Top 3 Iconic Buildings in Miami

Every famous city in the world has its own iconic architecture, and Miami’s unique skyline keeps renewing itself every year. But some buildings, like the Miami Tower or the Atlantis Condominium, became instant classics from the very first moment they were inaugurated. If you want to learn some fun things about these iconic buildings, keep reading below… Here are our Top 3 most iconic buildings in Miami:

1.    Miami Tower

           

Some might say that this is the most iconic building in Miami. It’s the seventh tallest development in the city, and with its 625 feet of height, it can be seen from many spots in Miami. This 47-story development was built in 1987 and designed by the Pei Cobb Freed & Partners architectural firm. It became a classic right away, and what’s more striking about this building is its $1.5 million LED system that, during the nights, displays all kinds of colors with movement and messages. 

It’s common to see it displaying the colors of particular holidays; it’s definitely quite a show. Miami Tower is one of the most important buildings not only in Miami but in the entire state of Florida.

2.    Atlantis Condominium

Another instant classic built in the early 1980s. This luxurious landmark became quite famous thanks to the opening credits of the television series “Miami Vice” and because of its unique design; it’s actually quite easy to recognize and remember thanks to the beautiful glass facade and the 5-story palm court which is cut out of the building. Located on Brickell Avenue, it’s definitely one of the most memorable buildings in Miami and a very important part of its modern skyline.

3.    Icon Brickell

Now, to mention a much newer building (2008), Icon Brickell should be in everyone’s top list of the most beautiful buildings in Miami. It features some of the best views in the entire city; the turquoise pool right in the middle of the three towers and a fantastic overview of the Miami canals right on their way towards the Caribbean Sea. It’s 586 feet tall, and its modern design and iconic location make it one of the most important buildings in the area, and definitely one of the most beautiful skyscrapers in the city.

The best thing about the Miami skyline is that it keeps renewing itself every year. Currently, there are some great projects about to start and some buildings soon to open their doors for the first time, such as the One Thousand Museum by Zaha Hadid Architects in Biscayne Boulevard. It will be 700 feet tall, full of luxury, and will have some of the best amenities you could ever imagine. It will be finished in 2018 and many of the apartments have already been sold.

Mexican Cuisine in Icon Brickell

A Mexican hospitality group selected Miami as the site for its first U.S. outpost of Cantina La 20, because they see this magical city as the bridge between Latin and North America, with a worldly crowd who will appreciate this exciting concept.

Cantina La 20 is a luxurious Mexican restaurant located at the ground floor of Icon Brickell, where this Latin cuisine is receiving high-end treatment because of its many deeply regional, decidedly complex dishes whose origins date back thousands of years. It offers representative dishes of each state of the country, with traditional techniques and is constantly updating its menu and the chef’s recommendations.

The restaurant has a monumental bar along with one of the larges tequila and mezcal selection in town and a bar manager who creates delicious and sophisticate cocktails.

When you walk in, you see Mexican Art Deco architecture framing through its brilliant black and golden colors, and pieces of art selected from the most important craftsmen of Mexico.

We like that the staff is intricately familiar with each dish and its ingredients and they're happy to make recommendations, while being impeccably dressed, each sporting an electric-pink bow tie.

You should know that bookings are essential –especially on weekends or when dining with large groups. After you go, let us know if you liked Cantina La 20 as much as we did. 

Luxury Waterfront Residences

Whether if you are looking to buy or rent, Icon Bay is waiting for you! This luxury building is located in Downtown Biscayne Bay waterfront, just moments from Miami’s future, because there are a number of other developments coming on the horizon: the new Museum Park, the new permanent home of the Miami Art Museum, the proposed Resorts World Miami, a $3 billion, 10 million square foot casino, convention center, hotel, and more. This area is experiencing a long-term growth and now is the best time to invest on it.

Icon Bay is an exclusive 43-story concrete and glass structure with an undulating façade, inspired by the rippling waves of the bay, which reflects the artistic nature of Miami with sleek style.

All residences offer complete flow-through floor plans, breathtaking views from the floor to ceiling windows of every unit, private elevator access, spacious outdoor terraces, gourmet European kitchens and luxurious bath experience.

The sale price for a one-bedroom unit starts at $588,000. For other condos with two or three bedrooms it could go from $849,000 to $1,250,000. Rental rates start at about $2,800 for a one-bedroom, about $3,500 two-bedrooms and $4,600 three-bedrooms.

  

Cipriani – Brickell’s Newest and Chic Hot Spot

If you live in Brickell, then you know how important nightlife and dining out are to most of the residents.  Sometimes referred to as the Manhattan of the South, Brickell is full of that excitement and frenzy that only major metro areas have.  While the reputation of Brickell is its status in the financial world, it includes some of the most fantastic restaurants and bars in which it is important to not only see but be seen.  One of those restaurants is the chic Italian hot spot, Cipriani. 

Cipriani - Brickell      

Cipriani, owned by the Cipriani brothers who are great grandsons to the founder of the famed Harry’s Bar in Venice, opened in the spring.  With its primo location at Icon Brickell, it is a super high-end restaurant where major financial deals are made.  It makes sense since other Cipriani locations are in high profile areas like Abu Dhabi, London, and Monte Carlo.  Add to that the high ceilings and traditional atmosphere that has a modern edge to it, Cipriani is definitely becoming a Brickell hot spot.  The main level is enormous and has 22-foot ceilings that host two gorgeous Murano glass (we did mention that Harry's Bar is in Venice?) chandeliers.  A lower level features a more casual outside patio that has retractable glass doors, a brick pizza oven and outdoor grill.  

What Brickell Offers Restaurants and Nightlife

As development continues to take place and businesses consider opening in the area, it begs to ask what Brickell offers restaurants and nightlife.  For the most part, unlike many of the areas around Miami, Brickell is much less seasonal with most people living here year-round or spending a considerable amount of time in Miami on business.  And with developers like the Relate Group and Flagler bringing more condominiums to Brickell and the surrounding neighborhoods, it makes perfect sense to want to be in such a popular part of Miami.  For Cipriani, being situated in the heart of Brickell at Icon Brickell, the residents of the three towers, alone, are enough to keep the restaurant at capacity throughout the year.

Icon Brickell – the Hub of Brickell

Many believe that Icon Brickell is the hub of Brickell.  Its location at 465-495 Brickell Avenue offers water views on two sides and is close to all the important and fun things in Brickell and other close neighborhoods.  Property at Icon Brickell is perfect for first time buyers, investors and those who spend extended amounts of time in Brickell for work.  One-bedroom units start in the upper-$300s while two-bedroom units start in the mid-$400s and three-bedroom units start at over $1 million.  Depending on the location and views from each unit, the list prices climb to over $2 million for three-bedroom penthouses. 

Icon Brickell rentals vary as well.  One-bedroom residences range between $2,000 and $3,000 per month.  For two and three-bedroom units, monthly rental rates start around $2,500 and climb to almost $10,000 per month (three-bedrooms on upper level floors with amazing views). 

Everything Happens in Brickell

For a lot of Miami residents and visitors, everything happens in Brickell and that is where they want to be.  As for hot restaurants and nightlife, Cipriani is an excellent choice for entertaining clients, out of town friends or even when Icon Brickell residents want to go out without having to leave their building.  It does not get much better than that.

Top Five Newest Brickell Real Estate Listings

Brickell is truly Miami’s hot spot in terms of the real estate market.  Along with new projects in the works and under construction, more and more properties are being listed for sale every day.  Because of the strength of the market now, higher-end real estate is being listed.  Following are the top five newest Brickell real estate listings:

465 Brickell Avenue, #PH5601, Icon Brickell, List Price:  $2,200,000

Located in one of the most well-known buildings in all of Brickell, this is truly a phenomenal penthouse with the most amazing views.  With beautiful white marble floors throughout the entire residence, floor to ceiling impact resistant windows with large balconies and tons of space, there is nothing like living in this contemporary three-bedroom, three-bath penthouse.  The kitchen/dining/living is open and spacious.  In the kitchen, it is sleek and large with stainless steel appliances, tons of counter space and custom cabinetry.  The master bedroom features a private balcony that showcases the most gorgeous Bay views.  There are tons of upgrades including mounted wooden panels.  Homeowners also have use of all of the hotel and residence amenities including the fitness center, pools, restaurants, and more.  Icon Brickell is truly life on vacation all the time.

495 Brickell Avenue, #1001, Icon Brickell, List Price:  $1,350,000

Here is a spectacular corner residence in the notable Icon Brickell.  With three bedrooms and two baths, this home has everything expected in a residence in this building.  There is a European kitchen with contemporary custom-cabinets and appliances along with a huge balcony facing Biscayne Bay and marble and hardwood floors.   The bedrooms are large and have spacious closets.  Unlike other units in the building the corner units have huge living areas with two walls of windows.  Residents have access to all of the hotel amenities including the fitness center, pools, theatre, spa and gourmet restaurants.  There is nothing better than living at Icon Brickell. 

FOR SALE AT ICON BRICKELL

465 Brickell Avenue, #1601, Icon Brickell, List Price:  $1,280,000

Another unit at Icon Brickell, this three-bedroom, two and a half bath unit on the 16^th floor offers the most amazing water views from every room in the residence.  To start, the living and dining area open to the ultra-modern kitchen with Blue St. Tropez limestone counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and contemporary custom cabinetry.  The living and dining areas showcase water views from the floor to ceiling windows and balcony that runs the entire length of the unit.  In the mast bedroom, there are his and hers walk-in closets, a large spa-like bath, and a balcony with more water views.  The other bedrooms are also large with hardwood floors.  This is a fantastic unit and the ultimate in Brickell living.

FOR SALE AT EPIC

200 Biscayne Boulevard Way #702, Epic Residences, List Price:  $1,150,000

Located on a lower floor, this is a large townhouse residence with two bedrooms and three baths.  With over 1,600 square feet of living space, this home is open and very spacious with the living and dining areas opening up to a large balcony/terrace with showcasing beautiful views while the kitchen is large and modern with all the bells and whistles expected in a home of this caliber.   A special feature with this two-story residence is a large guest room with a private bath and balcony on the main level.   Upstairs is a fantastic master suite with a private balcony, walk-in closet and large master bath.  A private den is also upstairs and is perfect as a home office or a “man-cave.”  Along with everything that this home has to offer, residents enjoy the use of all the community amenities of the 5-star hotel including concierge, security, a state of the art fitness center, exotic outdoor pool and more.  This is luxury resort living at its finest.

FOR SALE AT TWO TEQUESTA POINT

808 Brickell Key Drive, #1602, Two Tequesta Point, List Price:  $930,000

Situated on Brickell Key, this two-bedroom, and two and a half bath unit offers unobstructed views from every room.  The split floor plan features marble floors throughout the residence with hardwood floors in the bedrooms.  There is a large terrace that can be accessed from the living area, breakfast nook and master bedroom and showcases unbelievable water views. The master bedroom is huge and has a large walk-in closet along with another closet and a spacious master bath.  There is a dining area as well as a breakfast nook and a wonderful kitchen with modern updates like granite counter tops.  Additionally, there is a fantastic walk-in laundry room just off the kitchen.  In addition to the residence amenities, home owners make the most of a state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis courts, and a huge Bay front pool with a fabulous barbecue area.  Two Tequesta Point is like a five-star resort for its residents.  Even though it is close to Brickell, once residents cross the bridge to Brickell Key, it is unlikely that they want to head back unless it is necessary.

Nothing Like Living in Brickell

With the excitement of this metropolitan atmosphere and the tropical climate and landscaping, there is nothing like living in Brickell.  It is the hub of the financial market in the southern portion of the US and keeps growing and growing.  The demand for Brickell real estate is growing by leaps and bounds.  

Top Five Brickell Sales Under $500K in 2013

Brickell real estate is definitely on fire.  With almost 900 properties priced under $500K on the market and over 200 closings in the same category of properties since the beginning of the year, it is evident that the market has rebounded.  Additionally, there are new condominiums under construction with more plans in the works.  It is an excellent area for many Miami real estate buyers including first-time buyers and investors.  With this in mind, the big question seems to be “what does $500K buy in Brickell?”  So, to answer it, following are the top five Brickell sales under $500K in 2013:

475 Brickell Ave #BAY 701, Icon Brickell One, Sale Price:  $499,000

At Icon Brickell, a buyer purchased a one-bedroom, one-bath Bayliner unit.  This home has a contemporary-designed kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, and sleek cabinetry.  The main living area’s predominant attribute is the sliding glass doors that showcase a balcony looking out to the beautiful water and city views just like that in the master bedroom.

495 Brickell Ave #5409, Icon Brickell Two, Sale Price:  $489,500

This one-bedroom, one-bath floor plan is the larger one-bedroom plan with 1,035 square feet.  From the location in the building, there are beautiful city and bay views that go out as far as the eye can see.  Like the others in the building, kitchens feature granite counters, stainless steel appliances and contemporary cabinetry. 

For Sale at Icon Brickell

For the most part, $500K affords buyers a one-bedroom, one-bath unit (every so often a two-bedroom lists at this level). Icon Brickell is one of the prominent condominiums in the entire area.  With its unique architectural design, it is also probably the most recognized buildings.  Included on the property are three towers of which one is the Viceroy Hotel where all residents of Icon Brickell have access to the hotel amenities.  Even though the building is only four years old, units have been individually designed in terms of fixtures and finishes.  Icon Brickell offers its residents wonderful extras like a two-acre pool deck surrounding an infinity edge Olympic sized pool, Jacuzzi, reflecting pool, concierge, valet, security and more.  While list prices range from the low-$300s for a studio to over $2 million for an upper level three-bedroom, rental rates fall between $1,800 and about $9,000 per month.

1420 Brickell Bay Drive, #1101A, Bayshore Place, Sale Price:  $495,000

Bayshore Place is situated on Biscayne Bay with the most spectacular views imaginable.  Of the only six units sold since 2011, this unit has the highest sale price.  It encompasses three bedrooms and two baths in 1,433 square feet. 

For Sale at Bayshore Place

Rarely ever is a unit at Bayshore Place listed for sale.  When it does, the property is quickly scooped up.  Built in 1973, Bayshore Place is a boutique condominium with only sixteen floors and 123 total units.  This is the quintessential classic Miami condominium and offers one, two and three-bedroom residences with square footage ranging from 854 to 1,433 square feet.  Some of the amenities include a gym, covered parking, a picnic area, swimming pool and amazing bay views.  As for rentals, investors can expect to get anywhere from $2,200 to over $3,000 depending on the location and size of the unit. 

951 Brickell Ave #2311, The Plaza on Brickell, Sale Price:  $492,000

At the Plaza on Brickell, it is very realistic to expect to find a great two-bedroom, two-bath unit with beautiful views.  Of the (25) two-bedroom units that have sold since the beginning of the year, sale prices have ranged from $400K to $650K. Units have a modern design with contemporary fixtures and finishes.  The kitchens have granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and contemporary cabinetry. 

For Sale at the Plaza on Brickell

The Plaza on Brickell features 1,000 one, two and three-bedroom units in two buildings.  With 440 units on 44 floors in the west tower and 56 floors containing 560 units in the east tower, there are lots of options for property ownership.  List prices fall in a broad spectrum from the low-$300s to about $2 million.  As for real estate investors, rental property ranges from about $2,000 for one-bedroom rentals to over $3,000 for a two-bedroom rental.  Rentals are based on primarily on annual leases although short-term rentals are allowed for a minimum of 30 days with the maximum number of times at 12 each year.  As with short-term rentals, monthly rental rates are typically a little higher as the residence is furnished and renters expect to pay more.

1155 Brickell Bay Drive, #PH208, The Mark on Brickell, Sale Price:  $490,000

With a very uniquely designed interior, this two-bedroom, two bath penthouse located in a part of the condominium with private access sold just under $500K – a penthouse for under $500K.  It was remodeled to feature a bathroom with a wet-room shower, glass blocked wall, a very contemporary kitchen and so much more.  Some of the amenities are 24-hour valet and security, a nice pool area, tennis courts and more.  

For Sale at The Mark on Brickell

Built in 2001, The Mark on Brickell has 360 units on 36-stories comprised of one, two, and three bedroom suites and penthouses. Several condos in the Mark on Brickell include large bedrooms with walk-in closets, storage rooms, and screened patios, while all have large balconies with beautiful views of the city, Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. List prices range from the mid-$300s for a smaller one-bedroom unit to almost $1.4 million for a three-bedroom penthouse.  Recently sold units show that of the six units that have sold thus far this year, the two bedroom units had sale prices in the mid-$400s (not penthouses).  Sale prices, overall, range between the mid-$200s and over $1 million (three-bedroom penthouse).

Tons of Opportunities with Brickell Real Estate

Brickell real estate offers some of the most chic and upscale living in all of Miami.  With the energy similar to NYC blended with the tropical and exotic atmosphere in Miami, so many people long to live in Brickell.  Since there are tons of opportunities with Brickell real estate, the dream is a very realistic possibility. 

Top Five Brickell Listings Under $1 Million

As the major financial district in Miami as well as all of South Florida, Brickell is a popular area to live for professionals at any of the international banks and investment firms or foreign consulates.  Brickell is frequently called the “Manhattan of the South” because of its skyscrapers, tall office buildings and high concentration of apartment buildings.  This part of Miami is filled with a diverse group of residents who enjoy a faster pace life along one of the most beautiful backdrops in the country. 

Brickell real estate’s concentration of high-rise condominiums features some of the most luxurious residences in all of Miami.  List prices range from as the mid-$300s to almost $10 million with one Brickell listing topping $25 million.  For those who want luxury in the center of the action as well as the ease of condominium living, there is a lot from which to choose.  Following are the top five Brickell listings under $1 million.

For Sale at Carbonell

901 Brickell Key Boulevard, #607, Carbonell, List Price:  $1,000,000

Imagine waking up and enjoying that first cup of coffee of hot tea on the balcony of this fantastic unit at Carbonell on Brickell Key. The 1,313-foot split floor plan features marble and wood floors, a large kitchen area with high-end stainless steel appliances, custom-designed closets, high ceilings and more.  With two full bedrooms and two and a half baths, there is lots of room to move.  Large windows and a great balcony showcase the amazing water and city views.  As the largest two-bedroom floor plan, it is perfect for professionals working in Brickell as well as anyone who wants to be part of the action but have the ability to retreat to this beautiful oasis on Brickell Key.  Carbonell offers lots of amenities including a state of the art fitness center with spinning equipment, cardiovascular and weight training equipment multipurpose exercise room for dance, yoga and other workout regimes tennis, racquetball and squash courts, a large infinity edge, 30-meter heated bay front pool with whirlpool spa, valet parking, full concierge services and 24-hour patrol just to name a few. 

For Sale at Icon Brickell

465 Brickell Avenue, #4703, Icon Brickell, List Price:  $999,500

Living at Icon Brickell is like being on the most luxurious vacation ALL THE TIME.  Icon Brickell is probably one of Miami’s most recognized properties with its unique design.  With three towers one of which includes the Viceroy Hotel and all of its amenities, Icon Brickell is one of the most elite properties in all of Brickell.  This upper-floor unit features custom-designed décor, fixtures and finishes expected with a home of this caliber.  On the market as turn-key furnished, it includes all accessories, electronics and artwork. The unit faces east offering direct Biscayne Bay and ocean views. In the gourmet kitchen, any cook will love the counter space, Sub-zero refrigerator, Wolf-kitchen appliances, and Italian kitchen cabinetry.  Floor to ceiling windows and a wonderful balcony allow home owners to enjoy the beautiful views.  Icon Brickell offers its residents wonderful extras like a two-acre pool deck surrounding an infinity edge Olympic sized pool, Jacuzzi, reflecting pool, concierge, valet, security, quick access to exquisite restaurants like Cipriani and more.

For Sale at Epic West

200 Biscayne Boulevard Way, #3301, Epic West, List Price:  $999,000

This gorgeous two-bedroom, two and a half bath unit at Epic West has luxury written all over it.  Floor to ceiling walls of windows line two sides of the 1,500+ square-foot residence as well as the 300 square-foot balcony offer the most beautiful panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and the Miami skyline.  Inside, the contemporary designed and decorated home features a wonderful master suite with ideal custom closet and modern master bath and spa, a gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances and more.  Listed fully furnished, the sleek décor is perfectly placed and so put together.  Residents at Epic enjoy privileges like two pool areas one of which is exclusive for residents only, a five-star fitness center with top of the line equipment and areas for group workouts and yoga, 24-hour concierge, front desk and security, a private boat dock, access to many hotel amenities including EPIC Link which integrates residents to the amenities, and so much more.  Living at Epic West is like living on vacation 24/7.

For Sale at Icon Brickell

475 Brickell Avenue, #4113, Icon Brickell, List Price:  $995,000

The most unbelievable attribute of this two-bedroom, two-bath corner unit at Icon Brickell has to be the combination of 16-foot ceilings with floor to ceiling windows that seem to go up to the sky.  The southwest corner unit features beautiful white marble floors, a great kitchen area with lots of counter space and cabinets, water and city views and so much more.  Residents enjoy a state of the art fitness center, a two-acre pool deck that surrounds an Olympic sized pool, a theatre, dining and other Viceroy Hotel amenities.  Live within walking distance of Mary Brickell Village, downtown, shopping, the best restaurants and a short drive of the beaches, airports and major thoroughfares throughout the entire area.

465 Brickell Avenue, #2305, Icon Brickell, List Price:  $990,000

This 1,313 square foot unit at Icon Brickell has been perfectly upgraded.  Not only is it being offered fully furnished, it has a large balcony to showcase beautiful Miami views of the city and water, stunning white, Italian glass floors, custom built closets a  gourmet kitchen with Italian cabinetry, high end appliances and more.  The Icon Brickell amenities are outstanding with five-star restaurants, a state of the art fitness center, huge pool deck that surrounds an Olympic sized pool, valet, security, access to hotel amenities and more.  The location is ideal in the heart of Brickell within walking distance to Brickell Village, top restaurants, and the best shopping, not to mention being in close to the beaches, transportation hubs, and major thoroughfares.

Lots of Options with Brickell Real Estate

There are definitely lots of options with Brickell real estate that is priced at $1 million and below.  Condominiums in the heart of the Miami financial district carry a prestige that is unlike anywhere else in South Florida.  Brickell is THE place to live a cosmopolitan lifestyle in a beautiful topical atmosphere.