American Dream Miami Undergoing Final Approvals To Bring America's Largest Mall to Miami-Dade

After scoring their first approvals in January, American Dream Miami is currently undergoing its final approvals. If approved and built, the mall would become the largest mall in America, with a cost of over $4 billion. The project will include 1.5 million SF of entertainment and amusement, over 2,000 hotel rooms, an entertainment complex, as well as another 1.5 million SF of retail. The amusement and entertainment section will include a ski slope, indoor water park, indoor roller coaster and a submarine ride. The projected completion and opening would be 2022. The proposal is still under scrutiny from commercial developers such as Simon Property Group, General Growth Properties and Tubman Centers, who have created an opposition called the South Florida Taxpayers Alliance and aim to stop public funds from being contributed to the development of American Dream Miami. 

Arbor in Coconut Grove Announces Partnership With Miami-Dade's Million Trees Miami Campaign

The 52-residence Arbor, Coconut Grove’s latest boutique condo offering, jointly developed by Urban Atlantic Group and Oak Ventures, announced a partnership with Miami-Dade County’s Million Trees Miami Campaign. Million Trees Miami is a community effort to plant one million trees by 2020 and achieve a 30% tree canopy, which is the national standard for a healthy, urban environment. The program was created by Neat Streets Miami to bring awareness to the social, economic, and environmental benefits that sustainable urban landscapes provide, including enhanced quality of communities and their sustained livability. Arbor is the first residential development to take part in Miami-Dade County’s initiative to plant one million trees by 2020.  

Nick Hamann, Arbor’s lead developer, is a Coconut Grove resident himself and principal with Urban Atlantic Group. He is the first residential developer to participate in the initiative by registering the trees planted at Arbor with the Million Trees Miami campaign. Hamann says, "It’s important that we set a good policy and lead by example. If we all work together, we can find creative solutions to create and maintain a sustainable urban environment for future generations. We hope our partnership will raise awareness and encourage others to join the cause.” 

Dennis C. Moss, Neat Streets Miami Chairman and Miami-Dade County District 9 Commissioner, notes how important tree canopy is “[d]ue to Miami-Dade County’s rapid development and recent devastating storms.” As storms and rising sea levels become more unpredictable due to climate change, trees and other vegetation will be key in helping mitigate the effects of flooding, pollution, and erosion. 

Miami joins other metropolitan cities such as Washington D.C., Charlotte, Los Angeles, and New York City, who have recognized the benefits of similar city-wide tree campaigns. Arbor and Million Trees Miami will also team-up throughout the year to host educational and hands-on tree planting events, with the first slated for May 18, 2018 at Coconut Grove Elementary School. 

Sales for Arbor launched in mid-March 2017 and completion is slated for 2019. Residences start at $799,000. Douglas Elliman is exclusively handling sales for the project. For more information or to get involved, visit http://milliontrees.miamidade.gov/home.asp. 

Article by Katya Demina

Read our PROFILE Exclusive with Nick Hamann of Urban Atlantic Group and Jeremy Waks of Oak Ventures, LLC. discussing Arbor and bringing eco-friendly living to Coconut Grove.

Check Out Metropica, The $1.5 Billion YOO & Oppenheim-Designed Upscale Mixed-Use Mega-Project Coming To Sunrise

Across from the Sawgrass Mall, one of the largest malls in the United States, developer Joseph Kavana's KGH International Development is building Metropica, the $1.5 billion mixed-use live-work-play mega-project in Sunrise's western corridor. The first residential tower bearing the namesake Metropica has already topped out at 28-stories in January 2018. The high-street retail project covers 65-acres with 8 residential towers and is designed by YOO Design Studio, Oppenheim Architecture, CI Design and EDSA. When complete Metropica will bring 2,250 residential condominiums to the area along with 650,000 SF of office space; 2 boutique hotels with 240 keys each; 485,000 SF of retail, culinary, entertainment; and designated green park space. Stores include Urban Outfitters; Anthropologie; an iPic movie theater; and Sugar Bowl, a home decor store.

The residential tower features residences that range from one-to-three-bedroom floor-plans that range from 740 SF to 1,379 SF start at $460,000 for one-bedrooms, $480,000 for two-bedrooms and $580,000 for three-bedrooms. There will also be a 1,900 SF+ penthouse series that start at $1.1 million. Condos feature spacious open floorplans with balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and custom-finished palettes and finishes. Amenities include a saltwater pool, theatre, a private screening room, a play room, tennis courts, and a clubroom. Residents will also have access to the Metropica beach club, tennis courts, a 24-hour fitness center, basketball court, soccer field, fitness & wellness facility, a spa, massage therapy rooms, and a steam room and sauna.

Metropica is expected to be completed in 2021.

Formula One Is Coming To Downtown Miami In 2019 After City Commissioners Vote Unanimously

Last week the Miami City Commission voted 5-0 to bring a Formula One Grand Prix to Downtown Miami. Set to be part of Formula One's 2019 schedule, most likely in October, and will give the circuit a second event in the United States. The vote approved Resolution No. 22, which approves bringing a Formula One race to the city, Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, from 2019 through 2028. The 2.57-mile course will run through Downtown Miami's Biscayne Boulevard, American Airlines Arena and PortMiami; although 4-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who is ecstatic about the race coming to Miami, has said that he would like to see changes to the proposed track. Promotions will be handled by Related Companies' and Miami Dolphins' owner Stephen M. Ross via his Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE). 

The approval of Formula One to come to Miami will bring a major, positive economic impact to the city. Formula One has 500 million global fans and currently hosts 21 races across five continents which are broadcast to over 1.8 billion viewers. The U.S. Grand Prix, which takes place in Austin, has attracted over 200,000 visitors to the city during race weekends. Adding races in the United States has been a goal of Liberty Media Corp. who acquired Formula One in 2016 for $1.1 billion in cash, 138 million Liberty Media shares and $351 million worth of an exchangeable debt instrument, issued by Formula One, which can be exchanged for shares of Liberty Media. Liberty Media also assumed $4.1 billion in Formula One's current debt. Liberty Media is also aiming to host races in the Las Vegas and New York markets which should further bolster the sports' fast growing popularity in the U.S. 

Brightline to Kick Off Service To Miami Via MiamiCentral Station May 19

Brightline will officially begin passenger service from Fort Lauderdale to Miami on May 19. Tickets are now on sale for the rail service connecting West Palm Beach to Downtown Miami, priced from $10 for Smart Service which offers 19' seats; and $15 for select service, which features 21' seats, more leg room, complimentary snacks and beverages as well as access to premium select lounge. West Palm Beach to Miami is available from $15 for smart service and $25 for select service. A grand opening weekend is already nearly sold out with tickets priced from $3 to $5. Brightline MiamiCentral Station is located at 600 NW 1st Avenue and features CentralFare, a 50,000 SF food hall slated to open fall 2018 complete with Einstein's Bros. Bagels, Joe & The Juice and Starbucks. 

Brightline is setting the new benchmark for travel by train in America with express inter-city passenger rail service connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, with future service to Orlando. Providing a travel option that lives at the intersection of transportation and hospitality, the service is expected to reduce traffic and provide South Floridians with a simple and intuitive experience from door to destination, and foster new opportunities to explore more of Southeast Florida. Brightline will be the only privately owned, operated and maintained passenger rail system in the United States. 

Judge Rules Florida Department of Transportation Can Proceed With "The Fountain" Signature Bridge

A judge has ruled to allow the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to proceed with the winning design for Downtown Miami's proposed $802 million Signature Bridge. The winning design is known as "The Fountain" designed by Archer Western and The de Moya Group. In an April hearing, the State of Florida Division of Administration Hearing ruled in favor of FDOT after bridge advocate and former Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff filed a lawsuit alleging that FDOT violated their 2013 settlement agreement via their handling of bids to design and build the bridge by manipulating scoring to allow the Archer Western and The de Moya Group's proposal to win. Another design by contractors Fluor, Astaldi and MCM, which finished in second, was allegedly the favorite design by community representatives. The court ruled that Fluor-Astaldi-MCM failed to prove that "The Fountain" was chosen due to corruption. The legal action delayed the groundbreaking which was supposed to commence in 2017 and be completed in 2022. The Signature Bridge is expected to cost $802 million with $626 million in funds provided via the State of Florida including state motor fuels tax, vehicle license fee, and documentary stamp collections; and $186 million being funded via MDX toll revenue bond proceeds. 

Tour Jade Signature's Over-The-Top Amenities Including Celeb-Fave Natural Beauty Specialist Tata Harper First Full-Service Spa in Florida

Tata Harper, organic skincare and natural beauty expert to stars such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Brooke Shields, Emma Watson, and Anne Hathaway, has opened her first ever full-service Florida spa within Edgardo Defortuna's Fortune International Group's Jade Signature; designed by the internationally acclaimed Pritzker Prize-winning Herzog & de Meuron. Amenities at Jade Signature include lush, landscaped grounds by Raymond Jungles Architects, beach access, a beach grill, a lagoon style pool, fitness center, wine cellar, restaurant, library, teens lounge, 24 hour concierge and valet along. The iconic tower, which is slightly turned to allow sunlight on the pool and beach throughout the day, features views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Intracoastal Waterway.

“It is an honor to be aligned with Tata Harper and to be opening this one-of-a-kind spa within Jade Signature,” said Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group. “Our residents are accustomed to the very best amenities and services. Tata complements everything we have accomplished with Jade and will truly elevate the oceanfront luxury residential experience to new heights.”

Jade Signature opened in March and was developed by Fortune International Group and created by architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron. With interior designs by Parisian firm PYR, led by Pierre-Yves Rochon, and landscaping by Miami-based architectural firm Raymond Jungles Inc., Tata Harper’s spa brings yet another distinguishing element to the tower, making it one of the most exceptional ultra-high-end properties in the world. 

Harper grows many of her ingredients in her anti-aging and paraban-free beauty products on her 1,200-acre farm in Vermont. She initially created her line when her stepfather was diagnosed with cancer in 2005.  On the heels of that challenging time, during which Harper learned more about harmful chemicals being used in self-care products, she set out to create a 100% natural, nontoxic brand. 

“Jade Signature is such a natural partner for us to open our very first Tata Harper Spa in Florida,” said Harper. “We created a space that feels coastal casual yet chic with our special Tata Harper touch in every detail.  We believe our clients should never have to compromise between health and results, natural and luxurious, or beauty and intelligence. The space and the treatments available at Jade Signature help bring the all-natural non-toxic luxury experience to life for this exclusive Miami community.”

The Tata Harper Spa at Jade Signature, marked by natural finishes, vibrant wood and green accents, and a glittering hand-cut koi mosaic designed by PYR, is exclusively reserved for residents of the property and their guests. Specialized facial and body treatments include the use of healing jade roller massages and jade stone placements.  There is additionally a sauna, steam room, hammam, relaxation zone, water therapy terrace, and a manicure and pedicure room, as well as products for purchase. 

Jade Signature has a limited assemblage of residences remaining among the tower’s most luxurious units. Known as “The Collection,” the portfolio is a compilation of two-story Sky Villas and penthouses, ranging from $14.3 million to $32.9 million. The Sky Villas offer stunning features, such as flow-through views, expansive terraces, private elevators, smart technology, service quarters and PYR-designed bathroom cabinetry. The two full-floor penthouses boast all of these world-class features as well as a private pool, gym and 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Water and the Miami skyline. Additional offerings include three- to five-bedroom residences, with sizes starting at 3,312 square feet and prices starting at $3.99 million. For more information on purchasing at Jade Signature, contact Fortune International Group at (305) 907-7493, or visit www.jadesignature.com.

Jade Signature is located at 16901 Collins Ave. and features 192 flow-through units. Sales and construction began in 2013. 95%+ of the 192 residences have been purchased by an array of buyers spanning the U.S., Latin America and Europe. 

| In Partnership with Fortune International Group | 

Inside The State Of The Sunny Isles Real Estate Market Panel Event Co-Hosted By PROFILEmiami & The Developers of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach

Local leaders, luminaries and real estate professionals recently converged at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach sales gallery for an in-depth discussion about the state of the Sunny Isles Beach real estate market. Fortune International Group and Château Group, developers of The Residences, hosted the panel in tandem with real estate news outlet PROFILEmiami, spotlighting important insights about the City and its continued growth.   

Demetri Demascus, editor of PROFILEmiami, moderated the May 2 symposium, which included participation by Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group; City of Sunny Isles Beach Vice Mayor Dana Goldman; Jorge L. Guerra Jr., President of the Miami Association of Realtors; and Boris Kozolchyk, Colliers International Executive Vice President and a local expert on growth and retail in Sunny Isles Beach.  

“The events we host in our sales gallery give us the opportunity to be a resource for real estate professionals and homebuyers alike, offering important information about the local market as well as trends in development,” said Edgardo Defortuna. 

“Having a deeper understanding of what is contributing to South Florida’s exponential growth – and the Sunny Isles market, specifically – is key for brokers and their buyers and important for the market as a whole,” said Manuel Grosskopf, CEO of Château Group.

Attendees of the breakfast event were locked in discussion about the strong retail and development growth that has taken hold in Sunny Isles Beach, including an analysis of some of the major factors that have contributed to the area’s recent construction boom.  

“I am delighted that I was able to participate in this special panel, which generated important feedback about the evolution of Sunny Isles Beach and what’s on the horizon for this vibrant market,” added Vice Mayor Dana Goldman. “The event was filled with important input, and the team behind The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach created an unparalleled, elegant experience for myself as well as their guests.”

Designed by Arquitectonica with interiors by Florentine architect Michele Bönan, The Residences -- comprised of 212 luxurious oceanfront condos -- will have a private club level on the 33rd floor, as well as a beach restaurant, pool deck, fitness center, kids club and spa, among other top-tier amenities and services. Residences start at $2.6 million with penthouses offered upwards of $25 million. For additional information, call 305.503.5811 or visit www.theresidencessunnyislesbeach.com. 

More photos can be found @ World Red Eye

Tour The Legendary American Tennis Icon Chris Evert's Boca Raton Estate Which Just Hit The Market For $4.999 Million

American legend and tennis icon, Chris Evert, former World No. 1 from the United States who holds 18 Grand Slam singles championships and three doubles titles, has listed her Boca Raton estate today for $4.999 million with Katia Reisler of Douglas Elliman and Rebecca Spooner of Siemens Group Realty.

Located at 8563 Horseshoe Lane in Boca Raton, the estate offers 8 bedroom and 7.5 bathrooms situated on 5-acres complete with a tennis court, putting greens, a garage to accommodate 9 cars and 2 guest houses. The main house features 6 bedrooms, 2 bedrooms in guest house, as well as maids quarters and laundry room. The meticulously designed estate offers multiple living and entertaining areas including large living room with fireplace and wet bar, large theater room, large office off living room and expansive dining room with butler's pantry; as well as a Chef's kitchen with large island, granite countertops, sub-zero appliances and large pantry. In addition to the tennis court and putting green, the beautifully landscaped grounds are perfect for entertaining with a large pool, covered patio and lounge areas.

8563 Horseshoe Lane, Boca Raton, is currently listed with $4,999,000 with Katia Reisler of Douglas Elliman and Rebecca Spooner of Siemens Group Realty.

Inside Florida's Newly-Signed State Law Regarding Public Access to Private Beaches

The bill, signed by Gov. Rick Scott last month, has spurred questions from beach residents and businesses alike; some fear access to Florida’s coastline will be cut off immediately. State ownership of Florida beaches extends from the mean high tide mark (wet sand) seaward to navigable waters, and private ownership extends from the mean high tide mark upland (dry sand).

Starting July 1, H.B. 631 will make it harder for local governments to mandate access to the privately owned beaches. It prevents municipalities from adopting ordinances to allow public entry when private property owners want to block off their beaches. Instead, the city or county would need to get a judge’s approval — by suing the private landowners. Litigation is likely inevitable as the public expects open access to beaches and would add a burden on the courts without providing any additional funding. 

In the past, municipalities were able to issue a Customary Use Ordinance to allow public access. The term “customary use” refers to the general right of the public to enjoy public beach access based on the legal doctrine of custom. The Florida Supreme Court recognizes such ordinances when the public’s use has been “ancient, reasonable, without interruption, and free from dispute.” 

According to the state Department of Environmental Protection, Florida has 825 miles of sandy beaches. Opponents of the new law worry that it will encourage private owners to restrict access by posting signs or roping off sand to prevent trespassing. Public officials worry how the limits will affect tourism, as beach recreation is a primary draw for visitors. 

Unfortunately, the effects of the law will be revealed on a case-by-case basis. Florida Senator Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, sponsored the bill in response to a complaint by Walton County residents, who were tired of beachgoers setting up chairs and leaving trash behind on their properties. They sued the county for not allowing them to restrict public access, and lost. Most resorts along the Eastern coastline, however, say they have no intention of restricting their beaches. Miami Beach says the law will have no impact there because the beachfront is public and state owned. 

Article by Katya Demina