Waterfront Palm Island Estate Designed By Caesar Molina Hits Market For $48.5 Million

A waterfront estate on Miami Beach’s Palm Island has hit the market for $48.5 million. The tropical modern waterfront mansion is designed by renowned architect Caesar Molina and spans nearly 15,000-square feet of stunning amenities and unparalleled, museum-like interiors furnished by Artefacto.

Located at 40 Palm Ave., the newly built home features a double-sided water feature which welcomes you upon entrance into the eight bedroom, nine full and four half bathroom estate. Thoughtfully curated with luxury in mind, find a rare full size rooftop terrace is accessible by stairs or elevator with immaculate views of Miami’s most coveted views.

The primary bedroom features a massive closet, wet bar plus a terrace with a private plunge pool. The kitchen showcases Mia Cucina cabinetry, Wolf + Subzero appliances. Additional features include a state-of-the-art home theatre, gym with steam and sauna, a four-car electric garage and detached upstairs guest house.

Outside, the backyard features a spacious infinity edge pool, patio with grill, and a private boat dock offering 100 feet of water frontage.

40 Palm Ave is listed for $48.5 million with Liz Hogan of Compass.

Images via Become Legendary

Inside The Exclusive Louis Vuitton X Frank Gehry Collaboration For Art Basel Miami Beach

At this year’s Art Basel Miami Beach 2023, Louis Vuitton presented a selection of the works that legendary Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry has produced during his wide-ranging and longstanding collaboration with the Maison. The specially designed pop-up experience in which the works were presented embodies Gehry’s trademark aesthetic and his constant experimentation with forms. Wood and cardboard models that have always been central to the architect’s design process find their form in the scenography, while five enveloping sail-like mesh structures nod to Gehry’s 2014 window displays for the Maison. Organized into four themes dear to Frank Gehry – Architecture and Form, Material Exploration, Animals, and his Twisted Box creation for “Celebrating Monogram”– the objectson display include handbags, trunks, perfume bottles, original artworks, preparatory sketches, and architectural models.

The Louis Vuitton X Frank Gehry Art Basel Miami Beach pop-up served as the world premiere of Louis Vuitton x Frank Gehry, a limited-edition handbag collection. The collaborative capsule is based around three themes key to Frank Gehry’s long career – Architecture and Form, Material Exploration, and Animals – and features designs based upon the Maison’s iconic Capucines bags, the Twisted Box Trunk, and a remarkable Bear With Us Clutch, based upon Gehry’s 2014 Bear with Us sculpture.

Each bag exemplifies the unique combination of Frank Gehry’s design prowess and Louis Vuitton’s remarkable craft and savoir-faire, such as a Capucines Mini Blossom with its glass-like resin petals inspired by perfume bottles and hammered LV recalling the logo he created for the Fondation Louis Vuitton, the iconic building he designed in Paris; a Capucines MM Floating Fish with painstakingly worked leather marquetry inspired by the piscine lamps on display at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, and a Capucines MM Concrete Pockets whose innovative 3D cement-effect screen-printing gives the bag’s calfskin exterior the varied textures of Frank Gehry constructions.

Another highlight of the Maison’s Art Basel Miami Beach pop-up was the “A Tea Party for Louis” Trunk, the architect’s distinctive creation for the 200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries exhibition that celebrated Louis Vuitton’s 200th birthday. Based upon Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, his striking sculpture-trunk is a collection of eight arrestingly inventive figurines, each one resembling both a character in the book and the model of an imaginary Frank Gehry building. When brought together, the characters form what the architect describes as a tea party for the Maison’s founder.

Other Frank Gehry projects and artworks for Louis Vuitton on show included his Les Extraits perfume bottles and their unique stoppers handcrafted in Murano, Italy, and the Flaconnier Les Extraits designed to transport them, as well as a selection of sketches and models, such as preparatory drawings for his work on the “Celebrating Monogram” project and maquettes exploring his design for the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris. These were accompanied by videos illustrating Gehry’s most famous collaborations with Louis Vuitton, and a painted portrait of the architect by French artist Jean-Philippe Delhomme.

Following its successful initial presence at Art Basel in Basel, Paris and Miami Beach in 2022, Louis Vuitton is proud to have served as a global Associate Partner of Art Basel Miami Beach 2023. This additional support further confirms the Maison’s close and committed relationship to the arts, one that began nearly a century ago when Gaston-Louis Vuitton, the founder’s grandson, began commissioning artists to collaborate with Louis Vuitton on advertisements and perfume bottles.

Since 1988, Louis Vuitton has continued this legacy by collaborating with some of the biggest names in modern art and design, including Sol LeWitt, James Rosenquist, Cesar, and Olafur Eliasson. It has curated exhibitions by artists such as Sophie Calle, Dan Flavin, Alberto Giacometti and Gerhard Richter in its Espaces Louis Vuitton, instore contemporary art spaces, and has also created innovative large-scale global art projects, such as the 2022 collaboration with Yayoi Kusama, and a capsule collection of bags, shoes, accessories, luggage, and fragrances. The Fondation Louis Vuitton, which opened in October 2014 in Paris, embodies the commitment of LVMH – and Louis Vuitton in particular – to corporate philanthropy in support of the arts and creative endeavours. The building, commissioned from Frank Gehry, is already recognised as an emblematic example of 21st-century architecture and has already welcomed millions of visitors from the entire world.

Images via Louis Vuitton

Mast Capital and Rockpoint Top Off Multi-Family Development At Gateway To Miami Beach

As the appetite for apartment living in Miami Beach continues to soar, Mast Capital, a Miami-based development firm led by Camilo Miguel, Jr., in partnership with Boston-based real estate private equity firm Rockpoint, have topped off construction on its newest luxury rental community on Alton Road. The nine-story, multifamily development, comprising of 178 units, is located at 3900 Alton Road and will serve as a gateway to the Mid-Beach neighborhood with convenient access to the Julia Tuttle Causeway.

Mast Capital and Rockpoint secured a $64 million construction loan from PNC Bank in November 2022 and broke ground on the development earlier this year. The project is slated to deliver the first units in Fall 2024.

“As we reach this major construction milestone, we are one step closer to delivering our newest rental community located on Miami Beach’s Alton Road corridor,” said Camilo Miguel Jr., CEO and Founder of Mast Capital. “Given the lack of available land in Miami Beach and the land trade value, most new developments in prime locations on Miami Beach consist of for-sale product. With this luxury multi-family project, we have an opportunity to meet the pent-up demand for a highly amenitized and professionally managed rental community in one of South Florida’s most sought-after neighborhoods.”

Designed by award-winning global architecture firm Arquitectonica, the upscale property will consist of 178 apartments, spanning studios to three-bedroom units. The residences will range in size from 560 square feet to 1,410 square feet and will feature luxury design elements including Italian cabinetry, porcelain flooring, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and wrap-around balconies with glass railings. The development will also incorporate high-end, lifestyle-driven amenities for residents, including an elevated pool deck with bay views, a BBQ area, an outdoor gaming area, fitness and yoga studios, a resident lounge, co-working spaces, and a pet washing station.

“We are pleased to near the completion of this important development site and look forward to helping meet the significant demand for high-quality rental units in the Miami Beach submarket, which continues to exhibit low vacancies and strong rental growth,” said Dan Domb, Managing Member at Rockpoint. “This investment reflects our acquisition and development strategy for multifamily residential properties in the desirable and supply-constrained South Florida housing market. We are eager to continue our strong partnership with the team at Mast Capital and benefit from its established residential development expertise.”

Mast Capital has emerged as one of Florida’s most active real estate development and investment firms, with a diverse portfolio of residential and commercial properties throughout the region. The firm continues to expand its portfolio, with acquisitions representing over $3.5 billion in total project capitalization. These investments include new-build development of over 4,000 residential units across South Florida, and the Fort Myers and Tampa metro areas.

Origin Residences by Artefacto Passes 70% Sold in Miami's Bay Harbor Islands

Just six months after launching sales, Origin Residences by Artefacto is 70% sold, putting it on track as one of the fastest-selling residential building in Bay Harbor Islands. The development is a collaboration between Chile-based VDA | Origin Miami, a leading development company in Chile led by Mauricio Moya and Sergio Guzmán, and internationally acclaimed home furnishings brand Artefacto, led by Paulo Bacchi. Origin Residences by Artefacto will bring 27 custom finished and furnished condominiums to Miami’s coveted Bay Harbor Islands.

The luxury boutique building in Miami’s premier Bay Harbor Islands will feature an exclusive collection of two-to-four-bedroom residences, ranging from 1,300 square feet to 2,330 square feet, where prices started at $1.390 million with sales overseen by Cervera Real Estate. Most of the buyers at Origin Residences by Artefacto are Brazilian. Recently South Florida has witnessed an influx of Braizlians to the market. According to the Miami Association of Realtors, Brazil lands third in the top five of international homebuyer transactions in 2023. The developers also recently revealed that they are now paying commission.

"We owe these remarkable milestones to the ongoing demand for true Miami waterfront living, as well as the exquisite common area design by Carla Guilhem, a world-renowned designer selected by Artefacto, our partner in the development," expressed Mauricio Moya, lead developer at VDA Miami. “Together, we have been able to create a visionary project that accentuates the concept of luxury waterfront living in South Florida. At Origin Residences by Artefacto, residents will experience a transformative lifestyle and exceptional opportunities as Bay Harbor Islands continue to flourish. We are honored to be a part of Bay Harbor Islands’ legacy, and we feel that Origin by Artefacto will leave an indelible mark on the city's future."

The collection of 27 spacious two-to-four-bedroom residences offers breathtaking waterfront views of Bay Harbor Islands. The residences come with access to a private marina that boasts 10 boat slips and direct access to the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Miami and Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal waterways. The development includes an array of top-of-the-line amenities, such as a rooftop pool with poolside summer kitchens and bar, an Owner’s lounge, a kid’s playroom, a coworking meeting space, and a gym with state-of-the-art equipment. Additionally, each unit is designed with a generous floor plan that includes floor-to-ceiling, impact-resistant sliding glass doors and windows, private balconies with glass railings and panels, fully accessorized kitchens designed by Carla Guilhem with high-end Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, modern bathrooms with European style cabinetry, porcelain flooring, ample storage space, and residential parking.

Cervera’s President of Development Sales, Jesse D. Ottley, added, “We could not have reached this incredible sales milestone without the help of our dedicated sales and marketing teams and our developers who have worked tirelessly to conceptualize a project that will transform luxury living in South Florida. Buyers have gravitated to these expansive waterfront residences where unobstructed views are protected by the waterways to the West, and with such a demand for boating in Miami, having their own private boat slip directly in front of their residence is an amenity that few can offer in this market."

This exceptional development, featuring architecture by Revuelta Architecture International, known for its quality designs and sustainable solutions, offers meticulously designed interiors with high-quality details to complement the busy lifestyles of residents at Origin Residences by Artefacto. The project also includes interiors curated by Carla Guilhem.

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

Visual artist Shawn Kolodny partners with renowned fragrance brand House of Creed on New Sculptural Installations During Miami Art Week 2023

Last week the revered The House of Creed and leading visual artist Shawn Kolodny celebrated their creative collaboration with a private event at the Esmé Miami Beach Hotel. The event was in celebration of Kolodny’s striking installations for the House of Creed’s holiday window displays in over 30 locations worldwide, including Creed’s Miami Design District Store.  The event also featured the unveiling of a new public sculpture by Kolodny, scented by Creed, on Española Way and Drexel Avenue near Miami Beach. The artist and Creed team celebrated with guests including Jordan Watts of Love Watts, artist Olive Allen, model Ellen Alexander, artist Talia Zoref, and Zach Iser. Guests enjoyed music by DJ Anna de Ferran.  

Kolodny says “Creed is undoubtedly a brand that I revere for its craftsmanship, history  and values. Being an artist, I know how many years of dedication it takes to perfect your craft. This is where I feel a synergy with the House of Creed and the 7 generations of tailors and perfumers that have perfected time and time again the scents that we experience now.” 

Kolodny partnered with the City of Miami Beach, The House of Creed and the Esmé Miami Beach Hotel to present a new, large scale public sculpture on Española Way and Drexel Avenue near Miami Beach. This dynamic sculpture evokes the vibrancy and movement of our ever-changing natural world and invites viewers to become a part of the art amidst their own reflection. To add further dimension to the installation, the public sculpture is scented by The House of Creed’s Carmina fragrance. The  public sculpture will be on view until May 10, 2024.  

Sushi Club Drops Their Second Miami Capsule For Miami Art Week 2023

Sushi Club, the premium menswear capsule collaboration by Nobu Matsuhisa and Chris Stamp, is set to drop their second Miami Sushi Club capsule, this time launching in tandem with this year’s festive Art Basel weekend in Miami. The inaugural ‘Miami Sushi Club’ capsule launched earlier this year for Miami Race Week but with only a limited range of smaller quantities, leaving many of the brand's following wanting more. After much anticipation, Miami Sushi Club returns in full force this Art Basel, including the city’s exclusive vintage blue-jean colorway, offered in the capsule’s iconic hoodie, t-shirt and hat. In addition to the exclusive colorway, the rest of the capsule presents a robust offering, including but not limited to Miami’s very own varsity jacket, masu cup and 4 different collectible hat options.

Sushi Club intends to share the message of food, hospitality and fashion as an art form during Art Basel, championing the value and preciousness of bringing like-minded creatives together in one place to enjoy a curated meal in beautiful company. Chris Stamp will be hosting a celebratory intimate dinner, with a custom menu designed by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

This limited-edition capsule will launch on December 15th at 11am EST on sushi-club.com & in-store a the La Brea flagship store at 11am PST.

Since its inception in Beverly Hills, CA 2021 Chris Stamp, founder of premium menswear brand Stampd, and Nobu Matsuhisa have embarked on a journey to create a community celebrating the elegant simplicity of quality food and art. Bonded through their mutual love for sushi, the arts, travel and fashion, the duo look to create an inclusive world catered towards like-minded individuals who wish to further immerse themselves in the lifestyle of culinary art.

Nobu is the globally renowned Japanese restaurant, recognized for pioneering a new-style Japanese cuisine. It started in 1994 as a business partnership between Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, producer Meir Teper and restaurateur Drew Nieporent. The partners opened their first flagship Nobu restaurant in New York, and now the Nobu brand has grown to an empire with over 54 locations that spans across five continents. Locations include Miami, New York, London, Tokyo, Milan, Dubai, Cape Town, Budapest, Monte Carlo, Istanbul, Sydney, Singapore, Las Vegas, Malibu, San Diego, Los Angeles, Lana’i, Chicago, Atlanta, and many more. To this day, Nobu is a brand synonymous with dependable luxury, and continues to attract fans worldwide for its enduring atmosphere, and guarantee of an exceptional Nobu-style experience.

Images via Sushi Club

PROFILEmiami Insiders Guide To Art Week 2023: Art Shows And Activations Across Miami

The Holiday season is once again here and that means it is time for Miami Art Week 2023. Starting December 4 and running through December 10, Miami Art Week attracts millions of visitors from across the globe to Miami’s sunny beach’s and luxurious enclaves for a celebration of art, design, fashion, style and culture. Miami Art Week brings together some of the world’s best artists, galleries, art collectors, designers and cultural icons for a week of art shows, installations, events and lavish parties. PROFILEmiami is bringing our readers a series of in-depth Guides to Art Week with a curated list of must-attend art shows, installations and events throughout the week.

PROFILEmiami’s Third Edition of our Insiders Guide explores the high-energy art shows which pop-up across the city the first week of December each year. Art Collectors and visitors have the opportunity to explore the world’s leading art galleries all concentrated into select art shows which serve as pop-up museums and cultural hotspots. Each show has a different feel and vibe, bringing together different galleries of similar art styles including modern, contemporary, impressionism, pop art, cubism, surrealism, etc. Collectors and visitors alike have the opportunity to get up close and personal rare museum quality paintings and sculptures from legends such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Willem de Kooning, Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney, Wayne Thiebaud, Robert Indiana and Andy Warhol, as well as the newest works by Jaume Plensa, Jeff Koons, Banksy, Kaws, RETNA, Bradley Theodore, David Yarrow, Alec Monopoly and Damien Hirst, amongst many others. While perusing the galleries attendees sip champagne, pose for photos with their favorite pieces and rub shoulders with the Jetset with celebrity sightings not uncommon.

This year during Miami Art Week there will be several exciting and immersive activations across Miami. Some of our Top 10 things to check out include renowned digital artist and designer Andrés Reisinger presents “Take Over Miami,” a spectacular public art installation debuting physical version of his viral digital series of ‘Take Overs’; the Annual Miami Design District Design Commission 2023 ‘Utopia’ By Lara Bahinc; ArtMiami / CONTEXT; Art Basel; renowned artist JR revealed a monumental new mural at Superblue; Ettore Sottsass & Friends, Memphis Milano X The Office Presented by Matthew Chevellard; Craig Robins Collection “A Train of Thoughts”; Erick & Elliot Jimenez: Reclining Mermaid; The Art of Hip Hop; and head out onto the beach at Faena to walk through ‘Maze: Journey Through The Algorithmic Self’ by Sebastian Errazuriz.

Whether your goal is to pick up some new art pieces for your home of just enjoy the energy of Miami Art Week, our Insiders Guide will help you plan your week so you don’t miss out on anything.

1. Andres Reisinger ‘Take Over Miami’

Location: 178 NE 39th St, Miami, FL 33137

Dates: December 4-10

Renowned digital artist and designer Andrés Reisinger presents “Take Over Miami,” a spectacular public art installation showcased at the Miami Design District. Radiating the city with a pink-hued creative energy, Reisinger transcends the boundaries between the digital and the physical, and debuts a physical version of his viral digital series of ‘Take Overs’. Reisinger presents the world's first public art installation seamlessly transitioned from the digital canvas to the physical world. The creative talent reinterprets the architecture of major capitals around the globe with pink drapes, integrating hyper realistic elements into existing buildings. For the first time ever, in ‘Take Over Miami’ Reisinger takes a step forth and brings to physical life the digital series, inviting art enthusiasts to join the transformation of a physical space into a surreal dreamscape of boundless creativity.

2. Annual Miami Design District Design Commission 2023 ‘Utopia’ By Lara Bahinc

Location: Miami Design District

Dates: November 2023 - March 2024

MDD has awarded designer Lara Bohinc the 2023 Miami Design District Annual Design Commission. ‘Utopia’ spans four installations featuring irregular, bulbous forms reminiscent of growing cellular organisms all across the Miami Design District. The sculptures are suggestive of living objects, mushrooming across the district. Collectively, they imagine a city where nature thrives peacefully and in harmony with our human presence.  Pieces include outdoor seating, tables and oversized light sculptures, as well as a giant centerpiece egg-form, and 900 egg-shaped birdhouses dispersed throughout the trees. Bohinc’s pieces are made from cork and painted by hand in vibrant hues paying homage to Miami’s architectural color palette. Curated in collaboration with Design Miami/ Curatorial Lab, Utopia’s dynamic sculptures will also welcome visitors with a special installation at the entrance of the Design Miami/ fair.

3. ArtMiami / CONTEXT

Where: One Herald Plaza at 14th Street on Biscayne Bay

When: VIP preview (invitation only): Tuesday, December 5, 4.30–10 p.m.; Public show days: Wednesday, December 6–Saturday, December 9, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, December 10, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

As Miami’s original and longest running contemporary art fair and second most attended fair globally, Art Miami is consistently recognized as a leading destination for the acquisition of the most important works from the 20th and 21st centuries in collaboration with the world's most respected galleries Art Miami 2023 is Miami’s longest-running art fair now in its 33rd year. will kick off with the highly anticipated VIP Preview on Tuesday, December 5th before opening to the public on December 6 through Sunday, December 10 at the prestigious waterfront location of One Herald Plaza in the heart of downtown Miami. Art Miami continues to develop and draw upon the vast collector base, art dealers, advisors, curators and museums that descend upon Miami for what has been largely heralded as the most important week for contemporary art in the United States with over 170 galleries and 900 artists featured.

CONTEXT Art Miami is Art Miami’s sister fair, presented annually alongside Art Miami and offers an exceptionally strong platform for collectors to discover and acquire fresh and significant works in today's primary art market. This year will feature more than 75 more galleries from 20 countries.

4. Art Basel

Where: Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive

When: VIP previews: Wednesday, December 6 and Thursday, December 7 | 11 a.m.–7 p.m. | Public show days: Friday December 8 – Sunday, December 10, 11 A.M.–6 P.M.

For the 2023 edition of Art Basel’s premier global fair in the Americas, Art Basel will bring together 277 leading international galleries to present the highest quality artworks across all media – from painting and sculpture to photography and digital works – by artists ranging from early-twentieth-century Modern pioneers to contemporary practitioners. Nearly two-thirds of this year’s galleries hail from North and South America, joined by an exceptional array of exhibitors from Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The fair will welcome 25 newcomers to the Miami Beach show, with three entering directly into the main Galleries sector: Galerie Minsky (Paris), Ortuzar Projects (New York), and Weinstein Gallery (San Francisco). Six galleries will join the fair for the first time in Nova, the sector for galleries presenting new works by up to three artists; 9 galleries in Positions, hosting young galleries showcasing ambitious solo presentations by emerging international artists; and 7 galleries in Survey, dedicated to galleries highlighting artistic practices of historical relevance.

Dedicated to monumental artworks, the Meridians sector will host 19 thought-provoking projects including new and site-specific works, with a focus on new perspectives on how we collectively inhabit our planet. The Kabinett sector will feature 30 galleries showcasing 28 carefully curated installations within their main booths

5. JR’s Newly Revealed , Interactive Mural at Superblue During Miami Art Week

A monumental new mural by renowned artist JR has been revealed at Superblue during Miami Art Week. Scaling Superblue’s exterior and visible from afar, The Chronicles of Miami imagines how an entire city can be represented through art. Recognizable faces of mayors and celebrities can be spotted amongst the city’s locals, portrayed side by side and as equals, coming together to mark this moment in time.

To create the work, JR’s mobile studio traveled through well-known and historic Miami neighborhoods in November 2022: including Wynwood, Little Haiti, the Design District, Downtown, Liberty City, and Coconut Grove. Passersby were encouraged to have their portrait taken either individually or as part of a group, choosing how they posed and represented themselves.

Following their portrait, each participant stepped into a recording booth where they could share a thought, story, or experience. Each participant’s voice is connected to their portrait through the free augmented reality app JR:murals.

Also debuting during Miami Art Week is one of JR’s most significant immersive works to date, The Machine Behind the Art: Inside JR’s Printing Press, created for Superblue. The installation invites visitors to walk through a portal-like door embedded into The Chronicles of Miami mural on the building’s façade. Once inside, visitors find themselves inside the mechanical world crucial to JR’s artistic practice. After taking their portraits in one of four individual photo booths, visitors enter the interior of an oversized, whirring printing press where their portraits escape from the rollers and float to the ground

6. Ettore Sottsass & Friends, Memphis Milano X The Office Presented by Matthew Chevallard

Location: 3930 NE 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33137

Dates: December 7, 5:30pm - 7:30pm

The OFFICE MIA & Matthew Chevallard, presents Ettore Sottsass & Friends known as Memphis Milano for Art Basel 2023. Ettore Sottsass, the visionary artist and leader of the 1980s Memphis design group, laid the groundwork for the Memphis movement, challenging design norms. Sottsass's legacy extends beyond design, capturing the essence of creativity and innovation. This exhibition will display a variety of pieces by Sottsass and other artists part of Memphis Milano.

7. Craig Robins Collection “A Train of Thoughts”

Location: DACRA Headquarters, 3841 NE 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33137

Dates: December 6-8

The Craig Robins Collection in Miami comprises over 1,300 pieces of contemporary art and innovative design, and exhibited within the Dacra headquarters in the Miami Design District. This year’s rehanging of the collection is titled “A Train of Thoughts”, focusing on two core subgroups of the collection’s holdings: figuration and conceptualism. The exhibition highlights a collecting history that has favored a taste for the abject and hyperbolic figurative image, in tandem with the self-reflexive, institutional critique of art based on ideas-- a seemingly incompatible pair that yields unexpected dialogues.

8. Erick & Elliot Jimenez: Reclining Mermaid

Location: Corner of NE 2nd Ave. & 40 St., Miami, FL 33137

‘Reclining Mermaid’ is a site-specific billboard by Elliot & Erick Jiménez, first generation Cuban American twin photo duo located above Patek Philippe in the Miami Design District. The work is a portrait of Yemaya, the deity syncretized with our Lady of Regla in Cuba, and ruler of the seas — her shimmering dress resembling the refraction of the ocean’s surface. The figure is mostly obscured with the exception of her eyes; a customary feature within Elliot & Erick’s artwork, the eyes remaining present in the image serves as posterity to the history of Cuba’s colonialism and blending of Spanish and West African traditions. Reclining Mermaid is part of “Southern Histories”, a series of large-scale works at culturally significant sites to commemorate under-recognized historical narratives connected to Miami’s roots in the American South, Latin America, and the Caribbean. This public work underscores the history of migration from the Caribbean and Latin America to Miami, and the myriad ways in which these cultures transformed the city’s urban fabric over the decades. Produced in collaboration with Spinello Projects and commissioned by Fringe Projects with support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

9. The Art of Hip Hop

Location: 299 NW 25th St., Miami, FL 33127

Dates: Permanent Beginning December 5, 2023 | 11AM – 6 PM

Alan Ket & Allison Freidin, Founders of The Museum of Graffiti, proudly present Art of Hip Hop, an immersive exhibition, opening in Wynwood, spotlighting the visual unsung heroes of Hip Hop culture, including photographers, album cover artists, graffiti visionaries, and logo designers. Following successful showings at SXSW and UrbanBreak in Seoul, this showcase lands in Miami on December 5, 2023, offering a unique exploration of Hip Hop's history and Miami's own cultural contributions to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop.

The inaugural exhibition, entitled From the Bronx to the Beach, will showcase rare vintage ephemera from Hip Hop’s first NYC DJ, Kool Herc, to Miami’s own pioneer Uncle Luke. Visitors can expect to see the works of famed Hip Hop photographers Janette Beckman, Mike Miller, Henry Chalfant, Matt Doyle, Lisa Leone, Joe Conzo, and Daniel Hastings, alongside Hip Hop album covers designed by Cey Adams, Eric Haze, Slick, Kaws, and more. The exhibition will also shine a special spotlight on Miami’s own Hip Hop history, capturing it through the lenses of local historian and photographer Derick G and photographer Esdras T. Thelusma.

10. ‘Maze: Journey Through The Algorithmic Self’ by Sebastian Errazuriz

Location: Faena Beach

Dates: December 5th - December 10th | 11:00am - 7:00pm

The Faena Beach has been taken over by a monumental site-specific installation by Chilean artist Sebastian Errazruriz. In contrast to conventional labyrinths, this sand covered MAZE is not designed to get lost or disorient but to find ourselves, to spark conversation and build community. Sand-covered walls blend form an immersive maze into the Miami Beach landscape against the backdrop of turquoise waters. Within this maze where one never gets lost and all paths lead toward one destination, a symbolic gathering point. One inevitably arrives at the center of the maze where Errazuriz guides us to a space designed for congregation, a small plaza where we can gather to contemplate and engage in meaningful conversations.

Major Food Group to Debut Chateau ZZ's Mexican Concept in Historic Landmark Brickell Estate

Before the end of the year, Major Food Group (MFG) will debut the impossibly glamorous Chateau ZZ’s in a historic Miami estate steeped in significance and allure. Here, MFG will introduce the acclaimed company’s first-ever foray into Mexican cuisine. Hidden in plain sight in the heart of Brickell, this two-floor architectural marvel, originally constructed as a private residence in 1931 by legendary architect Martin L. Hampton, is the only known French chateau in the city and was designated a historically protected building in 1983. Now MFG, in collaboration with the visionary Ken Fulk, Inc., have meticulously restored the estate to its former splendor.

The first level of the reimagined manor features MFG’s first-ever Mexican concept—a glitzy restaurant with impeccable cuisine, an extensive collection of the rarest tequilas, a stunning solarium, a vibrant bar and lounge, and idyllic outdoor gardens. The second level of Chateau ZZ’s, meanwhile, is strictly private and available exclusively to members of ZZ’s Club. At Chateau ZZ’s, tuxedo-clad service captains will orchestrate a journey through iconic Mexicans dishes; features include a table-side guacamole presentation, Sweet Corn Elote, Lobster Aguachile Verde, Ribeye Pastor, and so much more, all presented with MFG’s famed sense of flair.

This endeavor not only signifies the group's first foray into a vast and rich culinary realm but also marks the unveiling of the estate to the public. Paying homage to the address' rich history, Chateau ZZ's stands as a testament to Major Food Group's commitment to revitalizing and preserving historic landmarks.

Originally built in 1931, the property, referred to as “Château Petit Douy,” was designed to resemble the Priory in Saint Julian, France and reflects the period revival style of architecture common during the first half of the twentieth century. Located in what was then known as the Millionaires’ Row neighborhood, the home remains as one of the few historic mansions left on Brickell Avenue. The property gained its historic designation status in 1983. The property was acquired by Ytech, led by Yamal Yidios, in 2023 before undergoing a recently completed renovation and restoration.

Founded by Jeff Zalaznick, Mario Carbone, and Rich Torrisi, MFG has made a substantial commitment to South Florida over the last three years, moving their headquarters to the area and building an array of businesses that have enriched several neighborhoods and created more than 700 jobs to date. In the span of a decade, MFG has grown into one of the most acclaimed hospitality groups in the world. They have pioneered a celebratory style of dining at such iconic restaurants as CARBONE and The Grill, forged groundbreaking partnerships with leading designers and luxury brands, and opened The Ludlow Hotel in Manhattan and The Newbury Boston.

Since 2020, the company has expanded into several markets, from South Florida to Paris, while exploring new ventures like the private membership venue ZZ’s Club in Miami and The Crown Club at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. In addition to building renowned restaurants, MFG is proud of its support of various social causes and its lasting partnership with the Robin Hood Foundation, one of New York City’s most important forces in the fight against poverty. To date, MFG has been awarded a total of 18 stars from The New York Times and three from the Michelin Guide. MFG’s businesses are located in New York City, Miami, Boston, Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Paris, and Tel Aviv. The concepts include CARBONE, Sadelle’s, The Grill, ZZ’s Club, Dirty French, Parm, Contessa, and The Lobster Club. In September 2023 Boucher Brothers and Major Food Group were named by voters as the new stewards of one of the most stunning and historic beachfront properties on the globe, 1 Ocean Drive. Their vision for the address, designed by Kobi Karp, will come to life in 2026 at the site that has been operated as Nikki Beach since 1985.

Japanese Architect Kengo Kuma Unveils Design For Mixed-Use MIRAI Design District

A consortium of three visionary developers, Lionheart Capital, Leviathan Development, and Well Duo, is set to further transform the Miami Design District with the introduction of MIRAI Design District at 4200 NE 2nd Avenue designed by Kengo Kuma and Associates (KKAA). This groundbreaking mixed-use development, which will be super-star Architect Kengo Kuma first mixed-use project in the United States. promises to redefine elegance and simplicity in architectural design and become another world-class draw for Miami.

MIRAI, the Japanese word that signifies “the distant future,” emphasizes the forward-thinking and innovative nature of this project. MIRAI is set to create a luxurious and uncluttered lifestyle in the heart of the city, where refined design and prime positioning come together to offer a sophisticated shopping retreat.

The project will break ground in Summer 2024 with completion by the end of 2025. Critically acclaimed landscape architecture firm Island Planning Corporation, led by Nathan Browning, has been enlisted to envision complementary greenscapes, along with celebrated Italian lighting company, Viabizzuno, who will oversee lightscapes. This all-star design team has been recruited to ensure a harmonious fusion of natural elements and cutting-edge technology.

“MIRAI Design District will be an architectural masterpiece with world-class allure, offering a distinctive fusion of boutique luxury retail and exceptional workplace environments,” said Allison Greenfield, Principal of Leviathan Development and Chief Development Officer at Lionheart Capital. “We aim to re-awaken a sense of discovery in the retail experience; emphasizing a unique, curated shopping experience housed in a structure with the same philosophy. MIRAI Design District is more than just a building; it's an invitation to immerse yourself in meaningful design that connects seamlessly with the vibrant future-forward energy of the Miami Design District and the City itself. It will be another distinctive stamp on the future of architecture in this electrifying city.”

Looking to attract bespoke and high-street retail brands with design excellence, the mixed-use development will have a ground floor with 17 modular retail units, totaling approximately 15,500 rentable square feet. Modular units can be combined with ease for larger footprints or remain singular for an individual brand experience. Almost all retail bays have “corner” conditions. The developers are aligning with the global trend favoring boutique-like spaces in the retail landscape. The second and third floor will feature four commercial units, offering approximately 41,000 square feet, and will be geared towards businesses looking for trophy office locations in a highly designed building.

"For me, architecture is a canvas, a medium to create liberating spaces with essential walls and columns, inviting people to traverse and dream. Inspired by the energy and natural beauty of Miami, MIRAI embodies the harmonious blend of Japanese traditions and the intricate tapestry of old-world architecture,” said Kengo Kuma. “The purpose of MIRAI is to fashion a space that not only frames the natural tropical elements of Miami but also harmonizes seamlessly with its surroundings. It's about providing a haven that exudes tranquility and comfort, inviting all who visit and inhabit to partake in the essence of the vibrant city—a sanctuary where dreams can take flight amid the lush beauty of Miami.”

Kuma's designs, known for merging architecture and nature, extend beyond the physical structure, incorporating greenery, pedestrian passages, and a living rooftop. The building integrates tech-savvy and sustainable features, offering high-tech lobbies, operable windows, VRS systems, and a living green roof adorned with solar panels.

Inspired by Japanese aesthetics and local Floridian landscapes, a lush central garden invites tenants and visitors to engage in an al-fresco cultural experience, creating a vibrant social scene. Situated at the north-east corner of the Design District, MIRAI Design District bridges commercial and residential areas, embracing the pedestrian-oriented nature of the District. With convenient access to the major highway I-95, easy commute to Miami International Airport and private jet charters leaving Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, the development offers a seamless connection to the city's pulse in Downtown, Brickell and Miami Beach.

MIRAI Design District will not just be a building; it will be a destination within Miami’s cultural core and an extension of Miami’s Design District (MDD). Tenants will be a part of ultra-luxury retail, captivating architecture, art galleries, and Michelin-starred restaurants.

“Our vision for the Miami Design District has always been to create a destination that would inspire architects and developers who share our passion for thoughtful design and celebrate our city’s tropical identity," said Craig Robins, CEO of DACRA. “MIRAI Design District brings the depth and modernity that is a signature of Japanese design. We are pleased to welcome this brilliant team to the Miami Design District.”

Roy and Lea Black List Star Island Estate For $37.5 Million

Attorney Roy Black and his wife Real Housewives of Miami-star Lea Black, have listed their Star Island home for $37.5 Million. Saddy Abaunza Delgado with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty has listed the property alongside Elena & Stefano Iturriaga of London Real Estate Company. Located at 45 Star Island, the property is nestled along Biscayne Bay and provides 180-feet of waterfront access, a rarity on the island. The existing home offers 7 bedrooms, 8 full baths, 1 half plus a two-bathroom guest house. Additional features include a 60-foot dock to park your boat, new pool, a movie theater that sits 10, a Viking gas stove, a sub-zero refrigerator, a children's pirate tree house, and a sauna.

The gated Star Island has long been one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Miami, just across the MacArthur Causeway from the entrance to Fisher Island and Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood. Star Island is a man-made island in the middle of Biscayne Bay and located in the city of Miami Beach. The island was built by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1922 as part of a dredging project and was developed by Carl Fisher into an island for the rich and famous. The island is now home to celebrities and billionaires such as Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Rick Ross, Philip Frost, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Alex Rodriguez, Stuart Miller and Vladislav Doronin.

In March 2023 PROFILEmiami reported that Star Island had emerged as the leader among the most expensive neighborhoods in the United States, leading Port Royal in Naples, FL and Beverly Hill’s Beverly Hills Gateway and Trousdale Estates, according to sales data from Zillow Group Inc. The average home sale on the ritzy island in 2022 traded for $40.2 million, up $16.7 million and 71% from 2019 when the average home sale on the island was $23.5 million.

Over the past several years hedge fund heavyweight Ken Griffin, founder Citadel, has purchased an assemblage of five properties on the island for a combined $170 million. In 2018 Lennar Executive Chairman Stuart Miller acquired Thomas Kramer's former 4 and 5 Star Island Drive for $33 million and also developed an ultra-luxury spec home at 22 Star Island with Todd Michael Glaser which was designed by DOMO Design and sold for $49.5 million in an off-market deal overseen by David Solomon and David Miller in 2020. In August 2023 music mogul and rap superstar Rick Ross closed on 37 Star Island Drive for $35 million.

Credit: LuxHunters for ONE Sotheby’s International Realty