Brightline Gears Up to Begin Service Between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale

Brightline, the only-privately-funded express passenger rail system in the country, is gearing up to begin service between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale after completing the Palm Beach Brightline Station in late may, receiving the fifth of their trainsets and ongoing track-work. BrightPink, the 2nd trainset to join Brightline, features many innovations from its boarding platform and aisles that exceed ADA compliance standards to complimentary Wi-Fi, powered by multiple antennas on every car. Each Brightline trainset is 100% Buy America compliant with components from more than 40 suppliers across 20 states and shows the ongoing commitment of private investment towards transportation infrastructure benefiting the public. 

Brightline will help increase public transportation, get people off the congested roadways, increase business and for the first time begin to connect a state that has lacked any real form of transportation. Introductory express service will begin between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale later this summer (2017), followed by initial service to Miami in late August with an official grand opening expected in late September. 

Featured Listing: Tower Suite Duplex Penthouse at Mondrian South Beach Hits Market for $7.7 Million

The duplex, combination unit Tower Suite at Mondrian South Beach has hit the market for $7.7 million. The residence is the largest in the building, which operates as The Mondrian Hotel & Residences located on West Avenue and is currently undergoing a $5 million renovation. The Tower Suite unit features 3 bedrooms + Office/Den and 4 bathrooms, spaning 4,100 SF with an open floor plan and a 1,400 SF terrace. The turnkey residence also features Fendi Casa furnishings, modern kitchen outfitted with Miele, Subzero & Wolf, and Grohe appliances; office, expansive master suite with custom leather-lined closets, and a large bathroom with glass walls, Crestron lighting and smart home system. The terrace features a hot tub and overlooks the pool and Biscyane Bay, providing unmatched views of the bay, Star Island, Venetian Islands, and the Downtown Miami, Brickell and Edgewater Skylines. Tower Suite #3 is currently listed for $7.7 million with Dina Goldentayer of the DS Team at Douglas Elliman. 

Construction Update: The Related Group & East End Capital Close on $58 Million Construction Loan & Breaks Ground on Wynwood 25

After closing a $58 million construction loan from Bank of the Ozarks, The Related Group and East End Capital have broken ground on Wynwood 25, the area's first major residential project to be built under the 2015 Neighborhood Revitalization District plan's zoning changes. Wynwood 25 is slated to bring 289 rental apartments, a host of embedded amenities, 31,000 square feet of retail and 340 parking spaces to Wynwood. The efficiently-sized units are designed to add desperately-needed reasonably priced living options to the city’s most creative and artistic neighborhood. Projected to rent for under $2,000 per month. East End Capital announced in May that The Related Group has acquired a 50% partnership interest in its Wynwood 25 project and they both co-control the development. 

"Projects like Wynwood 25 are key for the neighborhood to reach its full potential. Wynwood already has some of the city's favorite restaurants, coffee shops and other designations, but we saw a huge demand for urban living options. People have fallen in love with the neighborhood's unique, walkable culture and now it can be their permanent lifestyle. We look forward to setting the stand for all future projects in the area and delivering a project that complements the vibrant and walkable Wynwood Arts District," said Jon Paul Perez, Vice President, The Related Group.

“We are extremely proud to partner with The Related Group, who bring unparalleled development expertise to the endeavor,” said Jonathon Yormak, founder of East End Capital. “More importantly, Related shares our commitment to Wynwood and building a project that contributes to the existing fabric of the community.”

Floorplans will come in studio and one bedroom layouts. Units will feature 10' to 12’ ceilings, luxurious kitchens and bathrooms, and full-sized washer/dryers. Amenities will include a large state-of-the-art fitness center with yoga studio, collaborative work-from-home spaces, a coffee lounge opening onto the building’s 12,000 square foot green courtyard, bike storage, package storage, and dog wash facilities. It will also feature a landscaped roof terrace that includes a pool, barbeque, movie screen, outdoor and covered work areas, and green areas from which to take in the best views in Wynwood. Substantial art programming will be integrated into the building exterior, the paseo and the building interiors, creating a distinctive living experience.

"The vision behind creating the masterpiece of Wynwood 25 was to design a project that truly enhances the creative neighborhood of Wynwood. The Wynwood community is always evolving. Out goal was to create a project that has a sleek and modern design to become an iconic building in this thriving, vibrant community," said Kobi Karp, founder and Principal of Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design, Inc.

Zuma Co-Founder Rainer Becker Teams-Up with The Related Group to Launch New Concept, ETARU

Rainer Becker, co-founder and creator of Zuma restaurants worldwide and ROKA London, has teamed up with The Related Group to bring his new contemporary Japanese Robatayaki culinary concept, ETARU, to two of their Broward County projects. ETARU will be featured in Hyde Beach Club and Icon Las Olas. The concept will bring an unprecedented culinary experience to the area and will be the ultimate amenity for residents of Hyde Resort & Residences, Hyde Beach House, Beachwalk and Icon Las Olas. Related is known throughout South Florida for continuously partnering with some of the finest talent and leaders in cuisine such as Michael Schwartz and Jose Andres and bringing their concepts to Related Group properties. ETARU is a prime example of how the developer is always seeking to elevate the luxury lifestyle for residents in their communities. The first location will open at Hyde Beach Club at the end of the summer, and the second at Icon Las Olas will open early in 2018. 

The Related Group Pays off $160 Million Construction Loan for Brickell Heights Less Than 60 Days After Project Opening

The Related Group has paid off a $160 million construction loan for Brickell Heights less than 60 days after the grand opening of the project. The twin tower, 690-unit towers were 100% sold out and are already nearly 50% closed since the June 7 opening (2017). The $160 million loan was issued by Wells Fargo Bank in April 2015 and is The Related Group’s second loan pay-off in the last year.

“The speed at which we paid off this loan is further validation of our effort to finance these projects in a responsible manner,” said Ben Gerber, Vice President of Finance for The Related Group. “It also speaks to the strength of the Related brand and the South Florida condo market as a whole.”

“Closing is easy after buyers see that today’s Brickell matches up to what they saw in renderings a few years ago. They bought into a walkable, metropolitan downtown lifestyle, and now they’re excited to start living it. We look forward to delivering SLS LUX in the winter and completing our vision for South Miami Avenue.” said Carlos Rosso, President of The Condominium Development Division of The Related Group. 

The 47-and 49-story towers were designed by globally acclaimed architectural firm Arquitectonica and interiors by David Rockwell of the Rockwell Group. Amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, men's & women's spas, each building has a lounge room, curated art throughout, 4 swimming pools and a garden. The property will also feature a 30,000 SF Equinox Club, as well as a 6,000 SF SoulCycle studio. Brickell Heights marks the third Related Group project to open on South Miami Avenue, following SLS Brickell Hotel & Residences and 1100 Millecento. Photos via TAMZ. 

Brickell Flatiron Unveils New Renderings of Their Exclusive Penthouse Collection Series

CMC Group’s Brickell Flatiron and its developer Ugo Colombo have released a limited collection of penthouses as part of their exclusive Penthouse Collection Series. Brickell Flatiron is a 64-story luxury tower designed by Luis Revuelta with interiors by Iosa Ghini that is currently under construction in Brickell. Brickell Flatiron’s newly-unveiled Penthouse Collection, located on floors 50 through 64 of the tower, include expansive single-story residences along with two-story duplex and three-story triplex upper penthouses. Layouts measure up to 6,500 SF and residences will include 10- to 11-foot-high ceilings, premium finishes and fixtures, and panoramic views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay. Two triplex penthouses will feature private terraces with rooftop pools, summer kitchens and changing rooms, as well as private elevator vestibules within each unit providing access to all three levels. Penthouse Collection residences are also designed for maximum functionality including upgraded kitchens featuring Snaidero motorized cabinetry, Miele under-counter wine coolers and integrated appliances, Bosch laundry room appliances, and floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors. Every penthouse unit is also fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology systems, including a private wireless network and a secure smart-lock system.

Penthouse residences are priced from about $1 million to $2.5 million, with upper penthouse duplex and triplex residences priced from $6 million to $15.5 million. Approximately 60% of the development’s 549 units have already been sold and are under hard contract, with a total sales volume in excess of $300 million. Brickell Flatiron is located at 1001 South Miami Avenue, just blocks from Brickell Avenue, Brickell City Centre and Mary Brickell Village. With its prominent position at the epicenter of the Brickell Financial District, the over 700' building will become one of the tallest residential towers in the U.S. upon its completion in 2019.

“Brickell Flatiron’s penthouse collection will embody the elegance and sophistication of Italian design. We are sparing no detail and no expense to deliver a memorable product offering our residents the highest caliber of quality and design that will withstand the test of time,” said developer Ugo Colombo, founder of CMC Group.

The Real Entry of the Multimillion-Dollar, Ultra-Luxury Condo to Downtown Miami

In the past 10 years, Downtown Miami has seen a mere 152 closed condo sales over $1 million. The most expensive closing, a 4 bedroom unit in Marquis Residences which sold for $4.2 million, followed by a 3 bedroom unit sale at Epic Residences for $3425,000. The area is new and coming into its own with the opening of the American Airlines Arena, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Pérez Art Museum Miami, and the Phillip and most recently, the Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Now, Downtown Miami is ready to supplant itself as one of Miami's premiere neighborhoods and pricing to live in the area is set to rocket up. Great buildings such as Marquis Residences, Ten Museum Park, 900 Biscayne, Marina Blue and Epic Residences, amongst others, already feature closings that have eclipsed the $1 million mark; but, a selection of new buildings including the ultra luxury One Thousand Museum, Aston Martin Residences, and PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter are going to quickly escalate that number.

One Thousand Museum

One Thousand Museum

One Thousand Museum is a true architectural masterpiece. Zaha Hadid's last residential tower, the building is truly is a class of its own. The building is ultra-luxury, featuring a mere 83 units on land that is zoned for up to 550 units. Residences part of a limited collection of "museum-quality homes" that offer "an unprecedented level of service and amenities." Pricing firmly supplants the building for the elite as units range from $5.5 million to over $20 million and 4,600 SF to over 10,000 SF. The smallest unit in the entire building is a half-floor. The residence's floor plans offer "east to west" flow-through layouts, 12-foot ceilings, oversized terraces, private elevators, an 86' long great room, media den, family room, custom Italian Kitchens by Poliform, Gaggenau appliances, Poliform closets, Apure interior lighting, Crestron smart home innovation and exclusive interiors by Zaha Hadid.Amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, full-service spa, beautifully landscaped pool deck, private theater, sky lounge and art gallery. Tour the full floor, $20.7 Million Unit 5201.

Aston Martin Residences

Aston Martin Residences

Aston Martin Residences will truly be a building for the luxury enthusiast. This exciting project is located in the second lot on the Miami River, next to Epic Residences and One Miami. Units are extremely pricey, starting at $500,000 and range up to $7,000,000 for the "River and Panoramic Residences" part of the building, and $14,000,000 to $35,000,000 for the "Penthouses." The ultimate unit will be a triplex penthouse that comes complete with a private pool, helipad and Aston Martin Vulcan. The tower's interiors will feature lighting and handmade detail based on the car in addition to hand-adorned residence door numbers from the same jewelers that place the logo on the hood of Aston Martin cars. The building will features floor-to-ceiling glass with no visible concrete, including glass encased support beams. Sales just launched (Summer 2017) and it is reported that pre-sales already exceed $100 million in Aston Martin's first branded residential tower. Tour their newly opened, multimillion-dollar sales center.

Aston Martin Residences

PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter

PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter

PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter is the largest building and community of the three, and will be the luxury residential centerpiece of the larger Miami Worldcenter initiative. PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter rise 60 stories and features 513 condominium units along with 450K SF of retail space and easy access to Miami Worldcenter, which will feature a plethora of retail, dining, entertainment, office space, etc. on their high-street retail concept. For those that want to live in the center of it all in unparalleled luxury, PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter offers their Penthouse Collection, 26 exclusive penthouse residences. The penthouses will consist of 18 large single-story residences and 8 two-story duplex residences. Penthouse Residences will range in size from 3,500 SF - 6,000 SF and come in 4 and 5 bedroom layouts; additionally, penthouse residences will range in price from $3.5 to $9.5 million. Penthouses will feature panoramic views, private elevator access, 10-foot ceilings, European kitchens and bathrooms complete with rain showers and spa tubs, as well as larger entertainment spaces. Residences also include chef's kitchens including 12-foot islands and the highest quality Gaggenau appliances including a full-size wine cooler and premium induction cooktops. The penthouses will be part of the tower’s four-level Skydeck, which is designed to look like the helm of a magnificent Italian super yacht and will feature its own sky view lounge, sunrise pool, observatory, infinity pool, sundeck and Tai Chi deck. Check-out the unveiling of the 26 Exclusive "Penthouse Collection" Residences. 

PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter

Featured Listing: Tour a Model Home from the Reserve at the Ranches, a Boutique Collection of Luxury Homes Near Weston

Douglas Elliman has launched sales at the Reserve at the Ranches, a boutique collection of eight new luxury homes in Southwest Ranches, FL; adjacent to Weston and just 15 miles from Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Reserve at the Ranches, located at 12135 Reserve Court, will be a private enclave with custom residences priced from $2 million. Homes will start at 6,000 SF and buyers will be able to custom design the home to their liking. Reserve at the Ranches is being developed by Ellish Builders and The Spear Group. Residences will be built to the highest, eco-friendly standards and will feature sweeping 14-foot ceilings, contemporary interior design, sub-Zero and Wolfe kitchen appliances, resort style pools, and climate-controlled wine rooms. Homes will sit on one-acre, individually gate lots. Homes at Reserve at the Ranches start at $2 million and are listed with Tinka Ellington and Domingos Carlos, PA, of Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

Tour The Full-Floor Residence Located on the 52nd Floor of Zaha Hadid's One Thousand Museum Asking $20.7 Million

Unit 5201 in Zaha Hadid's One Thousand Museum is part of a limited collection of "museum-quality homes" that offer "an unprecedented level of service and amenities." It is one of eight exclusive residences in One Thousand Museum's Zone 4, which features eight 10K+ SF, full-floor residences with 360 degree views, the only of their kind in Miami. It is currently asking $20,700,000.  

5201 features 5 bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms spread over 10,353 SF with an additional 1,180 SF of outdoor space. The residence's floor plan offers an "east to west" flow-through layout, 12-foot ceilings, oversized terraces, private elevators, an 86' long great room, media den, family room, custom Italian Kitchens by Poliform, Gaggenau appliances, Poliform closets, Apure interior lighting, Crestron smart home innovation and exclusive interiors by Zaha Hadid. The full-floor, 360 degree layout of the residence offers views of Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach, Atlantic Ocean, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and Key Biscayne. Amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, full-service spa, beautifully landscaped pool deck, private theater, sky lounge and art gallery.

Colombia Tops Foreign Investment List as Miami Sees Surge of New Interest Amongst Brazilian Buyers

2017 has seen a surge of new interest amongst Brazilian buyers after they pulled back in 2015 and 2016, while also seen continued strength from Colombian buyers. Miami has long been a common home for South American flight capital, as wealthy South Americans seek to move their assets out of their countries due to crime and political instability. Colombia has seen an increase in flight capital and Miami has seen a spike in interest from their wealthy buyers over the past several years as their government formally ratified a peace deal with FARC, a guerrilla activist group,  after it was rejected by voters (On June 27, 2017, FARC officially demilitarized and handed over their weaponry to the UN). Brazilians have seen a volatile economy, crime and political turmoil effect their country. Unfortunately these same political factors, along with a strengthening Brazilian Real against the dollar put a slowdown on Brazilian buyers in Miami over the past 2 years (2015, '16). Now amid further uncertainty, many wealthy Brazilians have once again set their sites on moving their assets to the United States via Miami.

According to the MIAMI Association of REALTORS, Colombia leads all foreign countries in searches for Miami real estate, followed by Venezuela and Brazil. Colombia and Venezuela remained unchanged year over year as Brazil moved up from 5th, passing the United Kingdom and Argentina. According to Mansions Global, Turnberry Ocean Club is reporting that 21% of their international buyers have been Brazilian and One Thousand Museum is reporting that over 20% of their pre-construction buyers are Brazilian. Three Hundred Collins has seen 25% of their current pre-construction sales go under contract to Brazilian buyers and the building is over 80% sold.

“As Miami evolved from a tourist city to a global metropolis, we’ve seen more diversified foreign home buyers search and buy properties here. It’s no longer just South America. It is home buyers in India, China, Turkey, France and other countries who want to live the Miami lifestyle,” said Christopher Zoller, 2017 MIAMI Chairman of the Board. 

Top 10 Countries Visiting Miamire.com in March 2017:

1. Colombia
2. Venezuela
3. Brazil
4. Argentina
5. India
6. Canada
7. Philippines
8. Dominican Republic
9. France
10. Spain