Miami Freedom Park: A Visionary Urban Development in Progress
Miami Freedom Park is rapidly taking shape as a transformative mixed-use development poised to redefine urban living in Miami. Designed by renowned master-planner Arquitectonica, the ambitious 130-acre project is being constructed on the site of a former public golf course and is intended to serve as a model for integrated, sustainable city planning.
According to Arquitectonica, the master plan harmonizes green spaces, cutting-edge design, and dynamic public amenities to create a vibrant community hub that will benefit Miami for generations to come. The development seamlessly blends civic, recreational, and commercial elements, offering a multifaceted environment catering to diverse urban needs.
At the heart of Miami Freedom Park, the highly anticipated stadium for Inter Miami CF is already rising from the ground. This 25,000-seat sporting facility will serve as the focal point of the development, solidifying Miami’s reputation as a premier destination for soccer enthusiasts and furthering the city’s stature in the global sports arena.
In addition to the stadium, Miami Freedom Park will include:
360,000 square feet dedicated to full-service restaurants
240,000 square feet of retail space
750 hotel rooms to accommodate visitors and residents
400,000 square feet of office space, fostering a dynamic business environment
A public park equipped with restroom facilities and a capacity for 500 persons
Multiple structured parking garages to support the anticipated influx of visitors and residents
Earlier this month, construction commenced on an eight-story, 382,592-square-foot office building, which will function as a City of Miami Administrative Building. This addition underscores the development’s role in enhancing municipal operations while contributing to the area’s overall economic vitality.
With a robust infrastructure plan and a thoughtfully designed layout, Miami Freedom Park is set to become a landmark of modern urban development. By integrating innovative architectural principles with community-centric spaces, this project aims to deliver a premier destination that embodies the future of Miami’s metropolitan evolution.
Foundation Pour Completed for Aria Reserve North Tower
Exciting progress is being made on the highly anticipated Aria Reserve development in Miami! The foundation pour for the 62-story Aria Reserve North Tower was successfully completed, according to a recent social media post by shell contractor L&R Structural Corp. This marks a significant milestone in the construction of one of Miami’s most luxurious and ambitious residential projects.
The foundation pour comes just a few weeks after the Miami Building Department issued the master construction permit for the North Tower on June 11. Construction cranes were promptly installed following the permit issuance, allowing the project to progress smoothly. The twin towers of Aria Reserve, each rising 62 stories or 649 feet, are set to redefine Miami’s skyline.
Aria Reserve is a twin-tower development, with each tower standing tall at 62 stories. The South Tower, which topped off in April, is a testament to the speed and efficiency with which this project is moving forward. Together, the two towers will offer approximately 743 luxury condos, providing residents with stunning views and top-tier amenities in the heart of Miami.
The Aria Reserve project is being developed by the esteemed Melo Group, a name synonymous with quality and luxury in Miami’s real estate scene. The architectural design is being crafted by the renowned firm Arquitectonica, known for their innovative and iconic designs that grace skylines around the world.
With the foundation pour now complete, the construction of the Aria Reserve North Tower will continue to rise, bringing this ambitious project closer to its final form. As the towers inch closer to completion, Miami residents and future condo owners alike are eagerly awaiting the day when Aria Reserve will open its doors, offering an unparalleled living experience in one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
Chug’s Express at Miami Worldcenter Opening Monday, January 16, 2023
Chug’s Express will officially open on Monday, January 16th at Miami Worldcenter! For your morning coffee and some items to-go, stop by Chug’s Express, which is open from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Caoba building at 698 NE 1st Ave in Miami, Florida 33132. Favorites from Chug’s Diner including croquetas, pastelitos, and coffee will be available at the Chug’s Express “ventanita.”
Breakfast Sandwiches
Sausage, egg & cheese house-made pork sausage, American cheese, scrambled egg, mayo
Chug’s Express is owned and operated by the Ariete Hospitality Group. Ariete Hospitality Group extends beyond excellence in cuisine, drink, and hospitality. They are dedicated to elevating the bar for dining in Miami and demonstrating to the world that the city is capable of providing top-notch dining experiences with every concept.
The staff is led by Executive Chef and Owner Michael Beltrán, a native of Little Havana who later trained with Miami’s greatest chefs before launching AHG’s flagship restaurant, Ariete. AHG’s Ariete has been recognized with a 2022 MICHELIN guide star for Chef Beltran’s, who has twice been nominated as a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: South and a 2021 StarChefs Rising Star.
Chef Beltran’s interpretation of a Cuban-American diner, Chug’s Diner, has also been recognized with a 2022 MICHELIN guide Bib Gourmand. This enterprise is personal for Chef Beltran and the staff who have embraced the vision for Miami.
Coco Miami Plan to Open its First Florida Location
On January 11, Coco Miami will open its first location in South Florida in the city’s Design District. The 156 seats in Coco’s 2,800 square-foot dining room, which is located at 8 N.E. 41st St., will be staffed by 60 people.
General Manager Richard Contell and Executive Chef Jose Diaz, who received training from Michelin-starred chefs and has a passion for both European and American cuisine, will be in charge.
Because “quality dining and vibe dining” have been increasingly popular over the past few years, the restaurant, which combines fine dining with nightly entertainment, chose Miami for its first South Florida location.
Every night, there will be entertainment at Coco Miami, including dancers, DJs, singers, and live bands. Individual controls located in specified seating locations will allow customers to enjoy the restaurant’s sound system at their preferred volume level while they are eating.
With the help of fresh, regionally produced products, its menu will highlight European traditions. Crudos, pastas, meats, and shareables including seasonal oysters and accessories with chipotle mignonette, ginger-lime relish, and cocktail sauce; Pomme de Terre Millefeuille, thin layers of sliced potatoes with dill crème fraîche and caviar; and a selection of Oscietra caviar are also on the main menu.
Mademoiselle Coco, a cocktail made by hand with Yuzuri Yuzu Liqueur, Shiso-infused Gin, Dragon Fruit, Pineapple Syrup, Lemon, and Sparkling Wine; Alter Ego Margarita, a concoction of Don Julio Reposado, Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur, Thai Chili, Tangerine Syrup, and Lime; and Coco Martini, a concoction of Ketel One, sweet vermouth, and cream of coconut.
Every Wednesday through Saturday from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., Coco Miami will be open.
Japanese Restaurant, Makoto in Miami Beach Named Top 100 Restaurants in the Country
Makoto, a modern, upscale Japanese restaurant in Bal Harbour Shops, was the only restaurant from Miami-Dade County to make OpenTable’s annual Top 100 Restaurants list. Makoto Okuwa, the restaurant’s chef and partner, leads the restaurant, which opened in 2011, and serves sushi and robata dishes that is cuisine cooked on a fire grill.
Makoto relocated to the third floor of the luxury outdoor mall earlier this year and was updated by international designer India Mahdavi. The space now has indoor and outdoor seating for 244 people, as well as a new terrace and sushi counter. The restaurant’s ownership group’s Stephen Starr responded to the news by praising the Makoto staff.
According to Starr, “The team at Makoto has demonstrated excellence in hospitality from the beginning, and it’s great to have those efforts recognized by our patrons. To be named as one of the top 100 restaurants in the country is an exciting honor and a reflection of our incredible, dedicated staff members.”
With ten restaurants each, Florida and Nevada tied. Fort Lauderdale had two favorites on the list, Louie Bossi Ristorante and Takato, while Tampa had three. To compile the list, OpenTable analyzed more than 13 million verified reviews from 47 cities in 21 states. Only those who book through OpenTable and dine there can leave reviews.
MAKOTO is located at Bal Harbour Shops at 9700 Collins Ave. in Miami Beach.
Fortune International Group Announces Casa Tau Branded Residential Tower-ORA
Fortune International Group, led by visionary founder Edgardo Defortuna, has announced a collaboration with hospitality brand Casa Tua to curate and program its newest high-rise, mixed-use development located at 1210 Brickell Avenue in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood.
ORA is the first branded residence for Casa Tua, the renowned, heartfelt brand and exclusive members’ only club that has gathered friends in their properties in Miami, Aspen, and Paris for over two decades and is set to launch in The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel in Manhattan in 2023. Casa Tua has planned a full suite of amenities for the property, as well as short-term rental residences.
According to Defortuna, “ORA will serve as a unique residential development in a premier location, at the best corner in the Brickell neighborhood. We look forward to working alongside the Casa Tua brand to curate a sophisticated experience that will create a community for its residents and Brickell. ORA will become the city’s most exciting amenity.”
ORA by Casa Tua will feature, among other things, two new restaurant concepts by Casa Tua, a gourmet market by Casa Tua, a rooftop lounge – with resort-style offerings such as a pool, sky lounge, and bar; a show kitchen, private event space, and – curated by Casa Tua; an abundance of nature and lush landscaping infused into the building’s design, including full floors of floating gardens overlooking city views; an entertainment lounge, and fitness and wellness amenities.
Reservations for the short-term rental homes, which range in size from 500 square feet for studios to 2,400 square feet for four-bedroom homes, will open in January 2023. The price will begin at $800,000.
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.
Aria Development and Merrimac Ventures Buy Miami Worldcenter Site for $17.5 Million for Proposed Condo Building
After purchasing a redevelopment site for $17.5 million, Aria Development Group and Merrimac Ventures have proposed a new Miami Worldcenter condominium building.
According to records, the joint venture paid the labor union $11 million to take over the former Miami headquarters of the International Longshoremen’s Association at 33-55 Northwest Sixth Street. According to a press statement, Aria and Merrimac also paid $6.5 million to acquire a neighboring unoccupied 1.2-acre site from a partner of Miami Worldcenter developers Art Falcone and Nitin Motwani.
The project calls for a 32-story skyscraper with about 600 fully furnished residential units with no limitations on short-term rentals with pricing starting at $395,000.
The final construction plot that was up for grabs in the Miami Worldcenter district was purchased by Fort Lauderdale-based Merrimac, led by Nitin and Dev Motwani, and Miami-based Aria, led by principal David Arditi, according to Mattingly.
Merrimac and The Related Group partnered earlier this year to pay $12 million for another Miami Worldcenter development plot at 601 North Miami Avenue, The Crosby, a 33-story, 450-unit condo tower that will also be accommodating to short-term rentals.
Miami Worldcenter, a $4 billion master-planned mixed-use city, is luring titans of the real estate sector to make investments in the area. For a property at 697 North Miami Avenue that was previously permitted for a 40-story, 429-unit skyscraper, a business connected to WeWork co-founder Adam Neumann received $108 million in construction financing in February. Neumann also owns the Caoba apartment complex, which is a nearby residence.
A.5-acre development site on Northwest 10th Street and North Miami Avenue was purchased by San Antonio-based Lynd Living in August for $30 million. Although a 650-unit apartment building is permitted on the plot, Lynd hasn’t made its official plans public.
One acre at 1016 Northeast Second Avenue, where the New York-based developer intends to construct a two-tower residential complex, was purchased by Naftali Group for $40.5 million a month later.
First Look at Resident’s Only Members Club at Five Park
The newest luxury residential tower building in Miami Beach, Five Park by Terra and GFO Investment, has revealed plans for the first residents-only, fully-serviced social club inside a luxury apartment. A social amenity package centered on cultural activities, fitness, and fine dining is offered by The Canopy Club.
A specialized club-level concierge and extensive programming are characteristics of The Canopy Club. The Club enables residents to live, work, play, and entertain their guests in a range of venues suited to every mood, including white glove service, wellness, dynamic recreational areas, and the finest dining.
The Canopy Club’s Specialty Dining and Beverage Program, a seasonal dining experience designed by famous chefs and situated in the opulent jewel box bar and dining room, will be available to members only. The Club also features private training rooms, state-of-the-art wellness facilities, a branded spa, a personal trainer on staff, and breathtaking bay and ocean views.
Five Park introduces 50,000 square feet of indoor amenities and a three-acre park outside, creating a new standard for the Miami Beach lifestyle under the direction of a recognized team of visionaries. The 40,000 square feet of social spaces that make up the 26th-floor Canopy Club include a private dining room, a jewel box bar and lounge, living rooms, a library, a den, outdoor terraces, wellness, and workout sections.
Additionally, just a few blocks away at the Five Park private beach club, locals have access to their own section of the beach. The outdoor club, which is on South of Fifth, introduces a branded, exclusive area with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and food and beverage service.
According to the CEO of Terra Development, “Five Park’s Canopy Club represents a new standard of luxury and exclusivity in Miami Beach. We developed a selection of amenities that enhance quality of life, wellness, culture and connectivity. Five Park residents will make their homes within a building that embodies a complete living, breathing ecosystem, offering dynamic spaces and creative programming to their doorsteps.”
3 Tower Development Proposed at 3333 Biscayne Boulevard
According to a filing with the city planners, plans for a 3-tower mixed-use complex at 3333 Biscayne Boulevard in Edgewater have been made public.
The three towers themselves will be labeled as East, West, and North towers. The East tower is proposed to be a residential tower that will rise 41 stories tall with the North tower, also residential rising 40 stories tall. The West tower will be mainly a commercial tower with available office rental space rising 12 stories.
The development will also include 635 residential units spreading over the East and North towers which will also include 9 townhomes. There will also be 1,210 parking spaces throughout the 8-level garage. The office space will include 156,989 square feet and 19,180 square feet will be dedicated to the ground floor commercial spaces.
In a statement from the Developer, the three towers and a podium were developed by the project architect without overcrowding the space. An office tower on Biscayne Boulevard has a staggered design to wisely avoid reaching its full authorized height. To optimize separation and prevent crowding, the two residential buildings are set apart from one another at a diagonal angle. Nine ground-floor townhome units and a courtyard are positioned along the north and east facades of the project’s podium level, where they are intended to keep public spaces active.
The Applicant is happy to have generated an amazing design without the requirement for Waivers, Warrants, or Exceptions due to the Property’s enormous acreage and a private agreement among the owners of the united parcels to divide development rights among their sites.
A covenant in lieu of unity of title is being used in the proposal to use development rights from nearby properties that Aimco owns.
The architect is credited as Stantec. The developer had previously been identified as Beitel Group.
On November 16, there will be a hearing before the Urban Development Review Board.
