Brightline Locks Down Final Approvals For Phase 2, To Begin Construction To Orlando In 2018

Brightline can finally begin construction on Phase 2, their new line of tracks to Orlando after gaining federal approval from the U.S. DOT for the transit line. Construction on Phase 2 is expected to kick off in early 2018. Service is expected to soon commence between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, adding service to Miami soon after. On December 15, 2017, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a Record of Decision for the privately funded Brightline intercity passenger rail project between Miami and Orlando. The Record of Decision (ROD) represents the final step in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process after the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) was issued in 2015 and is the last federal environmental approval needed to construct the system between West Palm Beach and Orlando. This decision marks the achievement of another significant milestones for the company as it gears up to launch Phase 1 of its service and start construction north of West Palm Beach. Over the past 4 years, The Federal Railroad Administration worked with the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Coast Guard, along with local authorities, cities and counties, on the project's development and issuance of the FEIS. Brightline’s station in Orlando will be located at the Orlando International Airport’s new Intermodal Terminal Facility (ITF) that will be the hub of the future South Terminal complex. The ITF is connected to the North Terminal by a recently completed Automated People Mover and includes a 5,000-space parking garage. SunRail, Central Florida’s commuter rail system, has a planned connection to the ITF. Over the next few months, Brightline will finalize the design for the rail infrastructure and the 70-acre Vehicle Maintenance Facility which will be located on Orlando International Airport property. Construction of the system will create thousands of jobs and provide a much-needed link between Florida’s two most visited and populated regions.

“This is the most critical and final step in the extension of Brightline’s service to Orlando, and we are excited to move forward with Phase 2,” said Dave Howard, Brightline’s CEO. “This was a great year for us as we completed construction on two of our major stations and rail infrastructure, successfully presold tickets and corporate packages to individuals and businesses throughout the region and priced $600 million in Private Activity Bonds to fund Phase 1. We look forward to launching service to Miami and starting construction north to Orlando in the first quarter of 2018.”

MEC Development Associates & B Developments Locks Down Construction Financing For Casa Grove, To Break Ground In January

MEC Development Associates and B Developments plan to break ground on Casa Grove in January. The developers who are developing the project as a joint venture recently locked down a $27 million construction loan for the approved luxury apartment tower from Israeli lender Bank Hapoalim (BHI). Casa Grove which will bring 130 rental apartment units to 2900 Southwest 28 Lane. B Developments purchased the 1-acre property in 2015 for $6.1 million. The project is being designed by Itec Design and will rise 12-stories, featuring 200,000 SF of total development including 12,000 SF of commercial space. Units will start at 635 SF and range up to 1,400 SF and amenities will include a 5th floor amenity deck and direct access to the Underline. The transit oriented project is located just a short distance from the Coconut Grove Metrorail Station, offering residents immediate access to the Metrorail. The project will help kick-off the Underline, the new landscaped recreational public space under the metro rail. Public space from Casa Grove will feed into the Underline, providing a seamless connection to the new initiative. Casa Grove is expected to be completed in 2019.

PROFILEmiami first broke then news covering the announcement of Casa Grove in October 2016.

Rick Pitino's "Billionaire Bunker" Estate On Indian Creek Island Hits Market For $23.995 Million

Embattled Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino's "Billionaire Bunker" estate, located on the famed Indian Creek Island, has hit the market for $23.995 million. Located at 38 Indian Creek Island Road, the 1.25 acre property is one of only 2 currently for sale on the ultra-exclusive island. The 12,000 SF Mediterranean Transitional Villa features 8 bedrooms, 10 full bathrooms and 2 half-baths, along with a gym, office, formal dining room, elevator, flow through gourmet kitchen with living room, grand foyer, 4 car garage, and large master suite. All rooms are finished with the finest fixtures, finishes and stonework with immaculate views of Biscayne Bay throughout. Outside, a waterfront resort style pool, wet bar, summer kitchen, multiple lounge areas, and a private dock with boatlifts. Indian Creek Island features an ultra-exclusive country club with an 18-hole championship golf course, its own police force and a mere 40 home sites on the 300-acre island. 38 Indian Creek Island Road is currently listed for $23,995,000 with Ralph Arias of ONE Sotheby's International Realty. 

$39 Million Harbor Beach Mansion In Fort Lauderdale Hits The Market As Broward's Most Expensive Home

9 Isla Bahia Drive in the ultra-exclusive Harbor Beach neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale has hit the market as Broward County's most expensive home, asking $39 million, $1,991 per SF. The enormous waterfront mansion features 19,589 SF of living space spread over 6 bedrooms and 10 full bathrooms and 7 half-baths. No expenses were spared in the finishes with ornate ceilings and woodwork along with stunning Intracoastal views throughout. The luxurious home also features grand foyers, a grand ballroom, 8 car garage, gourmet kitchen, media room, billiard room, library, game room, office, elevator and wine cellar. Outside, a large yard complements the waterside pool along with 300' of waterfront.9 Isla Bahia Drive is currently listed for $39,000,000 with Chad Carroll of The Chad Carroll Group at Douglas Elliman.  

Photos via The Chad Carroll Group

Florida East Coast Realty On Track To Begin Construction On KPF-Designed Supertall One Bayfront Plaza In Early 2019

Miami is set to get its first supertall in the fast emerging Downtown neighborhood, as Tibor Hollo's Florida East Coast Realty is gearing up to begin construction on the 1,049', 92-story, Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)-designed One Bayfront Plaza in 2019. Demolition of an existing office building on the current site is scheduled for the first half of 2019. The tower will reportedly be grandfathered into old Miami zoning codes, allowing Florida East Coast Realty to avoid the 30,000 SF floorplate limit under Miami 21 and build at 36,000 SF floorplates, making the office space more attractive compared to other offerings on the market. The 1,049' design by KPF maximized the height approved by the FAA. One Bayfront Plaza will feature 902 apartments, 200 hotel rooms, 532,000 SF of Class A Office Space, 103,959 SF of retail, pedestrian bridge to the metromover and 1,055 parking spaces. The residences and hotel will feature a sky recreation deck which will have 2 pools, one being for residents and one for hotel guests. There will also be another amenity deck on the 40th floor. One Bayfront Plaza is expected to be delivered in mid to late 2022. 

Check-Out The Venetian Islands Waterfront Residence Which Just Sold For $6.25 Million

There are few places to live in the world like Miami's Venetian Islands and 510 W Dilido Drive is welcoming its new owner. The waterfront residence recently sold for $6.25 million, closed by listing agents Dina Goldentayer and Sladja Stantic of The DS Team at Douglas Elliman. The home features 5,186 SF spread throughout 5 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms along with a staff suite. Classic Miami Beach styling and amazing Biscayne Bay views can be found throughout along with high ceilings, custom bathrooms, grand living area, modern kitchen, and a media room. Outside features an oversized pool, covered terrace lounge area and private dock. Enjoy PROFILEmiami's photo tour of the residence below. 

Two Roads Development Officially Breaks Ground On The Bernardo Fort-Brescia-Designed Elysee In Edgewater

South Florida-based Two Roads Development has officially broken ground on Elysee, marking the rise of newest luxury condominium tower in East Edgewater. The announcement comes on the heels of last year’s delivery of Biscayne Beach, Two Roads Development’s first East Edgewater luxury condominium project, which was nearly sold-out at completion. Edgewater has been one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in Miami’s urban core and Elysee will bring 100 ultra-luxury units to 788 NE 23rd Street along Biscayne Bay. The surrounding neighborhoods including Miami Design District, Wynwood Arts District, Midtown, and Miami Beach put residents within blocks of luxury retail shops, high-end restaurants and world-class arts and culture venues. Elysee is being developed in partnership with entities managed by New York-based investment firm DW Partners. 

“We are thrilled that our second East Edgewater project is underway,” said Reid Boren, managing partner of Two Roads Development. “The market response to Elysee – even before the first shovel was in the ground – speaks to the strong demand for ultra-luxury living that is on the waterfront, but also conveniently close to Miami’s urban core. With Bernardo Fort-Brescia’s iconic design and Jean-Louis Deniot’s chic interiors, Elysee will take its place among Miami’s signature buildings.”

"This building is a monument to functional rationality, that at first sight feels daring and whimsical,” explains Bernardo Fort-Brescia, principal of Arquitectonica. “The 57-story reverse ziggurat form follows the building’s function – with smaller apartments below and larger ones above all with maximized views to the bay and sky — resulting in an unexpected and distinctive addition to the skyline." 

“East Edgewater is the best value proposition in South Florida. With more than a dozen new residential projects in the works there, demand remains sky-high. As the last urban waterfront neighborhood in Miami zoned for residential condominiums, significant appreciation is virtually guaranteed. Elysee’s boutique exclusivity, idyllic bayfront location, commanding views and world-class amenities will brand it as a standout property for a long time to come,” said Alicia Cervera Lamadrid, managing partner of Cervera Real Estate, the project’s exclusive sales and marketing brokerage.

The luxury condo tower will be located at 700 Northeast 23rd Street in Miami's Edgewater neighborhood. Elysee will rise 57-stories and was designed by architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica. The tower will feature 100 half-floor and full-floor residences priced from $1.5 million to $14 million. The tower will feature 3-tiered telescoping shape will provide direct 180-degree bay and city views from every residence. Luxury residences at Elysee will include floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sliding doors, private elevators and foyers, 10' to 12' ceilings, designer finishes and fixtures, premium appliances, top-of-the-line Italian cabinetry, as well as two expansive east/west-facing terraces with 180-degree sunrise and sunset views. Interiors were designed by Paris-based interior architect and designer Jean-Louis Deniot. The 7th floor will feature an amenity deck which will include a resort-sized lap pool with a poolside refreshment bar, outdoor summer kitchen and barbecue terrace; waterfront fitness center and yoga studio; spa facilities with private sauna, steam and massage rooms; children’s lounge; and a blow-dry bar. The 30th-floor will feature an Owners Sky Lounge with Grand Salon lounge area and full bar; a Grand Dining Room with seating for up to 30 guests; a professional-grade chef’s kitchen and chef’s table; and a library/private theater, game room, and wine room. Cervera Real Estate is the exclusive sales team for Elysee. Delivery is expected for 2019. 

Related Companies Planning Major Expansion Revamp To CityPlace West Palm Beach

The Related Companies is planning a major revamp of its CityPlace West Palm Beach property, proposing to add 350 apartment units, a new office building and a hotel expansion. Reports show Related Companies plans to knock down the current Macy's building, which would be replaced by the apartment development as well as retail and dining. They would then add a 255,000 SF office building as well as upgrade the AMC CityPlace 20 movie theater into a more upscale, luxury theater offering which have grown in popularity and expand the Hilton West Palm Beach hotel. The expansion is pending city approval. 

Fisher Island's Palazzo Del Sol Named Best Residential Development in U.S. By International Property Awards

Fisher Island's Palazzo Del Sol is proving to deliver, bringing fresh new residential options to the highly-exclusive, luxurious, private island. Shortly after being awarded International Property Awards' Best Residential Development in Florida, Palazzo Del Sol has been named the International Property Awards' Best Residential Development in the United States. After several rounds of judging, the property beat out some of the country’s most prestigious single and multifamily homes, winning this coveted award for its incredibly high design, unrivaled white-glove services and luxurious, next-level amenities. For over 20 years, the International Property Awards has celebrated the highest level of excellence in the real estate, architecture and interior design industries. Palazzo Del Sol was completed in 2016 and was developed by Heinrich von Hanau's PDS Development, LLC. Hanau curated an world-acclaimed team including former International Property Awards winners Antrobus + Ramirez to oversee the interior design, landscape architect Enzo Enea, architect Kobi Karp and general contractor ASR Construction. The five-star boutique condominium features 43-ultra-luxury residences which feature unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean, South Beach, Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami to its well-heeled part-time and full-time residents, thanks to its prime location on a 4.5-acre waterfront parcel on Government Cut, the entrance to Miami’s port where the bay meets the ocean. Current availability includes select units priced from $6.5 million. Palazzo Del Sol residents enjoy a suite of indulgent amenities including a waterfront butler-serviced aperitivo bar and lounge, private movie theater, hair and makeup salon, private massage rooms, state-of-the-art fitness center designed by The Wright Fit, Kidville-designed children’s playroom, business center and contemporary pool terrace with towel attendant and cabanas. Residents also receive a custom-designed Garia golf car upon closing. 

Two Roads Development To Break-Ground On The Luxe Bayfront Tower Elysee In Edgewater On December 13

Two Roads Development will officially break ground on Elysee on December 13, just months after locking down $16.5 million in construction financing and awarding nearly $400,000 of commission checks to top brokers. The luxury condo tower will be located at 700 Northeast 23rd Street in Miami's Edgewater neighborhood. Elysee will rise 57-stories and was designed by architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica. The tower will feature 100 half-floor and full-floor residences priced from $1.5 million to $14 million. The tower will feature 3-tiered telescoping shape will provide direct 180-degree bay and city views from every residence. Luxury residences at Elysee will include floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sliding doors, private elevators and foyers, 10' to 12' ceilings, designer finishes and fixtures, premium appliances, top-of-the-line Italian cabinetry, as well as two expansive east/west-facing terraces with 180-degree sunrise and sunset views. Interiors were designed by Paris-based interior architect and designer Jean-Louis Deniot. The 7th floor will feature an amenity deck which will include a resort-sized lap pool with a poolside refreshment bar, outdoor summer kitchen and barbecue terrace; waterfront fitness center and yoga studio; spa facilities with private sauna, steam and massage rooms; children’s lounge; and a blow-dry bar. The 30th-floor will feature an Owners Sky Lounge with Grand Salon lounge area and full bar; a Grand Dining Room with seating for up to 30 guests; a professional-grade chef’s kitchen and chef’s table; and a library/private theater, game room, and wine room. Cervera Real Estate is the exclusive sales team for Elysee. Delivery is expected for 2019.