For Phase 1 of Grand Plaza, Coconut Grove's New $74 Million Sustainable Development

Miami-based sustainable real estate developer Metronomic has acquired an assemblage of properties in Coconut Grove to commence development of their “Grand Plaza” mixed-use project. The four-parcel portfolio along Grand Avenue consists of 0.77 acres and was purchased for $6.3 million ($186.67/psf). The acquisition is Phase One of Grand Plaza: A $74 million mixed-use, mixed-income revitalization development aimed at building a stronger, well-balanced and vibrant community. 

Grand Plaza Phase One will consist of multiple new buildings; comprised of 50 affordable housing units, 20 deluxe apartments, 11,000 SF of ground floor retail, and underground residential and public parking. The Grand Plaza development, as planned by Metronomic President Ricky Trinidad, will “extend the vibrancy of a beautiful and historic corridor that connects Miami’s City Hall at the waterfront only blocks away, through the business and entertainment district of Coconut Grove with the City of Coral Gables, also only blocks away.  Grand Plaza is the centerpiece of this important connection.”

Located at 3364-3384 Grand Avenue, the first of the Phase One mixed-use buildings will be built on an 18,789 SF site offering 20, one- and three-bedroom luxury apartments spanning 995-2,486 SF, 49 parking spaces and two retail spaces spanning 2,533-2,744 SF. The five-story rental building will include a car-lift parking garage for residential and public parking, community outdoor plaza, pool and pool deck. The second assemblage of properties within the Phase One development will include a five-story affordable housing development offering quality living for area residents within close proximity to the workplace. Set to rise on a vacant 20,044 SF site located at 3341-3461 Grand Avenue, the 10,117-SF development will consist of 50 one-, two and three-bedroom rental units spanning 570-1,228 SF with 65 private parking spaces and three retail spaces from 1,302-1,412 SF.

“Grand Plaza will be a community-oriented, technology-driven, sustainable and innovative development that will create a significant social and economic impact on the community of Coconut Grove,” said Ricky Trinidad, President of Metronomic. “And as a mission-oriented company, we are committed to creating a well-balanced and thriving corridor along Grand Ave for all its residence to enjoy.”

Upon completion of all phases, the Grand Plaza project will add 12 new buildings in the West Grove that include luxury and affordable housing apartment rentals, street retail, office space, farmers market, entertainment venue, community park plazas, and much more. Designed by architecture firm Burgos Lanza & Associates, the project will offer 38 furnished micro units, 82 luxury apartment rental units, 50 affordable housing apartments, 44 hotel lodging units, and 76 commercial units (office and retail). Additionally, Metronomic has announced plans to facilitate rooftop passenger drone landing/take-off sites pending federal and local government approvals of the technology.

Metronomic will be hosting a groundbreaking event in June 2019 to celebrate the launch of the project.