Upping the Ante: Miami Developers Raise Their Amenity Game Ever Higher

Helipads, private chefs, 24/7 concierges and more, these are just some of the amenity offerings gracing the world’s most luxurious condominium towers. However, in burgeoning markets like Miami, developers are taking an elevated approach by offering bespoke lifestyle offerings that exceed the expectations of even the most demanding buyers.

“Amenities are one of the more important considerations for prospective homebuyers and have become even more abundant in today's market," says Jon Paul Perez, President of development powerhouse Related Group. “Take private theaters, for example. Not too long ago, that was an extra luxury that buyers were willing to pay a premium for. Now, these types of options are expected and seen as table stakes.”

Contrary to popular belief, having vast social media-worthy pools or fitness centers isn’t the answer. Buyers are increasingly opting for buildings where amenities – along with design and architecture – are tailored specifically to them. 

According to Perez, “These buyers are better informed and have more choices than ever before. They are looking for properties that are flexible and adaptable to their changing lifestyles and personal interests. That’s where brand partnerships have really helped us elevate our unique selling propositions.”

Branded residential concepts, like Related’s Baccarat Residences Miami, are setting the pace for a new wave of condominiums in the South Florida market. By partnering with well-known and respected lifestyle brands, developers can curate their projects to match the passions of buyers and differentiate themselves amidst an increasingly competitive marketplace. 

Simply using a brand name isn’t quite enough, however. “We invested considerable time and resources into designing the amenities spaces at Baccarat,” says Perez. “Baccarat is one of France’s most established crystal manufacturers, known for its prestigious crystal glassware and décor. Many of our buyers are loyal Baccarat aficionados and want to immerse themselves in the iconic brand full-time. As such, every amenity in the tower is hand-crafted to exude that unique Baccarat spirit.”

Following the tradition of service excellence set by its New York sister property, Baccarat Residences Miami will offer an around-the-clock concierge team, expertly managed by SH Hotels & Resorts, wholly dedicated to supporting and even anticipating the needs of every resident. Whether arranging personal appointments, coordinating travel and transit, or hosting an event at the Grand Salon, the aim is to keep residents at ease, at home or away. 

This painstaking attention to detail starts at the entrance level with luxurious lobby spaces showcased within an undulating glass façade featuring the dramatic stone portal and reception area, the café and flower shop, and the gallery with a curated museum-quality art collection. 

The property’s exclusive offerings continue at the elevated waterfront pool deck. Designed to evoke the Baccarat brand’s deep French roots, the expansive terrace features an infinity saltwater swimming pool and poolside cabanas commanding a breathtaking view of the sparkling turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay and the Miami River. This elevated outdoor experience also includes a poolside café and bar, as well as a romantic Orangerie, fountains and formal gardens. Residents will round up their day in the sun with a private marina, offering on-demand reservations and access to the residences’ private yacht for easy access to nearby riverfront restaurants.   

For health and wellness enthusiasts, the property’s state-of-the-art fitness center expands over a full level of the tower with the latest in cardio, strength training, yoga and meditation equipment curated by Anatomy. The on-site spa continues the dreamy experience, and showcases the resort-inspired lifestyle, with comprehensive spa facilities – including a hammam, steam room and sauna, treatment rooms and exclusive products from the prestigious beauty brand La Mer. There is also a full-service beauty salon and barber, as well as an on-site pet spa that ensures furry residents will be as pampered as their owners.

Baccarat Residences Miami’s luxurious offerings also boast a double-height Grand Salon with dramatic black Baccarat chandeliers, as well as the intimate tropical-styled Petite Salon, the elegant game room with billiards table, the private screening room with theatre-style seating, the wine cellar and tasting salon, and a private dining room with Chef’s kitchen. The idyllic children’s playroom is full of thoughtful details even featuring a carousel for the younger residents to enjoy. The on-site property offerings are complemented with the Beach Club membership to the 1 Hotel South Beach, SH Hotels & Resorts sister property. 

“Baccarat is all about the celebration of the beauty of light, and there is no better place to celebrate the light and beauty than Miami, a city that blazes in sunshine, and celebrates arts and culture,” says Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group and Chairman of SH Hotels & Resorts, the parent company that operates all Baccarat Hotels.

“While it certainly requires significantly more time and attention, we have seen that focusing on amenities makes all the difference,” adds Perez. “We are already more than 75% sold at Baccarat Residences Miami and are continuing to see robust demand. Amenities are here to stay and will continue to evolve and grow more complex, but that will only result in even better, more ambitious developments. It’s exciting!” 

 For more information about the property, please visit: www.BaccaratResidencesMiami.com

Aria Development Group Delivers The Sold-Out YOTELPAD Miami In Downtown Miami

New York and Miami-based Aria Development Group is pleased to announce the completion of YOTELPAD Miami, a 31-story condominium and hotel in the heart of Downtown Miami. The stylish mixed-use project was the first new construction condominium in the area to offer buyers the option to rent out their units for short-term stays without restrictions. The developer partnered with AQARAT, one of Kuwait’s leading real estate companies, to deliver this project as the first YOTELPAD on the East Coast.

“YOTELPAD Miami paved the way for other developers to offer short-term rentals and was an early project in the recent explosion of new development in Downtown that has transformed the neighborhood into an exciting, vibrant place to live,” said David Arditi, principal of Aria Development Group. “After selling out all of YOTELPAD Miami’s condos in just 15 months, we saw that there was incredible demand for this type of product, and there couldn't be a better time to deliver it.”

Located at 227 NE 2nd Street, YOTELPAD Miami offers the ultimate urban lifestyle for young professionals and like-minded individuals looking for the convenience of having the best of everything right at their doorstep, as well as the flexibility to rent out their unit when they’re not using it. Owners of the 231 residential “PADs” have the ability to participate in a short-term rental program through YOTEL, which also manages the 222 hotel “cabins” in the development. The project has led to a boom of new short-term rental condominiums in Miami, including another by Aria Development Group, 501 First, which is nearly sold out after launching sales last year.

YOTELPAD features an array of ultra-modern amenities as well as spectacular views of the Miami skyline. Comprising floors 15-30, residences include studios, one- and two-bedroom residences with thoughtfully designed floor plans showcasing integrated living, kitchen, and dining areas with top-of-the-line flooring, lighting and custom ITALKRAFT Italian cabinetry for an urban chic lifestyle.

Amenities include concierge services, secure bike storage, a gourmet coffee bar, two on-site restaurants and bars, co-working space, pool deck, state-of-the-art fitness center designed by New York-based celebrity training studio HOMAGE, and a pet spa. Residents also exclusively have access to a penthouse level Sky Lounge, which offers a game area, a sophisticated living room with a fireplace, and a chef's kitchen with a private dining space that can host 12 guests.

YOTELPAD Miami boasts two restaurants, giving residents and guests the ideal live-work-play experience. On the ground floor, Mazeh, a modern Middle Eastern restaurant by New York City-based GPG Hospitality, serves tapas-style shareable dishes and craft cocktails in an elevated yet relaxed setting. Fourteen floors up on the property’s pool deck, an elevated outdoor lounge called Float offers beverages and light fare that merge classic American tiki culture with the unique flavors of the Middle East.

Understanding the value of offering tech-forward amenities that enhance the residential experience, development also incorporates three Techi robot butlers by Techmetics, which can deliver loads up to 77 pounds, including food, beverages, gifts, documents, and more. Two robots are available to residents, and one is designated for hotel guests. Residents and guests can easily contact and track the robots through a user-friendly app control. The robots will roam the lobby during their downtime, engage in conversation, play music, and pass out treats.

Location Ventures Announces Sellout of URBIN Miami Beach Mixed-Use Condo, Co-Working Lifestyle Project

The Miami-based Location Ventures, an integrated real estate platform that delivers thoughtfully-designed and fully-connected residential and mixed-use projects, has announced the sell-out of URBIN Miami Beach. The mixed-use development will deliver a combination of 69 turnkey residences, coworking space, and ground-floor retail at 1260 Washington Avenue, an area of Miami Beach with revitalization underway. The project, exclusively represented by ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, commanded an average price of $1,350 per square foot for its residences comprised of micro-style units, comparable to nearby luxury condominiums. The property is slated to break ground this summer and is anticipated to deliver by 2025, once constructed by Winmar Construction.

When complete, URBIN will join the renaissance and expansion currently underway on Washington Avenue and Commodore Plaza – two streets situated in two of the city’s most thriving and in-demand districts. URBIN Miami Beach, designed by architect Touzet Studio and New York interior design studio Meyer Davis, will offer turnkey residences that include 275-square-foot studios, as well as two- to four-bedrooms up to 1,334 square feet. There will be a variety of shared spaces, including an indoor / outdoor living area to foster community, South Florida style. Units are part of a leaseback program that allows owners to stay on property for up to 90 nights per year. While away, the fully furnished residence generates income as part of a managed rental system.

“This sellout showcases the continued demand for an all-in-one product, geared toward professionals who work remote and travel frequently,’ said Rishi Kapoor, CEO of Location Ventures. “The price per square foot is a sign of the times, where high-quality product is dominating the market.”

URBIN is a first-to-market, mixed-use brand that unites design-forward residences for short- or long-term rent with an all-inclusive wellness amenity programming, social activations, lifestyle-oriented F&B outlets and an adjacent co-working space, all in one central address. The URBIN portfolio includes URBIN Miami Beach, as well as URBIN Coconut Grove, where residential sales are also underway, with 60 percent pre-sold in the transformative neighborhood.

URBIN is backed by investors David Martin, CEO of Terra Group; Rudy Touzet, CEO of Banyan Street Capital; the Murphy family of Coastal Construction; former New York Jets and New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma; Gabriel Navarro, Marcel Navarro and Martin Pico of MMG Equity Partners; Marty Halpern of UnitedTranzactions; and a group of owners from Location Ventures.

Two Roads Development Locks Down $150 Million In Funding From Lionheart Strategic Management and Bank OZK For Edgewater Condo Buyout

The South Florida-based Two Roads Development, led by Taylor Collins and Reid Boren, have locked down $150 million in funding for a waterfront condo buyout in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood. Lionheart Strategic Management LLC (Lionheart), an SEC-registered investment advisor that was formed in 2017 as the asset management affiliate of Fisher Brothers, will be providing a $45 million mezzanine loan, backed by a $105 million senior mortgage loan from Bank OZK. The financing will be used to fund the acquisition of an existing condominium in the Edgewater neighborhood of Miami in preparation for the future development of an ultra-luxury branded residential development on the property.

"This closing signifies our bullish investment thesis in South Florida development and the Miami market in particular," said Andy Klein, Managing Director and Co-Head of Investments at Lionheart Strategic Management. "We are continuously seeking high-quality investment opportunities in growth markets, and this property's irreplaceable waterfront views and proximity to Brickell, Downtown Miami, Wynwood, the Design District and Miami Beach present an undeniably attractive value proposition for future redevelopment. We are excited to partner with Bank OZK and Two Roads Development on this endeavor and look forward to all this project will bring to the area."

As waterfront property and development sites become scarce due to high demand in the Miami market, developers have shifted their sight to buying out older condominium buildings to demolish and develop. Two Roads Development plans to redevelop the 3.5-acre waterfront site of Biscayne 21, an existing 191-unit condo building located at 2121 N. Bayshore Drive in the Edgewater neighborhood of downtown Miami, into an ultra-luxury branded residential development. The project will be designed by Arquitectonica.

"Over the last decade, Two Roads Development has helped put Miami's Edgewater district on the map as one of the City's most in-demand residential neighborhoods with successful luxury condominium developments including Biscayne Beach and Elysee. Plans for our newest development, which will feature a signature architectural design by Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica, include a mix of ultra-luxe condominiums and signature branded residences that will elevate Edgewater's global appeal as Miami's premier enclave for luxury high-rise living," said developer Taylor Collins, managing partner of Two Roads Development. "We are pleased to partner with Lionheart and Bank OZK on this exciting new development."

Andy Klein, Robert Kamenec, and Benjamin Eshiwani led the transaction for Lionheart Strategic Management. Avison Young’s Florida Capital Markets Group led by John K. Crotty, Michael T. Fay, David Duckworth and Brian C. de la Fé negotiated the sale on behalf the Biscayne 21 unit owners.

Aztec Group Delivers $102 Million In Construction Financing For 352 Unit RIVR Lofts In Fort Lauderdale

Aztec Group, Florida’s leading real estate investment and merchant banking firm for over 40 years, announces that Peter Mekras has arranged $102,000,000 in construction financing for RIVR (River) Lofts in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

RIVR Lofts features a desirable location in Fort Lauderdale’s Central Business District in the emerging Tarpon River Entertainment & Design District (TREDD) south of New River. RIVR Lofts is a to-be-built mixed-use, luxury, high-rise rental apartment community with 352 residential units. The project will span across 29 stories and feature a rooftop pool and amenities, 2,700 square feet of ground floor retail, onsite parking, and a resident lounge and bar on the ground floor. The Property is ideally located at the corner of SW 5th Street and SW 3rd Avenue within walking distance to Publix, Wells Coffee, and Tarpon River Brewing.

RIVR Lofts development team is led by Doron Broman of Moderno Development Group. Broman assembled the 1-acre site in 2018 and obtained entitlements for RIVR Lofts in 2021. Moderno engaged Aztec Group on an exclusive basis to structure a venture and source construction financing for the project. Moderno is no stranger to the market as it has assembled and repositioned several development properties in the area and continue to control several acres of land in the area for future vertical development. The construction loan was sourced from Square Mile Capital. The RIVR Lofts project team includes Moss Construction and Robert Mathias of NCC Development. The project is designed by Cube 3 Architecture.

“RIVR Lofts will serve as the residential heartbeat of TREDD and this funding continues our efforts to bring vertical development to the area,” says Doron Broman, Manager Partner of Moderno Development. “Moderno Development is at the center of Tarpon River’s revitalization. We started by converting industrial buildings to retail and now we are laying the foundation for a true residential experience with the construction of RIVR Lofts.”

“Sourcing a construction loan for a high-rise is never a simple task. Closing a loan of this magnitude in the current market environment is a testament to the merit of RIVR Lofts and the sponsorship, the lender, and our investment banking process” said Aztec Group’s Peter Mekras.

PMG Partners With Prop-Tech Company Sentral To Develop Dual-Tower Multifamily In Brickell

National investment, development, and asset management firm PMG, and Sentral, the rapidly expanding prop-tech company creating the world’s largest flexible living community, have announced a partnership to develop a two-phase, 803-unit multifamily community with more than 15,000 square feet of retail space in the heart of Miami’s Brickell neighborhood. The acquisition of the site at 130 SW 8th St. will mark Sentral and PMG’s first partnership, as well as Sentral’s first purpose-built development as part of the brand’s national expansion. Phase one includes a 46-story tower with 570 units and will break ground in late 2022, with completion slated in late 2024. Phase two will include a 31-story tower with 233 units.

“At PMG, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of innovative multifamily development, so our vision for this property naturally aligned with Sentral’s unique model of flexible living. We are confident this development will be a great addition to the neighborhood by providing a range of high-quality residences and short-term accommodations,” said Ryan Shear, Managing Partner at PMG. “As Miami’s financial district, Brickell is one of the city’s most desirable destinations and one in which we’ve had success developing previously. We are excited to partner with Sentral to bring a fresh perspective on residential living to the area and offer future residents a walkable environment in the center of it all.”

Designed by acclaimed Sieger Suarez Architects, in collaboration with the team at Sentral, the property will include an expansive lobby lounge with concierge, state-of-the-art fitness center, multiple co-working spaces, pool decks on both the 13th and 31st floors, more than 15,000 square feet of retail space and a parking garage. The property will be managed by Sentral and will offer their distinctive style of residential living for any length of stay.

“With the success of our Sentral Wynwood community, we wanted to expand our Miami footprint and bring the Sentral brand to the vibrant Brickell neighborhood,” said Jon Slavet, Chief Executive Officer at Sentral. “We’re excited to partner with PMG on this project, as they are one of the nation’s top developers and have a deep understanding of and affinity for the South Florida market. We look forward to collaborating with PMG on this new development and to expanding our innovative, flexible living concept to the Brickell neighborhood.”

Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr attorneys Luis Flores and Sophia Rub represented the venture in closing the acquisition of the property.

“This transaction speaks to the strength of the PMG-Sentral partnership in acquiring prime real estate in one of the most sought-after housing markets in the U.S.,” said Luis Flores, who previously represented PMG in acquiring a Brickell site now home to Echo Brickell. “The development of this project will help address the growing demand for housing in the Brickell area, which is seeing an unprecedented influx of companies and residents relocating from all over the world.”

PMG and Sentral are aligned in leading the next generation of multifamily development to cater to the current and future standards of flexible living. Both companies are quickly expanding their portfolios nationally with the goal of redefining community-centric living with expertly designed residences, lavish amenities and activated shared spaces. For more information, please visit propertymg.com and sentral.com.

First Look Inside MAJOR, Major Food Group and JDS Development's Residential And Hospitality Supertall Tower Coming To Brickell

Major Food Group (MFG) and JDS Development Group (JDS) have revealed the first images of MAJOR, the highly anticipated 90-story residential and hospitality tower, located at 888 Brickell Avenue. MAJOR will feature 259 custom residences conceived as fully hybrid layouts. Each Major Residence is designed to enable the seamless conversions into Major rooms and suites for guests while offering the most robust collection of food and beverage amenities and hospitality of any building in Miami.

A unified vision of four industry titans, Major Food Group, JDS Development, Studio Sofield, and Ken Fulk, MAJOR ushers in an unprecedented chapter of lifestyle-driven hospitality and exceptional residential design for Miami. The first ground-up, hybrid hotel and luxury condominium project from MFG, MAJOR is led by creative forces and Co-Founders Mario Carbone, Jeff Zalaznick, and Rich Torrisi, the team behind some of America’s most celebrated restaurants. The group is partnering with JDS Development Group, led by Chief Executive and Founder Michael Stern, the powerhouse developer and builder responsible for some of the most dynamic new skyscrapers in New York City and Miami.

Rising high above the recent renaissance of development in Brickell, the striking and bold MAJOR will soar to an impressive 1,049 feet tall—marking a new record height for Miami. The tower, designed by William Sofield, features an elegant and restrained façade of ivory travertine and high-gloss steel columns to express enduring weight and substance while giving a defined graphic, vertical appearance, setting it far apart from its glass and stucco neighbors. The notable crown is wrapped with a filigree of gold spheres and punctuated by extraordinary sculptures in the manner of Italian Futurism on each corner.

“MAJOR is remarkable,” stated Michael Stern, Founder & CEO of JDS Development Group. “This is the tallest, the most brilliantly designed, the best-in-class hospitality experience, with the best club, in the best city in the world.”

In a grand architectural gesture of artistry and craft, the porte cochere welcomes with an exuberant Gatsby-level energy and delight. Just off the corner of Brickell Avenue and 10th Street, residents and guests will arrive into a world trimmed in gold leaf and clad in monolithic slabs of travertine, paired with exquisite MFG hospitality and white glove service. Overhead, a grand gold-beaded screen emits a deep, warm glow—a signature beacon for the building. The tower celebrates the optimism of creativity and culture and elevates the inclusive spirit of Miami.

Each of the furnished residences in the condo-hotel, ranging from 1-to 4 bedrooms, is designed with custom furniture by Studio Sofield. The plans enable Major residences to seamlessly transform into rooms and suites for guests. Conceived as fully hybrid layouts, each Major Residence utilizes a “lockout” function, which allows for simple conversions between a private residence, suite, and/or guest room. In addition to this elegant solution for flexible living spaces, the excitement builds in the details and art, reflecting the mood of the city, the light, and the climate. With sophisticated internationalism and fantasy in mind, spaces such as the deep private terraces acknowledge shadow and shade, and still echo the expansive views of water and sky through the reflective sparkle of materials.

“With MAJOR, we honor the cultural heritage of this magnificent city, from the seductive to the sublime,” says tower designer William Sofield of Studio Sofield. “I am creating a tower that identifies with the hope and aspiration of those who live here, distinguished for quality craftmanship, contributing to the beauty of the skyline. I want to celebrate this sexy City with an indulgent swim in the only silver and gold pool in Miami.”

In signature MFG style, the project will offer impeccable service and unapologetically comfortable amenities as part of its creed to Live Major. With Studio Sofield and Fulk, Major Food Group and JDS Development conceived, designed, and programmed every inch of the 115,000 square feet of amenities throughout the property. The Food & Beverage program will include signature MFG brands and hospitality spaces and entirely new concepts exclusive to Major and feature the design of Ken Fulk. Spread over eight floors, Major will also feature amenities focused on entertaining, sports, leisure, wellness and fitness.

“The idea is to just show up, and everything is taken care of,” explains Jeff Zalaznick, MFG Co-Founder. “From the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep, every whim and desire is anticipated.”

MAJOR Residents will automatically become founding members of the exclusive Club onsite. The Club includes the elegantly designed Pool deck, an 80’ multi-level, terrazzo-clad sun deck and oasis, with private cabanas and poolside service through a signature Major Food Group restaurant.

Major marks a milestone in the evolution of Major Food Group, which currently operates a global portfolio of over thirty restaurants, hotels, and private clubs. MFG established roots in South Florida in 2021 with several smash successes: CARBONE and HaSalon in the South of Fifth neighborhood, Sadelle’s in Coconut Grove, the private membership venue ZZ’s Club in the Miami Design District, and the recently-opened Dirty French Steakhouse in Brickell. MFG will launch a range of additional projects in the region in the coming year, including several outposts of the brunch institution Sadelle’s. MFG will oversee all branding and hospitality programming at Major and operate the hotel.

Fulk, a longtime MFG collaborator, will be responsible for the food, beverage, and hospitality spaces at Major. Fulk has designed such atmospheric spaces as Carbone and ZZ’s Club in Miami and the new Crown Club at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, among other exceptional experiences for the swiftly expanding MFG brand family.

MFG’s sophistication and reputation for unparalleled food and beverage experiences combined with JDS’s track record for confident, monumental design of quality and craftsmanship, sets the stage for a project of perfectly-dialed maximalism. This is JDS Development Group’s fifth supertall skyscraper and a third project in the Brickell neighborhood. Composed of a team of innovators and builders, JDS is no stranger to large-scale urban development and constantly pushes the boundaries of design, gracing the new skyline as often as they add to the fabric of the city. JDS also co-developed the record-breaking Echo Brickell condominium project and recently broke ground on the large-scale mixed-use 1 Southside Park in Brickell.

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

ArquitectonicaGEO-Designed Canopy Park Opens To Public On Alton Road In Miami Beach

Canopy Park, Miami Beach’s new three-acre community park situated between the 600 and 700 blocks of Alton Road, is now open to the public. Park-goers can enjoy open greenspaces shaded by native tree species, pedestrian trails and bike paths, an outdoor gym and dog run, a MONSTRUM-designed children’s playground, and public art displays. Designed with sustainability in mind, Canopy Park reflects how landscape architecture can serve as a green resiliency solution for coastal communities with a host of environmentally conscious features including a Maritime Hammock, bioswales, and a 25,000-gallon cistern to conserve and manage rainwater.

Additionally, Canopy Park will connect to Miami Beach’s popular South of Fifth neighborhood and complete the Miami Beach Baywalk via a new signature pedestrian bridge designed by Daniel Buren spanning the MacArthur Causeway/5th Street, creating a safe and seamless connection running from South Pointe Park north to the Lincoln Road District and east to the beachfront.

“Instead of a massive wall of rental units, we now have this exquisite greenspace in a neighborhood where no one has a backyard,” said City of Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “This park will quickly become a welcomed amenity for nearby residents and a favorite gathering spot for our entire community.”

Canopy Park was developed by TCH 500 Alton, LLC, a partnership between two of Miami Beach’s deepest-rooted real estate developers: David Martin and Russell Galbut. The development team, which is also behind the neighboring Five Park residential tower, constructed and donated the park to the City of Miami Beach’s Parks & Recreation Department as a gift to the community’s residents and visitors.

“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 visionaries who have led some of the most transformational projects in the world,” said developer Russell Galbut of TCH 500 Alton, LLC. “We’ve created a vibrant community asset that brings people together while providing a design experience that rivals public spaces in the world’s greatest cities.”

A major design component of Canopy Park, which was imagined by landscape architect Laurinda Spear’s ArquitectonicaGEO, is a “natural play” playground by Danish design firm MONSTRUM, which is famous for creating artistic and architectural playscapes around the world. A standout element of the playground is an eye-catching slide paying homage to pioneer developer Carl G. Fisher’s cultural mascot Rosie the Elephant, an instrumental historical figure known for putting Miami Beach on the map as a luxury destination and “America’s winter playground” in the early 1920s. Infused with art and design, a distinctive sculpture by Miami-based artist Mark Handforth also enriches the outdoor space.

“Canopy Park was designed with beautiful aesthetics in mind but also serves a broader environmental purpose,” said developer David Martin of TCH 500 Alton, LLC. “The park’s innovative sustainability and resiliency attributes will benefit not only the future residents of the adjacent Five Park tower, but also the entire surrounding neighborhood.”

Canopy Park’s sustainability and resiliency features include:

• Vegetation, Biodiversity and Native Plant Communities: Canopy Park boasts lush, sustainable landscaping comprising nearly 40 different plant and tree species. There have been 221 trees and 121 palms newly planted in the park, of which 80 percent are native, and 100 percent are low maintenance and tolerant of drought. The incredibly varied plant biodiversity not only beautifies the area, but also performs incredibly important roles that will help balance ecosystems, mitigate soil erosion, decrease urban heating effects, provide habitats for threatened animals, and protect watersheds from destructive floods.

• Maritime Hammock and Habitat Restoration: In addition to the extensive tree canopy throughout the park, a Maritime Hammock, consisting of 2.6 times the required ground cover by code, anchors the north end of the park. The hammock offers crucial shade from the year-round sun, captures carbon and toxins from the air, and diminishes the urban heat island effect, cooling the surrounding area. It also restores natural habitats, regenerates roosting areas, and provides feeding opportunities for birds, bats, native bees, and other pollinators. Canopy Park aims to replicate the original tropical forests once found in Miami Beach to reinforce an original and stable ecosystem in the area.

• Irrigation, Water Conservation, and Rainwater Management: A weather-based irrigation controller and rain sensors limit watering during the rainy season. A 25,000-gallon cistern captures excess runoff during major storm events and irrigates plantings throughout the year, with a capacity to irrigate the park completely on collected rainwater for one week before needing replenishment. Green infrastructure solutions like bioswales and rain gardens allow for proper site filtration and management for all of the rainwater that enters the site. The resulting effect is that 90% of the stormwater is captured and diverted before it ever reaches Biscayne Bay, protecting wild grasses and native species from harmful debris and pollutants.

• The Million Orchid Project: In addition to the stunning greenery, Canopy Park is home to hundreds of vibrant, native orchids as part of The Million Orchid Project. Once an abundant, natural flower proliferating across Miami Beach, orchid numbers have dwindled as the City of Miami Beach has developed and expanded. To address this problem, The Million Orchid Project, the National Orchid Garden, and the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden – alongside local volunteers and the park’s development team – joined forces to propagate and plant over 600 wild orchids throughout the park grounds to reinstate the majestic flower in Miami Beach.

• Next door, development is currently underway at Five Park, an iconic 48-story luxury residential tower that will offer unparalleled five-star amenities, including Miami Beach’s premier resident-only members club, The Canopy Club. The project is estimated to be completed in 2024.

• Approved plans for the site also include The Miami Beach Canopy Bridge, a signature pedestrian bridge spanning 5th Street designed by international artist Daniel Buren. The Miami Beach Canopy 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 Miami Beach Canopy will become an instant landmark for Miami Beach and a beloved work of public art that guides pedestrians along a rainbow of colorful shadows. Construction of the pedestrian bridge is expected to get underway in 2023.

Images via World Red Eye

Block E In Downtown Miami's Arts & Entertainment District Trades For $19.75 Million

A 37,252-square-foot development site known as Block E at 1550 NE Miami Place in the heart of the Arts and Entertainment District has traded for $19.75 million. The site is located within the boundaries of the opportunity zone and is zoned T6-24a O which allows the developer to build up to seven times the property land square footage and up to 500 units per acre.

Colliers’ Executive Managing Director Mika Mattingly and Senior Associate Cecilia Estevez of Collier’s Urban Core Divisionrepresented the seller, Kluger Family Trust, in the transaction. The buyer, Jenny Bernell of Clearline Real Estate, is a developer of multifamily and mixed-use real estate projects in the growing areas of Florida, New York and New Jersey. Clearline Real Estate currently has 1,500 multifamily units in the development pipeline. This transaction marks Clearline’s third development site acquisition in Miami in the last year with plans for multifamily development.

“This transaction showcases the continued growth of demand for development sites in Miami and emerging neighborhoods like the A&E district,” said Mattingly. “In a very short time we have seen the Arts and Entertainment District radically transform from a deserted, bleak industrial area, into a neighborhood with a thriving pulse.”

Block E is uniquely located 1,000’ away from the Metro mover, which provides connection to the Brightline station, downtown Miami, and Brickell. The access creates prime pathways of mobility so that tenants can embrace the “work, live, and play” aspect of the area. The district is also home to several landmarks such as the Adrienne Arsht Center for performing arts, the Perez Art Museum and the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, all within a five-minute walk from Block E. Over the last three years, the A&E district has experienced tremendous growth with proposed developments on every corner and a number of surrounding residential projects at 100% occupancy within weeks of opening.

With the A&E district’s rapid growth capturing global attention from investors, developers, new tenants and the world’s most renowned creatives, the city of Miami made the development of the district a top priority with new zoning to allow residential and commercial density construction. Over the last two years, the number of multifamily units grew more than 20%, office inventory increased 50%, and the number of hotel rooms more than doubled. The district is quickly densifying with arts, retail and restaurants, vibrant new office development and new-to-market tenants as well as an influx of people, creating one of the most exciting new urban areas in the United States.

Image via Collier’s International Florida Urban Core Division

Monaco Yacht Club & Residences Receives TCO, Begin Closings In Miami Beach

Monaco Yacht Club & Residences, the widely-anticipated, new boutique Bayfront residences and private marina in Miami Beach, has received its temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO), signaling the start of closings. The project was developed by Optimum Asset Management USA. Monaco Yacht Club & Residences offers just thirty-nine luxurious waterfront residences delivered fully finished with curated interiors by two of the most esteemed names in design, Piero Lissoni and Arquitectonica.

In addition to announcing this milestone, Optimum Asset Management USA has disclosed that only two residences remain – including a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom, plus den, villa with direct marina access and boat slip -- as the tower rapidly approaches a complete sell-out.

“Seeing Monaco Yacht Club & Residences come to fruition and receive TCO is an especially proud moment,” said Matthew Barry, Managing Director of Optimum Asset Management USA. “The global response to the tower has been nothing short of compelling and a testament to its international appeal. We are thrilled to be showcasing this building to the world and celebrating the continued excitement surrounding its unveiling.”

Monaco Yacht Club & Residences feature one to four-bedroom residences, ranging in size from 918 to nearly 5,000 square feet, and two one-of-a-kind penthouses with spacious living areas, private terraces and summer kitchens. Primed for indoor/outdoor living and entertaining, the meticulously designed homes feature expansive wraparound terraces – each with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and the Miami skyline – as well as contemporary Italian kitchens by Boffi.

Additional highlights within the residences include stone countertops, 10 to 11-foot-high ceilings throughout, large walk-in closets, private elevator entrances, and premium bathroom interiors featuring imported Italian marble flooring, large tubs and frameless, glass-enclosed rainfall showers with designer faucets.

“The DNA of the Côte d’Azur is reflected in every single design element of Monaco Yacht Club & Residences, giving residents the unique opportunity to live the one-of-a-kind South of France lifestyle,” said Edgardo Defortuna, president and CEO of Fortune International Group, the exclusive brokerage of the project. “We have a lot of excited residents that we cannot wait to welcome and celebrate the very best Miami Beach has to offer.”

Each of the modern unit interiors were meticulously curated with precise attention to detail, inclusive of the refined Italian-made fixtures and finishes, while a design palette of warm whites and rich woods was used for the lobby and the premier “Resident’s Lounge,” which features a library and breakfast bar for leisurely waterfront dining.

“It has been an honor to be part of the construction of this amazing architectural gem,” said Brett Atkinson, President of South Florida for Moss Construction, the tower’s general contractor. “It was a pleasure to work with Optimum Asset Management USA; we could not have reached TCO without our experienced subcontractors and suppliers.”

The nautically-themed, 12-story boutique building features a variety of resort-style amenities, including a rooftop terrace featuring panoramic views of the Miami skyline and a pool with poolside chaise lounge chairs, Jacuzzi and shaded lounge areas with a grill for entertaining. Offering the best of a yachtsman’s lifestyle, a 12-slip marina is exclusively available to residents of Monaco Yacht Club & Residences, as well as a yachting concierge and other waterfront amenities such as paddle boarding and kayaking.

Units at Monaco Yacht Club & Residences are priced from $1.1 million with exclusive sales and marketing overseen by Fortune Development Sales.