Lennar Executive Chairman Stuart Miller Expands Star Island Holdings After Acquiring Thomas Kramer's Former Estate 5 Star Island For $33 Million

Lennar Executive Chairman Stuart Miller has acquired Thomas Kramer's former 4 and 5 Star Island Drive for $33 million. The 1.84-acre property is adjacent to two other lots that Miller owns on the exclusive island, 6 and 7 Star Island Drive. In total they now own 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12 and 22 Star Island Drive. 4 and 5 Star Island Drive were listed with Brett Harris of Douglas Elliman for $40 million. DOMO Architecture + Design is currently designing Miller's three current Star Island projects which are 6 Star Island, 10, 11, 12 Star Island and 22 Star Island. 

In August 2017 PROFILEmiami reported that Verena von Mitschke-Collande and Claudia Miller-Otto had won 4 and 5 Star Island from Thomas Kramer via court-ordered auction. Kramer, a German born, Miami-based real estate developer and South Beach icon who played an integral role in the redevelopment of South Beach, including the iconic Portofino Tower, before he lost a $90 million settlement in Swiss Courts in 2003 in a legal battle that has continued to play out for decades. 

Known as 5 Star, the eccentric estate is an elaborate party mansion that spans 17,000 SF of living area complete with 13 bedrooms, 12 full bathrooms over the entire 2 acre gated property which offers spectacular views of Biscayne Bay, PortMiami and Downtown Miami. The main house is a 3 bedroom 4 bathroom party manse filled with exotic and eccentric design throughout. The home was custom tailored complete with stripper poles on the dining room table, a 10,000 bottle wine cellar, movie theater, Crestron system, spa, gym, a lavish master-suite complete with a stone-lined master-bath, a balcony with an outdoor tub overlooking Biscayne Bay, a 14 car garage, and is rumored to have even have a missile silo built in. 

Outside features a large driveway and motor-court in the front while out back offers views of the Miami Skyline, a party ready pool, outdoor lounges with summer kitchen, and 200' of waterfront docking for a yacht. The property also features multiple guest houses and separate private office space.

Photos via Douglas Elliman

Grammy Award Winning Artist Shakira Lists Her Lavish Miami Beach Home For $11.648 Million

Grammy Award winning artist Shakira has listed her Miami Beach home for $11.648 million. Shakira recently renovated the manse which is located at 3140 North Bay Road Drive in Miami Beach features traces of the musician's Lebanese heritage including bone inlays, handmade decorative mirrors and a hookah lounge area. The mansion features 6 bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms spread over 9,125 SF. The home also features a billiards room, dining room and wood flooring imported from Spain. One of the main features is a home gym that the Colombian-Lebanese singer, songwriter & dancer custom designed a specialty floor for dancing to practice her moves in when she purchased the property in 2001. Outside offers over 100' of water-frontage on Biscayne Bay overlooking the Miami skyline along with a pool, cabana with summer kitchen and wood deck complete with lush landscaping. 

3140 North Bay Road Drive is currently listed for $11,648,000 with Antonio Mebarak, who is Shakira's brother, and Ana Lourdes of Douglas Elliman.

Photos via Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Airbnb and Illegal Rentals in Miami

In the dense tourist neighborhoods of South Beach, Miami, lie a variety of different hotels, however, some tourists opt to - intentionally or unintentionally - illegally rent out Airbnb or other properties available through home-sharing platforms like Vacayo, Booking.com or Expedia’s HomeAway. It’s a common activity that occurs in the residential areas of Miami Beach, where properties are not allowed to be rented out for less than six months and a day.

Unfortunately, uninformed renters are given the boot by the city and asked to leave the next day or relocate as soon as possible. Residents cite quality-of-life complaints like: noise, parties, and disregard of safety standards, zoning rules, and taxes, in regards to illegal home-sharing activity, according to dozens of public records and interviews. Miami Beach has had a law against illegal short term rentals for years, but the $1,500 fine was insufficient to deter non-complying residents, so the city increased the first violation fine in 2016 to $20,000, all the way up to $100,000 for the fifth.

"The easiest way to stop all of this is if the home-sharing platforms simply didn't send people into these neighborhoods," says Dan Gelber, mayor of Miami Beach. "It's just that simple. They're the ones who do it and they claim they have no responsibility because, 'oh, we're just an internet platform.' But they're not." Home-sharing companies like Airbnb have had a bad track record of complying with local laws and generally shrug off responsibility, despite being able to limit how long guests are able to rent out properties.

According to CNBC.com, Miami Beach “will investigate more than 1,000 complaints of illegal rentals this year, up from more than 800 in 2017.” But Airbnb blames the city for not wanting to cooperate, ignoring the fact that the zoning map can easily be found in public record, which outlines where short-term rentals are allowed. Both property owners and companies get cited and fined for violating Miami’s Code of Ordinances, Section 33-28.

Article By: Katya Demina & Moustafa Abouzied | Photo via CNBC.com

Tour PHVC At The Setai Hotel Miami Beach Which Just Sold As The Highest Priced Closing Since 2014

PHVC in The Setai Hotel Miami Beach has just closed for $9.525 million, the highest priced condo sale in the hotel since 2014. The residence was originally listed for $11 million and has been tied to Russian oligarch Oleg Baibakov. The residence offers 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 1 half-bath spread over 3,571 SF complete with and Italkraft kitchen, smart home features and 270-degree exposure. Amenities include three oceanfront infinity pools which are heated to different temperatures, full service beach-club, full-service spa, fitness center, private VIP entrance, a dedicated concierge, access to the house cars, and restaurants including Jaya. PHVC was listed with The Bill & Bryan Team at Douglas Elliman. Baibakov first listed the unit in 2014 for $17 million and he is currently developing Missoni Baia in Edgewater.

150-Key Rudy Ricciotti-Designed Symphony Park Hotel Proposed To Be Built In South Beach

A 150-key Symphony Park Hotel, designed by famed French architect Rudy Ricciotti, has been proposed in South Beach across the street from the New World Symphony and Soundscape Park. The developers have filed plans with the city to demolish the existing South Beach Citibank which is currently on the property located at 1685 Washington Ave. in South Beach. The project is proposed complete with ground floor retail and restaurant space, 122 mechanical parking spaces, as well as an expansive rooftop complete with a pool, bar and restaurant. The developers, Sobe Center, LLC. will need a variance to allow them to adjust setbacks and build the proposed 8-stories, 83'; 7-stories, 80' is permitted under current zoning code. Miami Beach's Planning Board will review the proposal on June 26, 2018. Sobe Center, LLC. is associated with Richard and Ronald Finvarb as well as Jacques Chahine.

Cleveland Indians First Baseman Yonder Alonso Lists Miami Beach Condo in MEI For $1.995 Million

Cleveland Indians first baseman Yonder Alonso has listed his Miami Beach condo in MEI Condominium for $1.995 million. The penthouse residence features 2-bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms spread over 1,556 SF. The two-story residences features floor-to-ceiling glass with views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal waterway. The residence was custom designed by world renowned interior designed Briggs Solomon. The layout features a kitchen and living room located downstairs with the 2 bedrooms upstairs and balconies on both levels. 

Amenities at MEI include a tea lounge and library, spa, steam room, fitness center with innovative smart technology, concierge services, beach access, a pool and food and beverage services.
 
Alonso has also played for Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners.

The 5875 Collins Avenue #PH4 is currently listed for $1,995,000 with Jeff Miller of Brown Harris Stevens Miami.

Photos via Brown Harris Stevens

The LEED Certified 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach Has Sold A Record Breaking $22.4 Million In 2018

 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach, the eco-friendly, LEED certified luxury oceanfront property has reported a record breaking start to 2018, having reached 90% sold for the entire property with $22.4 million in sales year-to-date. There are a few select fully-furnished, turnkey penthouses still available, of note are the property’s two signature duplex penthouses, PH-1610 and PH-1609, a stunning 3,557 SF three bedroom, three and a half bathroom residence that was just recently introduced to the market. Remaining inventory ranges in size from 1,834 SF to 4,207 SF and is priced from $3.1 million with sales and marketing exclusively overseen by Douglas Elliman Development Marketing

Notable 2018 sale highlights include the closing of Penthouse 1707, a $5.5 million three bedroom, three and a half bathroom residence; Penthouse 1617, a $5.6 million three bedroom, three bathroom residence; Residence 1440, a $5 million three bedroom plus den, three bathroom residence; and Penthouse 1708, a three bedroom, three and a half bathroom residence that sold for $6.35 million. All residences are complemented by outdoor living space overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Miami skyline.

“A factor contributing to the 2018 sales success of 1 Hotel & Homes is the recent uptick of domestic buyers expressing interest in the property, particularly those from the Northeast,” said Camille Douglas, Senior Managing Director, LeFrak. “Due to the recent federal tax reform, high net worth individuals are now motivated to invest and reside in Miami for both personal and financial reasons. Add to that the one-of-a-kind wellness and sustainable lifestyle offered at these fully-furnished, turnkey residences and you have an opportunity that is hard to refuse.”
 
The property is LEED certified, representing the pinnacle of eco-conscious living. The 1 brand translates into a sustainable lifestyle complete with conscious programming. From the penthouse’s “eco-glam” design, nature inspired aesthetic and living art installations, to eco-friendly services such as pre-arrival kitchen and pantry shopping with a local organic option, in-home natural care botanical service, eco-conscious housekeeping services, and personal shopping and delivery services including organic grocery and dry cleaning. There’s even a dedicated Tesla house car available to residents for quick complimentary rides. 

Located at 102 24th Street, 1 Hotel & Homes features 155 residences atop a 425-key luxury resort. The acclaimed Debora Aguiar-designed penthouse residences celebrate living on the ocean with elegant driftwood furnishings, plant life and spaces designed to invite the ocean breezes and sunlight into every room. The interiors boast custom Italkraft kitchens with imported Italian silver travertine, white quartz countertops, Wolf appliances, Dornbracht faucets and trash, composting and recycling bins.

The resort's amenities include access to 600' of beachfront and four elevated oceanfront swimming pools, an onsite SoulCycle studio, a Mindfulness Program that offers yoga and meditation, a 14,000 square foot Spartan Gym, and a visionary new Bamford Haybarn Spa from London. Owners can also enjoy access to four exceptional restaurants and bars, including the newly-opened Habitat, farm stand fresh restaurant Plnthouse by Matthew Kenny, and WATR, a stylish rooftop pool and restaurant-bar with panoramic views of the ocean and city skyline.

Power Broker Sladja Stantic Returns To One Sotheby's International Realty & Opens New Sunset Harbour Office

ONE Sotheby’s International Realty has announced  that power broker Sladja Stantic has returned to the team. With a vision rooted in bringing personal relationships back into the business of real estate, Sladja will open her new office in Sunset Harbour at 1825 West Avenue and will lead a team under the name Sladja Miami Homes. Having spent what she refers to as ‘the biggest part of her career’ at ONE Sotheby’s, Sladja is optimistic and excited to start her newest venture alongside her prior colleagues.

After working with a partner for over a decade, Sladja will embark on her own. The highly anticipated Sunset Harbour office will be a unique combination of a living room and working real estate hub that encourages locals to come, sit and stay. Her desired aesthetic will include comfortable décor, an inviting, refreshed atmosphere and the space will be programmed for events. 

“It feels like coming home after being away on a trip,” Sladja explained. “While my time at Douglas Elliman was an important learning opportunity to gain experience in new construction, I knew I wanted to come back to a more personal side of selling. I spent six wonderful years at ONE Sotheby’s and felt more of a family connection there. That’s the same feeling I want to extend to my clients, and ONE Sotheby’s is the perfect partner.”

ONE Sotheby’s President, Daniel de la Vega shared his sentiments about Sladja’s return. “Here’s the truth… I always really wanted her back!” Daniel exclaimed. “This is very rewarding on so many levels. Sladja has an impeccable reputation and will fit right back in beautifully with our agents. She will continue what she started here at ONE (she was one of the first agents at our South Beach office), and we look forward to supporting and providing her with the best tools in the industry to do so.”

“I chose to settle in Sunset Harbour because, it too, feels like home. It’s strategically located between the Venetian, Sunset Island, North Bay Road and all the areas I work in the most. I have roughly three or four meetings there a day, and with all of the shops, restaurants and scenery its quickly become one of the most desired places for all the locals in Miami Beach,” Sladja continued. For more information Sladja can be contacted at (305) 799-7697.

| In partnership with ONE Sotheby's International Realty |

Step Inside The Record Breaking South-of-Fifth Oceanfront Penthouse at 321 Ocean Which Just Sold For $26 Million

One Miami Beach’s most sought after penthouses, located atop 321 Ocean on Ocean Drive in the South of Fifth neighborhood, has sold for $26,000,000. The closing was on Friday, May 11, and the property was owned by an American-Russian financer who had the property listed with Bill Hernandez and Bryan Sereny with Douglas Elliman and sold the property to an undisclosed buyer Skurge, LLC for $26,000,000 represented by Mick Duchon & Eloy Carmenate of Douglas Elliman.

The transaction represents the highest priced residential condo real estate deal for Miami-Dade in last 12 months and highest priced condo sale in South Beach since 2014. The Miami Beach real estate market has seen several large condo transactions over the past several months as other notable closings include a unit at Apogee South Beach for $13.5 million & Continuum South Beach for $9.3 million.
 
The penthouse is the only full floor oceanfront penthouse in South Beach, featuring a 36' infinity pool overlooking open ocean views. The 13,220 SF 2 story penthouse features nearly 7,000 SF of interior space spread over 5 bedrooms with staff quarters, 5 full-baths and 2 half-baths. The residence also offers a private 5,223 SF roof deck with the infinity pool, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, and massive entertaining space with a dining table that fits about 40 people. 

Take the Video Tour Below:

Photos via Lifestyle Production Group

Historic Coral Rock Palm Island Estate Built In 1928 Hits The Market For $16.499 Million

A historic Palm Island estate originally built in 1928 that has been meticulously updated and expanded can now be yours for $16.499 million. In its current form the masterpiece home brings the original 1928 portion made of rare coral rock together with a 12,000 SF new construction. The home features 8 bedrooms, 10 full bathrooms and 2 half baths spread over 13,201 SF. There is also a movie theater with private entertainment bar, grand hallway,  Outside features multiple lounge areas, an expansive swimming pool, cabana and over 100' of waterfront with views of Biscayne Bay and the Flagler Memorial. 

55 Palm Ave, Miami Beach currently listed for $16,499,000 with Brian Judge & Diana Garchitorena of Douglas Elliman.