Demolition Clears The Way For OKO Group And Cain International's Una Residences To Break Ground

An 11-story former condo building at 175 SE 25th Road, which was built in 1971, has been demolished, clearing the way for the highly-anticipated condo tower Una Residences, which is being developed by OKO Group, led by Vladislav Doronin, and Cain International. Demotion was completed April 25 and construction commenced immediately after.

Doronin began to assemble the site in 2016 by buying out current residents at nearly double the expected market value, roughly $48 million, before terminating the condo.

The nautically-inspired Una Residences was approved by Miami’s Urban Development Review Board in September 2018. The building will rise 47-stories and will feature 135 waterfront condos starting at $942,000. Both of Una's exterior and interior design are being overseen by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG), the internationally acclaimed architects known for designing extraordinary skyscrapers like Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower. Residences will offer private elevator entry, 10’8” ceilings, chef’s kitchens with Gaggenau appliances, master suites with his and hers wings, laundry rooms with washers and dryers, and expansive 180 degree terraces featuring seamless floor-to-ceiling doors with “effortless lift and glide” glass balcony doors, glass balcony railings, and panoramic views of Key Biscayne, Downtown, Miami Beach, and Coconut Grove.

Amenities include a private marina, three pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center with yoga and personal training areas, a spa featuring indoor and outdoor private massage treatment rooms, three levels of subterranean parking, a cinema, and 24-hour concierge. Una's location on a waterfront urban park setting will be further enhanced with a private bayside garden by Enzo Enea’s award-winning landscape architectural firm Enea Garden Design, Inc. Residents will also have access to the Grand Bay Club on Key Biscayne.

Sales for Una are being handled exclusively by Fortune International Realty. The project was initially expected to be completed by 2021.

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

Residents at Icon Brickell Host Parties As David Guetta Plays "United At Home" Set On Pool Deck Despite COVID-19 Social Gathering LIMits

In what was supposed to be an evening of fundraising and hope, a backlash has now swept through the Miami community. On April 18 David Guetta teamed up with the Miami Downtown Development Authority to host a 2 hour “United at Home” fundraising concert on the pool deck of Icon Brickell. The event raised over $6 million with over 30,000 listeners on instagram and in many ways was a huge success. Unfortunately many residents hosted parties in violation of Miami-Dade’s 10 person social gathering limit, issued by County Mayor Carlos Gimenez to help stop the spread of COVID-19, the effects of which have wreaked havoc on Florida’s economy. In one example videos have emerged with the help of the popular instagram account @OnlyInDade of a Miami entrepreneur hosting a large party on his balcony with guests not practicing social distancing and most wearing no masks and no gloves. The backlash in the comments on the instagram post has continued to grow as Brickell and Downtown Miami residents are enraged that they are now exposed to the dangers of the virus continuing to spread in their community. In March, hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs were ordered shut down in an effort to stop Florida from growing into a hotbed of infection. Parties have been identified as one of the major ways that COVID-19 has spread rapidly across the United States, at least 2 deaths have been reported from attendees who contracted the virus at the Winter Party Festival in Miami Beach in March.

The State of Florida is working hard to open up the states economy and get residents back to work. On Friday April 17 governor Ron Desantis gave the green light for some beaches and parks to reopen including in Jacksonville, but not Miami-Dade, which is one of the most populated regions in the state. The beaches which have opened allow walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming and surfing. They are only open from 6 AM to 11 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM. with gatherings of 50 people still prohibited state wide and proper social distancing practiced. Florida has over 23,300+ diagnosed cases of COVID-19 including 7,459+ in Miami-Dade, 3,177+ in Broward County and 1,704+ in Palm Beach County.

Tracking COVID-19 By The Numbers: Breaking News In South Florida

(Last Updated 6:14 AM 3/27/2020):

BREAKING: 

• City of Miami officials have announced a curfew for its residents that will begin Friday night. According to officials, all residents must be indoors from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. (3/27/2020)

• Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami Beach have ordered all hotels, motels and short-term rentals to begin immediately shutting down and vacate their guests, with full-closure by 11:59 PM on Monday, March 23. (3/21/2020)

• Miami-Dade Mayor Issues Executive Order Closing All Non-Essential Business 9 PM Thursday. (3/20/2020)

• All U.S. Citizens traveling around the world should return home ASAP or be prepared to stay abroad for an indefinite period. (3/19/2020)

Continue to check back for updates to below as we continue to track COVID-19 across South Florida:  

Stats:

• Number of Cases in Florida: 830+ (3/23/2020)

• Fatalities in Florida: 13+ (3/23/2020)

• Number of Global Cases: 351,000+ (3/23/2020)

• Global Fatalities: 15,321+ (3/23/2020)

• Number of U.S. Cases: 35,075+ (3/23/2020)

• Fatalities in the U.S.: 458+ (3/23/2020)

Miami-Dade County:

• Miami-Dade County # Cases: 2900+ (3/27/2020)

• BREAKING: Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami Beach have ordered all hotels, motels and short-term rentals to begin immediately shutting down and vacate their guests, with full-closure by 11:59 PM on Monday, March 23. (3/21/2020)

• BREAKING: Miami-Dade Mayor Issues Executive Order Closing All Non-Essential Business (3/20/2020)

• CONFIRMED CASES IN BRISTOL TOWER BRICKELL & SOHO BEACH HOUSE (3/19/2020)

• Officials have ordered the closure of all restaurants, bars, movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, clubs, gyms, arcades, bowling alleys, etc. which will go into effect 11 PM Tuesday. All grocery stores, pharmacies, take-out and delivery services will remain open at this time (3/17/2020)

  • All bars and nightclubs will be closed for 30 days.

  • Restaurants will only be able to operate at half capacity.

  • Exceptions granted if they have a capacity of 10 people or less.

  • Mayor Carlos Jimenez signed the emergency order, but remains in self-quarantine after being exposed to a Brazilian government official who tested positive following a visit to South Florida.

• Miami-Dade Public Schools are now closed through at least April 15. (3/19/2020)

  • Miami-Dade Public Schools have closed this week and next. (3/16/2020)

• Key Biscayne and North Miami Beach have implemented curfew between 10 PM and 5 AM (3/19/2020)

• Officials have closed the beach from 5th to 15th Street, including Lummus Park.

• All city parking garages are closed to non-residents.

• In addition, all non-essential retail stores will be required to close at 10 p.m. daily. (3/16/2020)

  • Businesses excluded from this directive include: Pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores, private offices, banks, hotels, hospitals, medical service providers, medical supply stores, hardware stores, gasoline service stations and automotive supply and repair centers.

• An entertainment district curfew will go into effect at 11 p.m.

• All restaurants are asked to keep occupancy at 50% or less, and have under 250 people in each establishment at any given time.

• Ultra Music Festival has been cancelled.

• Miami Music Week has been cancelled.

• ArtScape Concert has been cancelled.

• The Miami Open Tennis Tournament has been cancelled. 

• University of Miami & FIU have moved classes online until the end of the spring semester. (3/20/2020)

• University of Miami Spring Commencement postponed until December. (3/20/2020)

• The Hardrock Seminole Hotel & Casino has suspended entertainment operations. 

• Calle Ocho Festival has been cancelled.

• Mayor Francis Suarez has confirmed that he has COVID-19.

Broward County:

• Broward County # Cases: 180+ (3/23/2020)

• Broward County Public Schools are now closed through at least April 15. (3/19/2020)

• Officials have closed the beach from Harbor Beach to Oakland Park Boulevard.

• Restaurants and bars must close by 10 p.m.

• Restaurants and bars are asked to operate at 50% capacity and have no more than 250 people at any time.

• The Tortuga Music Festival, which was set to run from April 17-19, has been postponed.

• The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is closed until further notice.

• The listed measures will remain in effect until April 12.

Palm Beach County:

• Palm Beach County # Cases: 59+ (3/23/2020)

• Town of Palm Beach implements curfew until further notice from 9 P.M. - 6 A.M. (3/18/2020)

• Palm Beach County Public Schools are now closed through at least April 15. (3/19/2020)

• Beaches will be closed on Tuesday 3/17/2020

• Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities are closed to visitors.

• Drive-through testing underway at FoundCare (2330 S. Congress Ave, West Palm Beach - call 561-967-0365 to see if you qualify and for appointments)

National:

• BREAKING: The Federal Government has passed a $2.2 trillion stimulus package.

• United States of America # Cases: 35,075+ (3/23/2020)

• United States of America Fatalities: 458+ (3/23/2020)

• Income tax filing deadline moved to July 15 (3/20/2020)

• Foreclosures and HUD evictions have been halted for 60 days.

• CDC recommends ban on gatherings of 10+ people. 

• The Players Championship was cancelled & PGA Tour is suspended.

• NBA, NHL, MLB and MLS have suspended their seasons. 

• All ski resorts have closed.

Miami-Dade Orders All Hotels And Short-Term Rentals To Shut Down Due To COVID-19

Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami Beach have ordered all hotels, motels and short-term rentals to begin immediately shutting down and vacate their guests, with full-closure by 11:59 PM on Monday, March 23. The announcement comes as Miami’s next step in curbing the spread of COVID-19 which has now surpassed 560 cases in Florida and over 123 in Miami-Dade. The move also comes to help dissipate the spring break crowds, many of whom have written off any care of the virus and are in Miami “to party.”

“Our hotels have always been the lifeblood of our economy, so shuttering them is not something to do impulsively. But right now, as painful as it may be, the reality is we just cannot be a tourist destination,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “Attracting visitors and tourists is just utterly incompatible with social distancing. For the many amazing operators and employees who are impacted, and the families that rely upon them, we are so sorry that you will feel this most acutely and we will advocate for whatever relief will be available at the state and federal level. These decisions were made collaboratively with County Mayor Gimenez, our City Manager Jimmy Morales and after input from all of our Miami Beach City Commissioners.”

The closures will apply to all hotels, motels, apartment-hotels, hostels, dormitories, and vacation and short-term rentals in Miami-Dade County. Miami Beach will also enforce a curfew from 12 A.M. to 5 A.M. Acqualina Resort in Sunny Isles Beach and Coral Gables’ historic Biltmore Hotel both closed in advance of the announcement as reports of layoffs in the hotel and hospitality industry continue to grow. Last week Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez issued an executive order to shut down all non-essential business’ including restaurants, retail stores, nightclubs, casinos, gyms, public parks and beaches.

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI HOSTS ITS NINTH ANNUAL REAL ESTATE IMPACT CONFERENCE

On Friday, February 28th, the University of Miami School of Architecture hosted its ninth annual Real Estate Impact Conference, which brought together board members, students, faculty, distinguished alumni and real estate professionals. The invitation-only conference was hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel in Brickell with support from presenting sponsors Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Kislak, and Witkoff. 

More than 650 University of Miami students and alumni, including many South Florida commercial real estate and finance professionals, discussed both threats and opportunities in the market at the multidisciplinary conference.

“Bringing together faculty and students from our schools of architecture, business and law is an important step in tackling today’s complex problems,” said University of Miami President Julio Frenk. “This conference is an excellent example, because real estate is essential to Miami’s economy with an impact around the world.”

In addition to panel discussions and networking sessions, there were several special programs available to MRED+U, MBA, MSF and Law School students throughout the day. One of the benefits of membership on the University of Miami Real Estate Advisory Boards, which consist of over 100 prominent real estate professionals, is personal contact with the best and brightest students. Advice With Impact was an intimate, morning networking session which was attended by students and sponsors such as IBERIABANK, Plaza Construction, CBRE and Whitman Family Development. 

University of Miami students were also invited to apply for the premier networking opportunity of the school year: the Swire Scholar Luncheon. Scholars received complimentary registration ($300 value) to attend the conference and participated in a private luncheon with advisory board members from the Architecture, Business and Law schools. David Martin, vice president of retail at Swire Properties, welcomed UM’s Swire Scholar students to the opening luncheon, where they had an opportunity to discuss their studies and career plans with UM’s Real Estate Advisory Board members.

For MBA student Jack Shelgren, the Swire Scholars luncheon provided valuable learning and networking opportunities. “As an intern, I did research and financial analysis, learning about multifamily, office and retail asset types,” he said. “Now, I’m an associate at Freeman Property Group, gaining an entrepreneurial perspective, while working on acquisitions for our clients.”

In the afternoon, top executives from JP Morgan Chase, Ventas and Hines took the stage and provided valuable insight on today’s real estate market. They commented that hospitality services are playing an increasingly important role throughout the commercial real estate market, as employers seek to recruit and retain talented workers. Another emerging trend is the growing demand for medical office properties and senior housing driven by the aging of the U.S. population. Without question, the global spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 poses a threat to global real estate markets, according to Matthew Cherwin, treasurer and chief investment officer of JP Morgan Chase. 

The school also highlighted its Research Initiative, which was introduced in 2018 by Dr. Charles Bohl, Director of the Master in Real Estate Development + Urbanism (MRED+U) Program. “Both the University of Miami and our Real Estate Advisory Boards have made Resiliency a top research priority of immense relevance to South Florida and coastal communities around the world. It is through joint research initiatives like this that our students, faculty and researchers can help us address the big, challenging issues of our day, including the adaptation and development of more resilient buildings, infrastructure and communities,” said Bohl. Professor Mark Troen and students from the MRED+U program presented this year’s findings on stage. 

The 2020 Impact Conference Organizing Committee consists of Andrea Heuson, Charles Bohl, Manuel de Zarraga, Nitin Motwani, Alfonso Munk and Steve Witkoff. Nitin Motwani, Managing Principal of Miami Worldcenter and Chair of the MRED+U Advisory Board, closed the standing-room-only conference by reminding participants that, “The University of Miami Real Estate Impact Conference supports all real estate education at the University, which has become an interdisciplinary powerhouse that blends real estate programs in finance, development, and law with construction management, architecture and engineering.” 

CMC Group Pays Off $236 Million In Construction Loans For The Recently Completed Brickell Flatiron

Unit closings are underway and residents are moving in at Downtown Miami’s newly-completed Brickell Flatiron tower, with 50% of the 64-story tower’s contracts successfully closed over the last 30 days. The news comes as developer CMC Group retires $236 million in construction loans for the project. The loans, which were issued in 2017 by Bank OZK, Broad Street (Goldman Sachs) and RFR Realty, helped fund the development of the 527-unit tower located at 1000 Brickell Plaza. Brickell Flatiron was completed last month when it received its temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO) with more than 95% of the project’s units already sold and under hard contract,

“Our ability to retire these loans just four weeks after receiving our TCO underscores the sustained buyer demand we’re seeing at Brickell Flatiron and the strength of the Brickell brand, both internationally and domestically,” said developer Ugo Colombo, Founder of CMC Group. “We’re quickly approaching sell-out and contracts are closing as we see a steady stream of primary and secondary home buyers coming from key markets overseas and U.S. markets such as New York, Boston, Chicago and California. Our owners are extremely happy with the quality of the final product and we’re moving through the rest of our closings at a record pace.”

Remaining residences currently available for sale include a range of one- to four-bedroom condos priced from $790,000 to $3 million, and one upper duplex penthouse for $8 million.

Brickell Flatiron has attracted a diverse mix of residents since launching in 2015, including a significant percentage of domestic buyers. While the tower has enjoyed steady sales activity among buyers from Mexico, Argentina, Italy, Venezuela and Colombia, U.S. buyers have accounted for more than half of all unit sales to date. Approximately 70% of the building’s buyers came from U.S. markets, evidence that Americans are increasingly drawn to Downtown Miami’s urban lifestyle, which comes at a fraction of the price of luxury living in other gateway cities.

“Bank OZK was delighted to finance Miami’s Brickell Flatiron Tower. This project embodies the high standards Bank OZK consistently seeks in its project financings – marquee real estate, strong market fundamentals and top-tier sponsorship,” said Greg Newman, managing director of originations for Bank OZK. “Ugo Columbo once again delivered a successful, high quality, landmark building making a bold mark on the downtown Miami skyline.”

Acclaimed Miami architect Luis Revuelta creates a one-of-a-kind architectural environment that combines the tower’s distinct flatiron shape with flowing, curvilinear forms. On the inside, Italian design architect Massimo Iosa Ghini uses inspiration from Brickell Flatiron’s curved façade to outline the building’s sleek amenity spaces, creating a seamless transition from exterior to interior.

The tower’s 64th-floor rooftop amenities encompass a Sky Spa, Sky Pool and Sky Gym with 360-degree panoramic views of the bay and downtown Miami’s glimmering cityscape. Residents have access to a host of therapeutic services and other offerings including private steam, sauna and locker facilities, a 6,300 square foot state-of-the-art fitness center with Pilates, yoga and aerobics studios, and a juice bar. Additional features include a resort-style lap pool and separate children’s pool on the 18th floor, private movie theater with stadium seating, billiards and cigar room, wine cellar, 24-hour concierge and valet parking, on-site vehicle washing and detailing, and electric car-charging stations.

In 2016, CMC Group completed the $22.5 million sale of Brickell Flatiron’s 24,800 SF ground-floor retail/restaurant space to Avi Dishi and Haim Yehezkel. Exciting tenants have already signed on to lease the space, including a popular London-based Japanese entertainment restaurant concept Sexy Fish.

Images via Golden Dusk Photography

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

Avison Young Secures New, Long Term Co-Working Office Lease For Entire Floor At 800 Brickell

Avison Young negotiated a new, long-term,14,280 SF lease on behalf of CoSuite™ at 800 Brickell Avenue, a 15-story, 209,122 SF office tower in Miami’s Financial District. The tenant will take the entire fourth floor and bring the building’s occupancy to 85.4%.

Avison Young Principal and Managing Director Donna Abood, Vice President Joe Abood, and Associate Peyton Dowd represented the tenant during the lease. On the heels of the transaction, the team was retained by new ownership, Gatsby Enterprises in partnership with MasterMind Properties, to handle office leasing at 800 Brickell.

“Located at the gateway of Miami’s Financial District, this trophy office property is perfectly positioned for a co-working environment,” said Donna Abood. “Clients will enjoy the abundance of amenities in the surrounding area and ease of access to all major highways and thoroughfares.”

CoSuite, a hybrid of co-working space and executive suites, will benefit from 800 Brickell’s strategic location on the corner of Brickell Avenue and SE 8th Street granting users immediate entry to Interstate 395, Interstate 95, and the 836 Expressway.

“CoSuite fills a void in the shared office sector for individuals and companies seeking to have the flexibility, professional environment and superior amenities within open workspaces and traditional work settings,” said Tom Weber, CEO & President of CoSuite. “800 Brickell is a premium location and our second of many that we will focus on in Florida and the east coast of the United States.”

Miami’s office market recorded positive net absorption and healthy leasing activity overall during third-quarter 2019. One of the three largest class A office submarkets in terms of inventory, Brickell posted the lowest class A vacancy at 7.18%, followed by Airport/Doral (11.59%) and Downtown Miami (19.86%).

Avison Young Chosen By New Ownership Team At 800 Brickell To Oversee Leasing

Avison Young has been named the exclusive leasing firm for the 15-story, 209,122 SF office tower at 800 Brickell Avenue in Miami. The assignment was awarded by new-to-market ownership, New York-based family firm Gatsby Enterprises in partnership with MasterMind Properties, which acquired the trophy asset for $125.5 million in July 2019.

“With the 4.9 million-square-foot shopping and mixed-use Brickell City Centre directly across the street and The Shops at Mary Brickell Village directly behind, 800 Brickell is ideally positioned for ownership to incorporate complementary live-work-play concepts,” said Donna Abood, Principal and Managing Director of Avison Young’s Miami operations. “As tenants look to Brickell for quality space and amenities in the heart Miami’s Financial District, our client will make substantial upgrades to common areas, tenant spaces, and the exterior of the tower to attract additional gold-standard office users.”

Ownership will invest up to $3 million into capital improvements at 800 Brickell, a long-term, value-add investment for the company. In addition to Ms. Abood, Avison Young Vice President Joe Abood and Associate Peyton Dowd will spearhead office leasing. Darryl R. Kaplan Company is handling leasing for the retail component, which encompasses the first two floors of the property. Office occupancy at 800 Brickell is currently at 84.8%.

“Brickell remains one of Miami’s most highly sought-after office markets, appealing to a broad range of tenants, especially professional services and financial firms,” added Ms. Abood. “With office occupancy at 84.8%, we look forward to leasing up vacancies at market rents and retaining strong, synergistic tenancy at 800 Brickell.”

A trophy office tower, 800 Brickell features a three-story atrium, a courtyard plaza, abundant parking and valet service, and convenient on-site amenities, which will soon include a 12,000 SF fine dining and quick-service restaurant. The location also boasts easy access to public transportation, including Metrorail, Metromover, Metrobus, and Brickell Trolley, as well as immediate entry to Interstate 395, Interstate 95, and the 836 Expressway. Tenants and visitors can access the building from SE 8th Street, ideal for avoiding Brickell Avenue traffic.

Miami’s office market recorded positive net absorption and healthy leasing activity overall during third-quarter 2019. One of the three largest class A office submarkets in terms of inventory, Brickell posted the lowest class A vacancy at 7.18%, followed by Airport/Doral (11.59%) and Downtown Miami (19.86%).

Ugo Colombo Completes Miami’s Tallest Condo Tower As CMC Group’s Brickell Flatiron Receives TCO

Brickell Flatiron, CMC Group’s new 64-story luxury condominium tower in Downtown Miami’s Brickell Financial District, has received its Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) from the City of Miami. The milestone opens the door for closings to get underway as buyers take ownership of their residences, begin interior build-outs, and prepare to move-in this fall. With its distinct flatiron shape and curvilinear façade designed by architect Luis Revuelta, the 736-foot-high, 64-story, Brickell Flatiron tower becomes the tallest condominium south of New York City. Approximately 95% of the development’s 527 units have already been sold, with remaining residences priced from $790,000 to $3 million, and one upper duplex penthouse for $8 million.

Brickell Flatiron has attracted a diverse mix of residents since launching in 2015, including a significant percentage of domestic buyers. While the tower has enjoyed steady sales activity among buyers from Mexico, Argentina, Italy, Venezuela and Colombia, U.S. buyers have accounted for more than half of all unit sales to date. Approximately 70% of the building’s buyers came from U.S. markets, evidence that Americans are increasingly drawn to Downtown Miami’s urban lifestyle, which comes at a fraction of the price of luxury living in other gateway cities.

“When we started developing in Miami in the early 1990s, our firm viewed Brickell and Downtown as a ‘blank canvas’ that would one day come to life as a vibrant residential and commercial district where streets were alive 24 hours a day,” said developer Ugo Colombo, Founder of CMC Group. “Brickell Flatiron stands out for its unique luxury lifestyle woven into the urban landscape and is a reflection of Miami’s coming of age as a cosmopolitan city with a thriving downtown at its heart.”

Italian design architect Massimo Iosa Ghini used inspiration from Brickell Flatiron’s curved façade to outline the building’s sleek amenity spaces, creating a seamless transition from exterior to interior. The tower’s 64th-floor rooftop amenities encompass a Sky Spa, Sky Pool and Sky Gym with 360-degree panoramic views of the bay and downtown Miami’s glimmering cityscape. Residents have access to a host of therapeutic services and other offerings including private steam, sauna and locker facilities, a 6,300 SF state-of-the-art fitness center with Pilates, yoga and aerobics studios, and a juice bar. Additional features include a resort-style lap pool and separate children’s pool on the 18th floor, private movie theater with stadium seating, billiards and cigar room, wine cellar, 24-hour concierge and valet parking, on-site vehicle washing and detailing, and electric car-charging stations.

In 2016, CMC Group completed the $22.5 million sale of Brickell Flatiron’s 24,800 square foot ground-floor retail/restaurant space. The buyer, Elysee Investments, is a firm led by Avi Dishi of New York and Haim Yehezkel of Miami, which owns and manages a portfolio of commercial properties in New York and South Florida. Exciting tenants have already signed on to lease the space, including a popular London-based Japanese entertainment restaurant concept.

Delivery of Brickell Flatiron coincides with a rapid population boom in Miami’s urban core. Downtown Miami’s residential population has more than doubled since 2000 and grown by 40% since 2010, according to a recent demographics study by the Miami Downtown Development Authority. Today, more than 92,000 people live in the area and that number is expected to eclipse 100,000 by 2021. This growth has been driven by the rise of vertical residential towers and the activation of a thriving streetscape that ranks among the world’s most dynamic urban centers.

Photos via Golden Dusk Photography

Blue Jay Capital Gearing Up To Break Ground On Virgin Hotels Brickell Tower With Co-Living

Blue Jay Capital is getting ready to break ground on a 40-story hotel project at 1040 S. Miami Ave. which will be Miami’s first Virgin Hotels location with a second location planned for South Beach. Virgin Hotels Brickell Tower is designed by the Atlanta-based BLUR Workshop. The Brickell property will feature 250 hotel rooms, 150 residential units, a 3-story terraced rooftop lounge with pool, library, coffee shop, beer garden, live music venue, spa, restaurant, bar, social club and 15,000 SF of meeting and event space. The residential component will offer micro units, some of which will be under 400 SF, as well as co-living units with 3-4 bedrooms. The hotel and residential components will share the amenities. Groundbreaking is expected for 2020 with an expected completion date in 2023.