MIDBLOCK: Miami at Your Fingertips

More and more people have work at home careers with today’s technology whether in sales or an office position.  That is why it is so important to have a space that accommodates home and work.  MIDBLOCK is a mixed-use building in Midtown Miami with a combination of lofts, townhouses and tower units.  It showcases some of the trendiest and most inviting properties Midtown Miami real estate has to offer.

Designed by Forum Architects, MIDBLOCK is undergoing a shift from a total rental community to a building with individually owned units.  One of the most unique qualities of MIDBLOCK is its architectural style that features a glass rotunda filled with retail and restaurants surrounded by townhouses and live/work lofts with tower units on top of the business levels.  MIDBLOCK has a coolness factor to it that appeals to buyers who have a desire to have a more updated and modern living space. 

Location of MIDBLOCK at Midtown

The physical address of MIDBLOCK is 3250 NE 1^st Street which is in the heart of Miami’s Midtown neighborhood.  The best part about living in Midtown is that it is surrounded by other great neighborhoods like Wynwood and the Design District and all that those areas have to offer.  In fact, it is often referred to SoHo in New York City – the only difference being that it is about a five minute drive of Miami Beach.  Additionally, it is very close to the major travel arteries and transportation hubs for which Miami is known.  In fact, MIDBLOCK is close to everything!  From here you can be anywhere in Miami in less than 10 minutes. 

Amenities at MIDBLOCK at Midtown

If being around some of the best shopping and dining is not enough, MIDBLOCK is full of amenities that make it a fantastic place to live.  Some of the most desirable include:

·         Covered gated parking
·         Pet-friendly
·         Rooftop patios and gathering areas
·         24-hour concierge
·         Key card access controlled elevators
·         24-hour security
·         Chic modern lobby
·         State of the art fitness centers
·         Rooftop swimming pool with 360-degree views of the city

From there, lofts are two-story with an upper level for bedroom/work area while the townhouse villas offer two stories with two bedrooms on the upper levels and the tower houses one and two-bedroom units.  Each unit is filled with tons of amenities and space to make living there pure bliss.  Some of the most notable features about the living space include 10-foot exposed concrete ceilings, large kitchens with stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry and stone countertops, spacious master suites with large master baths and walk-in closets and more.  Other amenities for each of the residences include:

·         Pre-wired for electric, cable, high-speed Internet
·         Full-sized washer and dryer
·         Floor to ceiling windows
·         Spacious private terraces with amazing views
·         Private storage for each residence

Real Estate at MIDBLOCK at Midtown

The mix of residences at MIDBLOCK include apartment units, townhouses and loft units that range in size from just over 800 square feet for a one-bedroom tower unit to over 2,000 square feet for a loft and everything in between.  List prices start in the mid to upper-$300s and climb to over $600K depending on the type and size of unit.  Because it was a rental community up until recently, many of the units MIDBLOCK rentals already had lease agreements in place which makes this a huge opportunity for investors.  Investors can expect to get anywhere from $2,000 to $3,500 per month for rental rates.  

There are currently four units for sale at MIDBLOCK all in the Tower with list prices ranging from the upper-$300s to mid-$500s.  Over the past six months, 13 units at MIDBLOCK have sold with sale prices falling between the upper-$300s and low-$500s. 

MIDBLOCK Reflects a Growing Economy

MIDBLOCK is a perfect example of how the real estate market pendulum has swung in the right direction and reflects a growing economy.  With 13 sales under its belt since it went from an entirely rental community to individually-owned units, it shows that there is a need for properties of this caliber.  MIDBLOCK is what Miami real estate buyers want – especially when Midtown is where they want to be.

Brickell Flatiron: Another Brickell Masterpiece

Just when you thought you had a handle on Brickellreal estate, another Brickell development is announced.  Brickell Flatiron is the latest Brickell masterpiece in the works for one of the most fashionable neighborhoods in Miami.   

The building specs showcase a beautiful piece of architecture with what the architecture world calls “curvilinear” lines that resonate with swells of water on Biscayne Bay.  With the ground-breaking planned for the end of this year, the plans show that this spectacular tower is very tall at 750 feet high with 65 floors and over 500 units – one, two and three bedrooms along with penthouses.  

In addition to residential accommodations, Brickell Flatiron also plans for about 40,000 square feet of retail development on the lower level.  Completion should be some time in the spring 2016. 

Location of Brickell Flatiron

Located at 1000 SE 1^st Avenue, the Brickell Flatiron site is situated in the best spot that is within walking distance to everything in Brickell including Mary Brickell Village and the shops and cafes that dot Brickell.  Most importantly, it is only one block from the new Brickell City Centre.  Just one block off Biscayne Bay, the site is just a block from the bridge to Brickell Key.

Brickell Flatiron Team

Bringing Brickell Flatiron to life is a group of people who have designed and built some of Miami’s well-known properties.  Ugo Colombo, the developer of Brickell Flatiron, is one of Miami’s most recognized developers known for other Miami properties including the Bristol Tower and Santa Maria both located on Brickell Avenue as well as South Beach hotels, Waldorf and Casa Grande.

As for the architecture, Luis Revuelta is the brains behind the unique flowing design.  His firm, Revuelta Architecture International, has designed well known Miami properties including EPIC Residences & Hotel, Bristol Tower, the Santa Maria, Jade and more. 

Acclaimed artist, Julian Schnabel has been tapped as the Designer of Interior Spaces.  This means he will create the plans for the lobby and common areas with his bold attitude and design. 

Amenities at Brickell Flatiron

Where do we start?  There will be so much for residents to enjoy and make life a vacation all year long.  Most importantly, the plans call for amazing community amenities that include two pools – one on a lower level amenity deck and the other on the rooftop – as well as a state-of-the-art business center with conference rooms, a children’s play area and game room, exclusive residents-only movie theater, electronic access controlled building entry points for residents with 24-hour video surveillance and recording, WI-FI throughout the building, 24 hour valet, additional individual residence storage,  six super-high speed elevators with destination control, and more.

Inside each residence, there will be high end features including a gourmet kitchen with Italian custom-designed and fully accessorized Snaidero kitchen cabinetry, stainless steel back splash and stone counter tops, and top of the line stainless steel appliances.  Other features include expansive floor plans with 9’6” ceilings in tower residences and 10’6” ceilings in penthouses, floor to ceiling sliding glass balcony doors and energy-efficient, casement windows, deep private balconies with Brickell and Bay views, and more. 

It is also worth mentioning the technology planned for the building.  Each residence will have private wireless networks, a keyless entry through a smart lock system, and a state of the art “Brickell Flatiron Link” which is a digital concierge service available to all residences via tablet, PC or smartphone. 

Real Estate at Brickell Flatiron

The plans show about 550 units are projected for the building.  Sizes range between about 735 square feet for a tower residence to almost 2,600 square feet for a penthouse residence.  Potential buyers may choose from one, two and three bedroom units. 

In terms of list prices, one-bedroom units start at about $470 per square foot with two-bedrooms slightly higher at about $480 per square foot and three-bedrooms at just under $600 per square foot.  The top floors will house two and three-bedroom penthouse residences that feature list prices starting at about $750 per square foot. 

Just like every other Brickell development, Brickell Flatiron is taking reservations.  The payment schedule for potential buyers is as follows:

• 10% at Reservation
• 20% at Contract
• 10% at Groundbreaking
• 10% as Construction reaches the 18th floor pool level
• 10% at Project top-off
• 50% at Closing 

Brickell Real Estate Expanding

With Brickell Flatiron in the works, one thing is very evident -- Brickell real estate is ever expanding.  This property is well worth consideration and a must see.  Keep checking back with us as Brickell Flatiron plans continue to unfold and new developments are announced.

Miami Beach, más allá de lo famoso

Miami Beach es una de las zonas más conocidas del Sur de la Florida, e incluso de todo Norte América. Icónica por su vida nocturna, sus restaurantes de moda y el starsystem que lo frecuenta, es un lugar turístico por excelencia.

Sin embargo, vivir en Miami le da otra perspectiva a esta popular zona. Más allá de la fama, Miami Beach guarda encantos y un estilo de vida que sin duda te atrapará.

La arquitectura de los años 50 evocan el resplandor de una ciudad en su época de oro. Las fachadas que hoy resguardan en su interior vanguardia y nuevas propuestas, hacen de Miami Beach una de las zonas con más carácter en toda la ciudad. Combinar esta tendencia, con nuevos desarrollos y la vida en la playa hacen de esta zona un escenario de fotografía.

La cercanía es sin duda un plus de esta zona, sobre todo en una ciudad donde los límites se pierden de vista. En Miami Beach todo está cerca, por lo que es ideal para las personas que gustan de vivir las ciudades a pie. Caminar por Miami Beach es además entrar a la galería del mundo, la diversidad cultural está a la orden del día, y mientras tanto tienes todo lo que necesitas, tanto para vivir como para distraerte. El carro, si vives en esta zona, puedes dejarlo para recorrer la ciudad de Miami, porque hasta los taxis son mucho más económicos que en el resto del país... patines, patinetas y bicicletas son los medios de transporte más populares.

Muchos creerán que por ser altamente turístico y tener una de las playas más concurridas de la Florida no tendrán paz, pero la verdad es que no es así. Sólo hace falta sincronizarse con los horarios de los visitantes y adueñarse de los residentes. Amanecer con la brisa del mar y la vista al océano ya es de por sí una fuente de paz. Pero Miami Beach es una de las zonas que más alternativas ofrece para cultivar la paz y una vida personal saludable, equilibrada y feliz. Acá les dejamos algunas opciones:

Cuenta con uno de los malecones más largos del país. Seguir sus caminerías para ejercitarse o disfrutar de la vista hace que la vida respire salitre y expire felicidad.

A lo largo y ancho de toda la zona se ofrece el servicio de bicicletas "prestadas", un circuito de bicicletas que pagas por tiempo de uso y con las que puedes trasladarte sin problemas. Desde un paseo relajante, hasta tu medio de transporte diario, estas bicicletas son una opción de bienestar integral.

Yoga en playa. Una experiencia única que conecta el cuerpo con la mente y el corazón. Para quienes lo hagan por ejercicio aeróbico, o quienes lo practiquen por filosofía, la yoga en playa es un momento perfecto donde sobre la arena se dejan las rutinas, y las gaviotas se llevan las preocupaciones. Lo mejor de todo, 365 días al año profesores del mundo ofrecen 2 clases una al amanecer y otra al atardecer -el horario depende de la estación-, no tiene costo, sólo dejas una colaboración.




Cultura y gastronomía, a la orden del día creerán, sin embargo nos referimos a que Miami Beach es el centro de las exposiciones y festivales culturales y gastronómicos que cada vez con más frecuencia se llevan a cabo en la ciudad. Vivir en la zona te evitará los dolores de cabeza del estacionamiento y el parquímetro.

Cines Lincoln Road

Además de las itinerancias, en Miami Beach se encuentran los cines más antiguos de la ciudad, con una cartelera independiente y tradicional que guarda opciones para todos los gustos.

New World Symphony

También está el recién inaugurado Bass Musseum of Art, con exposiciones maravillosas y eventos variados según la temporada; y el New World Symphony con una propuesta extraordinaria de eventos y conciertos en su novedosa estructura, así como jueves de proyecciones al aire libre en sus jardines.

Pérez Art Museuum

El Pérez Art Museuum es un lujo para visitar, no sólo por sus exposiciones y actividades, si no por su sólo ambiente, vista y ubicación. Si bien no está en la zona "peatonal" de Miami Beach, es una gracia tenerlo cerca.

En fin, que si en el mar la vida es más sabrosa, en Miami Beach es una delicia. 

Miami Real Estate Alternatives to Sold Out Icon Bay

As the real estate market heats up yet again and Miami real estate buyers are scooping up property in Midtown, Brickell, and other close neighborhoods, it seems the race is on to get in on all of the opportunities.   One of the neighborhoods on the rise is Edgewater.  Previously a run down, unsafe part of Miami, Edgewater seems to be the target for a lot of investors and developers as more and more set their sights on this up and coming part of Miami situated along Biscayne Bay.  Because of this, several condominiums are under construction or in the planning stages in addition to those built over the past several years. 

One of the most appealing characteristics of Edgewater is that it flies under the radar for most tourists heading to Miami making it ideal for those who live in Miami all year long.  That may just be one of the reasons that one of the most anticipated projects construction sold out so quickly – very early in the process.  Potential buyers still have their eyes set on Edgewater.  Even though there are no opportunities to buy at Icon Bay, there are other opportunities within a few blocks of this highly sought-after property.  Following are a few Miami real estate alternatives to sold out Icon Bay:

Bay House Condominium, 600 NE 27^th Street.  Planned for completion in Fall 2015, this MELO development is situated just a couple of blocks from Icon Bay. It features 38 floors consisting of (168) two and three-bedrooms units with panoramic Bay and city views.  Some of the highlights include seven-foot wide private terraces, energy efficient, tinted, impact resistant, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and windows, “smart building” pre-wiring with fiber optics for high speed internet, data/voice cable TV access, Italian cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms, and imported stone counter tops .  Building amenities planned include a spacious pool deck, business center, fully-equipped state of the art fitness center, 24-hour valet parking and attended security services, children’s play room, private and semi-private high-speed elevators and so much more.  List prices start in the low-$500s and climb into the upper-$800s to low-$900s. 

Moon Bay Condominium, 520 NE 29^th Street.  Built in 2007, Moon Bay sits just one block from Icon Bay also on the Bayfront.  Originally, part of Midtown, Moon Bay is a boutique condominium with only 61residences on 12 floors.  Amazingly enough there are a whopping eight floor plans for the relatively small number of units which range from 700 to just under 1,200 square feet and house one and two bedrooms.  The kitchens are large and have a European style with granite counter tops and backsplashes stainless steel appliances and sleek cabinetry.  On top of this, units are high speed internet and cable ready and have state of the art bathroom fixtures and marble vanities.  Best of all, the large balconies feature beautiful views unique to Miami.  Residents have access to a nice club room, fully-equipped fitness center, and a lanai pool deck and swimming pool with a very tropical feel.  Because it is such a small building compared to its neighbors, there are typically very few properties for sale with only two listings to date with list prices in the high-$200s to low-$300s.  It is ideal for first-time buyers and those buyers who work in close by neighborhoods but want to somewhat escape the excitement and action for which Miami is known. 

Crimson Waterfront Residence, 527, NE 27^th Street.  Another condominium under construction just a block from Icon Bay is Crimson Waterfront Residences.  Tentatively slated to be completed in early 2015, this Bayfront condominium has a very contemporary style that complements its neighbors and appeals to a broad range of buyers.  The plans call for the LEED certified building to house 90 units on 18 floors ranging in size from 829 square feet for one-bedroom units to over 2,200 square feet for upper level penthouses.   Residences are open and airy with ceiling heights between 9’4” and 11’4” and additional features like spacious terraces, lovely kitchens with glass tile backsplashes, Italian cabinetry, and high-end stainless steel appliances, spacious closets and beautiful unobstructed water views to the bay and spectacular city views.  As for building amenities, embracing the bay breezes is at the forefront with an 8th floor resort-style pool deck with panoramic views of Biscayne Bay as well as direct bay front boardwalk access and an exquisitely landscaped 20,000 square foot gated park.  Other amenities include an outdoor barbeque area, water features throughout the building, park and Bay, fully-equipped, state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio, private movie theatre, and so much more.  Pricing at Crimson starts in the mid to upper-$300s for one-bedroom units and climb to about $1 million for a three-bedroom penthouse.  Reservations are now underway with only 20 percent down; closing expected in late first quarter 2015. 

Star Lofts, 700 NE 25^th Street.  Star Lofts is another condominium that falls within the Edgewater neighborhood borders.  As a loft-style condominium, there are 47 units on 25 floors (up to only three units per floor) with tons of space and beautiful bay views.  Each unit the features include designer fixtures, exposed pipes, flooring and other loft-style finishes.  The kitchens are spacious and have granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and sleek, contemporary-styled cabinetry while the baths are fresh and modern with ceramic and marble flooring and vanities as well as stylish fixtures.  At Star Lofts, there are several listings with prices between the upper-$200s and over $2 million.  Since the beginning of the year, only two units have sold at Star Lofts.  Units tend to stay on the market longer.  It is a different kind of condominium that attracts a certain buyer but with Edgewater’s revitalization, this is definitely a condominium that deserves a second look. 

Paraiso Bay, 600 NE 31^st Street.  This is one of the most anticipated projects in the Edgewater neighborhood.  Even though construction has begun for this mega-project from the Related Group and Arquitectonica, Paraiso Bay's completion is not expected until sometime in late 2016/early 2017.  Plans show two 55-story towers with 700 units between the two buildings and only seven units per floor.  In terms of bedrooms, there are slated to be two, three, and four bedroom units plus penthouses.  Probably the most appealing feature is that each residence faces in the east-west direction so that everyone can enjoy city and bay views not to mention the gourmet kitchens and large terraces that make the amazing views that much more enticing.  Building amenities a marina for watersports and boat docking, pool side cabanas and a café, the Acqua Club, a wine cellar with tasting salon and a cigar lounge with private humidors for residents, state-of-the-art fitness center and more.  Since we featured Paraiso Bay in a blog last year, list prices have changed to start in the mid to upper-$500s. 

Real Estate on the Rise

With so many new developments coming to Edgewater, it is very evident that real estate is on the rise.  For those who missed buying at Icon Bay, don’t fret – look at these other options as well as the others that are under construction or slated to begin.  Edgewater is quickly becoming THE place to live in Miami. 

Top Five Miami Beach Listings Under $1 Million

Miami Beach is always one of the most fascinating parts of Miami-Dade.  It brings together an eclectic and diverse mix of residents and visitors with one thing in common – to be close to the water and to live in the middle of excitement and constant fun. 

If you are thinking of buying in Miami Beach, list prices start just over $100K for studios in quaint, classic Miami Beach condominiums and climb all the way up to $30,000,000 for massive penthouse residences that have panoramic 360° views on the southernmost tip of Miami Beach.  Even though, there is affordable Miami Beach real estate, the most sought-after addresses in this part of one of the most spectacular parts of Miami typically start at just under $1 million.  Here are the top five Miami Beach Listings under $1 million.

2201 Collins Avenue, #503, The W South Beach, List Price: $1,000,000

The W Hotel speaks for itself.  Pristinely situated in South Beach with spectacular views of the Miami coastline, this slice of paradise is available fully furnished along with access to all of the amenities of this five-star hotel.  Plus, when you are not able to enjoy it yourself, it is available in the hotel’s pool of rental properties so that you can benefit from the rental income that comes with owning this unbelievable unit.  In addition to the elegant décor, the balcony is very inviting and features beautiful ocean views.  There are currently 32 listings at the W South Beach with list prices ranging from the mid-$800s to about $20,000,000 for spectacular penthouse residences.  For similar studios, this unit is one of the more affordable ones in the building where studios range from the mid-$800s to about $1.5 million.  As for rental rates, they fall anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000 per month.  Seasonal and annual rentals are available as are nightly within the hotel’s rental program where rates range from $700 to $7,000 per night.  Over the past six months, nine studio properties have sold with an average sale price of $908K.  To own property at the W South Beach is a true aspiration for many Miami residents.  This property makes that dream a little more attainable. 

For Sale at W South Beach

208 Jefferson Avenue, #107, Beach Colony, List Price:  $999,000

The Beach Colony is one of the most sought after residences in Miami Beach and rarely has a unit for sale so when it does the property is quickly scooped up. Located in the prestigious SoFi district of South Beach, this residence gives the feeling of living in a private home as it is a tri-level townhouse with three bedrooms and three baths along with a den.  There is also a two-car garage as well as a private patio, new hard wood flooring, and a gorgeous kitchen with custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and beautiful granite counter tops.  Beach Colony is boasts only 16 units in the entire complex which lends to the exclusivity of living here.  In terms of recent sales, only one has sold in the last six months at $1.12 million in comparison to four comparable sales within a few blocks with an average sale price at $815K.  This property offers a huge opportunity to live in one of the poshest sections of South Beach.

For Sale at Beach Colony

1250 OCEAN DR #4C, The Carlyle, List Price:  $999,000

If you ever saw “The Birdcage” and “Scarface,” then you know The Carlyle.  This famous condo-hotel is probably one of the most recognized hotel in South Beach and located on Ocean Drive.  It is a boutique building with only 19 residences that is situated just across the street from one of the most beautiful beaches on the entire Atlantic coast not to mention within a short walk from phenomenal shopping, dining and fun.  With two bedrooms and two baths, there is also a nice and open living area as well as a nice kitchen with raised breakfast bar that offers additional counter space.  There are currently four listings with list prices between $900K and almost $1.8 million.  Over the last six months, one comparable sized residence in The Carlyle sold for $470K.  In terms of an investment property, The Carlyle allows short and long term rentals.  This residence typically rents from $250 per night (out of season) to $500 per night (in-season).  The Carlyle is an excellent option for those who want to be in the center of Miami Beach action.

For Sale at The Carlyle

50 S POINTE DR #607, The Continuum II, List Price:  $999,000

We dedicated an entry to The Continuum and it is no wonder why.  There is so much to say about the buildings that are set on 12 Acres of oceanfront property at the southernmost point of Miami Beach.  This residence in the CONTINUUM II building is a large studio that features glorious views from a beautiful balcony along with an Italian kitchen with high-end stainless steel Meile appliances, Subzero refrigerator, granite countertops and beautiful marble floors.  Community amenities include 24-hr security and valet parking, full-time concierge service, two lavish lagoon pools with pool, and beach-side services from Patio Restaurant. In addition to that, residents and their guests have access to three Pro-Clay tennis courts, a 23,000-sqyare foot fitness center and spa with infinity lap pool.  At The Continuum, there are 37 listings in both buildings with list prices from the high-$900s (studios) to about $30 million for massive 8,000+ square foot residence (three units combined to one).  In terms of comparable properties, studios are listed up to $1.5 million.  While there have been no studios sold in the last six months, there have been four one-bedroom sales with an average sale price of $970K.  The Continuum allows leasing but currently there are only one-bedroom rentals with monthly rental rates falling between $5,000 and $9,000.

1000 South Pointe Drive, #TH-A3, Murano at Portofino, List Price:  $995,000

Murano at Portofino is one of the nicest and stylish condominiums in all of SoFi.  It is surrounded by the most gorgeous, lush, landscaping and has a private bayside beach club next to a tropical saltwater pool and poolside café not to mention a fabulous, state-of-the-art fitness center.  Inside this one-bedroom, one-bath townhouse, residents enjoy floor to ceiling windows with shades on every window that showcase unbelievable views, gourmet kitchen with Subzero and Miele appliances, a private entrance, private patio and private exit to garage.  A 35-square foot storage space has been added.  There are currently 13 listings at Murano with list prices from the upper-$900s to over $7 million.  Three properties at Murano at Portofino have sold in the last six months.  Although none are one-bedroom properties, the sale prices fell between $2 and $4 million with the average price per square foot at about $1,300.  In terms of rentals, there are currently eight two and three-bedroom rentals available with monthly rates from about $7,000 to over $20,000.  This is a spectacular building for those who have a certain level of expectation of luxury in their living space. 

For Sale at Murano at Portofino

Larger Properties Available

While these are the top five Miami Beach listings under $1 million, there are currently 29 Miami Beach real estate listings priced between $900K and $1 million.  The most exclusive Miami Beach condominiums with perfect water views feature smaller studios and one-bedroom units that start just below $1 million.  But for those who are not as discriminating, there are many larger properties available for under $1 million close to lots of Miami Beach action but without the views.