Over the past few years, SkyriseCities has been giving frequent construction updates to a new social apartment community in South Florida called X Miami. Earlier this year, SkyriseCities was invited to tour the inside of the completed 32-storey tower to take in the development's diverse collection of units and its massive array of amenities.
Located at 230 NE 4th Street in Downtown Miami, the 464-unit tower by Property Markets Group and designed by CFE Architects opened in 2018. In contrast to a typical apartment building, most units come fully furnished, and the living experience is designed to foster connections between neighbours. Residents can live privately or participate in a 'rent by bedroom' program with roommates to yield the lowest rents.
SkyriseCities toured several apartment units, including studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans. Each of the units came complete with floor-to-ceiling windows sporting blackout roller shades, porcelain tile throughout, and walk-in closets with plenty of storage.
Stainless steel appliances and custom Italian cabinetry characterized the kitchens. Most units came equipped with a mounted 55-inch smart television, and all residences featured Nest thermostat and Amazon Alexa. Wide balconies provide sweeping views of the downtown cityscape, but for those on lower floors, an expansive set of amenities ensures every resident can be immersed in urban panoramas.
Starting in the lobby, residents and guests are greeted by a cafe, cocktail lounge and eatery, which are all also open to the public. Smart package lockers and secure bike storage are offered for peace of mind.
Multiple spaces are devoted to congregation, allowing neighbours to get to know each other in large settings with plenty of seating. A central courtyard and beer terrace with turf and picnic areas hosts lawn games.
Perhaps the building's star attraction, a multi-level outdoor terrace replete with a pool deck, hot tub, lounge chairs, day beds and cabanas overlooks the downtown skyline. A great lawn with amphitheater stairs leads up to a mezzanine entertainment area containing grills, built-in coolers and sinks.
Back inside, residents can partake in X Miami's state-of-the-art fitness centre, which features TV and internet-connected Technogym equipment. The space provides views over Biscayne Bay and hosts weekly classes with live instructors and on-demand virtual fitness classes for spinning, yoga and bootcamps.
Another meeting space in the form of a social hall is packed with tables, couches and multiple televisions. Shuffleboard, foosball tables, kitchenettes and a mini-market ensure residents are both entertained and stocked with the essentials.
For a more private atmosphere, X Miami also offers a screening lounge with a 90-inch TV and surround sound system.
A two-level coworking space featuring four conference rooms and five personal phone booths is serviced by fast WiFi, a printer and a scanner, making working remotely an easy alternative.
X Miami is pet-friendly too—a covered dog park on the 18th floor is splashed with colour and includes a water station to keep canines hydrated.
The X Social Communities concept has been replicated in a number of U.S. cities, including Chicago, Houston and Denver.
For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.