Construction Update: Brickell Flatiron Passes 6th Level, On Track for Top-Off in Late 2018

The 64-story Brickell Flatiron from Ugo Colombo's CMC Group is starting to take form as downtown Brickell continues to evolve into a modern, waterfront metropolis. Construction on Brickell Flatiron is being headed up by Moss & Associates who have reached passed the building's 6th floor and expect to reach the 17th floor by the end of 2017. The 736 foot building is expected to top-off in late 2018 and features a distinct, iconic Flatiron shape that was designed by architect Luis Revuelta and interior architect Massimo Iosa Ghini of Italy’s Iosa Ghini Associati.

Brickell Flatiron features 549-unit luxury condominiums with units ranging from 1 to 5 bedrooms starting at $500,000 and ranging up to $15.5 million for penthouses. All units will be adorned with the finest finishes, including Italian-made custom cabinets, stainless steel appliances, Italian marble floors, high ceilings with recessed lighting, custom Italian doors, energy-efficient windows, and glass balcony railings. Brickell Flatiron's amenities include an 18th floor amenity deck with a resort style pool, 24-hour concierge, billiard and cigar room, wine cellar, valet, electric car charging stations and a 64th-floor rooftop that will feature a Sky Spa, Sky Pool and Sky Gym along with stunning 360 views of Biscayne Bay, Brickell, Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, etc. Read about CMC Group closing on their a $236 million construction loan for Brickell Flatiron in April. 

Featured Listing: Stunning Contemporary South Bayshore Estate Unveiled

A modern, luxurious contemporary has officially hit the market at 1641 South Bayshore Drive in Coconut Grove. Built by Terras Developers, the residence is 10,684 SF spread over 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms and 2 half-baths. The home also features floor-to-ceiling glass that blends indoor, outdoor living with 24' high ceilings, Boffi kitchen, marble and wood flooring, a wine cellar, 6 car garage, smart home technology and an outdoor entertainment area with a 466 SF gazebo that has an outdoor kitchen and infinity edge pool. The residence was finished with interiors by Brazilian furnishings house Artefacto. It is currently listed with Karen Elmir of The Elmir Group for $10,880,000.

Featured Listing: Tour Casa Bahia, Coconut Grove's $43 Million Waterfront Estate Designed by Filmmaker Alejandro Landes

Welcome to Casa Bahia, a hyper-luxurious tropical contemporary located at 3085 Munroe Drive designed by Zyscovich Architects in partnership with filmmaker Alejandro Landes. Casa Bahia 13,843 SF spread over 7 bedrooms, 8 full-bathrooms and 1 half-bath with interiors designed by Landes’ mother, Catalina Echavarria, of CEU Studio. The estate also features a 2 bedroom guest house, theater, custom wine cellar, stunning floor-to-ceiling glass offering panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, rooftop deck, smart home technology, 8 car garage, 4 kitchens, 518' of waterfront with private dock and a 73-foot heated pool. Casa Bahia first hit the market for $50 million in September 2016. The home won the Architizer Popular Choice A+ Award in the Architcture + Water category. It is currently listed for $43 million with Pablo Alfaro of Douglas Elliman Real Estate. Tour the estate below. 

Final Design for Miami Signature Bridge Proposal Chosen, Approved, to be Announced May 1

The Florida Department of Transportation has made the final decisions after sifting through proposals for Downtown Miami's new Signature Bridge and will release the chosen design on May 1. Miami's Signature Bridge will serve as a gateway to MacArthur Causeway and South Beach. The top ranked team include DB Firm Archer Western – de Moya JV along with Archer Western Contractors, LLC, The de Moya Group, Inc. and team members:

• HDR
• RS&H
• Leonhardt, Andra und Partner
• MacDonald Architects
• Illumination Arts
• RWDI Consulting Engineers
• Pennoni Associates
• Metric Engineering
• Corven Engineering
• GOAL Associates (DBE)
• Universal Engineering Sciences and HR Engineering Services (HRES)
• Cardno
• Manuel G. Vera & Associates (DBE)
• PlusUrbia
• Ronald E Frazier & Associates, Neil Hall, AIA, and Design 2 Form

Frost Museum of Science to Take Over Operations at Museum Park's Science Barge

The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science will take over operations of Museum Park's floating Science Barge when they open on May 8. The barge will undergo extensive renovation throughout the summer as it will be transformed into an environmental lab where it will supplement the museum's Aquarium and science exhibits with the surrounding marine life. The 120 foot Miami Science Barge opened in 2016 after it won the 2015 Knight Cities Challenge. It was designed by Nathalie Manzano and Dr. Ted Caplow and cost $1.2 million. 

Coral Gable's Historic Biltmore Hotel Releases Renderings of Lobby Renovation

The historic, 91-year old Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables is undergoing an extensive renovation which includes updating the main lobby. The redesign is being headed up in a collaboration between D'Shakil Designs and Studio 5 Design + Architecture. The work is expected to be completed this summer and features a modern spin on the the traditional style including new green and blue tufted velvet furniture, drapery, wood inlays, gold leaf and wool carpeting. The Biltmore Hotel was originally completed by George Merrick, founder of Coral Gables, in 1926. At 315 feet it was the tallest building in Florida at the time and still features an 18-hole championship golf course and a 600,000-gallon pool to this day. 

“These new enhancements will bring an added element of style to the hotel, creating an improved sense of luxury that also reflects The Biltmore’s historic legacy. This new design will bring a fresh take to the details and décor of the lobby, all while continuing to offer guests a glimpse into the hotel’s storied past," says Matthias Kammerer, Managing Director at The Biltmore Hotel.

Douglas Elliman Releases Q1 2017 Market Reports, Shows Continued Strong Growth Across South Florida

Douglas Elliman has released their Q1 2017 South Florida Market Reports for Miami Mainland, Miami Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Wellington, Delray, and Jupiter/Palm Beach Gardens. The data was compiled in partnership with Miller Samuel, who is a leading independent appraisal firm. Reports reflect price and sales trends along with current market conditions and emerging market trends. The data through Q1 2017 reflects the continued strong growth of South Florida real estate as it continues to be a destination from flight capital from both northern states and International buyers.

MIAMI BEACH/BARRIER ISLANDS HIGHLIGHTS

Key Trend Metrics (compared to same year ago period)
OVERALL MARKET
- Median sales price slipped 5.8% to $385,000
- Average sales price jumped 10.4% to $999,241
- Number of sales rose 0.6% to 815
- Days on market was 143, up from 97
- Listing discount was 12.1%, up from 8.8%
- Listing inventory increased 6.4% to 6,166

LUXURY CONDO
- Median sales price increased 14.2% to $3,025,000
- Days on market was 207, up from 119
- Listing discount was 13.1%, up from 10.1%
- Listing inventory increased 11.8% to 1,188 units
- Entry threshold began at $1,600,000

LUXURY SINGLE FAMILY
- Median sales price surged 56.5% to $11,425,000
- Days on market was 261, down from 352
- Listing discount was 20.4%, up from 12.8%
- Listing inventory fell 14.5% to 165 units
- Entry threshold began at $6,250,000

5446 North Bay Road, Miami Beach. Listed for $29 Million by Brett Harris of Douglas Elliman.

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MIAMI COASTAL MAINLAND HIGHLIGHTS

Key Trend Metrics (compared to same year ago period)
OVERALL MARKET
- Median sales price increased 12.5% to $292,500
- Average sales price rose 0.3% to $405,266
- Number of sales fell 2.7% to 3,487
- Days on market was 81 up from 76
- Listing discount was 5.6%, unchanged
- Listing inventory fell 19.9% to 10,186 units

LUXURY CONDO
- Median sales price fell 27.5% to $785,000
- Days on market was 154 days, up from 110
- Listing discount was 7.8%, down from 8.4%
- Listing inventory slipped 8% to 2,535
- Entry threshold began at $520,000

LUXURY SINGLE FAMILY
- Median sales price declined 12.8% to $1,200,000
- Days on market was 138 days up from 113
- Listing discount was 7.7%, up from 7%
- Listing inventory declined 15.9% to 924 units
- Entry threshold began at $825,000

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FORT LAUDERDALE HIGHLIGHTS

Key Trend Metrics (compared to same year ago period)
LUXURY CONDO
- Median sales price increased 5.1% to $1,112,500
- Days on market was 48, up from 45
- Listing discount was 6.8%, down from 4.3%
- Listing inventory increased 6.2% to 344
- Entry threshold began at $785,000

LUXURY SINGLE FAMILY
- Median sales price increased 13.3% to $1,950,000
- Days on market was 189, up from 150
- Listing discount was 11.2%, down from 13.6%
- Listing inventory increased 3.8% to 359 units
- Entry threshold began at $1,200,000

5446 North Bay Road, Miami Beach. Listed for $29 Million by Brett Harris of Douglas Elliman.

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BOCA RATON HIGHLIGHTS

Key Trend Metrics (compared to same year ago period)
LUXURY CONDO
- Median sales price slipped 3.7% to $780,000
- Days on market was 73 days, up from 101 days
- Listing discount was 7.3%, down from 7.5%
- Listing inventory increased 27.6% to 305
- Entry threshold began at $485,000

LUXURY SINGLE FAMILY
- Median sales price jumped 18.4% to $2,365,000
- Days on market was 162 days, down from 165
- Listing discount was 9.5%, up from 15%
- Listing inventory jumped 39.2% to 565
- Entry threshold began at $1,272,500

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DELRAY BEACH HIGHLIGHTS

Key Trend Metrics (compared to same year ago period)
LUXURY SINGLE FAMILY
- Median sales price declined 12% to $1,399,000
- Days on market was 100, down from 136
- Listing discount was 7%, down from 13.5%
- Entry threshold began at $1,125,000

LUXURY CONDO
- Median sales price jumped 19.6% to $580,000
- Days on market was 103, up from 78
- Listing discount was 5.1%, down from 5.7%
- Entry threshold began at $400,000

Grand Opening of the Douglas Elliman Delray Beach Office

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WELLINGTON HIGHLIGHTS

Key Trend Metrics (compared to same year ago period)
LUXURY SINGLE FAMILY
- Median sales price declined 33.3% to $1,000,000
- Days on market was 146, down from 160
- Listing discount was 15.5%, up from 12.2%
- Listing inventory increased 13.4% to 271
- Entry threshold began at $625,000

LUXURY CONDO
- Median sales price declined 28.1% to $345,000
- Days on market was 132, up from 99
- Listing discount was 5.5%, down from 6.1%
- Listing inventory declined 22% to 46
- Entry threshold began at $330,000

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PALM BEACH HIGHLIGHTS

Key Trend Metrics (compared to same year ago period)
LUXURY CONDO AND SINGLE FAMILY
- Median sales price dropped 29.1% to $7,475,000
- Days on market was 239, up from 74
- Listing discount was 13.2%, up from 14.4%
- Listing inventory surged 38.7% to 86
- Entry threshold began at $5,400,000

Hammock House at 3503 Banyan Circle, Coconut Grove Listed for $5.95 Million with Michael Light and Rafael Montejo of Douglas Elliman.

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JUPITER / PALM BEACH GARDENS HIGHLIGHTS

Key Trend Metrics (compared to same year ago period)
JUPITER SINGLE FAMILY
- Median sales price declined 5.9% to $447,000
- Days on market was 73, up from 74
- Listing discount was 5.1%, up from 6.1%
- Listing inventory increased 4.2% to 499

JUPITER CONDO
- Median sales price increased 17.7% to $282,500
- Days on market was 210, up from 201
- Listing discount was 5%, down from 5.7%
- Listing inventory increased 81.7% to 318

PALM BEACH GARDENS SINGLE FAMILY
- Median sales price increased 16% to $479,000
- Days on market was 91, up from 79
- Listing discount was 6.6%, up from 6.4%

PALM BEACH GARDENS CONDO
- Median sales price increased 4.3% to $220,000
- Days on market was 59, down from 60
- Listing discount was 5%, down from 5.3%

About Douglas Elliman:

Douglas Elliman was established in 1911 and has grown to become the largest regional and the nation's fourth largest real estate company. Douglas Elliman has a current network of more than 6,000 agents in over 80 offices throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island (including the Hamptons and North Fork), Westchester and Putnam Counties, as well as South Florida, California, Connecticut, Colorado and New Jersey. In addition, through a strategic partnership with Knight Frank Residential, Douglas Elliman's powerful network extends to 488 offices in 59 countries. Read our PROFILE Exclusive Interview with Douglas Elliman CEO, Florida Brokerage Jay Parker. 

Hammock House at 3503 Banyan Circle, Coconut Grove Listed for $5.95 Million with Michael Light and Rafael Montejo of Douglas Elliman.

Tour the Luxurious, New, Updated The Ritz-Carlton on Key Biscayne

There is nothing on Key Biscayne like the new, redesigned Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne. The recently updated beachfront hotel has seen changes to the lobby, amenities, restaurants and all 450 guest rooms. The renovation took place over multiple phases. For amenities, a new signature restaurant by Executive Chef Raul A. Del Pozo known has Lightkeepers will offer guests modern-coastal fare with local flavors and craft cocktails. Guest rooms will get updates from Wimberly Interiors and the hotel will even roll-out The Ritz-Carlton Suite, 2-bedroom suite style layouts with stunning ocean views. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne also features 2 swimming pools, secluded white sand beach, luxurious spa, tennis center and complimentary yoga and cycling classes.  

“We are thrilled to unveil the re-imagination of our beloved island oasis. We are excited to usher in this new chapter for the resort by inspiring our guests to rest, relax, and refresh,” said Mark Ferland, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne. 

PROFILE Exclusive: How Douglas Elliman Conquered South Florida's Luxury Real Estate Market with Jay Parker, CEO of Douglas Elliman's Florida Brokerage

PROFILEmiami had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Jay Parker, CEO of Douglas Elliman's Florida Brokerage. Douglas Elliman has been one of the major driving forces behind the evolution of the luxury real estate markets in South Florida and Jay has been one of the cornerstones of the company's growth. Find out how he helped Douglas Elliman stand out in a crowded, cut-throat industry.

PM: How has Douglas Elliman's presence in South Florida grown? Where do you see it heading?

JP: Most notably we've seen an extraordinary expansion over the last four years because of the repositioning of our company as Douglas Elliman Real Estate other than the former, Prudential. I would hope to think I also had an impact along with the core of my colleagues and executive leadership team. Ultimately, having been a real estate lawyer in this market over the past 20 years, I recognized having worked with many of the top real estate professionals that there was a defect in the real estate brokerage model. The model here became one where broker-owners, whether they were franchises or independent operators, were really using the brokerage side of the business almost to augment or supplement their real estate brokerage operations. This forced an unsustainable push of the real estate splits where agents just kept saying, "you're not giving me much, so why should I continue to pay you such a significant share of my revenue." It was a question of "I might as well keep something rather than nothing." I used to see this as an attorney because so many of the agents that I would work with would come to me with questions that I felt should handled in a typical professional association environment.

5446 North Bay Road, Miami Beach. Listed by Brett Harris of Douglas Elliman for $29 Million.

When Howard Lorber and Dottie Herman approached me to run the company, at the first round when we were Prudential, I wasn't all that excited because I didn't see us as having the strengths and cohesion and the flexibility that I thought could be opportunistic. Howard and Dottie at the time agreed with me. A year later when I was approached the decision was made to unify Douglas Elliman and eliminate the bureaucracy that came with the franchising structure. We have since really enjoyed remarkable growth. We have gone from four offices to nineteen offices, from a couple hundred agents to over one thousand agents and $300 million in sales to $3 billion in sales in just four years. That is extraordinarily disproportionate to any other real estate company in South Florida. I think what we have done is lay the foundation to an industry which has suffered from a lack of foundation. My team and the market knowledge that they bring, the ability to find the right people, industry knowledge, and recognizing what has gone wrong in certain areas and what works. Each of us having come from different disciplines has really allowed us to capitalize on opportunities. Our strengths both domestically and financially has allowed us to do things that other companies has allowed us to have the ability to do. We are hyper focused, and already in the markets where our clients want to be or already are. We are able to hold the hands of our clients throughout the transitions, investments or movements in their lives and have earned their trust through a much more professional, sophisticated, approach to real estate consulting. We used to say we're not commission chasers, we're information providers. That message has been lost. Capitalizing on all of our diverse backgrounds, the real strength, knowledge base and reputation of Douglas Elliman in New York has really allowed us to develop this platform and allow our agents to grow, and strengthen, and spend more of their time doing the things they should be doing. 

Casa Costanera @ 300 Costanera Road, Coral Gables. Listed by Barbara Estela and Hilda Jacobson of Douglas Elliman for $27.26 Million. Tour the stunning estate here.

PM: Can you comment how Douglas Elliman has been one of the major players in the growth of the Luxury Real Estate market in South Florida?

JP: Three years ago I sat on a panel and I was asked the question of where do I see the greatest opportunity for migration to South Florida. My colleagues said Colombia, Argentina, Brazil; I said New York. It wasn't because I was a visionary, it was because I saw it from my practice of law. I heard it from the messaging in New York. I heard it from the people that lived there. I knew that the New York wealth was recognizing that they could now live in a market like South Florida and enjoy so many of the critical creature comforts that could make that next step a reality. Our school systems have evolved, our medical systems have evolved, our culinary and dining experiences have evolved, our culture, our real estate. We have become an answer to so many New Yorker's needs, that that release and transfers of wealth has been unbelievable. I saw that happening and with the credibility, strength and power that Douglas Elliman has, we were able to train our agents and our clients to look to us from other parts of the country. Unlike some of our competitors today, we remained very focused on what we do, our core business. Howard and Dottie have allowed us the flexibility to sometimes take chances and sometimes make investments in things that might not provide immediate return but then in the long run will certainly sure up the corners of the market and provide our clients with the representation, support, direction and exposure. 

Casa Costanera @ 300 Costanera Road, Coral Gables. Listed by Barbara Estela and Hilda Jacobson of Douglas Elliman for $27.26 Million. Tour the stunning estate here.

PM: Within South Florida and its different markets, where have you guys seen the most success over the past few years?

JP: We helped change the condo market in Miami. Before us, prices never hit anywhere close to where they are today. We redefined luxury living in South Florida with projects like Faena, Edition, Eighty Seven Park, Park Grove, One River Point, The Bristol in West Palm Beach. We have seen tremendous success in Coconut Grove. We have seen great success in parts of Fort Lauderdale with projects like The Four Seasons Residences. We really have been able to leverage our intellectual capital to help our clients, whether they be individual buyers or sellers, or developers, to succeed. What started as a vision and a dream, has now become a reality when as it relates to Douglas Elliman. We knew that their was a gap in the market, we filled it, and we continue to steamroll forward while our core focus remains. 

PM: When it comes to the luxury market in South Florida, do you see moving forward the buyers being more full-time resident buyers or buyers looking for second homes?

JP: I think we are going to have both. We are seeing more and more younger families call South Florida home. I think that the potential tax changes under the Trump administration may benefit us in that initiative. Potentially waiving or eliminating certain deductions for state income tax (in northern states) may provide us with another surge and transfer of wealth. I also think the idea that we are now no longer a market we we are dominated by old folks homes, criminals and nightclubs, we are now a real, international, cultural epicenter and business center. We are a real player on a global scale. I think that many of the hedge fund operators, investment bankers, are saying why should I pay such high state income tax when I live in Florida. I forsee a continued positive trajectory in that sector of the market. There is a little over 1,000 people per day moving to South Florida. 

Casa Bahia Located @ 3085 Munroe Drive, Coconut Grove. Listed by Pablo Alfaro of Douglas Elliman for $43 Million. Tour the award winning estate here. 

About Jay Parker:

Jay Parker is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario where he received his B.A. He continued his studies at the University of Miami, School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 1998. Jay began his career in Miami at the Law Firm of Gunster Yoakley Valdez Fauli & Stewart. In 2000, Parker moved to New York City where he was General Counsel for LandTel Communications. He oversaw the implementation of a Pan-European fixed wireless market, raising over $375 million from numerous private equity firms. 

Casa Bahia Located @ 3085 Munroe Drive, Coconut Grove. Listed by Pablo Alfaro of Douglas Elliman for $43 Million. Tour the award winning estate here. 

In late 2001, Jay returned to Miami Beach and founded Clear Title Group, LLC., a boutique real estate title insurance company focused on offering closing services. In 2006, Parker entered a joint venture with Titan Capital, founding Titan Capital Florida, LLC. Parker is now the Managing Partner of Titan Capital Florida, a Direct Lender with offices in New York, Connecticut and Miami.  In the first year of Titan’s Florida operations, Titan Capital Florida closed on over $100 million in transactions. In 2010, Parker formed Beloff Parker which grew to Beloff Parker Jacobs, a real estate and transactional law firm based in Miami Beach.  Building off Parker and Beloff’s long standing relationships in the Miami Market, Clear Title Group quickly distinguished itself as one of the largest and most successful real estate law firms in Miami Beach, representing many of Miami Beach’s most respected developers, landlords, tenants and handling some of the most significant real estate transactions.

In 2013, Parker accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer of Douglas Elliman’s Florida Brokerage, where he has been fundamental to the growth of Douglas Elliman’s presence in Miami, Miami Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Aventura, Boca Raton and Palm Beach. He is a member of the Florida Bar Association, serves on the Pillar Trustee Board for the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce. Parker is President of the Executive Board of Mt. Sinai Medical Center.  Jay is also active in Miami Beach politics and sits on the City of Miami Beach Community Development Board.

Grand Opening of the new Jupiter Douglas Elliman Office

About Douglas Elliman:

Douglas Elliman was established in 1911 and has grown to become the largest regional and the nation's fourth largest real estate company. Douglas Elliman has a current network of more than 6,000 agents in over 80 offices throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island (including the Hamptons and North Fork), Westchester and Putnam Counties, as well as South Florida, California, Connecticut, Colorado and New Jersey. In addition, through a strategic partnership with Knight Frank Residential, Douglas Elliman's powerful network extends to 488 offices in 59 countries. 

Featured Listing: Tour Casa Costanera, the Ultra-Private Bacardi Cocoplum Estate Listed for $27,260,000

An ultra-private Cocoplum estate that is owned by Hilda Maria Bacardi of the family-owned spirits company, is currently listed for $27,260,000. Located at 300 Costanera Road in Coral Gables, the 21,042 SF mega-mansion sits on 1.3 beautifully landscaped acres with over 480' of water frontage. Casa Costanera is 13 bedroom Italian villia with 12 full-bathrooms and 2 half-baths, 3 kitchens, commerical elevator and features the finest craftsmanship, designer interior finishes. It also features beautifully landscaped grounds that house separate staff or guest quarters and an outdoor entertainment area with pool and 100-foot concrete dock with direct access to Biscayne bay. Casa Costanera is listed with Barbara Estela and Hilda Jacobson of Douglas Elliman. Tour the stunning estate below.