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Two major Miami residential towers of 64 and 53 storeys were recently the subject of aerial flyovers that give outsiders a look at the city's skyscraping ambitions. While Aria on the Bay and Brickell Flatiron lie on opposite sides of the downtown core, and are currently at different stages of construction, both developments appoint local architects to the scene, and unsurprisingly, feature balcony-laden exteriors that lend a sense of rhythmic motion to the facade.
The Arquitectonica-designed Aria on the Bay is located at 1770 North Bayshore Drive along Biscayne Bay in the city's Arts & Entertainment District. Developed by Melo Group, the tower reached a celebratory milestone last week when construction reached its ultimate height of 53 storeys. Its 648 units are 80 percent sold, with international investors snatching up many of the units. Buyers from over 42 countries around the world have purchased suites in the property.
The development will include one- to four-bedroom units — fetching from the $400,000s to about $6 million USD — with a crown of tri-level penthouses, rooftop pools and garden terraces overlooking Margaret Pace Park, Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach and the city skyline. The opera-inspired name evokes the project's downtown cultural and arts institutions, while the curving balconies serve as a nod to the balconies of the world's opera houses. A 14th floor amenity deck includes two sunrise/sunset-facing swimming pools, fire pits, barbecue grills and outdoor summer kitchens, with additional spaces reserved for a fitness centre, entertainment lounge, and screening room. About 20,000 square feet of commercial space, including office, retail and restaurant space, will be located on the lower levels.
Meanwhile, the massive foundation pour conducted earlier this year for Brickell Flatiron signalled the start of vertical construction for the 64-storey, which is expected to reach the 17th floor by the end of the year. Developed by prolific Miami real estate developer Ugo Colombo, founder of CMC Group, the 549-unit luxury condominium features a distinct flatiron design fashioned by architect Luis Revuelta.
Containing one- to five-bedroom units and a limited collection of penthouse and duplex residences measuring up to 6,246 square feet, prospective homebuyers will be shelling out anywhere from $500,000 to $15.5 million to live here. Views from the 64th floor rooftop spa, pool and gym are guaranteed to be spectacular, while a 6,300-square-foot fitness centre, theatre, billiard and cigar room, and wine cellar offer up additional recreational opportunities for residents.
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