Baltus House – Miami Design District

As the Miami Design District grows and becomes more popular with high-end retailers, upscale design firms and other businesses, condominiums are beginning to becoming a reality.  Recently announced to begin construction later this year with completion late in 2014, Baltus House is going to be a destination for many Miami residents who want to live in a trendy community surrounded by stores like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dior and other top designers.  The Miami Design District is known for its upscale influence with some of the best shopping, dining and entertainment.   

Baltus House

Baltus House is another brilliant creation by world-renowned developer, The Related Group. With other Miami condominiums like Icon Brickell, 50 Biscayne, and My Brickell as well as other new projects like SLS Brickell, Icon Bay, and Beachwalk (Hallandale Beach), The Related Group takes condominium developments to a new level.  Arquitectonica, which frequently partners with The Related Group on major projects, is the architectural brain behind the actual design of Baltus House. 

Finally, the interior design of the condominium is under the direction of the Spanish design and furniture manufacturing firm of Baltus which happens to have a showroom in the Miami Design District. Jorge Perez, CEO of The Related Group, fell in love with the firm's work after the completion of a personal suite in another of his Miami architectural works of art.

The floor plans call for one, two, and three-bedroom units that have a nice flowing feel and are very spacious.  Each one features at least one terrace with some having multiple terraces for relaxing and taking in beautiful city and water views.  The contemporary lobby showcases Jorge Perez’s collection as does the other common areas.

Location of Baltus House

Baltus House is located at 4300 Biscayne Boulevard adjacent to the gated community of Bay Point in the prestigious Miami Design District.  Just five minutes from downtown and Brickell, Miami’s financial district, as well as only about 15 minutes from the Miami beaches, the Design District is set to become a top pick with Miami real estate for residents to relocate because of its combination of exclusive shops and businesses in a somewhat eclectic atmosphere.   

Amenities

This is a boutique condominium with 167 fully-finished units on 15 floors.  About 60 percent of the units are designed to have water views.  Inside each residence, high-end fixtures and finishes highlight the living areas.  The large kitchens feature European cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and tons of counter space. 

In terms of community amenities, there will be a 55-foot reflective pool and spa on a seventh floor deck facing southward overlooking Biscayne Bay and Miami Beach.  Some of the other features include assigned parking for all residences, additional storage, and two additional spas on the 16^th floor roof-top sun deck which showcases a summer kitchen with direct Bay views.  The fitness center overlooks the pool deck. 

Real Estate at Baltus House

The current plans for the residential properties at Baltus House include one, two, and three bedroom residences.  The pricing is as follows:

      

Unit Type	Price
Studios	$228,900-$246,900
One-Bedroom/One-Bath	$268,900-$286,900
One-Bedroom/One-Bath+Den	$315,900-$318,900
Two-Bedroom/Two Bath	$478,900-$692,900
Three-Bedroom	To Be Announced

As for a payment structure, the plan is as follows:

• 10% of Purchase Price at Reservation
• 10% of Purchase Price at Contract, or Balance of 20% after applying Reservation Deposit
• 20% of Purchase Price at Groundbreaking
• 20% of Purchase Price at Top-off
• 40% of Purchase Price at Closing

A Perfect Addition to the Design District 

Another Related Group project is about to become reality and set the tone for new projects in the Miami Design District.  Jorge Perez is definitely a visionary when it comes to Miami real estate.  This is another masterpiece that will add so much beauty to the Miami real estate market.

Five Most Expensive Miami Real Estate Sales So Far in 2013

Miami’s real estate market began heating up in the second half of 2012 and continues its climb towards pre-real estate crash numbers.  So far in 2013, Miami realestate sites show that over 1,000 properties have sold with many more pending and listed for sale.  Following are the five most expensive Miami real estate sales so far in 2013.

5701 North Bayshore Drive, Morningside, Sale Price:  $6,430,000

This home in Morningside is the quintessential home in this upscale Miami neighborhood. Built in 1925, it is a 4,788 square foot estate home set on about three-quarters of an acre waterfront lot and features panoramic Bay views.  The interior and exterior exude luxury with everything from a huge gourmet kitchen to beautiful balconies showcasing amazing views to an outdoor kitchen and dining area overlooking the Bay.  With about 180 feet of water frontage, there is a large seawall and IPE wood dock and an 80KW generator.  

For Sale in Morningside

Morningside is located on the Upper East Side of the city facing Biscayne Bay. The boundaries fall between Biscayne Boulevard, NE 55^th Street and NE 60^th Street.  The homes are large and exhibit a diversity of early 20^th century architecture including Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco, and Mission-style design. Morningside is surrounded by other upscale and hip neighborhoods like Bay Point, the Design District, and Magnolia Park. 

1374 South Venetian Way, San Marco Island, Sale Price:  $6,400,000

Situated on one of the Venetian Islands, this 6,757 square foot home offers the most amazing views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay.  It has everything a home of this caliber would have including a rooftop pool, high-end fixtures and finishes throughout the home, a putting green and a large dock that accommodates large vessels. 

1376 South Venetian Way, San Marco Island, Sale Price:  $5,900,000

This 4,400+ square foot home has a successful rental history with rates at $4,000 per night; $21,600 per week and $90,000 per month.  There is nothing like this home as so much has gone into this home with the top fixtures and finishes through the home.  Fully furnished, it features a Crestron Smart Home System and other high-end details.  There are unbelievable views from every vantage point. 

1350 South Venetian Way, San Marco Island, Sale Price:  $5,200,000

Situated on one of the larger San Marco Island lots, this beautiful home boasts almost 7,300 square feet of living space and is surrounded by other magnificent estate homes.  Like the other homes, it boasts an amazing water and city views, an outdoor living area and private dock with lift. For security and privacy, it also has a private gated entry.  Inside every room is designed and decorated with luxury in mind.

For Sale on San Marco Island

San Marco Island is one of the Venetian Islands that sits in Biscayne Bay connecting the city to Miami Beach via the Venetian Causeway.  Home to celebrities and prominent Miami residents, homes on San Marco Island showcase where they live with large backyards that focus on outdoor living. Homes currently listed for sale range between $1.3 million and $5.6 million.  Thus far, in 2013, four homes have sold with sale prices between $950K and $6.4 million.  The Venetian Islands are close to everything including Miami Beach, downtown Miami, Art Centers, Theaters, cruise ship port and the airport.

625 Buttonwood Lane, Bay Point, Sale Price:   $4,000,000

This 4,400 square foot home is situated on the private gated island of Bay Point on the Upper East Side of Miami and opens up to showcase west side views from the back of the home.  With two docks, perfectly manicured landscaping, and direct Bay access, this is the perfect Miami home. 

For Sale in Bay Point

Bay Point is located on the Upper East Side of the City of Miami between NE 41^st and NE 50th Street.  It is adjacent on the north side to the exclusive Morningside neighborhood and features various styles of estate style homes.  Close to everything in Miami, it is within a short 10-minute drive to Downtown and South Beach.  

An interesting fact about Bay Point is that the streets are owned by the homeowners of Bay Point who pay over $1,000 per month for security and maintenance.  Additionally, Sabal Palm Road is recognized as one of the most expensive streets in the US.  As for Miami real estate, homes are priced between $1.7 million and $5.5 million.  Over the last six months, six homes have sold with sale prices from $1.2 million to $4 million.    

Miami Real Estate Exudes Luxury

With such unbelievable homes being sold in Miami, it is very evident that Miami real estate exudes luxury.  While other areas like Miami Beach showcase higher sale prices this year, one thing is for sure, the housing market in Miami is on its way up with sale prices and home values continuing to increase.

MEi Miami Beach

MEi is the Mandarin word for “beauty” and no other word better describes MEi Miami Beach.  This upscale, luxury condominium is the perfect blend of Asian- influenced design with the most-advanced technology to create the most prestigious Miami Beach condominium.  MEi stands out from the rest of the luxury Miami condominiums with its unique design.  From the moment you enter the grounds of MEi Miami Beach, an immediate zen-like atmosphere engulfs you to bring you to a relaxed state of being. 

Completed in 2008, MEi Miami Beach is an architectural stroke of genius designed by the architecture firm of Rosello Balboa & Lordi, developed by PMG Collins, a subsidiary of Property Markets Group, and built by TGI Construction.  Interior design firm, Hersch Bedner Interior Design carried the Asian influence of the architecture throughout the interior of the condominium.  With 22 stories and 135 condominium units that include 36 two-story townhouse structures on upper level floors, MEi Miami features one, two and three-bedroom residences.  Condominium residences range in size from 900 square feet to over 1,900 square feet with two-story residences ranging in size from 2,000 square feet to 4,000 square feet.  Attention to detail is everywhere you turn on the grounds, in the lobby and other public areas as well as inside each residence.    

Location

Located at 5875 Collins Avenue, MEi Miami Beach is situated along the oceanfront on Millionaire’s Row in the heart of Miami Beach. Within walking distance to the restaurants on Lincoln Road, it is centrally located between the action of South Beach and shopping in Bal Harbour not to mention being a very short drive from Brickell and the Design District.   

Amenities

MEi Miami Beach features a creativity that defines a new type of condominium.  With sparkling glass, water trickling over limestone, teak furniture and accents, and exotic Asian fabrics from the East, an immediate sense of calm comes over anyone who enters the lobby.  Residents and guests enjoy all the luxurious amenities like the incredible pool deck that surrounds the resort-style pool with a bridge over a tranquil lagoon; a state of the art fitness center and luxury Asian spa; a library and tea room; and, so much more.  On top of the building amenities, residents enjoy a private beach with cabanas and the most amazing views of the Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.    

Homes feature only top of the line amenities and extras expected with such an extravagant property.  Residences feature ‘smart-home’ capabilities for multiple phone lines, wi-fi and security; high-speed elevators; 24-hour concierge; high-end state of the art stainless steel appliances and Asian-influenced cabinets in large gourmet kitchens; elegant master suites with walk-in closets that rival any private estate; wrap around balconies, and so much more.  From there, individual owners added other amenities like automated black out curtains in bedrooms, and more.

Property for Sale at MEi Miami Beach

Currently, there are nine residences for sale at MEi Miami Beach.  They range in prices from under $2 million for a one-bedroom condo-hotel unit to well over $2 million.   Over the past year, 12 residences sold with sale prices between the mid-$500s for a one-bedroom unit to almost $1.9 million for a large two-story unit.    

Rental Property at MEi Miami Beach

For those who insist on luxury accommodations when spending time in South Florida but do not want to make the investment of owning property,  MEi Miami Beach rentals feature furnished accommodations for seasonal rentals and unfurnished rentals for long term tenants with monthly rental rates ranging from about $3,000 to $8,000. 

Live a Zen Life at MEi Miami Beach

Not only is MEi Miami Beach the most prestigious condominium residence in all of Miami Beach, it is definitely the most unique and filled with a upscale ambiance that is only prevalent in a handful of condominiums in South Florida.  Owning Miami real estate here allows owners and guests an opportunity to live a Zen life at MEi Miami Beach.

Most Affordable Brickell Rentals

Brickell is often referred to as the "Manhattan of the South."  With the large number of luxury condominiums and apartments, this part of Miami is alive and thriving with the excitement and action only seen in major metropolitan cities. It is home to a diverse group of people from young professionals to newly-retired baby boomers who want to rent or own Brickell real estate. 

As the neighborhood continues to grow and gain in popularity, so does the number of Brickell rentals.  With so many rentals, it is a good idea to compare similar units and rental rates on a rental price per square foot basis to see which is the most affordable.  Following are the most affordable Brickell rentals.

Fortune House Rentals

185 SE 14^th Terrace, #2010, Fortune House, Rental Rate:  $675

This 930-square foot two-bedroom/two-bath at the Fortune House Hotel is fully-furnished with tasteful décor for guests to enjoy while in Brickell for business or pleasure.  With a weekly rental rate, it provides comfortable accommodations and easy access to all that Brickell has to offer.  It is a perfect rental for business professionals who spend extensive time in Brickell as the hotel provides extensive business center with secretarial services, work stations, meeting rooms, and more.  The unit features wonderful city views from the balcony and excellent amenities including an outdoor heated pool, fully equipped fitness center, restaurant dining and hotel room service, and other excellent amenities.  With a $0.72 cost per square foot, this residence is one of the most affordable rentals in Brickell.

185 SE 14^th Terrace, #2112, Fortune House, Rental Rate:  $600

This is a perfect one-bedroom/one-bath short term rental for any business professional that plans to spend more than a few days in Brickell.  As a condo-hotel, Fortune House has all the amenities to make business trips easier and more productive while providing comfortable accommodations with room to move.  Tastefully decorated, the unit features wonderful city views from the balcony as well as a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and other excellent amenities.  Fortune House also offers a fully functioning business center to allow business professionals to work while away from their offices.  The 640-square foot unit has a price per square foot of $0.94 -- definitely a top pick on affordability.

The Ivy Rentals

90 3^rd Street, #PH-17, The Ivy, Rental Rate: $5,600

This annually-leased penthouse in a gated community features a contemporary design and wide-open space.  The three-story residence showcases a roof-top terrace on the third floor with the most amazing 360-degree views of the city, Biscayne Bay, the river and the Atlantic Ocean.  Tile floors, custom-designed closets, a gourmet kitchen with high-end stainless steel appliances and smart building touch screen panels are just some of the features in this 3,200+ square foot residence.  The Ivy is one of three buildings in a gated community that offers the ultimate in luxury with extensive tropical grounds, a luxury spa, infinity pool, state of the art fitness center and so much more.  Situated along the Miami River and close to everything in Brickell, this is definitely a top Brickell rental for the rate ($1.74 per square foot).  It is important to note that the unit is also listed for sale but will be removed from the market with an annual lease. 

One Miami Rentals

224 South Biscayne Boulevard, #3123, One Miami, Rental Rate:  $3,300

Located in one of Miami’s most popular condominiums, this beautiful three-bedroom/two-bath residence features a gorgeous kitchen with Italian cabinets, and granite counter tops along with marble baths and panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, Miami River, and the Brickell Skyline.  Residents enjoy the use of two swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, party rooms, two fitness centers, market, business center, and 24-hour security, valet, and concierge. Its central location is close to everything including South Beach, Coral Gables, the Design District, the airport and Coconut Grove.  With 1,792 square feet of living space, the price per square foot is very affordable at $1.84 per square foot. 

1060 Brickell Rentals

1050 Brickell Avenue, #422, 1060 Brickell, Rental Rate:  $2,400

Spectacular is the only word to describe this large one-bedroom/one-bath corner loft unit features 18-foot ceilings and two walls of floor to ceiling windows that showcase unbelievable views.  Contemporary in design, the residence offers an exquisite kitchen with tons of counter space, stainless steel appliances, Brazilian cherry floors and more. Additionally, residents have full access to amenities like a lushly landscaped resort deck, a pool and whirlpool, sun deck and recreation, a fully-equipped workout facility with steam rooms, showers and locker rooms, a virtual golf room featuring sophisticated indoor golf simulator, wine and cigar lounge outfitted with temperature-controlled wine storage cabinets and personal humidors for cigars, a 12-story parking garage with security access controls, 24-hour attended lobby, valet parking and more.  All this for only $1.85 per square foot is a steal!

Apples to Apples

When looking at similar Brickell condominiums, comparing the price per square foot allows and apples to apples comparison.  This part of Miami is thriving and has so much happening.  One afternoon in this bustling community makes anyone who wants the action of a major financial district in the warm Florida sunshine have a strong pull to Miami’s fastest growing area.