Fortune International Group Celebrates The Official Grand Opening of Jade Signature in Sunny Isles Beach

Fortune International Group celebrated another successful delivery as the Herzog & de Meuron-designed Jade Signature officially celebrated its grand opening yesterday. The lavish celebration offered a glimpse into the stunningly finished amenities, complete with a live symphony, drum show and fireworks show. The building received its TCO with closings and move-ins beginning in February. 

"Today is about Jade Signature. It is about this site that allowed us to dream. To dream of having the parking underneath us. The dream of having 3 full floors of amenities. To dream of 100% of the units face the ocean directly and 60% of them are flow through unit that look both ways. To be able to twist the building so the sun is on the pool and the beaches throughout most of the afternoon without sacrificing any of the views. That dream that eventually comes through is what makes us very very proud," said Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group while speaking to the crowd at the grand opening celebration.

Jade Signature was developed under the leadership of husband-and-wife team Edgardo and Ana Cristina Defortuna of Fortune International Group, designed by the Pritzker-Prize winning architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron, in collaboration with Parisian interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR) and landscape architect Raymond Jungles, and financing provided by HSBC. 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. 

The Herzog & de Meuron's Jade Signature Receives TCO, Begins Closings In Sunny Isles Beach

After a grand countdown to completion that featured the installation of a giant 65,000-pound, 38-year-old kapok tree at the tower's base and the unveiling of “Bonhomme Universe,” the tower's new gemstone snowman by Daniel Knorr, Jade Signature has officially received its temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO) in Sunny Isles Beach. Closings have begun and residents are now slated to begin moving in within the next few weeks (January 30, 2018). Jade Signature was developed under the leadership of husband-and-wife team Edgardo and Ana Cristina Defortuna of Fortune International Group, designed by the Pritzker-Prize winning architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron, in collaboration with Parisian interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR) and landscape architect Raymond Jungles, and financing provided by HSBC. 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. With this initial TCO achieved, the development team expects that the building will be fully completed for its official opening at the end of the first quarter.

“We are so proud to be of delivering this masterpiece to the world,” said Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group. “Our buyers have long recognized our vision and strength, knowing full-well what the final result will be when a group of industry leaders set out to create something extraordinary.”

“Like the kapok tree’s symbolism of strength and resiliency, and the jewel-adorned, snowman-shaped ‘Bonhomme Universe’ sculpture’s embodiment of Miami’s unique diversity, Jade Signature, as a whole, is a testament to rare artistry and singular design,” Defortuna continued. “This particular project is the pinnacle of the Jade brand’s journey, representing the growth of a legacy and its future admiration by generations to come.”
 
While the tower is nearly sold out, Jade Signature has a limited selection 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 $14.2 million to $32.9 million. The Sky Villas feature flow-through views, expansive terraces, private elevators, smart technology, service quarters and PYR-designed bathroom cabinetry. There are also two, full-floor penthouses with all the features of the sky villa as well as a private pool, gym and 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Water and the Miami skyline. Additional availability includes 3- to 5-bedroom residences, with sizes starting at 3,312 square feet and prices starting at $4.8 million.

Photos via Jade Signature

Featured Listing: Check-Out This Ultra-Luxe Steven G-Designed Residence At The Exclusive Regalia in Sunny Isles Beach

Regalia is a tower of pure luxury and the full floor, 33rd floor residence is no exception. Complete with meticulous Steven G interiors, the residence features 3 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and 1 half-bath spread over 5,515 SF along with an additional 2,100 SF wrap around terrace. The residence comes complete with an onyx bar with custom seating, a private elevator foyer, chef's kitchen wrapped in marble with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Sunny Isles skyline, a backlit marble accent wall in the living room, and a master suite that features immaculate views of the Atlantic Ocean and Golden Beach along with a stone wrapped master-bath with soak-in tub. Amenities at Regalia include a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa, full-service pool, full service beach club, 5 star concierge service, and a business center, amongst others. 19575 Collins Ave, 33, Sunny Isles Beach is currently listed for $9,450,000 with Chad Carroll of The Chad Carroll Group at Douglas Elliman. 

Jade Signature Continues To Power Towards Completion, Reveals Permanent Snowman Installation "Bonhomme Universe"

Just days after the installation of a massive 65,000-pound, 38-year-old kapok tree at the base of Jade Signature in Sunny Isles Beach, the tower and Fortune International Group celebrated the unveiling of “Bonhomme Universe,” their new gemstone snowman, a whimsical piece is by Romania-born artist Daniel Knorr which was commissioned by Fortune International Group President and CEO Edgardo Defortuna. The sculpture will be accessible to the public, a potential future social media icon for Sunny Isles Beach. The unveiling was celebrated with a fashionable beachfront luncheon, guests included Edgardo Defortuna, and his wife, Ana Cristina; the artist himself Daniel Knorr, co-host Sarah Harreslon, founder of CULTURED magazine; Jason Frantzen, partner of Herzog and de Meuron; Raymond Jungles, founder of Raymond Jungles Inc.; Vice Mayor Dana Goldman of the City of Sunny Isles Beach; and former U.S. Treasurer Rosie Rios. Defortuna spoke about his passion for art and the ability of sculpture to enliven and embellish outdoor spaces (December 8, 2017).

“We are thrilled to be able to share this unique sculpture with the world – one that celebrates Miami’s diversity, its beauty, soul, and welcoming atmosphere,” said Defortuna.

Daniel Knorr added, "This fantastic building that challenges architectural standards, like three stories of parking under the beach, inspired me to the idea of the snowman and his impossibility to melt under the strong Miami sun. Like the house that hosts inhabitants of 25 countries, the snowman is decorated with gemstones coming from various places in the world. It shows the good soul of mankind and its close connection to nature."

Knorr first began creating these sculptures when he became fascinated by the conceptual possibility of a snowman existing without snow. In Bonhomme Universe, he re-locates this cold-climate object to a sub-tropical environment, releasing it from the material it was once reliant on. Bonhomme Universe stands 10.5' tall and 5.57' wide at the base. The "snowman" crafted around a metal grid of stainless steel, topped with concrete which is adorned with 28 different types of precious and semi-precious stones that have been polished and treated for durability, including green quartz, red jasper and moonstone. The vibrant gemstones chosen are inspired by the colors of the Miami landscape yet sourced from around the world. These natural materials reflect the diverse mesh of buyers at Jade Signature, a testament to Miami’s unique cultural identity. Instead of the typical broom for an arm, this snowman has a palm tree, fashioned from stainless steel. This extended arm serves as a friendly wave to passersby, but also has the deeper visual reference, with the palm tree an ancient symbol of peace, victory, and eternal life that originated in Near East and Mediterranean culture. 

Jade Signature is located at 16901 Collins Ave. and was designed by Herzog & de Meuron, interiors by Parisian interior design firm PYR, led by Pierre-Yves Rochon, and landscape architecture by Raymond Jungles. The tower feature 192 flow-through units with pricing ranging from $3.9 million and 1,581 SF for a 1 bedroom + den with 2 baths to $33 million for a 5 bedroom, 6,407 SF penthouse. Jade Signature will also features lush, landscaped grounds with beach access, a beach grill, resort style amenities including a lagoon style pool, fitness center and spa, wine cellar, library, teens lounge, 24 hour concierge and valet along with more five-star amenities that buyers demand in such a high-end, luxury building. Jade Signature features views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Intracoastal Waterway. Check-out PROFILEmiami's coverage of Fortune International Group reporting over $51 Million in sales in Q1 2017 at Jade Signature in Sunny Isles Beach. 

Jade Signature Installs Towering, 65,000 LBS Kapok Tree Kicking Off The Tower's Countdown To Completion

Winter is upon us, but Fortune International Group's Jade Signature tower in Sunny Isles Beach is just beginning to “blossom.” At the beginning of December 2017, a giant kapok tree was installed at the entrance of the condominium tower under the watchful eye of landscape architect Raymond Jungles, signaling the building’s countdown to completion, a return to Sunny Isles’ roots, and the culmination of a developer’s obsession for perfection. On an even grander scale, the planting is part of an effort by the developers to reintroduce native and naturalized species to the surrounding environment. From 11:59 p.m. Saturday evening (December 2, 2017) into the early hours of Sunday morning, the massive, 65,000-pound, 38-year-old kapok tree was planted at the base of the tower. The tree is symbolic of the singular vision behind Jade Signature, an innovative collaboration between Raymond Jungles and a trio of industry titans: luxury real estate leader Fortune International Group, Pritzker Prize-winning architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron, world-renowned, award-winning Parisian interior design firm PYR, led by Pierre-Yves Rochon.

“We turned to Raymond Jungles and his team to create a landscape that would work well with the surrounding waterfront setting,” said Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group. “Naturally, Jungles is a mastermind in conceptualizing designs that are sustainable and unique.  The kapok tree, which thrives in the tropics, will be the finishing touch of this beachside oasis and a local landmark in and of itself.”

The kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra) is a species that was sacred in ancient Mayan culture, revered as a source of strength and resiliency.  Known for living for hundreds of years and capable of reaching extreme elevations (some have been recorded at heights of 250 feet), the tree’s unmistakable silhouette is defined by an umbrella-shaped crown made of numerous branches and arranged in horizontal tiers. As conveyed by Raymond Jungles, the implementation of grown trees, such as the kapok in this case, has immediate benefits, including erosion control, drainage improvements and an enhancement of native ecosystems. Because of the way the architects have positioned and oriented Jade Signature, the building will be bathed in an abundance of sunlight – a welcomed change from surrounding buildings that have large zones of shade. In addition, the developers hired French engineering firm Bouygues Construction (the same team behind the excavation of the Port of Miami tunnel) to dig 50' underground for the implementation of a concealed, 400-space parking garage, a first in Sunny Isles. This innovative design has thereby allowed the team to plant more vegetation at the surface of Jade Signature and offer a seamless connection from Collins Avenue to the beach. 

“In the case of Jade Signature, it was pretty easy to conceptualize and implement a landscape design because of so many of the wonderful spaces the architects created,” added landscape architect Raymond Jungles.  “The tower is going to offer, what I believe, will be one of the best amenity packages I’ve ever seen…and certainly one of the most dramatic and well-designed.  I think Jade Signature is really going to be a trendsetter.”

Jade Signature is located at 16901 Collins Ave. and was designed by Herzog & de Meuron. The tower feature 192 flow-through units with pricing ranging from $3.9 million and 1,581 SF for a 1 bedroom + den with 2 baths to $33 million for a 5 bedroom, 6,407 SF penthouse. Jade Signature will also features lush, landscaped grounds with beach access, a beach grill, resort style amenities including a lagoon style pool, fitness center and spa, wine cellar, library, teens lounge, 24 hour concierge and valet along with more five-star amenities that buyers demand in such a high-end, luxury building. Jade Signature features views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Intracoastal Waterway. Check-out PROFILEmiami's coverage of Fortune International Group reporting over $51 Million in sales in Q1 2017 at Jade Signature in Sunny Isles Beach.

Enjoy the video of the process installing the Kapok tree below. 

Kobi Karp-Designed Residence Inn Miami Sunny Isles Beach Opens in Sunny Isles

Marriott has opened their new Residence Inn Miami Sunny Isles Beach at 17700 Collins Avenue. The Kobi Karp designed hotel rises 19-stories and features 194 studio suites targeted at business travelers. The project cost $65 million and is owned by Robert Finvarb Companies and operated by Marriott's Residence Inn brand. The hotel features 2 rooftop decks, a grocery delivery service, multiple conference rooms, pool, and Ocean View on Nine, the hotel's poolside restaurant. The hotel also is home to an extensive art collection curated by Dina Mitrani Gallery and showcases works by Vera Vladimirsky, Robert Braun, Peggy Levison Nolan, Andres Ferrandis, Yuri Tuma, and Rafael Blcazar. Other Residence Inn properties in the Miami area are located in South Beach and the nearby Surfside neighborhood.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach Releases Exclusive Drone Footage Showcasing Sleek Arquitectonica Design

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach has released exclusive drone footage showcasing the progress of the tower's construction and highlighting its unique Arquitectonica-designed shape. The luxury condo-tower, which is under development by Fortune International Group and Chateau Group and was designed by Arquitectonica with interiors by Michele Bönan. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach will rise 52-stories and feature 212 residential condo units. Units start at $2.5 million and include Caesarstone Quartz countertops and Gaggenau appliances. Amenities include a beachfront restaurant, concierge, personal chef service, fuel-delivery service and a private club on the 33rd floor for residents. Completion is expected in 2018. Check-out the these renderings of the project and these sneak preview video tours.

"The Beach House," Sunny Isles Beach's Regalia's Penthouse Hits Market for $39 Million, Complete with $500,000 Pink Diamond

The Beach House, the penthouse at Sunny Isles Beach's ultra-private condo tower, Regalia, has hit the market for $39 million after the developer held it for the past 3 years. The price-tag supplants the penthouse as the current most expensive condo listing in Sunny Isles Beach. Starting on the 46th floor, the 2-story, Charles Allem designed unit encompasses 16,805 SF over 6 bedrooms, 6 full bathrooms and 2 powder rooms. The unit features a rooftop pool bath, private spa with a Calcutta Gold stone steam room and hydrotherapy, 1,000 bottle wine cellar, movie theater, formal dining room, chef's kitchen, 360-degree rooftop terrace with private pool, summer kitchen, sky bar with retractable roof, and a $500,000 pink diamond. Regalia is an ultra-luxury condo tower that provides residents with 24/7 personalized hospitality and state-of-the-art amenities including a spa, children’s playhouse, fitness center and yoga studio.

Residences by Armani/Casa Unveils Stunning, Beachfront, Private, Beach Cabanas

The Residences by Armani/Casa has introduced 28, 2-story beach cabanas where the project has since sold all but four of the cabanas since first introducing them at the end of June (2017). Cabanas range in size between 250-600 SF and start in the $400,000's. Cabanas will feature a limited kitchen with Italian Dada kitchen cabinets, Estramoz countertops, and GE Undercounter refrigerator and microwave; a full bathroom with Opella sink and faucet and glass enclosed shower; and luxurious interiors by Armani/Casa. The Residences by Armani/Casa will be a 56 story, contemporary glass tower located on over 300' of private shoreline in Sunny Isles Beach. The project is currently under construction and is being developed by Dezer Development and Related Group. The Residences by Armani/Casa will feature over 35,000 SF of incomparable amenities already on offer at the building, including a fine dining restaurant, cigar room and wine cellar, heated swimming pool, ocean-facing fitness center, two-story revitalization spa with indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, movie theatre and clubroom.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach Secures Registration in New York to Market to NYC Buyers

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, has secured registration in New York to market directly to high-net-worth homebuyers in New York. Fortune International Group and Château Group, joint developers of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, have taken the steps to register the project in the Empire City for the final stretch of their sales efforts after releasing new renderings and fly-through preview videos of some of the layouts. The private condominium tower, which will have no hotel on the premises, completed its concrete foundation pour in April and is slated for occupancy in 2019.

“The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach have been designed with New Yorkers in mind, offering features and finishes found only within the most expensive residential properties in Manhattan,” said Edgardo Defortuna, CEO of Fortune International Group. “From the spa and fitness facilities to the latest technologies, the synergies here are overwhelmingly evident.”

“We are now able to bring this project directly to New Yorkers, giving us the opportunity to highlight our residences with an added level of seamlessness and immediacy,” said Manuel Grosskopf, CEO of Château Group.  “We know these buyers highly value The Ritz-Carlton name and would like to capitalize on the chance to own such well-sited dwellings -- not only because of their size, appointments and amenities, but direct access to the beach.”

The Ritz Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach will rise 52-stories and feature 212 residential condo units. The tower, with its signature curvilinear silhouette, is designed by Arquitectonica, while interiors, inspired by South Beach’s 1960s heyday, have been crafted by acclaimed Florentine architect Michele Bönan. Residences range from $2.6 million to $5.2 million, with penthouses offered upwards of $25 million. Amenities include a private club level on the 33rd floor, beach restaurant, pool deck, kids club, spa, fitness center and wellness center, among other top-line amenities. Construction has completed their foundation pour and has begun vertical rise. The building is slated for delivery in 2019.