A new era of luxury living is coming to Coral Gables as Cassia, a 12-story condominium development, officially broke ground. Developed by Alta Developers, this sophisticated residential project will rise adjacent to the prestigious Merrick Park, offering a prime location paired with refined design and high-end finishes.
Cassia will feature 174 fully furnished residences, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The residences range from one to three bedrooms, with sizes spanning 662 to 1,461 square feet. Prices start at $700,000, making Cassia an attractive option for those seeking luxury in the heart of Coral Gables.
Designed by renowned Behar Font & Partners, the building’s architectural vision embodies modern sophistication, seamlessly blending with Coral Gables’ classic charm. IDDI is curating the amenities, ensuring a first-class residential experience.
Situated adjacent to Merrick Park, Cassia places residents within walking distance of premier shopping, fine dining, and entertainment options. This prime location enhances the allure of the development, offering a balanced lifestyle of convenience and luxury.
With construction now underway, Cassia is set to redefine luxury condominium living in Coral Gables. Stay tuned for more updates as this stunning development takes shape.
Alta Developers has recently revealed new renderings for Cassia, a striking 12-story residential development set to redefine luxury living in the heart of Coral Gables. Designed by the esteemed architectural firm Behar Font & Partners, this fully furnished luxury condominium will be located at 4011 Salzedo Street in the Merrick Park District. Cassia will offer 174 elegantly designed residences, ranging from one- to three-bedroom units, with sizes spanning from 662 to 1,439 square feet. Ideal for frequent travelers or seasonal residents, these units come fully furnished by RH, offering flexible rental options.
The newly unveiled renderings showcase Cassia’s rectilinear form, accentuated by a sleek white stucco exterior. The building’s design emphasizes vertical and horizontal lines through its recessed balconies and window frames. Large, floor-to-ceiling windows punctuate the façade, allowing for breathtaking views and an abundance of natural light. Architectural frames surrounding the balconies add a sophisticated depth and texture to the overall aesthetic.
The lower levels of Cassia will feature ground-level retail spaces, designed with extensive glazing and black aluminum framing to enhance transparency and encourage street-level interaction. The façade on this level will be clad in stone material or veneer, complemented by green walls and nearby landscaping, creating a harmonious blend with the surrounding environment.
A standout feature of Cassia is the outdoor amenity deck located above the podium level. This landscaped area includes a pool deck surrounded by palm trees and lush plantings, offering a serene retreat for residents. The pool area is outfitted with lounge chairs and outdoor seating, perfect for relaxation and social gatherings.
The name “Cassia” is inspired by the beautiful Cassia trees that bloom across Coral Gables during Spring and Fall, their pink blossoms resembling delicate bouquets. This name is a nod to the city’s founders, who envisioned Coral Gables as a Garden City with lush green avenues and charming architecture. This vision has been preserved, with Coral Gables earning the designation of Tree City USA for over 34 years.
Located just steps away from the Shops at Merrick Park, Cassia residents will enjoy unparalleled access to premier shopping and dining experiences. The area boasts over 100 retailers and restaurants, including luxury brands such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co. For fitness and wellness, residents can visit Equinox Fitness, SoulCycle, and the Elemis spa.
Cassia promises to be a hallmark of luxury living in one of South Florida’s most desirable and pedestrian-friendly locations, blending modern design with the rich cultural heritage of Coral Gables.
Alta Developers, a prominent Miami-based real estate firm, has officially launched sales for its latest venture, a short-term rental-friendly condominium known as Cassia, located in the vibrant heart of Coral Gables. This announcement marks a significant shift from the company’s initial plans of developing an apartment complex at 4011 Salzedo Avenue.
Originally intended as a multifamily apartment building, the project’s direction shifted about six months to a year ago, amidst challenging market conditions. “The multifamily market is pretty tough today. With interest rates and costs, it’s very difficult to launch a multifamily project,” explained Raimundo Onetto, CEO of Alta Developers. He further noted the sustained demand in the condo market, which influenced the strategic redirection towards developing Cassia as a condo project suitable for short-term rentals.
Cassia is set to rise as a 12-story building offering 174 residential units, with sizes ranging from 662 to 1,439 square feet. The units, which will include options from one to three bedrooms, are priced starting in the $700,000s, stretching up to about $1.8 million. Each condo will be delivered fully finished and furnished, featuring elegant interiors by RH (formerly Restoration Hardware), ensuring a premium living experience.
The development is designed to attract a diverse group of buyers, including foreign investors and families with children attending the University of Miami, as well as medical professionals working at nearby hospitals. “People can use it when they’re here, and when they’re not here they can put it into a management program that allows them cash flow. … This is a great way to start your real estate portfolio,” said Jesse Ottley, President of Development Sales, highlighting the project’s flexibility.
Set to open a sales center this month at 4201 South LeJeune Road, Cassia is strategically located near top shopping destinations like the Shops at Merrick Park and luxury automotive dealer The Collection. The project promises a rich array of amenities including a café, gym, multiple pools, and a landscaped garden on the fifth floor, not to mention a striking $1 million tree sculpture within a serene paseo.
With plans to break ground by year-end, Alta Developers aims to secure construction financing by selling approximately 40% to 45% of the units—roughly 70 units in total. The anticipated loan amount is around $60 million, with construction expected to last about 18 to 20 months.
Alta Developers purchased the 1.5-acre site for $17.5 million in late 2020 from Baptist Health South Florida. The site’s history includes a previous development plan by Ugo Colombo and Masoud Shojaee, which was later sold to Baptist in the wake of a legal dispute.
Cassia represents a significant addition to Coral Gables and South Florida’s growing portfolio of short-term rental-friendly developments, joining other noteworthy projects like 600 Miami Worldcenter and Natiivo Fort Lauderdale. As Alta Developers embarks on this exciting project, Cassia is poised to become a cornerstone of flexible urban living in Coral Gables.
