Paraiso Bay – The Related Group May Have Outdone Themselves

As the real estate market makes a comeback in Miami, developers are in the building mood, which is just what they are doing with new Miami condominiums.  With several projects underway or about to begin, Paraiso Bay is the next big thing about which everyone in Miami real estate is talking.  With the construction tentatively set to begin during the winter months (we know...what winter?), the Related Group may have outdone themselves with Paraiso Bay. 

This new tropical paradise (Paraiso) will be set on five acres that will include a beautiful new park.  There are going to be two 55-story towers housing approximately (345) one, two, three and four-bedroom units ranging in size from about 1,000 square feet to about 2,500 square feet.  All of the residences have gorgeous bay views as there are only a maximum of seven units on each floor lined up across the building. 

Location of Paraiso Bay

Paraiso Bay will be located on the bayfront in the Edgewater neighborhood.  In the past Edgewater was one of Miami’s questionable areas, but with the real estate surge in development and construction as well as the revitalization of the Design District and the Wynwood Arts District, it is quickly turning the tides and becoming one of the revitalization projects.  More and more shops are setting up shop in Edgewater as well as the addition of more high-rise and mid-rise condominiums. 

Edgewater is a perfect area for this type of change as it is surrounded by popular and up and coming areas and is in close proximity to so many other parts of Miami.  Miami International Airport is just 15 minutes away while South Beach is just across the Tuttle Causeway which just happens to be a few blocks to the north of Paraiso Bay. 

The Plans for Paraiso Bay

Paraiso Bay is destined for greatness with the people at the helm of this project.  Jorge Perez, President and CEO of the Related Group, is the brains behind Paraiso Bay.  As the premiere developer in Miami, in return for adding a park with playground equipment and more, Perez was able to permanently close off 31^st Street.  As with other recent condominiums like Icon Bay and Icon Brickell, Arquitectonica is putting Perez’s ideas in motion with the architecture of the property.  As for the details inside and out, United Design of London will take on the interior design while Enzo Enea handles the interior design. 

Amenities and Features

Where to begin with the amenities is the big question.  The plans for Paraiso Bay call for private elevators for each unit, a massive pool deck that is elevated 40 feet and surrounding a 100-foot diameter “lagoon” style pool that faces Biscayne Bay, a relaxing outdoor massage area and spa, state of the art fitness center, half-acre park with playground, exercise area, walking paths and sculptures by artists from the National Young Arts Foundation, and other amenities at the base of both towers that are still being determined.

Inside each residence, each unit will be decorator-ready and face Biscayne Bay with amazing views of South Beach via flow through units, high-end appliances by Subzero and Bosch and beautiful European kitchen cabinets, nine-foot ceilings, faceted glass railing balconies and more. 

Real Estate at Paraiso Bay

While still in the pre-construction phase, there are one, two, three, and four-bedroom units planned at Paraiso Bay.  With only seven units on each floor, penthouse floors will be available.  Until construction begins, buyers can put down deposits as a reservation to hold a unit until they go to contract.  Following are general list prices:

Unit #	Type		Square Feet	List Price	Price/ SF	View
808		1 Bed/1.5 Bath	918	$396,900	$432	NW Corner
2308		1 Bed/1.5 Bath	918	$438,900	$478	NW Corner
3508		1 Bed/1.5 Bath	918	$475,900	$517	NW Corner
607		1 Bed/ 2 Bath + Den	1004	$464,900	$463	NE Corner
1007		1 Bed/ 2 Bath + Den	1004	$479,900	$478	NE Corner
1807		1 Bed/ 2 Bath + Den	1004	$497,900	$496	NE Corner
2907		1 Bed/ 2 Bath + Den	1004	$530,900	$529	NE Corner
3307		1 Bed/ 2 Bath + Den	1004	$542,900	$541	NE Corner
3602		1 Bed/ 2 Bath + Den	1061	$603,900	$569	E
4102		1 Bed/ 2 Bath + Den	1061	$603,900	$569	E
703		2 Bed/3 Bath + Den	1324	$664,900	$502	E
3506		2 Bed/3 Bath + Den	1244	$712,900	$573	E
4006		2 Bed/3 Bath + Den	1244	$727,900	$585	E
2404		2 Bed/3 Bath + Den	1311	$731,900	$558	E
2905		2 Bed/3 Bath + Den	1312	$743,900	$567	E
3803		2 Bed/3 Bath + Den	1324	$768,900	$581	E
4405		2 Bed/3 Bath + Den	1312	$791,900	$604	E
3001		4 Bed/4.5 Bath + Den	2234	$1,292,900	$579	SE Corner
3901		4 Bed/4.5 Bath + Den	2234	$1,336,900	$598	SE Corner
4701		4 Bed/4.5 Bath + Den	2234	$1,343,900	$602	SE Corner

As for deposits, there is a tentative payment schedule:

• 10% with Reservations
• 10% at Contract – December – January 2014 (tentative)
• 10% at Groundbreaking (mid-2014) 
• 10% at Completion of Floor 10 – Around the End of 2014
• 10% at Top Off – mid-2015
• 50% at Completion mid-2016

Paradise in Miami

For those who live in Miami, every day is paradise in Miami.  At Paraiso Bay, this will be paradise in the truest sense of the word.  With so many cool areas around Edgewater, this Miami condominium is an excellent investment that will pay off.  

El arte de lo delicioso - Gastronomía en el Design District

Miami Design District | Fotografía: Miami Riches

 Cuando un sabor nos seduce, cerramos los ojos, respiramos profundo, los sonidos se enrarecen, los gestos se enfatizan… todo nuestro cuerpo está viviendo un instante a través del paladar. Entonces, lo sabemos: es delicioso.

La promesa del Miami Design District es tentadora: “donde el arte, el diseño y la gastronomía ocurren”. Cualquier persona que aprecie la vida y se decida a vivirla –plenamente- sabrá apreciar un espacio para hacer de la vida una obra de arte y en este distrito, de la mundana ciudad de Miami, no pudieron ser más certeros haciendo de la gastronomía uno de sus platos fuertes.

Puertas adentro de los más de 40 lugares con propuestas gastronómicas, se esconde una aventura de ingredientes, colores, texturas y ambientes. Es aquí donde el slogan del Design District se queda corto, porque la gastronomía no sólo “ocurre” sino que se ha convertido en arte. En delicia.

“Un cocinero se convierte en artista cuando tiene cosas que decir a través de sus platos, como un pintor en un cuadro” Joan Miró

En los restaurantes del Distrito del Arte, también se cocinan historias, personalidades, retratos, combinaciones… definitivamente aquí hay artistas-chef.

Para probar a qué sabe Grecia, basta estar en una sala pulcra, minimalista y tibiamente iluminada. Sus detalles de madera tímida y azul pálido son el marco de sabores que fotografían un calle sencilla y encantadora de Atenas en el paladar. El toque característico del aceite de oliva protagonista en el festín de vegetales y quesos -propios de esta cocina- son el atractivo de Egg & Dart.

A la Italia urbana y reinterpretada por un cocinero de oriente, puede comérsele con gusto, delicia y muy

buena atención en Harry’s Pizzeria. Aquí el artista-chef le ha colocado a la pizza una

Harry's Pizzeria | Fotografía: Miami Riches

personalidad irreverente a fuerza de lima, sal marina, quesos y salsa. Pero ha hecho de una tradición sencilla una obra maestra: la galleta de chispas de chocolate resulta más que un viaje una experiencia extrasensorial que comienza en la boca pero no sabemos dónde termina, la sirven recién horneada, el chocolate burbujea su calor frente al comensal, quien sin duda puede cerrar su noche convencido de haber encontrado la gloria en la sencillez.

Para quienes quieren iniciar temprano sus travesías gastronómicas, pueden ir por un brunch elegante y neutro, como la decoración moderna de MC Kitchen, un restaurante que toma la cocina mediterránea como lienzo para pintar, con ingredientes naturales y orgánicos, las estaciones más frescas y los momentos más finos de la Europa continental. Además, permite pasar de largo hasta los tragos de la sobremesa.

En el Miami Design District no podía faltar la representación de los encantos norteamericanos y el disfrute espirituoso. Se trata de Oak, una taberna que ofrece hacerte sentir como en casa, una vez que atraviesas sus arcos triunfales. La amplitud del lugar y los sabores de mar hacen de Oak un lugar para sumergirse en historias compartidas y sonrientes. ¡Otro punto para el Distrito del Arte!

Aquí, el arte de lo delicioso convierte en realidad esa aspiración onírica de fundirse con el arte. Sirva esta muestra mínima de templos dedicados a lo delicioso, como una clara invitación a que completen la lista y con ella sus propias historias.

NINE at Brickell Village -- Construction Underway

After much planning and changes, construction for NINE at Brickell Village is underway.  With completion targeted for Summer 2014, the only residential tower in Mary Brickell Village recently made a radical change from an apartment complex to condominium.  Now this unique and fantastic condominium, developed by Starwood Capital Group and LYND, is set to be one of the most sought-after residences in all of Brickell real estate.

Location of NINE at Mary Brickell Village

Located at 999 SW 1st Avenue in the heart of Brickell, NINE will consist of 390 units on 34 stories.  With a variety of floor plans, buyers can choose from one, two and three-bedroom units designed with the utmost quality and style.  

The location is ideal as it is situated next to the Brickell CitiCentre (also under construction) and near Metrorail and Metromover not to mention being part of Mary Brickell Village.  This means that residents are steps away from all the conveniences such as Publix, top Brickell restaurants and shopping and so much more.

NINE at Mary Brickell Village Amenities

This is a unique concept in condominium living.  Not only are there the typical luxury condominium amenities like concierge, valet, 24-hour security and parking, there are other exceptional amenities that make this building stand out from the competition.  On the 11th floor, residents can enjoy the one-acre tropically landscaped recreation deck with extras like pavilions, private cabanas, a media lounge, and pool deck surrounding a glorious resort-style pool.  On top of that, there is a one-acre park (cool, huh?) with a peaceful Zen garden with walking paths, quiet seating areas for meditation or reading or just sitting in a calm atmosphere, and tables for intimate meals.  And, we would be remiss if forgot to mention that the building is pet-friendly as there is also a dog run on the 11th floor. 

Inside each residence, designed by Nic Luaces Design Associates, the plans call for a sleek and contemporary kitchen with stainless steel appliances and quartz counter tops and back splashes along with nine to 11-foot ceilings.  Fixtures and finishes include huge mirrors, walk-in closets, deep tubs and more. 

Real Estate at NINE at Mary Brickell Village

With construction underway and a completion date of May 2014 (Summer 2014), there are one, two and three-bedroom units ranging in size from 744 to almost 2,100 square feet (69 to 195 square meters).  List prices for now start in the $300s and climb to over $1 million. 

The payment structure is as follows:

• 10% Deposit at Reservation
• 10% at Contract Signing
• 10% at Top-Off
• Remainder at Closing (Summer 2014)

Phenomenal Place to Live

Because this development started as an apartment building but was converted to a Brickell condominium, details are still coming.  But, one thing is for sure.  This will, without a doubt, be a phenomenal place to live in the most vibrant part of Miami -- Mary Brickell Village.

   

Five Favorite Design District Restaurants

As the Design District comes to life, many of the top interior designers as well as furniture designers are opening and even relocating their showrooms and businesses to this fashionable part of Miami not to mention the number of high-end retailers like Cartier, Hermés and Dior.  Included in this thriving development are some amazing restaurants that are frequently popping up and bringing more people to the Design District throughout the day.  As successful restaurateurs see the development expand, they are either bringing new restaurants into Miami for the first time or expanding their businesses by opening additional locations or new versions of tried and true Miami favorites.  Following are our favorite restaurants in the Design District:

Mandolin Aegean Bistro, 4312 NE 2^nd Avenue

Everyone loves Greek food.  In the Mediterranean, the Aegean Sea brings the Greek Isles and the Turkish Coast together.  Mandolin Aegean Bistro has the same idea with its version of authentic and rustic dishes that are favorites in the Aegean region.  Mandolin is a restaurant that is always a top recommendation in the Design District as the whole experience is one in which everyone must take part.  Whether enjoying a quiet dinner outdoors or sitting inside at one of the shared tables and making new friends, Mandolin delivers when it comes to the food.  Favorites are definitely the Turkish Sampler (everyone is always in the mood for hummus), Grilled Octopus, and of course, the Grilled Beef and Lamb Meatballs. Guests of the restaurant rave about how the Turkish Sampler is their “favorite thing on the menu.”  This is definitely worth a trip to the Design District.

Harry’s Pizzeria, 3918 North Miami Avenue

As a Genuine restaurant, Harry’s Pizzeria is a great little bistro type restaurant that serves up the most inventive salads, pizzas and other mouth-watering, creative dishes.  The place has a warm and cozy feel to it as it is small and has the brick pizza ovens right out there for all to see.  This is a great place to hang out and catch up with friends while drinking delicious craft beers and eating gourmet pizzas with toppings like short ribs, braised fennel and even corn.  Corn on pizza?  When piled on with caramelized onions, gruyere, and spinach, it works quite well!  Even though the location is on a busy street where parking should be an issue, people quickly find a spot usually in front.  According to one review, “Harry's continues to be a casual go-to for some of the best wood oven specialty pizza in town.”  We completely agree and always pick Harry’s when we WANT pizza.

Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink, 130 NE 40^th Street, Atlas Plaza

While we are on the subject of Genuine restaurants, we must mention Michael’s Genuine.  One of the original Design District restaurants, this place is always on the mark with divine meals.  “Genuine” in that the food is farm to table fresh from local farms.  The atmosphere is just as casually inviting as the food is delicious.  One thing that is so great about Michael’s is how the dinner menu is laid out with sections based on the size of the meal rather than the category.  Dishes are complex concoctions of basic favorites that come together as something so amazingly tasty.  Michael’s Genuine is a restaurant that is a tried and true place to take friends and family who want to “experience” a great restaurant in a cool part of town. 

Buena Vista Deli, 4590 NE 2^nd Avenue

Walking past the Buena Vista Deli and smelling the freshly baked crusty breads baking is all it takes to make the turn into this quaint deli that is the epitome of a corner bakery.  The dessert case greets customers with mouthwatering treats as they decide what to have only to decide that they must return to try more of everything that is offered.  From fresh baguettes and homemade jellies to croissants filled with chocolate as well as fresh quiches and everything else, this place becomes addicting and a frequent stop on the way to work or play.  It is one of those places that come to mind upon waking up on a leisurely Saturday or Sunday morning not to mention the perfect spot at which to take a much needed shopping break for lunch.  The first visit to the Buena Vista Deli leads to many more – trust us on that!

Lemoni Café, 4600 NE 2^nd Avenue

Whether sitting inside or out, Lemoni Café is a favorite of locals and a definite recommendation for visitors to Miami.  There are some of the best sandwich, wrap and Panini combinations that are wholesome and delicious.  For salad lovers, this place is salad heaven!  Even for vegans and vegetarians there are tons of options.  No matter what time of day, this is a great place to eat.  It is a perfect lunch spot and even better for a casual dinner for two (or four).  As for price, Lemoni Café is very reasonable with most offerings under $15 and wine at only $6 per glass (yes, $6). As for desserts and smoothies, there is a huge selection of each that are absolutely delectable.  Lemoni Café is always a top pick and at the top of most everyone venturing to the Design District.

Lots of Choices

No matter what kind of food anyone craves, there are lots of choices when it comes to restaurants in the Design District.  From very casual and low-key eateries to much more upscale cafes and restaurants, the Design District is a go to area for top notch restaurants.  As the neighborhood develops, more restaurants plan to relocate or open locations here.  The Design District has so much character and following suit, so do the restaurants.  While the food at most is mouthwatering and tasty, the atmosphere in makes the entire meal even more enjoyable.