Brickell’s Skyline Set to Evolve with New 39-Story Residential Tower
The transformation of Miami’s Brickell neighborhood continues as plans for a new 39-story residential tower move forward. Located just a block from Brickell City Centre, this development promises to bring both luxury and community enhancements to the area.
The developer, working on the site of the recently demolished Starlite Motel, has officially signed a public benefits agreement to secure the project’s approval. Recorded on December 10, the agreement paves the way for development under Miami-Dade’s Rapid Transit Zoning plan.
As part of the agreement, the developer has committed to a series of public benefits:
$500,000 Contribution: A payment to Miami-Dade County, earmarked for repairs or upgrades to the Brickell Metrorail or Metromover stations.
Workforce Housing: Five percent of the tower’s residential units will be income-restricted for workforce renters, addressing the need for affordable housing options in the area.
Tree Planting Initiative: The developer will plant 40 trees at least 20 feet high either on the property or within the surrounding right-of-way, in addition to the required landscaping.
Pedestrian Connectivity: A cross-block passage will provide pedestrian access between SW 7th Street and SW 8th Street, enhancing walkability.
Utility Line Upgrades: Telecom wires on the property will be buried at the developer’s expense, improving the aesthetic and infrastructure.
The planned development includes:
517 Apartments: Offering a range of residential options to accommodate Brickell’s growing population.
Restaurant Space: 9,700 square feet dedicated to dining establishments.
Parking Facilities: A six-level garage with 506 parking spaces.
A construction permit for the tower was filed in August, with Suffolk Construction serving as the contractor. The estimated construction value stands at $190 million, highlighting the significant investment in the project. Chicago-based Focus is leading the development, with the world-renowned architectural firm Gensler at the helm of the design.
As approval for the project hinges on the fulfillment of public benefit commitments, the developer’s proactive approach signals a win-win for both the community and investors. This 39-story tower is set to redefine the local skyline while contributing to the enhancement of Brickell’s urban environment.
Casa Tua Announced in Brickell by Fortune International Group
In Miami’s Brickell district, Fortune International Group is developing Casa Tua, an opulent residential skyscraper that will allow short-term rentals.
According to Fortune CEO Edgardo Defortuna, Ora by Casa Tua, a 70-story development with roughly 460 residential units, is proposed for the 1210 Brickell Avenue site. Early in the next year, Fortune will start accepting reservations.
The skyscraper will be the company’s first residential development. According to insiders, Miky and Leti Grendene’s hospitality business has been in discussions with developers for a long time. The Food Hall on Saks Fifth Avenue in Brickell City Centre and the Casa Tua main location are both in Miami Beach. Additionally, a Casa Tua Cucina restaurant will open in Miami’s Wynwood’s planned Nomad Wynwood Residences development.
Two new restaurant concepts, a 24-hour market, entertainment lounge, fitness, and wellness center, a three-story sky garden, and a rooftop club with a pool, jacuzzi, cabanas, and a bar will all be included in the mixed-use Brickell tower. The hotel management and marketing will be handled by Casa Tua.
According to Defortuna, the condos will have sizes ranging from 600 square feet for studios to 2,400 square feet for four bedrooms, with prices between $800,000 and $2.5 million. Defortuna predicts that a sizeable fraction of owners will profit from the option for buyers to rent out the apartments on a short-term basis. The lowest two-thirds of the skyscraper will feature between eight and ten units per floor, while the upper third of the tower will have fewer, larger units with an average of six units on each level.
The building is geared toward a younger clientele and offers a wine-tasting bar, a 24-hour grocery and bakery, a restaurant near the pool, and an equipped lobby.
Depending on sales milestones, he said, construction may start in late 2023 or early 2024.
According to property records, the property is owned by Patagonian Investment Internacional LLC, which is run by Argentine investors Federico Carabetta and Vicente Luis Carabetta. Next year, Fortune will close the location and destroy the parking garage to make way for Ora by Casa Tua. The garage is close to the office building at 1200 Brickell Avenue, which still houses the Dirty French Steakhouse owned by Major Food Group.
Casa Tua has outlets outside of Miami in Aspen and Paris and will establish a restaurant and lounge in New York City in Surrey, a Reuben Brothers venture, the following year.
Plans Submitted for 48 Story Tower: Brickell Gateway
Israeli-developer, Gazit Horizons, is on track to bring a 48 story tower to Miami’s Brickell. Located at 90 SW 8th Street next to Brickell City Centre, will be the Brickell Gateway Tower. The 377,000 square foot project will bring residential units, office spaces, a hotel concept, and retail to the neighborhood.
Gazit Horizons acquired the land in July 2017 for $29.5 million and March 1, 2021, was the date that the developers submitted plans for demolition. The tower is proposed to include 500 condo units.
The demolition approval is still pending. According to the plans, the site only permits plans for a building up to 48-stories and they are taking full advantage.
The demolition costs for the property would total $139,698 with an estimated cost for completion at $150 million. BG Group is listed as the demolition contractor for the project. Once approved, the developers are aiming for a completion date in quarter 2 of 2023.
The developers met with the City of Miami on February 15, 2022, for review. The current status of the project is still in redesign.
You may be familiar with the current site of the proposed tower. It is a black building with magnificent artwork portraying soccer-based graffiti. The soccer club, Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, that houses the building has been renting the space since 2018. David Beckham is the Miami MLS Owner and President of Football Operations.
Developer Announces Sales for New Brickell Tower – Lofty Brickell
A new residential tower, Lofty Brickell, will be launching sales soon! The tower will rise 34 stories high, overlooking the river, and will feature 320 fully furnished and finished units.
These units will be ‘turnkey’ and are fully licensed for daily, weekly, and monthly short-term rentals. Owners can utilize platforms like AirBnb, VRBO, as well as manage on their own.
The units will feature 800 to 1,200 square-foot floor plans with studio to 2 bedrooms options. Prices will start in the low $500,000 with increases based on floor plans and upgrades.
Developer, Harvey Hernandez recently closed on the lot for $50+ million. Hernandez is responsible for Centro and Brickell House.
With the announcement of this new tower comes some controversy. The current development site holds KLA Schools of Brickell and sources have reported an ‘early eviction’ although their lease expires December 2021.
Building Features
35-story landmark building designed by internationally acclaimed architecture firm, Arquitectonica
Prime Brickell location in steps from Brickell City Center
Short-term rentals permitted as-of-right
Spectacular panoramic Miami River, Brickell and Miami skyline views
2 Story lobby with floor to ceiling windows 24-hour welcome desk with concierge 24-hour valet parking 24-hour secure access Advanced technology smart-building with high-speed fiber-optic wireless internet access through out common areas
Exclusive LOFTY app
Cutting-edge green building technology
6 high-speed passenger elevators with access control
On-site hospitality management Curated River-front restaurant with outdoor dining terrace
Building Amenities
Exotic resort pool with pool-side cabanas
Bar and grill on pool deck 24/7
Co-working lounge Private meeting rooms
Event room with exclusive terrace
Fully-equipped, state-of-the-art fitness center with HD TVs and wireless audio Private Peloton studios Yoga lounge and terrace
LOFTY Rooftop Experience
Residence Features
Urban luxury residences with modern open layouts from 485SF—930SF Studio, one and two bedroom units
All residences are delivered fully finished and furnished specially curated by INC
Panoramic Miami River, and Miami skyline views
Private balconies for every residence
Corner units offer wrap-around balconies
High ceilings ranging from 9’ to 11’
Owner closets in every residence
Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and sound attenuating impact-resistant laminated glass throughout
Advanced technology Smart Building wiring for HD TV,
Multiple telephone /data lines and ultra-high-speed internet access
Individually controlled energy-efficient central air conditioning and heating system
Kitchen
Imported European cabinets with premium hardware and drawer pulls
Top of the line appliance package including stainless steel refrigerator, oven, cook-top,microwave, dishwasher and sink disposal
Elegant imported stone countertops and backsplashes
Contemporary stainless steel under-mounted sink•High-arc gourmet faucet with integral sprayer
Master Bathroom
Imported European cabinets with premium hardware and drawer pulls
Elegant imported stone countertops and backsplashes
The project located in the heart of Brickell will include a private marina on the river with an expansive dock for boating.
Sales for a select few have started with anticipation public sales date soon. Construction completion date is expected in 2024.
New Restaurant Alert: Bobby Van’s Steakhouse Coming to Brickell
According to our sources, Bobby Van’s Steakhouse is coming to Brickell. It has secured the restaurant space located at the base of SLS Lux that was formerly occupied by Katsuya Brickell. The location will place Bobby Van’s Steakhouse Miami within a block of Brickell City Centre (a 565,000-square-foot, upscale shopping center) and South Miami Avenue (Brickell’s strip of restaurants and bars).
Established in 1969, Bobby Van’s Steakhouse has over 50 years in the restaurant business. Known for serving dry-aged, USDA prime-quality beef and fresh seafood, Bobby Van’s Steakhouse is a true steakhouse with richly handcrafted wood walls, a well-stocked bar, and an extensive wine list.
Once it opens its doors in Brickell, Miami will become the third U.S. city covered by Bobby Van’s Steakhouse. Currently, it covers two other U.S. cities, New York City (with seven locations) and Washington D.C. (with two locations).
Reach Brickell City Centre Photo Tour
Yesterday, I shared a photo tour of Rise Brickell City Centre. The photos included shots of its amenities and common areas. Today, I’m sharing a photo tour of Reach Brickell City Centre. As I mentioned yesterday, both towers have a lot of commonalities but there are subtle differences. Because of those differences, there are some people who prefer Reach over Rise while others prefer Rise over Reach.
As with Rise, Reach has a total of 390 condo residences and rises 43 stories. Only five percent of the developer inventory at Reach remains unsold. The developer, Swire Properties, is offering buyers a ten percent cash rebate plus two years of free condo fees when purchasing a developer unit. And for those who are looking for something more turnkey, the developer has a variety of furniture packages from Steven G available for sale.
Included below are photos of the lower and upper lobbies at Reach along with photos of its full-service spa with hammam, beauty salon, and treatment rooms; its lobby-level cafe; pool deck with swimming pool and hot tubs; fitness center; and children’s playroom. Reach also includes (but not photographed) a business center and club room. And perhaps the best thing about living at Reach and Rise is that you’re in the heart of Brickell Miami, surrounded by amazing restaurants, cafes, and entertainment.
Rise Brickell City Centre Photo Tour & Buyer Incentives
When it comes to real estate development, very few developers in the world can match the experience and reputation of Hong-Kong based Swire Properties. They are known for transforming city landscapes and consistently delivering high-quality finishes. In Miami, they are the developers behind the 44-acre site called Brickell Key, which they purchased in the late 1970s and, more recently, the developers behind the $1.05 billion mixed-use development called Brickell City Centre – a complete game-changer for the Brickell neighborhood.
Along with 500,000 square feet of retail space and a luxury hotel, Brickell City Centre includes twin residential towers called Reach and Rise, each with 390 condo residences and rising 43 stories. In an effort to sell out its remaining unsold inventory, Swire introduced earlier this year the following incentives to help entice buyers: a ten percent cash rebate plus two years of free condo fees. For a $1-million condo, for example, the incentives amount to savings of around $115,000 ($100,000 from the ten percent cash rebate plus roughly $15,000 from the free condo fees for two years).
Only five percent (5%) of the total units remain unsold at Reach while Rise has thirty percent (30%) developer inventory. To share with everyone the high-quality finishes one can expect at these two luxury towers, I included below a photo tour of Rise Brickell City Centre. Tomorrow, I will include a photo tour of Reach Brickell City Centre. While Reach and Rise do have a lot of commonalities, there are differences between the two towers. In the weeks ahead, I will also share photo tours of four amazing penthouses (two in Reach and two in Rise). One of the penthouses is a two-story penthouse with an outdoor pool off the living room AND outdoor Jacuzzi off the master bedroom. It’s the only one of its kind in that tower and is absolutely incredible!
As you will see in the photos below, Rise includes lower and upper lobbies; a sprawling pool deck with swimming pool, hot tub, and BBQ area; a full-service spa with hammam, beauty salon, and treatment rooms; a lobby-level cafe; a fitness center; and club room. It also includes (but not photographed) a children’s playroom, an outdoor playground, and a business center.
Miami is Getting its First Italian Food Hall
Whether you’re on the run looking for a quick espresso and freshly baked bread or looking to indulge in wine tastings and cooking classes, La Centrale – located at Brickell City Centre – will soon be able to offer you all of this and more.
The three-story, 38,000-square foot space will be comprised of 14 different dining areas, offering a wide variety of Italian treats. The first floor will be home to a café, mercato and pizza bar. If you’re looking for more of an authentic Italian meal, the second floor will have three Italian restaurants and gelateria – because you simply can’t have an authentic Italian meal without gelato! Finally, the third floor will have a wine shop to go along with wine tastings, and cooking classes led by experienced chefs.
At La Centrale, you’ll be able to enjoy different regions of the peninsula known as the “Bel Paese”. From Tuscany and Sardinia to Sicily and Puglia, the many tastes of Italy will be yours to savor!
Casa Tua Cucina in Brickell City Centre is Officially Open
Christmas Is Coming Early For Brickell Fashionistas – Zara Is Ready To Open
We have great news for Brickell’s fashionista crowd! The Zara store in Brickell City Centre is ready to open, just in time for Christmas!
Last week, photos were circulating of work crews rushing to complete the two-story store, and this is what it looked like as of the weekend. It seems the only to-do left is the final approval from the city and we’ll be free to shop!
We are hoping to learn the firm opening date today…
