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Miami's building boom continues to alter the skyline and streetscape with new residential, office, and hotel projects that capitalize on the tropical ocean setting. Though skyscraping buildings in the city centre grab the most attention due to their height and scale, multiple low- and mid-rise luxury residential projects scattered throughout the city are utilizing their more intimate locales to offer an extensive suite of amenities to residents.
A project by real estate firm Mast Capital embraces and builds upon the affluent South of Fifth Street neighbourhood in Miami Beach. The boutique-style Louver House contains only 12 residences nestled within a community known for its Art Deco architecture, lush vegetation, and sandy beaches. The three-storey structure by award-winning architect Rene Gonzalez had its groundbreaking in December, when it began construction of the dozen 2,088 to 2,432-square-foot units. A rooftop garden with an infinity-edge pool deck, state-of-the-art fitness centre, and an outdoor yoga studio are just a few of the amenities that residents can expect to enjoy when the project finishes in 2017.
Just south of Louver House, a ten-storey building marks the first condominium built on the exclusive Fisher Island in seven years. PDS Development, a subsidiary of Fisher Island Holdings, spearheaded the 47-unit Palazzo del Sol and appointed Kobi Karp as lead architect. The project's strategic location at the entrance to Miami's harbour lends unmatched views of the Atlantic Ocean, South Beach, Biscayne Bay, and the towers of the downtown core. Each unit comes with sprawling outdoor terraces and private elevators, including the largest of the lot, which sizes in at a mammoth 9,700 square feet. Amenities include a fitness room with the latest exercise equipment, a children's playroom, a private movie theatre, and an aperitivo bar. Of course, residents will have the idyllic retreat that is Fisher Island — accessible only by water — as their backyard, shared with an international populace of celebrities and billionaires.
Not to be outdone is Fasano Miami Beach, a redevelopment of the iconic Shore Club into a 100-room hotel and 75-residence complex. HFZ Capital Group has tapped Brazilian hospitality firm Fasano as hotel operator, representing the company's first United States venture. Isay Weinfeld, also from Brazil, will perform double duty on the project, acting as both the architect and interior designer. He has envisioned an airy Modernist-style building sculpted by sweeping terraces and draping greenery. The oceanfront project has proved to be a hot commodity so far, breaking real estate records in the process. The recent sale of a $7 million Beach House translates to a price point of $4,030 per square foot, a new milestone for Miami Beach properties. Each of the five two-storey Beach Houses comes with a private plunge pool, sauna, and spa therapy room. The unique condo-hotel living arrangement allows residents to access Fasano's big roster of amenities, which includes a poolside restaurant, garden-fronting bar, fitness facility, and wellness centre.
Miami is at the epicentre of a pulsating South Florida that is experiencing tremendous urban growth. According to cranespotters.com, there are 133 condominium projects under construction and over 400 condominium developments currently proposed or in the pre-sale stage in South Florida. It speaks to the strength of the market that wealthy buyers are in no short supply and are willing to pay unprecedented prices for the newest luxury homes. Though considering the prime locations these residences are being built on, it shouldn't be all that surprising.
Additional images and information for the above projects can be found in the Database files linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum threads or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.
