LUXURY
REAL
ESTATE
JORGE PEREZ, RELATED GROUP CHAIRMAN David and Goliath...the one where Goliath wins
VRRROOOOOMM
Gil Dezer’s Porsche Design Tower brings combustible beauty to building branding
WHEN STAYING HOME HAS ITS PERKS
Interior frontman Steven G. conjures up cozy enclaves that will make you long for late nights in
MIAMI
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84 Exclusive Residences Like a rare art collection, the exclusive residences at Ch창teau Beach are an expression of their owners. Completely customizable floor plans can span to an entire floor or multiple levels. Views are hand-painted by nature itself with endless sky and ocean views.
From 2 bedroom to 5 bedroom Residences Collection Residences with Private Swimming Pool
SALES LOUNGE: 15795 COLLINS AVE. SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL. 33160 305.944.4440 WWW.CHATEAUBEACHMIAMI.COM
CONTENTS 12 Plots and Plans 14 - 57 Additions 16 22 26 30 34 38 42 46 48
Related Group - Jorge Perez, Carlos Rosso Dezer Development - Gil Dezer Ch창teau Group - Manuel Grosskopf Regalia - Lou Montello Fortune International - Edgardo Defortuna Terra Group - David Martin DevStar Group - Anthony Burns Newgard Group - Harvey Hernandez McKafka Development Group Fernando Levy-Hara, Stephan Gietl
50 52 54
Shefaor Development - Gilbert Benhamou BH3 - Gregory Freedman Avra Jain
58 - 65 AT HOME 59 63
Exclusive Walkthrough
321 OCEAN PENTHOUSE
ISG - Philip Spiegelman
66 - 85 INSIDE 67 71 74 77
Luminaire - Nasir Kassamali
86 - 97 TOOLS OF THE TRADE
CAD International - Charles Allem
87
Interiors by Steven G. - Steven G.
Raymond Jungles
Michael Wolk Design Associates -
89 92
Michael Wolk
79 81 82 83 84 8
MV Group - Manny Varas
96
Baltus
Architectural Roundtable - Chad
Enea Landscape Architecture Enzo Enea
Artefacto - Paulo Bacchi
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Carlos Ott Architect - Carlos Ott
Oppenheim, Kobi Karp, Luis Revuelta
Tui Lifestyle - Jason Atkins
Addison House - Max Alcalay
Raymond Jungles, Inc. -
THE FLOW CHAIR - LUMINAIRE
97
Opustone - Eric Schigiel
ST. REGIS
118 - 123 PILLOW TALK 119 120 121 122
The Setai Miami Four Seasons Miami W Hotel South Beach St. Regis Bal Harbour
ALONE TOGETHER
124 - 127 OFF THE WALL 125 126
Markowicz Fine Art Zadok Gallery
128 ABROAD 129
Zemi Beach Anguilla
132 IN TOUCH 133
Listings
98 - 117 AROUND TOWN 99 104 106 108 110 112
Miami Chatter
JAGUAR F -TYPE
Casa Tua - Miky Grendene YachtBrasil USA - Aderbal Coelho Jr. B창oli Restaurant - Mathieu Massa Blue Star Jets - Todd Rome Margulies Warehouse Martin Z. Margulies
114 116
The Collection - Ken Gorin Bal Harbour Tourism - Carolyn Travis
FALL/WINTER 2013
9
Note from the Editor
PU B L I S H E D B Y Ciel Bleu Communications, LLC
After what has been a very intensive and collaborative effort, our team here at 9fi5th is proud to present the very first edition of 9fi5th Miami, newly minted, fresh off the presses! Unless
1680 Michigan Ave, Suite 700 Miami Beach, FL 33139
you’re reading this a few years onward, in which case - good on
info@9fi5th.com
you for taking a peek at what was hot and happening in Miami’s
www.9fi5th.com
ENEA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE - PRIVATE TERRACE, MIAMI
luxury real estate market over the Fall/Winter season of 2013. Right then, it’s been quite the whirlwind to say the least. We have covered a lot of ground and looked over our fair share of neatly cut hedges, be they real or figurative. We’ve been on
ED I TO R I A L Managing Editor Mina Kavcar
the hunt for the best and brightest Miami has to offer and have
mina.kavcar@9fi5th.com
amassed a first-class collection of, dare we say, interior and
Senior Editor Sanna Franklin
exterior grandeur. Paging through our Additions chapter, you’ll be met with interviews of two of South Florida’s most established real estate
ART & D E S I G N
names - Jorge Perez and Edgardo Defortuna, while you’ll also
Creative Director Sarah Rusin
revel in the genius that is Dezer Development’s Porsche Design
Designer Nuno Caldeira
Tower. You’ll meet a few smaller developers, as well as some
Designer Alberto Gonzalez
newcomers who are changing the face of Miami, one wellplanned unit at a time. At Home will take you through a fully finished thing of prop-
PH OTO G R A PH Y
erty beauty, where you’ll feel close enough to touch the pillows
Reagan Rule MV Group
and smell the fresh sea breeze.
Craig Denis Artefacto
Keep those pages turning, as Inside will showcase an array of interesting and pretty incredible interior concepts, making that designer or decorator ready Addition of yours seem far less bare. We’ll keep you on your toes with landscape and stone
DBox Oppenheim Architecture+Design Luxigon Oppenheim
work in our Tools of the Trade chapter, where you’ll also get
Architecture+Design
to pick the brain of a select few architects to understand just
Olalekan Jeyifous Oppenheim
how much thought goes into putting walls, floors, etc in the spaces we live and breathe in. Turns out floor plans can be rather tricky. Our cultural end of the spectrum will have you singing odes to well-picked restaurants, private member clubs, that second or third yacht you’ve been meaning to get and any and all other Miami-themed endeavors we’ve featured this year.
321 OCEAN BATH
Architecture+Design Ken Hayden Oppenheim Architecture+Design Steven Brooke Photography Raymond Jungles, Inc.
So, as I leave you with page after page of home-bound revery, I get to say (well, write) the words I uttered not too
ADV E RT I SI N G & SA L E S
long ago: “Sit back, relax, and get ready for one heck of a
Regional Director Brittany Bott
view.” Here’s betting it’ll inspire you to spread your home-
brittany.bott@9fi5th.com
owning wings.
Director Miami Karine Barthelemy
PR I N T E D B Y
Managing Editor
Commercial Printers, Inc.
Mina Kavcar
www.commercialprintersinc.com
10
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BALTUS - TEQUESTA PENTHOUSE BRICKELL KEY
COVER SHOT - PARAISO BAY COURTESY OF THE RELATED GROUP
PLOTS & PLANS 1 SL S B R IC KE L L
4 MA R E A
The Related Group is bringing a
Boutique style luxury comes stan-
Northeastern vibe to Brickell with
dard with this Related development
this hotel and residences merger
5 ON E OCE A N
CORAL GABLES
2 B E AC HWA L K
Another Related South of Fifth
Just a walk away, as you might have
Addition, One Ocean will delight in
guessed, Beachwalk will provide
customized art and luxurious design
residents with that sought-after vacation atmosphere, and do it while encouraging a light stroll
6 PO R S C H E DE S I G N TOW E R Sunny Isles Beach is about to get
COCONUT GROVE
3 BA LT US H O USE
a lot cooler, with Gil Dezer’s first
Bringing furniture collaboration
ever Porsche Design Tower. Of-
to its height, The Related Group
fering a plethora of outstanding
partnered up with Spanish furniture
extras, its most ingenious feature
group Baltus to design this property
will be the designated car elevators
7
BRICKELL
1 15
18
EDGEWATER
17
BISCAYNE BAY
DOWNTOWN MIAMI
19
DESIGN DISTRICT
3
KEY BISCAYNE
20
4
5
SOUTH BEACH MIAMI BEACH
12
9FI5TH.COM
MIMO
7 GROVE AT GRAND BAY
11 JAD E SI GN AT UR E
cades, will delight more than just
17 CE N T R O
Fortune International keeps things
boating devotees
Newgard Group’s latest property
Twisting, twirling, coiling around.
in the family with the Jade name.
These towers, designed by Dan-
And with an underground car
14 PR IV É
ish architect Bjarke Ingels, will
park in the plans, Jade Signature
A private island to go along with
give Coconut Grove a newfound
is set to bring residents as close to
your purchase will no doubt be the
it-factor
the beach as possible, without the
tag line at this BH3 property to be
18 E C HO B R I C K E LL
added floors of automobiles to go
finished by early 2016
Carlos Ott designed Echo Brickell con-
8 C HÂT EAU BEAC H
through first
is set to make Miami a lot more walkable. Gone are the days when you had to drive everywhere
tinues in the shapely vein of his previ-
15 B R IC KE L LH OUSE
Another Château Group developed,
ous designs. A boutique development
Newgard’s previous development,
by developer PMG, it will bring high
Beach continues the intimate is bet-
12 TH E VAGA B O N D MOTEL
that has fully sold out, featured
octave elegance to bustling Brickell
ter approach
Avra Jain’s latest development
a not so unheard of car elevator
comes in form of a classic motel
system as well. Not quite like the
19 C R I M SON
restoration. Set to be trans-
Porsche Towers of this world, it
An investment gem in hip and up-
Château Group’s latest develop-
formed to its former glory, the
adds some definite panache
and-coming Edgewater, Crimson is
ment will bring residents the energy
property will be ready to host a
of Bal Harbour and ease of the
hip and trendy clientele by the
16 2 0 0 0 O C E A N
beach, with only a handful of bou-
end of 2013
Shefaor frontman Gilbert Benhamou
in the same Château style, Château
9 C HÂT EAU OCEAN
the portfolio Addition you’ll want to read about
is at it again, developing high-end
20 3 0 S TA R I S L A N D
living without the extreme price tag.
Earning that multi-million dollar price
10 R EGAL IA
13 MARINA PALMS YACHT C LUB & RES ID E N C E S
2000 Ocean will offer sandy shores
tag with plenty of show stopping inte-
Penthouses for all is the mantra with
The first yacht club and resi-
and crisp water in line with Miami’s
riors, our At Home choice this season,
dences merger in over two de-
unrivaled natural panoramas
will knock your cashmere socks off
tique style residences allotted
this upper crust jewel
NORTH MIAMI
12
BOTA N I CA L GA R D E N
GO LF CO URSE
AI R P ORT
HOT E L
SA I L I N G
SHOP P IN G
MA R I N A
NIG HT LI FE
YAC H T S
DI NI N G
13
BISCAYNE BAY
NORTH MIAMI BEACH AVENTURA
9 SURFSIDE
14 BAL HARBOUR
11
10
8 SUNNY ISLES
6
HALLANDALE
2 16
FALL/WINTER 2013
15 13
ADDITIONS
16 RELATED GROUP
22 DEZER DEVELOPMENT
34 FORTUNE INTERNATIONAL
David had Goliath, Miami has Jorge Perez and the Related Group (minus Philistine battle scene).
Miami’s Porsche Design tower is making way towards becoming the most talked about build in Sunny Isles Beach.
Fortune International President and CEO, Defortuna takes us through his latest development and gives us a bit of insight into Miami’s changing developments.
14
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NEWGARD GROUP'S CENTRO
A D DIT IONS
WHEN EVERYONE'S DOING ONE, RELATED'S DOING ELEVEN David had Goliath, Miami has Jorge Perez and the Related Group (minus Philistine battle scene).
Leave it to the good folks at real estate behemoth Related
of Miami’s very diverse submarkets (Brickell, Edgewa-
Group, to fare a downturn decorously and come out
ter, Midtown, the Design District, South Beach, North
mightier on the other end. The development gurus at
Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, Bal Harbour, Hallandale, and
Miami’s most eminent firm certainly know their property,
Hollywood), Related has once again established itself, if
and if you’ve been paying any kind of attention, they
re-establishing was needed, as the frontman of Miami’s
know when to invest where. We sat down with Presi-
booming real estate market.
dent of Condominium Development Carlos Rosso, and Related Group Chairman Jorge Perez to discuss their
the firm has brought an undeniably East Coast mentality
latest projects, their recent penchant for branching out
to the area, with walkability being at the forefront. “It’s a
business, and a few tidbits about the extensive art collec-
little bit different from our other projects in Brickell, be-
tions in any and pretty much all Related buildings going
cause of the characteristics of South Miami Avenue,” said
up these days.
Rosso. “The lobby and restaurants are at sidewalk level,
Faced with millions in unsold condo moolah back in
to look into the lobby and see the residents, the doorman,
model and decided to shake it up a bit, focusing on more
the art, and as you come out you will see the energy of the
affordable housing, multi-family developments, and retail
sidewalk. We tried to create that pedestrian activity. It’s a
to foster good old diversification. Because folks, as we all
little bit more of a New York building.”
with ease when the market hits rock bottom. “Right now, we have 11 developments (2,500 units) in
9FI5TH.COM
i.e. you’re going to walk by the building and will be able
2008, Related took a good hard look at their business
know, diversification will have you sailing out those losses
16
Currently putting the finishing touches on SLS Brickell,
There’s no doubt about it - the SLS Brickell will revamp the whole area into something far more accessible with high-end flair. Three world class restaurants will line
each of the Miami submarkets, plus a follow-up project
the pedestrian level, with head chefs Michael Schwartz,
in each market,” Rosso explained. Having entered all
José Andrés, and Katsuya Uechi cooking up a storm.
A D D I TI O N S
BEACHWALK
FALL/WINTER 2013
17
A D DIT IONS
BALTUS HOUSE
The property will house 132 hotel rooms on the
the area and definitely make this SLS a Miami
past (e.g. Pininfarina at Beachwalk and Millecento),
first eight floors of the building with another 453
icon. Yet, one of the best features, if you ask us,
Related’s latest development off the branded block
condo residences topping out the upper 45 floors.
will be the eight floors of mural lined parking. A
is Baltus House, aptly named after the Spanish fur-
An amenity deck between the two subsections will
video installation by artist Katja Loher will bring
niture retailer itself. An existing project under the
feature the pool, gym, and spa facilities as well as a
“magical hanging screens” to the tunnel connect-
name of Unika at the time, Related purchased the
3,000-square-foot business center and an enter-
ing said garage, while Related is on the look for a
property and started pondering how to give it that
tainment room. While mingling can be fun and
“Wynwood vibe” for the actual murals and is still
special, “Related” something. “We asked ourselves,
entertaining, residents who long for more privacy
talking to potential artists. Seems like it’s safe to say
‘How do we make more of a connection between
when lounging by the water will be able to do so at
that parking is about to become the highlight of
the building and the design district?’ ” Rosso said.
the residents-only pool on the 50th floor.
any day. With units starting at a very competitive
“Jorge [Perez] went to Spain and met with Baltus,
The magic of Philippe Starck will emanate
$400 per square foot, it’s our tragic duty to inform
who happen to have a shop in the Design District.
through the rooms, lobby, and restaurants, while
you that SLS Brickell is officially sold out and is set
They started designing his penthouse at Apogee
the building’s modern, kind of pointy, balconied
to open its doors by the end of 2015. But let’s turn
Beach [another Related development] and we
bones were in the crafty hands of Arquitectonica’s
that frown upside down!
thought it would be great to use them as the inspi-
Bernardo Fort-Brescia.
The SLS Brickell being the glitzy, glam end of
ration for the project.”
Art will be a big selling point as has been the
the current Related spectrum, we’ll move right
norm with Related projects these days. The multi-
along, and tell you about another Addition called
will be located a five minute walk from all the jazz
colored, striped façade of the parking garage by
Baltus House. Having worked with furniture de-
in the Design District. The interiors of the project
German artist Markus Linnenbrink will light up
signers and interior engineering companies in the
will be taken care of by the furniture shop with a
18
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Baltus House will feature 167 condominiums and
holiday-themed Beach Club, with its towel and umbrella service giving them that air of vacation charm. Prices will range from roughly $300,000 for the lower floors to close to $1 million at the top end. With several projects in the pipeline and many more currently being built, Related Group is showing no signs of slowing down. A change in business model is bringing forth more unique and locally significant developments, as Related is continuing to give buyers the security of, well, being Related. “Buyers who are putting up 40-50% of deposits want developers who have a history of finishing projects, of completing the project on time, and developing them on budget,” Rosso explained. Having worked with everybody from Philippe Starck and Yabu Pushelberg to Enrique Norten and David Rockwell, Rosso maintained that the Related team chooses its architects and interior designers based on the different locations they build in. “Projects in different locations will attract different types of buyers,” he detailed. “We have been at the forefront of not trying to do the same type of Related building every time Related does a building. We put a lot of effort and a lot of discussion into whom we bring into a site. It’s based on what we think would work.” Seems like they’re doing everything right. Prospective buyers can continue to rest at ease when forking over those large deposit checks. Goliath’s got them covered. Jorge Perez, if you didn’t already know it, or at least infer it from all that Goliath talk up top, is South Florida’s own real estate giant. Having been in the business for over three decades, he has developed some of Miami’s most iconic towers “very clean and very modern” lobby rounding out
suggests, Beachwalk’s seaboard will quite literally
and buildings (e.g. Icon Brickell, Apogee, Portofino
the build. This will be the property for “somebody
be - a walk away. Situated in Hallandale Beach, the
Tower) and continues to churn out quality property
who recognizes that there is a lot of value in water
development will offer residents a Beach Club either
locally and abroad. We got to sit down and pick his
views,” Rosso told us. Right he is, considering that
accessible through aforementioned pedestrian stroll
brain a bit - here’s what he told us.
Baltus House will give you those shiny lights, pretty
or the dedicated Beachwalk private trolleys taking
bridges, and soothing bay-front views that all of
them from building to sandy shore. Set to hit its
Miami is looking for these days.
completion date in the summer of 2015, Beachwalk
Not to be left out of the artistic muses, Baltus
will offer residents a sunny 300 units, 84 of which
House will also feature mural-lined parking and in-
will be condominiums while the remainder will be
vite works from artists such as London-based Jaime
made up of hotel units. The condos will be part of
Gigli and Barcelonite (yea, we made that word up)
something along the lines of a rental pool arrange-
Lluis Barba.
ment where residents can use the unit for 180 days a
Units will be on the smaller side, in line with
year and then will be able to plunge said home into
the younger and more unattached droves of the
the rental reserve of the hotel. There will be two
Design District, as price points will hover around
restaurants (also open to the public) and interiors will
$200,000-$500,000. Investment property anyone?
be taken care of by Italian interiors firm Pininfa-
To round out our top list of Related properties,
rina. Obviously, Beachwalkers, as we’ve decided to
we’ll let you dip your toes into the beachy end of
call them, will be able to enjoy the customary gym,
Related offerings, namely Beachwalk. As the tagline
pool, and spa amenities, and will also delight in the
PARTICULARS BALTUS HOUSE PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
Design District 167 Residences 500 - 1,700 square feet 2015 Baltus-Designed Common Areas, Summer Kitchens, Spa, Permanent Art Collection in Common Areas, Pool, Gym FALL/WINTER 2013
19
A D DIT IONS
they’re going, and why. That is a very interesting part of collecting. Related is not only a major development firm in the U.S. but has also spread its wings to international turf. You are currently working on properties in Brazil and India as well as Mexico and Panama. Tell us a bit
: Tell us about Marea and the nearby
more about what’s going on.
One Ocean. They’re smaller, more intimate
We are a company that is very quick to change
developments catering to a specific clien-
when we see the winds not going our way. So, when
tele. What makes them unique?
we saw the condominium market collapse, we
Jorge Perez: They [Marea and One Ocean] are our most luxurious projects with finishes that
immediately did two things. We looked for outside
are individually designed for the buyers. The
sources - places that still had an economy that
projects are going to be filled with museum quality
looked like they were going to move faster than the
art. In fact, most of them are installations by art-
US economy, and we looked at areas that we could
ists that have been engaged just for the particular projects. Our buyers are collectors themselves,
JORGE PEREZ CHAIRMAN, THE RELATED GROUP
go into rapidly where the condominium market was not totally burned out. We went into an acquisitions mode. We moved into distressed acquisitions
making art one of the things they consider when purchasing in a project. Both are going to be very
growth that we didn’t have before. At the beginning
and we moved into rental and affordable housing.
similar in finishes, located in two of the last great
of Miami, it was a place where people came to retire
Condominiums took a back seat. Then we went to
remaining sites in the South of Fifth neighbor-
and then during the winter it was a place where
Brazil and I went to India, which were two of the
hood. As a matter of fact, after these two, that’s
you had people like Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack
fastest growing countries at the time and continue
probably it.
bringing in a mostly New York traffic. Miami has
to grow today. In India we’re doing four to five jobs
changed radically since then and art has been one
that are middle income housing (under construc-
Speaking of art playing a big role. what im-
of the contributors to that. Art Basel picking Miami,
tion already) and in Brazil we are looking at three
portance do you place on art when design-
not New York, as their second site was extremely
jobs. Two of them are in Marginal (residential
ing or thinking about a project?
important for Miami. It is their largest and best
and mixed-use) and the other one is in Faria Lima
I have been collecting art for four decades. I have
regarded art fair in the world. It’s been so success-
(high-end small apartments), which is one of the
great relationships with galleries and artists. When I
ful that it has generated several satellite fairs, all of
principal, high-end streets in São Paolo.
visualize a project I typically visualize spaces for art
which contribute to that time period in Miami being
and what I would like to see the job bring as far as
where the whole world congregates - which also
What does Related bring to these markets
artists are concerned. I think art is a great contributor
typically brings a lot of money with it. People are
that a local developer can’t?
to making real estate and people’s lives better.
coming here, spending a lot of money on homes in
Do you think art appreciation in Miami has
a city that is not just fun and sun anymore, but has a
national design into places that have not had it
very strong cultural and economic element to it.
before. That goes into everything from landscaping, to marketing, to architectural design. We are
evolved? If so, why and how? Art Basel has been one of the great catalysts for the international growth of Miami, particularly a
PARTICULARS BEACHWALK PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
20
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Hallandale Beach 300 Residences, 216 of which are Hotel Residences 1,100 - 2,200 square feet 2015 Beach Club, Pool, Gym, Spa, 2 Restaurants, Pininfarina-Designed Common Areas
We bring international expertise and inter-
You have been collecting for four decades.
going to be bidding on a very large project in
How have your personal tastes matured?
Porto Maravilha in Rio de Janeiro, which we feel
Art for me has been a journey. I was most
is the only way Rio can expand. So, this is a way
impressed by the classics first. The Renaissance
of expanding into countries that we feel will have
- guys like Tintoretto, Titian, and Michelangelo.
high growth rates for the next decade. Brazil
Then, I grew into the impressionist period in
needs to have huge infrastructure improvements
which Van Gogh and Monet were probably my
to meet all of its growth requirements. It has
favorite artists. When I came to the United States,
discovered even more natural resources than it
I started following Latin American artists as a way
had before, and with the World Cup and the
to maintaining my roots and first went to the Lat-
Olympics coming, they’ll have to make immense
in American classics (Diego Rivera, Matta, Torres
investments in the country to be able to accom-
Garcia). Now, my tastes have gone to much more
modate those events.
contemporary art in which as part of collecting I am also meeting the artists. I love to be able to
How do you go about entering foreign
understand why they did certain things. Now, I
real estate?
can actually sit down with the artist and partake in a conversation as to what they are doing, where
We always do it with a very well experienced and serious local partner. We would not think that
A D D I TI O N S
SLS BRICKELL
we could go to India and know more about Indian
So, how do you stay away from the specula-
an amazing place from a climate point of view.
real estate than the Indians. The same goes for Bra-
tion that surrounds the market?
It’s got a population that is fully bi-lingual and
zil. So, we don’t make the mistakes of the rookies coming into a new market.
We are very guarded. We only start projects
is at ease with international people. I always tell
when we feel sure that we have very little risk of
people I think of a triangle if I was betting on the
losing money. We have not started any jobs without
United States. That’s New York, which will always
Miami witnessed a serious real estate bust
at least 80% sales, 40% down payments, and even
be the capital of this country, Miami, and L.A.,
not too long ago. These days, things are
more money during construction. We’ve learned
because of the movie industry. I’m not saying that
looking rosy again. Should investors and
from our past. We’re not like the young guy who’s
San Francisco and Chicago and some of the other
developers still be weary? If so, why?
got five bucks, gets some money from New York,
cities are not going to do very well, but they’re not
Real estate is about risk. That’s why people
and starts doing a job. If it’s successful - great, they
cities that the world is seeing as growing inter-
have made fortunes in real estate and also lost
make money. If it’s not - so what, they’re no worse
national centers. Miami is becoming a growing
fortunes in real estate. We’re in the business of
off. We’ve been in this business for over three de-
international center, and hopefully Related has
creating new jobs and assessing demand with very
cades. We have been the largest in the country. We
had a lot to do with that.
little information. It’s impossible for me to tell you
have also exploded and seen how bad things can
what the demand from Argentinian or Brazilian
be. We have our scars. When you have that, you
buyers will be next year. I can make guesses, but
become very cognizant of the risk that the market
it’s very difficult. We make financially large deci-
entails, and you realize that you are much smaller
sions, with very superficial knowledge. These are
than the market. You don’t control the market. All
very large projects in which we have hundreds of
you can do is time it and read it as best as you can.
millions of dollars at risk. Miami is a city in which demand is very difficult to assess and whenever
Miami has been described as one of the ulti-
we have the type of demand that we have now, we
mate growth markets. Do you agree?
would have to be fools not to be very concerned
I have no question that Miami will be one of
with what could happen. The market immediately
the great growth markets going into the future, be-
gets developers from all over the world who have
cause everybody wants to be in Miami. Whenever
no idea what they’re doing, coming into the mar-
I go to Argentina and Brazil or Paris and Rome
ket, overpaying for land, and doing all the things
- all people want to talk to me about is if they can
that you shouldn’t do as a developer.
buy a condominium of mine here in Miami. It’s
PARTICULARS SLS BRICKELL PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
Brickell 453 Residences, 132 Hotel Rooms 600 - 1,600 square feet 2015 3 In-House Restaurants, Amenity Deck, Pool, Gym, Spa, Business Center, Entertainment Room, Mural-Lined Parking FALL/WINTER 2013
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A D DIT IONS
A PLACE FOR YOUR WHEELS TO SLEEP SAFELY AT NIGHT
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9FI5TH.COM
ENGINES ROAR
STORIES SOAR Miami’s Porsche Design Tower is making way towards becoming the most talked about build in Sunny Isles Beach.
FALL/WINTER 2013
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Porsche. It’s a brand that is known the world over for excellence in design, in finishes, and most importantly in quality. While most of us equate the Porsche trademark with the roaring beauty of its automobile might, it’s the additional facets of the German concern that are equally awe-inspiring. With everything from sunglasses to furniture as part of a well-designed product palette, Porsche Design’s famously lithe workmanship will soon introduce yet another component to its skilled line-up – the Porsche Design Tower or P’001; Miami’s arguably most exciting new Addition. Under the direction of thriving Miami developer Gil Dezer, Miami’s Porsche Design Tower will bring condo living to a whole new level. Complete with a never-been-done-before automated car elevator and lift system, private balcony plunge pools, lounge room waterfalls, a 20-seat theater, simulated formula one cars, and a slew of other accoutrements to fill your days with space age enjoyment, this tower is positively in a class of its own. “The idea was to really focus our attention on making something special. I didn’t want a building with just an elevator system that was gimmicky. We wanted to change the way people live and the way people access their apartments,” Dezer told us. “We started with this concept of a car elevator and the form of building took shape based on the function of the car elevator and how we wanted it to work.” While the building is noted for its ingenuity in allowing passengers to remain within their cars as the elevator transports them to their mansions in the sky, it’s much more than just an idea that went into creating said extravagance. “We basically took various components from different systems that are already in existence and married them in a way that’s never been done before,” Dezer explained. “You’ve seen automated car
LIVING QUARTERS AT P‘001
elevators but nobody ever put them adjacent to an apartment. Therefore, they never had to con-
stamp of approval, Dezer brought aboard all of
head Vichy showers), yoga room, your steam and
template putting a passenger into the car.” Why
the top guys in the industry to help develop the
sauna areas, ice coming down from ceiling into a
the issue with passengers within the car you ask?
system, making these elevators safer than your
bucket, and a waterfall coming down from behind
- The simple matter of safety it seems. “Cars,
baby’s cradle.
you,” Michael Wolk of Michael Wolk Design As-
even though the chances are very slim, can catch
Elevator valor aside, let us expand a tad more on
fire. There can be all kinds of issues - fires, explo-
the previously mentioned accoutrements of majestic
sions, etc. The main crux we had to counteract
P’001. Not only will residents have the bragging
was that a passenger is sitting in a box and that,
rights of living in the first ever Porsche Designer
but dear reader, there’s more, much more. Aside
that box cannot hurt the passenger.”
Tower in the world (that’s right, there will be more
from the refreshing tidbits above, residents can also
As such, the P’001 elevators will be the first
to come), but they will also have bragging rights to a
indulge in the in-house hair salon (because every-
elevators in the world with their own fire suppres-
lavish selection of amenities and design on par with
one has been faced with the occasional need for last
sion system that will feature two huge scuba tanks
Porsche’s quality characteristics.
minute coiffing needs), a big club room boasting
with a high-pressure mist system ready to put out
“On the fifth floor you will come out of one of
sociates, who are handling the interior common areas, told us. We were pretty sold on the ice/waterfall combo,
17-foot ceilings, a 20-seat theater should they wish
any fire right within the cab should it ever arise.
two elevator banks, which will open up to the spa
to screen an epic movie or their latest in Youtube
Along with the UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
and massage rooms (offering the best in multi-
finds, and best of all (in our game inclined opinion
24
9FI5TH.COM
THE MAJESTIC PORSCHE DESIGN TOWER
anyway) the simulated golf area and simulated cars
With flair and style mustered into every corner
that will make living in the Porsche Design Tower
of P’001, we can attest to our own excitement
even more … awesome!
in seeing the finished product - a roaring tower
“Yes, the elevators are what everybody is talking
to match the horsepower of Porsche’s iconic
about but we’ve done a bunch of things in the
automobiles. Dezer made it clear that Miami’s
building that have also never been done before,”
Porsche Design Tower would pave the way for
Dezer stated. “We are offering swimming pools on
future Porsche Design Towers in other major cities
the balconies of almost every single unit. We’re
around the globe – something, that quite frankly is
doing outdoor summer kitchens. We’ve created an
a game-changer in building branding and of course
alcove area on the balcony by giving owners floor
engineering capacity.
to ceiling windows on the outside. So, even though you’re outside, you’ll have floor to ceiling glass,
We here, at 9fi5th will keep our eyes and ears wide open – stay tuned for more.
which will act as a wind protector, giving you a us-
YES, THE ELEVATORS ARE WHAT EVERYBODY IS TALKING ABOUT, BUT WE’VE DONE A BUNCH OF THINGS IN THE BUILDING THAT HAVE ALSO NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE.” - GIL DEZER
able balcony on even the windiest day. The balcony
PARTICULARS PORSCHE DESIGN TOWER
itself is very sizable at 830 square feet on most of these units.” The units will come decorator ready, allowing prospective residents to truly make them their own, but Dezer built elaborate “doll houses” as he called them, in order to give buyers an idea of just what they’re getting. “The most important thing we wanted people to understand was the size of the spaces,” he said. “The only real way you can understand size and space is when you see furniture in that space. When you see the bed and you see how much floor space is around the bed it reminds you of your own room and how much floor space you have in your own room.”
PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
Sunny Isles Beach 132 Residences 4,200 - 17,000 square feet 2016 Gym, Pool, Car elevator - Sky Garage, Car Concierge, Spa, Private Theater, Balcony Plunge Pools, Summer Kitchens, In-House Hair Salon, Simulated Golf & Cars FALL/WINTER 2013
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A D DIT IONS
WAVY DESIGN AT CHATEAU OCEAN
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9FI5TH.COM
BIENVENUE
CHEZ CHÂTEAU OCEAN Don’t let the French name fool you; Château Group’s latest beachfront Addition is decidedly Miami in all the right ways.
Imagine. Imagine yourself waking up steps from
“It will be very boutique,” said Grosskopf.
the cream-colored, sandy shores of Miami, steps
“Other towers in the area are going for very big
from Bal Harbour shops and restaurants, steps
sizes and big price tags. We believe that we are
from … absolute bliss.
giving you high-quality finishes, the best amenities,
Imagination can be a powerful thing. Luckily, there are a handful of developers who make such
and 5-star service to match.” Rising 12 stories above its 94th and Collins
lavish dreams become a reality, allowing you to live
Avenue surroundings, the Arquitectonica-designed
your fantasies, right here in Miami.
building will house the above-mentioned 60
One such developer, Manuel Grosskopf of
exclusive flow-through residences that will delight
Argentinean development firm Château Group,
in Château Group’s stellar white glove treatment.
has been busy crafting this particular reverie for
“If you compare the area - you have large crowds
a handful of years now. “This is a family busi-
and no privacy at all,” said Grosskopf. “At the time
ness, and we are very hands-on with the proper-
those buildings were built, everything was selling
ties we develop and where we invest money,”
well.” These days, buyers are looking for a sense
Grosskopf told us. “We always under-promise
of seclusion and rarity; a combination that is sure
and over-deliver. We try to not be a developer
to make Château Ocean’s slender number of units
but the creator of a lifestyle.”
quite the property catch.
And what a lifestyle it is. With just 60 top-shelf
Just a few sand-filled steps away from the ocean,
residences in his most recent Château develop-
reminiscent of previous Château property Château
ment, the soon to break ground Château Ocean,
Beach, Château Ocean will bring said marine air
Grosskopf is offering his buyers inimitability and
right back in with its ocean-inspired design.
location above all. “What we are emphasizing
Perched on 300 linear feet of beachfront
in our building [Château Ocean] is exclusivity
property, Château Ocean’s glassy exterior will
and the uniqueness of being two blocks from Bal
look much like a wavy reflection of its waterfront
Harbour shops and restaurants.” Walking distance
views. Yet, within a city-wide sea of glass and
is quite the amenity when thinking of Floridian
water inspired architecture, Grosskopf man-
property, and Grosskopf made sure to remind us of
aged to keep things interesting. When arriving at
the importance of ever-present real estate mantra -
Château Ocean, you will be guided to the front of
location, location, location!
the property by well-placed cypress trees. “There
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POOLSIDE CABANAS
will be ponds and pools, the cabanas will be in
those limbs to soothing beach tones. The latest in
the middle of the landscaping, and we will feature
Château Group properties will also offer residents
international design. It won’t look like Miami,”
an elegant assembly hall, something akin to a ball-
said Grosskopf.
room, to keep those legs a-swinging.
Château Ocean’s white glove panache will cater
Speaking of swinging “those,” or other legs - your
to any and all requests, as homeowners will feel
furry friends will have plenty of play room and spa
pampered throughout. Residence sizes will range
services of their own at Château Ocean’s dedicated
from 3,500 square feet to 8,000 square feet and
pet spa. Sounds about right, since no 5-star building
offer breathtaking views of Miami’s magnificent
can go without one of those these days.
natural panoramas. And should you feel a tad
PARTICULARS CHÂTEAU OCEAN PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
Stellar amenities and unit swagger aside, there
homesick, Château Ocean homes will be customiz-
will be three distinct penthouses that will take
able for international clientele who are looking to,
luxury to another level, quite literally. The top-
“enjoy the Miami lifestyle but would like a touch of
drawer units will offer private roof deck pools and
their native homes.”
the property’s boundless service to mingle within.
94th & Collins Avenue 60 Residences 3,500 - 8,000 square feet 2016 Beach, 2 Pools, Fitness Center, Spa, Library, Ballroom, Outdoor Gazebo, Private Restaurant, Wine Cellar, Kid's Center, Pet Spa
Kitchens will feature the best in appliance
Penthouses one, two and three will offer gargan-
two of their most recent developments boasting
bravado as residents can also look forward to a
tuan 24-foot ceilings and will also pencil in room
titles like Château Beach and Château Ocean,
private restaurant that will cater to their culinary
for staff quarters to keep your living standards on
you really can’t go wrong. Sales and Marketing
palates and be ready to entertain their guests.
par with what you’re used to.
are in the trusty hands of Venegas International -
There will be outdoor gazebos that will serve well when hosting grand nights in offering service
Château Group continually amazes and impresses with a property roster to match. And with
that will encompass all of your leisure needs and wishes. “The way that the family lives in our buildings is totally different than the rest of the buildings,” said Grosskopf. “We have Kid’s Clubs managed by the best companies. Kids have different activities in the building to look forward to. We have barbecues and the snack bar, where you can have the staff prepare a party for 20 people. It really is all about community.” Rounding out your ever-present list of amenities will be the signature spa and fitness center, along with an outdoor yoga facility to help you stretch
28
9FI5TH.COM
300 FEET OF SANDY FRONTAGE AT CHATEAU OCEAN
so, go ahead, flip on over to our In Touch section to find out more.
A D DIT IONS
KEEPING UP
WITH THE (VERY WEALTHY) JONESES
BATH-TIME BLISS AT REGALIA
30
9FI5TH.COM
9fi5th takes a peek at Regalia Miami’s perhaps most extravagant development.
Why only have one penthouse when you can have 10, 20, or 39 penthouses? There’s a question that surely sparked the idea behind Regalia’s one unit per floor bonanza on the northern end of Sunny Isles Beach. The property set to be finished by Winter 2013/2014, will house two actual penthouses but really folks, with one unit per floor and a basic foot print of 5,515 square feet plus 2,100 more square feet of terrace space - we’re talking a whole lot of latitude without the actual penthouse title. “We are the only building in South Florida that is one unit per floor,” Lou Montello, President at Regalia explained. “At first, we wrestled with whether or not we were going to split some of the lower floors in two. We decided not to because we thought that the people who could afford to spend $8 million on a unit are different than those who can spend $4 million on a unit. This proved to be the correct choice.” Regal Regalia (quite the suitable name if you ask us) will top out at 39 units, 37 of which will be one floor units, while the remaining two, namely the actual penthouse and the similar beach house, will be home to double floors. Prospective residents can look forward to an abundance of space and wrap-around views as the 360 degrees surrounding this Sunny Isles gem will almost certainly remain unobstructed. Each unit will come complete with finished bathrooms and kitchen and will be prewired for Crestron systems, allowing residents to put the top of the line system wherever they please. Kitchens will bear the Gatto name while Miele and Subzero appliances will balance out the
FALL/WINTER 2013
31
A D DIT IONS
technological end of the spectrum. Residents will be
million per unit just want the best. They don’t care
residents roughly double that and more in living
able to close their Lualdi doors should they require
what it costs as long as they get the best service.
quarters. Housed on the third and fourth floors of
a tad more privacy and light up their quarters with
The idea is to cater to a very certain elite.”
the tower, Regalia’s beach house will be the closer-
Kreon lights during starlit nights. As with all pre-construction bundles we’ve
“The best” will come in form of Regalia’s
to-the-ocean type of penthouse, i.e. giving you
service staff, featuring a dedicated front desk
all the splendor of the top floor unit, minus those
featured so far, Regalia’s royal 39 will come designer
concierge who will take care of any and all needs
added seconds on the elevator.
ready, giving you the chance to customize those
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Residents will be
7,600 plus square feet of yours to your own liking.
able to book their in-house spa and entertainment
floor to ceiling windows gracing the other 37 units
Units will feature trademark wrap-around balconies
perks, arrange for a personal chef according to
will now span across 20-foot ceilings and residents
that, thanks to architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia’s su-
culinary preferences, or get that toothbrush they
can look forward to either a private plunge pool or
perb design, will mirror Miami’s beach and waves to
need at 4 AM. As part of stellar service, Regalia’s
jacuzzi on their balcony and sun deck areas. The
Within the penthouse and beach house, the same
a T. Regalia truly will
beach house will offer
resemble a castle in the
10,000 square feet of
sky with the outdoors
living area and 6,500
pulling you in from all
square feet of terraces,
four directions. And
while its 43rd-44th
since units will feature
floor rival will offer
floor to ceiling win-
the same 10,000
dows throughout, one
square feet of living
cannot help but draw
area plus another
in a deep breath of
10,000 square feet of
relaxation whenever
outdoor space. With
viewing the airy vistas
such gargantuan floor
the units will provide.
plans, you may want
Though residents
to invest in sign posts,
will have their own
as you might end up
wine cooler within the
getting lost within
unit itself, they can
your own condo one
also look forward to a
day. We jest.
full wine “cellar” (sans
While the not
basement) that will
so average, average
house roughly 2,400
units are currently
more bottles than the
being marketed at
ones in the units them-
just under $9 million,
selves. Said cooler will
the two duplex mega
come in handy when
units will prob-
enjoying the services
ably find themselves
of the chef ’s kitchen
within the $24-$28
on the second floor,
million range, prov-
where residents can
ing that regal Regalia
revel in the watch and
really is in a royal
dine experience with
class of its own.
their very own skilled professional on duty.
concierge will also be there to be called upon to
Post-dinner ambiance will flow nicely with Re-
stock a resident’s kitchen with edible favorites just
galia’s cigar lounge on the west end of the property,
in time for their arrival a week later or during the
where tobacco and scotch connoisseurs can share
month ahead.
their evenings with likeminded neighbors. All of
“Our building is basically a United Nations
the interior spaces will be brought to life by the gift-
building,” Montello stated, meaning that the con-
ed hands of interior designer Charles Allem, whose
cierge will also cater to linguistic preferences should
stylistic extravagances you can browse through just
you want your massage therapist or chef de cuisine
a few pages onward.
to speak Portuguese, Russian, or Hindi.
But Regalia’s perhaps most delightful feature
With “regular” units allotting 7,000-plus square
will most definitely be the service, since as Montello
feet as it is, it should come as no surprise that
reminded us, “People who spend $8 million or $9
the actual penthouse and beach house will offer
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9FI5TH.COM
PARTICULARS REGALIA PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
Sunny Isles Beach 39 Residences 7,600 - 20,000 square feet End of 2013 Pool, Gym, Spa, Concierge, Chef Kitchen, Wine Cellar, Cigar Lounge
A D D I TI O N S
REGALIA POOL AND LOUNGE CHAIRS
FALL/WINTER 2013
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JADE SIGNATURE UP CLOSE
34
9FI5TH.COM
A D D I TI O N S
Sitting Down
WITH SIGNATURE MAN HIMSELF, EDGARDO DEFORTUNA Fortune International President and CEO, Defortuna takes us through his latest development and gives us a bit of insight into Miami’s changing developments.
FALL/WINTER 2013
35
Q&A
One of South Florida’s most influential real estate names, Edgardo Defortuna has consistently delivered on his high-end promises. His latest tower, Jade Signature, to rise in Sunny Isles Beach, will without a doubt be yet another great Addition to Fortune International’s already impressive line-up. :: Sunny Isles has been booming with several ultra-luxury developments. Tell us about selecting the site and area for Jade Signature, your latest development in the Jade series. Edgardo Defortuna: I feel very fortunate that we were able to acquire the site. It’s 300 feet of oceanfront property and it’s right next to Jade Beach and Jade Ocean. So to complete 900 oceanfront feet, which is over three blocks of product developed by Fortune, is a great accomplishment. I think that it kind of embraces the overall design process and success that we have had over the years in Sunny Isles. Also, it’s obviously great because it’s 10 minutes or less from Bal Harbour, 10 minutes or less from Aventura, it’s a very good distance to both Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports, and less than 20 minutes from South Beach and all the action. Sunny Isles has indeed been quite the success. What do you attribute this to? There are many reasons. First, obviously the nature and the beauty of the area - probably one of the widest beaches in Miami. The relationship between developer and city officials is great. Sunny Isles, for many years now, has been very pro-development and really has tried to expand their boundaries to allow for creativity and ways to make these buildings better and more luxurious. It’s a breath of fresh air in comparison to some of the other municipalities that are more difficult to maneuver. Let’s talk more about Jade Signature itself. The building offers breathtaking views of both the ocean and the bay, correct? Yes, the fact that it’s 300 feet of frontage allowed us to give 100% of the units ocean views. About 90% of them are oceanfront but they are what you call flow-through units, which go from side to side, i.e. you can see the ocean on one side and the intracoastal and city lights on the other. Architects Herzog & de Meuron were able to capture that by designing a building with a depth and width that is thin enough allowing you to feel both sides from one area in the living room. You have changed the game when it comes to living quarters, truly making sure that the units shine just as much as the exterior of the build-
JADE SIGNATURE OCEAN VIEWS
36
9FI5TH.COM
ing does. What was your design thought and concept during this process?
A D D I TI O N S
Typically, in Miami, it has been all about how
many companies in places around the world, where
the exterior of the building looks, how pretty it
they dig down 8-10 floors right next to rivers and
is, etc. Of course that is very important, but that
even next to oceans.
sometimes sacrifices the functionality and overall lifestyle of the inside. We wanted a unit that was
What amenities can residents look
perfect from the inside and then reflected on the
forward to?
outside. For instance, there are no columns in these apartments. They are totally column free.
We have come up with a lot of things. There is a restaurant on the ground floor. On the lobby level (second floor) we will have a breakfast area where
No columns? How did you manage that? The structure rests on the core and is inside
every morning the breakfast is going to be set and people can come down and enjoy and meet with
the walls but inside the apartment there are no
their neighbors or read the paper and have break-
columns, which was something that we struggled
fast downstairs looking at the ocean.
with in some of the other projects. People would
We will have a movie area or a place to watch
complain about columns in the living room or
sports events but it will be more like a lounge rather
in the bedroom. Now, there are none. We put all
than a theater. We will have a show kitchen where
the structural support within the cores, within the
you can hire your own chef and have dinner with
elevator structures, within the stairs, and some on
12 or 15 of your closest friends. We were just at the
the outside of the building.
Milan furniture and design fair and we saw some spectacular kitchens.
Speaking of exterior issues - Miami is full
EDGARDO DEFORTUNA PRESIDENT & CEO, FORTUNE INTERNATIONAL
the problems of tall buildings in Miami are that at 1 or 2 o’clock in the afternoon your own building
of above ground garages, something that of
So, you’re very hands-on. You go to
blocks the sun. So, Herzog & de Meuron did a
course is more cost effective due to safety
Milan yourself ?
20-page study on sunshine every day of the year
regulations, but also adds quite a bit of bulk
Yes, my wife and I are there pretty much every
and changes the living experience. Jade Sig-
year. You see the latest, not only in furniture, but in
totally parallel to the ocean but twisting it 28
nature seems to have improved upon that?
lighting and accessories. We were there with Pierre-
degrees, you get sun on your pool until 4:30 P.M.
By designing a parking structure that is un-
Yves Rochon, the interior designer for the building,
most days of the year. They twisted the building
derground (we have three floors of underground
and obviously he knows the fair inside out so we
but they didn’t twist the units. All your windows
parking) we were able to get a building that appears
really took a lot of advantage of that experience.
are straight. It’s really something.
of amenities, residents are in touch with nature,
What made you pick Pierre-Yves Rochon to
Fortune International is very diversified
in touch with the lush landscaping and pool areas,
do the interiors of Jade Signature?
– construction, real estate agency, develop-
and figured out that by not putting the building
to come out of the ground. From the first levels
and the beach. The restaurant is on the ground
We interviewed some of the top designers both
ment. Why is this holistic approach helpful
level, the pool is on the ground level, the beach of
local and international and Ana Cristina, my wife
course is right there. It’s all integrated. Most of the
said ‘Why not Pierre-Yves?’ He did the interior de-
large buildings in Miami design a pedestal structure
sign of our own home. So, we said why not give our
marketing and sales side, which gave us great insight
for parking because constructing underground
customers the same feeling of an environment we
into what the public wants, what the product could
parking is an expensive endeavor. It used to be kind
live in every day? He’s very used to space planning
be, and what it needs to be. So, when we are looking
of taboo since we are in Miami and if the water
and layout because he redesigns for hotels or build-
to buy a new site or when we are doing a study for
goes in, it’s hard to get around it. But there are
ings that have been there [Europe] for hundreds of
a new project, our performance and analysis is very
years where spaces can be challenging to maneuver.
accurate because we know what units can be sold at,
In this case, because the units are straight versus the
we know what the buyer wants, and we know where
building, there were some challenging spaces, but the
we need to put it in the building. When we’re doing
floor plans he came up with were really exceptional.
marketing and sales for a developer we also bring
PARTICULARS JADE SIGNATURE PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
Sunny Isles Beach 192 1,300 - 10,500 square feet 2015 Pool, Gym, Spa, Library, Lush Landscaping, Underground Parking - Direct Beach Access
in your business? The beginning of the company was on the
the understanding of what that developer is going All the amenities aside, what makes Jade
through in terms of cost and being able to meet
Signature stand out from the pack?
their performance. I’m not going to ask for 10-foot
We wanted to create very livable spaces,
clear ceilings or glass that is too expensive because I
because today’s buyer is asking for more of an
understand that it needs to be value engineered and
indoor/outdoor facility. The terraces make up
that this is what’s going to make this project work.
30% of the total living space and the architec-
It is that understanding, knowledge of construction,
tural study and skin of the building is such that
and knowledge of development that helps the overall
it effectively reduces the amount of wind that
marketing effort and helps the developer in making
you’re going to sense on those terraces. Some of
the final decisions.
FALL/WINTER 2013
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A D DIT IONS
BREATHTAKING VIEWS FROM GROVE AT GRAND BAY BALCONY
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9FI5TH.COM
A D D I TI O N S
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION Terra Group COO David Martin shows us why neighborhood is the most significant amenity any developer can offer.
FALL/WINTER 2013
39
A D DIT IONS
In a city full of up-and-comings, the new this or that, and a steady flow of tourists on par with other large metropolises, one can find it hard to discover a true “neighborhood,” a place where natives live and breathe, where festivals don't come and go, and where incidentally the nation’s top schools find ground. Yet, one such gem within a city of nouveau everything, is Coconut Grove, the fruity native just inland from Miami Beach's hectic styles. Far enough to smell the roses, yet close enough to foster a grand night out, Coconut Grove is one of those areas that has no problem conjuring up a smile and encouraging a deep inhale when welcoming you within its borders. Lush greenery, runners lining the streets, and a healthy supply of breathtaking mansions and their coiffed gardens, make it easy to understand why so many of Miami’s most influential locals call this Grove their home. One prominent member of said club of residents is David Martin, President and COO of Terra Group and proud Miami native through and through. A true devotee of South Florida's shores, the Grove in particular, Martin has made it his mission to preserve the city's genuine nature and habitat, to meld into existing neighborhoods without changing their identity, and to select a few such parts of town to develop. “There’s a lot of depth and soul and
not people who
as West 57 and The
substance to this neighborhood,” Martin told us.
are buying to buy
8 House, Grove
“This is real Miami, it’s not the hype. That, I think
and then rent out
at Grand Bay will
is kind of unique because Miami is always creating
for an investment
envelop and sur-
a new neighborhood.”
opportunity. They
round the eye in all the right ways.
Grove at Grand Bay being Terra Group's latest
come to the Grove
and most extravagant development has certainly set
because they want
20 stories high,
a brand new standard when it comes to both luxury
their kids to go to
with 57 residences
and lifestyle. Set in prestigious Coconut Grove,
the schools here
in the North Tower
away from all the hustle and bustle of other recent
and want to spend
and another 40
luxury real estate Additions, the property has been
more time here.
residences in the
hailed as a different kind of option, an option that
They want to
South Tower, the
is all about, you guessed it, neighborhood.
entertain here.”
Grove’s newest
Grove at Grand Bay will cater to a distinct type of “psychograph” as Martin called it. “Our people are buyers and owners. I think that every-
And entertain they shall. Rising from
Addition promises swathing views of the marina and
body that buys today looks for a good investment
the ashes of the
and a good value. But what we see is, we have
Grand Bay Hotel (Miami’s first 5-star hotel), Grove
Grove, healthy 12’ clear finished ceilings, as well as
around 14 nationalities in this building. We have
at Grand Bay is Terra Group’s arguably greatest
a new take on condo individuality.
people that have bought from South Africa, from
endeavor. “We kind of broke the mold,” said Martin.
Belgium, from Toronto, from France, from Ja-
With units ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 square feet,
thoughts of a moving, vivid organism that winds
maica,” he elaborated. “So, what’s interesting is
Grove at Grand Bay will offer buyers some of the
and coils according to its surroundings. “The idea
the type of individual or more the psychograph-
largest square-footage among newly built sky man-
is that we did something special. From a structural
ics of the types of people that are buying from
sions. Brought to life by the nimble hands of Bjarke
stand point, most buildings always went straight up.
us. These are people who know Miami. They’re
Ingels, famed Danish architect behind such projects
This is really the first building that does twist. So,
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beautiful Coconut
The twisting design of the two towers conjures
A D D I TI O N S
every unit in every floor plan is different,” Martin clarified. “The other component is that the South
finishes - it's luxury of location. Location, as any seven-year-old New Yorker
in different neighborhoods that are airtight and solid. Miami is where we are. We’re not going
Tower is actually a shape shifter, so it kind of goes
can tell you, is what it’s all about and David
anywhere. There’s a lot to do here and we know
from a square to a rectangle, which is both an inter-
Martin has certainly made it his task to make
this market very well. We grew up here. All of
esting structural feat and something very iconic
sure that location is the true extravagance Terra
our families and friends are here. Long term,
and artistic that we created.” Yes, we might agree
Group developments offer. “Coconut Grove
we’ve just got to find the right balance on supply
that knowing your unit will in fact differ in view
really didn’t have any developable land until we
and demand,” he reasoned.
and layout from your few dozen neighbors’ abodes,
got involved. We bought the bank, we bought the
certainly adds a panache that your brethren in the
Grand Bay Hotel, and the recent acquisition that
ties can rest at ease, Terra Group is here to hold
Miami luxury real estate pool, may not be able to
we’re doing, which is another 5.5 acres at the
down the fort.
contend with.
Coconut Grove bank site,” Martin said. “This
“The evolved design has a little bit to do with
neighborhood is very anti-development and anti-
the evolution and style of the architecture that BIG
supply. It’s very active and very unified. They
[Bjarke Ingels Group] does. I think it also has to do
don’t want a lot of height. They wanted it to stay
with the neighborhood and how the neighborhood
like a village.”
has evolved in so many years,” Martin went on. Complete with all the indulgent amenities one
And sure enough that is what buyers can look forward to when residing at Grove at Grand Bay
could want for; be that your 2-4 car garage, pri-
– the village feel (minus the town jester) just ten
vate elevator, butler service, or on-site chef, Grove
minutes from Brickell.
at Grand Bay is in fact offering something decid-
One thing is certain - Miami’s established locali-
As for his future plans, Martin remains bull-
edly unique. Sure, it’s been designed and stylized
ish about Miami and Terra Group. “It’s about
for the luxury buyer. Sure, you’ll be pleasantly sur-
finding opportunities in high barrier-to-entry
prised with all kinds of perks right at your finger
markets and sub-markets,” he said. “Long term,
tips. But what makes this development a stand out
Miami has its own macro/micro economic op-
pin-up is not just luxury of building, add-ons or
portunities. Our goal is to try to have our niche
PARTICULARS GROVE AT GRAND BAY PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
Coconut Grove 57 Residences North Tower, 40 Residences South Tower 3,000 - 10,000 square feet 2015 2-4 Car Garage, Pool, Garden, Gym, Spa, Butler, Chef, Children’s Room, Library, Pet Spa FALL/WINTER 2013
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A D DIT IONS
SETTING SAIL
AT MARINA PALMS 9fi5th takes the grand tour of Miami’s most recent yacht club & residences merger, where docking your boat is just an elevator ride away.
MARINA PALMS POOL AND CABANAS
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A D D I TI O N S
MARINA PALMS YACHT CLUB AND RESIDENCES
One might think that with all the handsome properties lined up within this edition of 9fi5th Miami, it would be difficult to tell them apart, or perhaps tricky to see distinction from one to the next. Yet dear reader, we believe we have managed to give you just that – ample diversity within a sea of fresh developments. Rather than taking all the credit for ourselves, we must attest to the balance that has been struck in Miami’s latest set of Additions – truly giving each and every buyer something unique to want for and perhaps most importantly, a choice. Said choice becomes apparent when eyeing DevStar Group’s Marina Palms Yacht Club & Residences, Miami’s first marina and condo development in over two decades. While other properties may give you nifty enhancements or that sought-after beachfront lifestyle, Marina Palms is the development for the avid boating devotee, the person who likes being by the harbor and likes having immediate access to a private marina. Yes, Marina Palms is the development for those of you who are nautically disposed. Nestled within roughly 14.6 acres of harborfront land close to Aventura and right off Biscayne Boulevard, Marina Palms will manage to give you a feeling of privacy and tranquility as both property and marina are neatly tucked away from bustling Biscayne Boulevard. Housed within two 25-story waterfront towers, the development will be home to 468 units, with an average of 2,000 square feet of floor space. Current model homes are furnished by Interiors by Steven G., allowing potential buyers to envision exactly what their slice of marine paradise might look like. And while Marina Palms will offer residents the ubiquitous spa, pool deck, and gym amenities alongside a dedicated club room, developer DevStar Group, along with partner Plaza Group, will take it a step further and cater to families by
FALL/WINTER 2013
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STYLIZED LOBBY
PARTICULARS MARINA PALMS YACHT CLUB & RESIDENCES PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
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North Miami Beach 468 Residences, 2 Towers 1,900 - 2,600 square feet 2015 Full-Service Marina, Yacht Concierge, Kid’s & Teen’s Rooms, Pool, Gym, Spa, Club Room
9FI5TH.COM
housing children’s and teen’s rooms in each of the
that range in size from 40 up to 90 linear feet
towers. Children can play under watchful eyes as
and a full service marina - fuel, pump-out, wifi,
an earmarked iPad app will allow parents to tune
and electricity. Plus, it will have a ship store and
in through a nanny cam whenever need be. While
a management office so people can come buy
teens will delight in a selection of tech toys such as
snacks, drinks, etc before they head out,” said
Wii, Playbox, and the adjacent flat screen TVs to
Burns.
go along with the gaming experience. Yet, Marina Palm’s “biggest amenity” as
A dedicated yacht concierge will be available to boat owners in the marina who wish to set up
DevStar Group principal Anthony Burns re-
their boat with all the necessary equipment for a
ferred to it, is without a doubt the marina itself.
day at sea. “It will be the person that you call to
Rather than just offering the 112 boat slips
fully prepare your boat for a day out on the water,”
allotted, Burns and his team have come up with
Burns explained.
a range of services and add-ons to truly stretch
The marina will also cater to those who may
the boating lifestyle to the max. “We have slips
like being close to the lifestyle but don’t necessarily
A D D I TI O N S
want to bother with boat
every level of desire.
ownership itself. Residents
“Even though a 90-foot
will have access to wave
yacht guy might be here,
runners, kayaks, and a
some weekends he might
manner of other aquatic
just want to go out with
play-things as part of a
the kids on a Sea Doo,
basic entertainment pack-
or a small 26-foot open
age. For those interested
bowrider, and just have
in something more, there
fun for the day rather than
will be different types
have the hassle of getting
of packages providing
a captain, a crew, and all
access to boats and yachts
that stuff. We’re trying to
to charter whenever the
provide an experience for
impulse strikes. “It’s a
every niche involved in the
membership for a boat,”
marina yachting lifestyle,”
said Burns.
Burns told us.
“What this allows
One thing’s clear, Ma-
people to do, is pay a
rina Palms will not only
membership fee according
fulfill the turquoise dreams
to the boating experience
of many a landlocked
they’re looking for.” The
buyer, but will also do it at
number of boats on call
a respectable price. With a
will be determined by demand but with an estimated
for Easter and you want to take a 90-foot boat for
buy-in rate at around $450 per square foot, we can
one boat per ten people, residents can rest assured
four days. Your yacht concierge would help you put
safely say that this residence and marina combo is
that their nautical dreams won’t be put on hold.
that package together. You’d actually have a captain,
offering a whole lot of lifestyle for your well-spent
a full crew, etc,” said Burns.
dollar. So, if those yacht engines are calling your
Depending on the type of membership, residents can choose to upgrade to a larger class of boat and
Catering to any and all needs a boating devotee
name and you’d rather hear seagulls than car
even decide to charter yachts should they feel so in-
may have, Marina Palms is trying to offer its
horns, then it may be time to throw out that anchor
clined. “Say you have friends from NYC visiting you
residents the lifestyle for every price point and
and start docking your ride at Marina Palms.
MODEL UNIT AT MARINA PALMS
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A D DIT IONS
URBAN EFFICIENCY TAKES ROOT IN MIAMI Newgard brings walkable inner-city routine to the hustle and bustle of Downtown.
SLEEK INTERIORS AT CENTRO
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9FI5TH.COM
With approvals in the bag, Newgard Develop-
Residents can choose to valet their vehicles or
ment Group’s latest residential asset by the name
go ahead and self-park them. Oh, and should you
of Centro is set to intrigue the young, urban set in
find yourself falling somewhere in between the
Downtown Miami by Spring 2015. Designed to
Metrorail enthusiast and car aficionado catego-
house 352 units spread out over 36 floors, Centro
ries, then you’d be most delighted to hear about
will be decidedly downtown and cater to sprightly
Centro’s perhaps trendiest on-site convenience - the
tenants who like to be in the midst of it all. “Full of
designated car2go hubs right outside the building.
amenities,” as Newgard CEO Harvey Hernandez
For those not too familiar with the concept, car2go
called it, Centro will be more of a lifestyle than
offers short-term car rentals without the hassle of
anything. “I’m very excited about Centro because
going to a rental agency - something along the lines
it reflects our true motivation behind develop-
of a car share program.
ment - to bring a residence to a true urban setting,”
Following Newgard’s wildly successful (and fully
Hernandez told us. “We wanted to do a project
sold out) development BrickellHouse, due out in
that was very New York; sustainable, cool, but also
Spring 2014, Centro will be the active, about-town
attainable. It’s a place where people can walk to
development to add pizzazz to the firm’s continu-
their offices or they can come downstairs and have
ally notable and inspired property portfolio. “We try
a great dinner with their friends and share office
to make every project unique, different, and more
space on the second and third floors.”
interesting to keep people really engaged and excited
Yes, office spaces within the building will be available, along with a set of other intriguing
about what we do,” said Hernandez. BrickellHouse will include a fully automated
amenities sure to excite you. Featuring exposed
parking garage (Porsche ears must be ringing)
concrete and glass throughout, floor to ceiling win-
that as Hernandez described it, “is probably
dows will fill the open-concept units with plenty of
one of the coolest features of the development.”
light. Envisioned by industrial designer Yves Behar,
Similar yet not quite the same, the garage will
the units will offer expansive 10-foot ceilings and
whisk away your car to a separate box from
upscale modern finishes. We’re talking plenty of
which you can call upon it again at any time,
stainless steel and Italian cabinetry.
iPad and all. Clearly, Newgard has a penchant
Centro will not only put in a fabulous roof deck pool but also allow residents to work out in style
for providing buyers with the most up-to-date and innovative features.
and panoramic flair, as the gym facilities will find
But back to Centro, your hip host right in the
place on the 36th floor and offer great views to go
middle of Downtown. Bringing a new kind of urban
along with your morning jog; a bonus, that should
luxury to the market, Centro is one of a handful of
help get those sneakers on in no time at all.
Additions that are ready to transform Miami into the
Lofty endeavors and walkable location aside,
metropolitan center it strives to be. The property
Centro does have one caveat, which to your aver-
will target the young, city crowd, with loft-style units
age New Yorker would be no caveat at all. Said
starting at a very competitive $200,000. If the loca-
stipulation to meet prospective buyers in this resi-
tion and exposed concrete didn’t quite sway you, we
dential build-up is the lack of an on-site parking
think the price points definitely will.
garage. No place to put those 4-wheel coupés you ask? Not quite. The younger, less auto-conscious subset will find easy access to a Metrorail station mere steps away, while those not too keen on trudging the rail systems of Downtown Miami will enjoy the extra frill of valet parking. “We designed the project without on-site parking but with parking off-site to use the efficiencies of the existing parking garages in the area,” said Hernandez. “There are a lot of office buildings in Downtown Miami, which use parking 9-5 Monday through Friday and then sit empty the rest of the time. Our residents need their cars off-peak hours making it perfect for the dual use of those garages.”
PARTICULARS CENTRO PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
Downtown Miami 352 Residences 500 - 1,100 square feet 2015 Rooftop Pool, Gym, Spa, Club Room, LoftStyle Interiors, car2go Hub FALL/WINTER 2013
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A D DIT IONS
CRIMSON TIDE... ON THE BAY
Newcomer McKafka Development delivers investor friendly bay-front gem in line with Miami’s luxurious tastes.
CRIMSON IN EDGEWATER
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9FI5TH.COM
Continuing Miami’s boom in bay-front colonies is
$1 million price tag with private roof deck access
the latest rags to riches story of Edgewater. Nestled
and panoramic Jacuzzi flair.
between the notably popular Design District and Downtown proper, Edgewater has witnessed quite
the nifty add-ons fool you, this is still a plush build-
the upturn thanks to illustrious developments such
ing on par with some of the other recent Additions
as Paramount Bay and Icon Bay. Cashing in on
we’ve explored.
the area’s up-and-coming vibe is the most recent in
Luxurious tastes shall echo through the 8th floor
bay-front treasures in the area – McKafka Devel-
pool deck, indoor/outdoor theater, the promenade
opment’s Crimson. Why red? Turns out that McK-
sun deck, and of course your ever-present gym and
afka developers Fernando Levy-Hara and Stephan
spa amenities on the 1st floor.
Gietl share a crimson hued Harvard history, having POOL DECK WITH A VIEW
But don’t let the affordable price points and all
In keeping with well-honed investor know-
met while studying there in the early 2000’s, but
how, McKafka offers comprehensive service
more on that later.
geared toward creating seamless delivery. Since
Geared toward investors rather than end-users,
development, property management, and realty
Crimson has been designed with profit potential in
services are built in, investors can look forward
mind. “You need to have different unit layouts. You
to bi-annual profits minus all the work. “We sell
usually can’t make a profit when you rent out units
to our investors, we rent for them, take care of
in places like Sunny Isles because the units are very
the maintenance and repairs. We do everything,”
large,” Stephan Gietl explained.
Levy-Hara told us. “For them it’s like investing
With its renter friendly bedroom sizes, easy
in a bond. They get proceeds twice a year. They
access to bike racks, and buzzing cyber café and
never have operational things to worry about with
business center, Crimson will provide ample
the unit,” Gietl continued.
grounds to all those 20 to 30-somethings, carving
With other lots in hand, McKafka is getting in on
out a career in Miami’s job market. And in keep-
the game from an unquestionably Harvardian angle
ing with the hip area and trendy vibe, McKafka
as self-ascribed “cautious developers” Levy-Hara
will put in eco-friendly water heating and A/C
and Gietl usually focus on one project at a time, read
options to bolster the building’s LEED Silver
contracts five times over, and are involved in all the
status. “We have very efficient units,” Fernando
details of the properties they develop.
Levy-Hara said. “If a unit is not rented, the
The two developers maintain their Ivy League
owner is not paying for the consumption of the
lineage with continuous lectures on real estate
building as a whole but really only that of his/
cycles at the Harvard University Graduate School
her unit. We provide separate water heaters for
of Design. And though Levy-Hara maintained:
each unit and the A/C system is metered for each
“It’s not that we have a crystal ball,” his partner
unit,” he continued.
Gietl continued, “but we learn how to forecast
Crimson’s 90 apartments will house one to three-bedroom units ranging from 780 square feet to 1,600 square feet, since as Gietl clarified: “A
downturns and booms and how long they will last. This is our expertise.” Along with a foreseen completion date of Spring
unit has a certain price point, i.e. a two-bedroom
2015, Crimson investors can look forward to an
is a two-bedroom. It doesn’t matter if it’s 1,250
effortless Addition to their real estate portfolios.
square feet or 1,600 square feet. The tenant pays for a two-bedroom. But if you have a 1,600 or 1,700-square-foot unit you also pay the condominium fees for 1,700 square feet.” The suitably sized apartments will come with generous storage for everything from bicycles to that weekend kayak that gets used twice a year, as wrap-around views of the bay will neatly display the newly constructed bay fountain that will entertain residents at both Crimson and next-door neighbor Icon Bay. And while prices will favor the mid range investor with your average residence tumbling in at just around $400,000 - $500,000, Crimson’s six penthouse units at the top of the building will earn their
PARTICULARS CRIMSON PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
Edgewater 90 Residences 780 - 1,600 square feet 2015 LEED Silver Status, Spa, 8th Floor Pool Deck, Mini-Theater, Cybercafé, Business Center, Gym FALL/WINTER 2013
49
A D DIT IONS
AFFORDABILITY AMONG GIANTS
Shefaor Development conjures up luxurious homes at reasonable rates. These days it’s hard to find a beachfront property
unit [$4-5 million price tag] they’ll be able to buy a
tenants can look forward to a sunrise pool on the
that isn’t hitting the multi-million dollar ceiling.
unit between $900,000 and $3 million,” said Shefaor
beach and two sunset pools on the other end of
Miami is on fire and there’s no stopping it any time
President and CEO Gilbert Benhamou. “We will
the property. “You cannot replace the beach,” said
soon. So, if you’re on the look for your own four
start at $900,000 for the smallest unit and we’ll go
Benhamou. “New inventory, in pre-construction
walls of ocean paradise and don’t want to fork over
up to $3 million, not counting the penthouse, which
is selling at a pace I have never seen before - even
a cool $5 million, then we’ve got a competitive op-
is a master piece in its own right. If you give people
during 2005 and 2006. People are realizing that
tion that may be right up your alley.
the same quality as the ones selling at $1,500 -
this is a jewel, and that there is no more beach.”
Shefaor’s 2000 Ocean, to be gracing the Hallandale Beach skyline by the end of 2015, will plate up 64 units on par with the big boys in Sunny Isles,
$1,700 a square foot at close to half the price, they will come,” he guaranteed. Spread out over 30 floors, the units will enjoy
While Benhamou has pencilled in the customary pool, gym, and spa amenities, he has kept the building fairly streamlined along cost conscious
and do it at just around 850 bucks a square foot.
wrap-around views of the ocean and intracoastal,
efforts. “When you have 64 units, you have to be
Who said dreams can’t be attainable? “For those
as the building will sit between two older, lower
efficient,” he reminded us. “You don’t want people
people who cannot afford a $1,500 per-square-foot
developments. Right on the Atlantic Ocean,
to have crazy maintenance fees.” Streamlined yes, but residents will have plenty of roaming grounds with one- to four-bedroom units ranging in size from 1,200+ square feet to over 3,000 square feet. Italian kitchens will play their part in no doubt numerous culinary explorations as Sub-Zero and Miele appliances will pave the road for all your cookery-themed needs. But perhaps the greatest bonus that comes with your purchase at 2000 Ocean is the fact that it will be an all glass building, accounting for a living experience that will be both elevated and unobstructed. Views? Check. Open feeling? Check. No space
PARTICULARS 2000 OCEAN PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS 2000 OCEAN
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Hallandale Beach 64 Residences 1,200 - 3,000 square feet 2015 Sunrise & Sunset Pools, Gym, Spa, Party Room
SLEEK INTERIORS
IF YOU GIVE PEOPLE THE SAME QUALITY AS THE ONES SELLING AT $1,500 $1,700 A SQUARE FOOT AT CLOSE TO HALF THE PRICE, THEY WILL COME." - GILBERT BENHAMOU to hang that recently purchased painting? Probably not. But hey, with Miami as your background, who needs wall space? Benhamou’s budget conscious concept has kept previous buyers happy, as those who purchased in other Shefaor developments such as Uptown Marina Lofts and the Carlos Ott designed Artech, reap the rewards of a developer who understands the value of money, even at the luxury level. “I’m
UPTOWN MARINA LOFTS
not the biggest developer and I’m not the smallest one,” said Benhamou. “So, I have to be different. Uptown Marina Lofts was maybe the biggest project with 216 lofts, exposed air-conditioning, and exposed sprinklers. It drew a young crowd that wanted something different. It was a cool building, very hip - and I was able to achieve a better price per square foot.” 2000 Ocean is set to mirror his previous successes, as Benhamou continues to put the needs of the end user at the forefront. “What is the most important moment in the life of a human being?” he pondered. “The first moment is when they buy their primary or secondary residence and if you ruin that moment I think that you’re done. We try to make that process a very nice process and give CHOICE OF POOLS AT SHEFAOR'S LATEST DEVELOPMENT
people what they deserve and what we promise.” Hats off to that.
FALL/WINTER 2013
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Island LIVING
Miami development firm BH3 partners with developer Gary Cohen to form Privé Developers and present Privé, its latest Addition to offer residents a private island along with their condo purchase. BH3'S PRIVÉ
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A D D I TI O N S
Have we got the property for you! Private island, überluxurious amenities, access to a private beach, and of
space to do their squats and forward lunges. Since the property will be surrounded by water on
course a few (a handful really) boat slips for that 100-foot
all sides, residents will have all kinds of swathing views
yacht of yours to sleep safely at night. Sounds pretty
to call their own. And with 10-foot ceilings throughout,
swanky doesn’t it? Yep, that’s what we thought.
they’ll be able to enjoy those views day in and day out.
Set to start pre-sales next month with delivery fore-
Units themselves will average roughly 3,400 square feet
casted for early 2016, BH3’s latest development called
in size and come decorator ready with the Italian kitch-
Privé will check pretty much every luxurious box you
ens and bathrooms already added on.
can think of and even provide you with a few boxes you didn’t necessarily ponder before. Located on an 8-acre private island (hence the fran-
Freedman reminded us that, “Aventura is typically more family driven,” which BH3 considered, “not only in the design of the project but also in the floor plans.”
cophile version of the title) in Aventura, Privé will be a
Privé will offer a social room and a kid’s room, along
purely residential development accessible by car or boat.
with private dining rooms, and an in-house café - all in
“This is an undeveloped 8-acre island. To get to it you
the name of fostering family ties and possibly bringing
drive through the first island, which is an oasis comprised
you closer to your neighbor.
of 21 mansions - huge homes. So the sense of arrival
The project caters to the larger familial footprint
doesn't compare,” said BH3 partner Gregory Freedman.
by banking on Miami’s climate and including outdoor
Surely there’s a reason why so many of our celebrities
summer kitchens for all units where residents will be able
prod up their property money to houses on some kind
to cook up a storm. Those who love the leathery aroma
of island surrounding Miami’s landmass. So, here’s your
of cigars paired with their favorite alcoholic indulgence
chance to have your own piece of land cluster plus all
will be able to enjoy said extravagance in dedicated wine
those condo amenities to go along with it.
and cigar rooms, as they peruse the latest in politics and
Made up of two towers with 80 units assigned to each, Privé’s main selling point will really be privacy and the
international economies. With all this extravagance, there has to, obviously,
fact that you’re sitting on what could be its own little sov-
be a notch higher - just to give you that slightly elevated
ereign nation. Just kidding. “The privacy, the seclusion,
level of living. Said notch will come in the form of eight
the security, and the surrounding of water really doesn't
penthouses to top out each of the two towers. Although
exist anywhere else,” Freedman told us. “And in this envi-
the penthouse floor plans have yet to be finalized, what
ronment right now, where everyone is building again and
we can tell you is that they will range in size from 4,000
everyone is talking about the velocity and the momen-
- 6,000+ square feet and will each come equipped with
tum, offering something that stands out is critical.”
their own private roof top and pool.
Having said that, BH3’s latest Addition will feature
Oh and before we forget, Privé’s perhaps most in-
resort-style living in line with the vacation-style acreage
teresting feature will be the pet grooming and car wash
the property will offer. Privé will of course muse residents
stations. “We tried to think of everything,” Freedman
with the omnipresent pools and jacuzzis sprinkled about the property, but will take it a step further with a private beach and a private pier to hang out on should you want to go fishing for your evening meal or enjoy the afternoon sun.
said. “What we didn’t have was a pet grooming station so resident pet owners didn’t have to worry about their residence getting dirty.” So, a pet grooming station there shall be. As for the car wash - seems pretty convenient to have a shampoo and bath ready for your four
There will be a jogging trail that enve-
wheels whenever they need it, especially considering
lopes the entire island, allowing residents
that Privé offers buyers the opportunity to have their
to go on uninterrupted strolls, or trudge
own private garage.
that morning jog to burn off last night’s dinner. And should you want to undertake said morning workout indoors, Privé will offer a 10,000-square-foot gym and spa in each of the towers, giving each of the residents in the 80 units per building more than enough
Price points for this private Addition will hover in the range of $1.7 million - $7 million, while the final pricing for the penthouses hasn’t been set yet. But if you’ve got a spare few million looking for a new home, why not consider this private island gem. Seems to us, that the freedom from disturbance will be worth its weight in gold.
FALL/WINTER 2013
53
A D DIT IONS
THE NEXT IT THING Miami developer, Avra Jain uses her instincts to deliver the next hip neighborhood locale in a city of ever evolving environs.
very costly if they are indeed cut as
1985. Way back when it was just
some developers and real estate play-
seniors sitting out on the porch
ers have in the past when wind tunnel
and all the photographers doing
tests aren’t performed properly or
modeling shoots. You had this great
soil samples don’t include suitable
juxtaposition of beautiful people in
grid sizes. But Jain makes sure to do
fabulous outfits and these seniors
her homework and deliver some-
with low walkers,” Jain mused. “It
thing she’ll be proud of. “How many
was a great time to be here. It was
projects have you walked into and
fun, edgy, gritty.”
thought - oh my god this is hideous?”
Currently working on renovating
she asked. “There are walls with no
the 1950’s era Vagabond Motel, Jain
windows on the side overlooking the
has made it her mission to cham-
bay. I have walked into some brand
pion historic preservation. “People
new buildings and said I’d knock
talk about sustainability – well, the
them down and start all over. That
best sustainability is to reuse what’s
shouldn’t happen.”
already here,” she put it.
Having witnessed the fruition of
While renovating the MiMo
Describing Avra Jain as an industry
project will be done six months ear-
several of NYC and Miami’s most
icon to its former kitschy flair, she
insider would be putting it mildly.
lier and you will have saved tons of
exciting areas, Jain has managed
is making sure to incorporate all of
Jain has managed not only to span
money in carry costs,” she clarified.
to not only pinpoint success stories
the original details on the interiors
but also to get in on the game early
front as well as maintaining exterior
a career over two major US cities,
Jain, who welcomes a select group
NYC and Miami respectively, but has
of investors in her varied projects
enough to really make a difference.
charms such as the Vagabond’s iconic
also orchestrated a well thought-out
such as 3650 Design Plaza in the
Able to suss out just what the next
pool mermaid. Rooms will hover in
and mutually complimentary jump
Design District and the Vagabond
Design District, Soho, or Downtown
the $125 to $150 range and be part
across two sectors.
Motel in MiMo is approached by
will be, she invests in up-and-coming
of a 4-star design experience.
industry insiders and through recom-
areas right when the shabby windows
With a solid background in bond
Having dabbled in a wide array of
trading on Wall Street, Jain cultivat-
price points and neighborhoods, Jain
ed a financial and efficient mindset
certainly keeps her projects diversi-
over the better part of a decade. But
fied and unique. The one aspect that
soon enough another muse started
ties them all into her development
trickling into Jain’s otherwise fiscally
portfolio is their varying facets of
occupied career, namely real estate
individuality. “The discipline is the
and development. Thanks to a loft
same. It’s still about buying right,
remodel in her then neighborhood of
finding value in the buy, and deter-
TriBeCa, Jain was bitten by the real
mining how I can create value. As a
estate bug, and luckily never quite
developer it’s your obligation to make
recovered.
sure you’ve done the best that you
“It was sort of a hobby/passion
can do. It’s your obligation to have
that turned into a second career. My
designed the best floor plans you
degree is in engineering, so I do have
can design. As a developer, I hope to
an understanding of mechanics. I
bring the most value to my clients,”
know how to read a blueprint and
she concluded.
I’m very hands-on with my projects,”
Avra Jain has truly bestowed
Jain explained.
her unique approach and quality
While real estate may seem like
standards upon the projects she has
a 180-degree jump from the dapper
sought out and the projects she has
world of finance, most would agree
mendations from finance contacts
and torn up floors are still lingering
put her name on. In what may be the
that the two fields in fact comple-
up North. Her success can be traced
in broad daylight – before the sparkly
most fitting final words ever, she told
ment each other quite harmoniously.
back to solid principles and a well-
lights and designer cafés appear.
us: “I do this because I love it. I can’t
“Having a finance background is actually a big plus in this business,
maintained reputation.
“I spend a lot of time boots on
not do it.”
“When you come from Wall
the ground. I love looking at build-
because I understand the time value
Street you are licensed. There’s a
ings. When I’m trying to figure out
open for the Vagabond Motel set
of money. I’ve seen people make de-
lot of credibility that comes with
a new neighborhood, I go, I hang
to be finished by December 2013.
cisions about hiring people nights or
that,” she told us. “You don’t think
out, I see what’s going on - you
From what we hear it will be “trendy
weekends worrying about overtime,
to cut corners.”
have to feel it,” she said. “I’ve been
cool but with value” – an “alterna-
coming down here [Miami] since
tive, alternative.”
when the real answer is that your
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Said corners can turn out to be
And on that note - keep your eyes
A D DIT IONS
NEW CONSTRUCTION INVENTORY DOWNTOWN MIAMI & BRICKELL
THE MIAMI BEACHES
Total new construction condo units available for sale
Total new construction condo units available for sale
23 RD BISCAYNE DOWNTOWN MIAMI
100% SOLD
ICON ON THE BAY DOWNTOWN MIAMI
95% SOLD
BRICKELLHOUSE BRICKELL
99% SOLD
374 units
MILLECENTO BRICKELL
100% SOLD
382 units
MY BRICKELL BRICKELL
100% SOLD
321 OCEAN MIAMI BEACH
96 units
300 units
192 units
1,344 UNITS TOTAL 99% SOLD
ECHO AVENTURA
48% SOLD
BELLINI
51% SOLD
90% SOLD
PELORO MIAMI BEACH
56% SOLD
CHÂTEAU BEACH SUNNY ISLES
70% SOLD
MANSIONS AT ACQUALINA SUNNY ISLES
87% SOLD
PORSCHE DESIGN TOWER SUNNY ISLES
50% SOLD
400 SUNNY ISLES SUNNY ISLES
80% SOLD
APOGEE BEACH HOLLYWOOD BEACH
Total new construction condo units available for sale
190 units
21 units
ONE OCEAN MIAMI BEACH
REGALIA SUNNY ISLES
AVENTURA
48% SOLD
SAGE BEACH HOLLYWOOD BEACH
70 units
50 units
114 units
84 units
79 units
132 units
230 units
59% SOLD 39 units
100% SOLD
49 units
25% SOLD 24 units
822 UNITS TOTAL 70% SOLD
260 UNITS TOTAL 49% SOLD Developer units sold
NORTH MIAMI, KEY BISCAYNE & COCONUT GROVE
NEW CONSTRUCTION SUMMARY Total new construction condo units to be built, sold and currently available for sale in Downtown Miami, Brickell,The Miami Beaches, Aventura, North Miami, Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne
Total new construction condo units available for sale
MARINA PALMS* NORTH MIAMI
36% SOLD
OCEANA KEY BISCAYNE
96% SOLD
GROVE AT GRAND BAY COCONUT GROVE
99% SOLD
Available developer units
234 units
154 units
96 units
PROJECT UNITS TOTAL
2,909
DEVELOPER UNITS SOLD
2,338
DEVELOPER UNITS UNSOLD
571
483 UNITS TOTAL 64% SOLD *Marina Palms - Tower I only (Tower II currently unavailable)
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SALES MADE IN THE LAST 18 MONTHS INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE MIAMI REPORT, ISG WORLD
AT HOME
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59 EXCLUSIVE WALKTHROUGH
63 ISG
Time to whip out that checkbook, because this one’s a winner.
ISG’s Philip Spiegelman talks real estate past, present, and future.
FLOATING STAIRCASE
AT H OM E
STARRY-EYED SURPRISE Time To whip ouT ThaT checkbook, because This one’s a winner.
W
e’ve been searching for that right bit of tropical paradise for a few fun-filled months now, and finally decided to place our figurative flag on this little gem of a property, blissfully located on Miami’s Star Island. Represented by Miami powerhouse The Jills, it’s referred to as “the shining star of Star Island,” by Jill Eber.
BACKYARD POOL
FALL/WINTER 2013
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Star Island, as the not so dubious name suggests, has played home to numerous stars and celebrities over the years. But with a total population that generally hovers right around 100 people, it kind of manages to stay rather secluded. Visitors can be subjected to that creeping VIPs-only feeling when mustering up to see the guard out front, however folks, since Star Island is in fact a public island, passers-by can tip STAR ISLAND
their hats to said guard and drive on in.
Now, to tell you more about 30 Star Island Drive, the “contemporary masterpiece” Eber raved about and our newly built property du jour. Set on roughly 40,000 square feet of pristine waterfront property, 30 Star Island Drive, boasts 11 bedrooms spread out over the main house, the guest house, and the cabana as well as 11 full and 4 half baths to go along with your living needs.
30 STAR ISLAND DRIVE
Aptly described as über-sleek and modern, the property offers an infinity-edge pool, a summer kitchen and bar along the 100 feet of waterfront, as well as a Tahitian Pebble stone driveway and a Dominican Coral stone entryway with stairs that neatly float over trickling ponds. Keeping things international usually makes for some conversation-worthy elements. We’d guess, the conversation flows rather easily among this pebbled backdrop.
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CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
AT H OM E
Embraced by American Black Walnut floors, you’ll delight in 16,000 interior square feet of contemporary luxury. Said luxury has no trouble shining brightly since the property boasts floor-to-ceiling windows throughout. “There is so much light coming into the house,” said Eber. “When you walk in, it’s like walls of glass.” Should you wish to control the abundance of light, you’ll do so with installed Crestron systems, making that sunny day as dim and cozy as you’d like.
KITCHEN NUMBER 1 ...YES THERE ARE SEVERAL AMERICAN BLACK WALNUT FLOORS
The culinary inclined hosts of the house, will feel right At Home in 30 Star Island Drive’s topof-the-line kitchen and family room area. There is in fact a second kitchen, but we’ll stick to
With room for 12-14
the main one for listings purposes. Featuring white quartz counter tops, white lacquer Italian
guests, sports and movie
cabinetry, and a plethora of high-end brand swagger with names like Sub-Zero, Miele, and
lovers will most likely
La Cornue rounding out the line-up, this is the kitchen for pan-wielding panache. It comes
camp out in the prop-
complete with a walk-in fridge and freezer to store up goodies for grand evenings in. Oh, and
erty’s media and theater
should you be as lazy as we often pretend not to be, you can send that expertly prepared gour-
room, where any and all
met breakfast or dinner up to the master suite via the dedicated dumbwaiter that is already
games, movies, or vaca-
installed. No need to leave the bed. Mhmmm ...where do we sign?
tion shots will take on a whole new, wide-screen meaning. Close-ups of grandma’s trip to the Caribbean, not included.
FLAT-SCREEN BONANZA
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AT HOM E
Since the property is home to numerous bedrooms 1,800 square feet of which are for the master suite alone, we can tell you that waking up to lush surroundings, green gardens, and a glistening waterfront will really keep you from forming any kind of blues, real or imaginary. Eber raved about the “views of Miami Beach as well as the Downtown skyline,” as we slowly drifted off into fantasy. Speaking of editorial fantasy, your boat will wake up just as easily from real or imagined revery, as the private dock is just a few steps away.
WATERFRONT ACCESS
The master suite bath features Calacatta Gold marble, his and hers walk-in closets, a soaking tub set into the marble flooring, a make-up area and separate vanities, as well as glass sliding doors that open the path to the upper level wood pool deck. “There is a separate building, which is actually connected by the rooftop that houses the pool,” said Eber while telling us that said path will lead strollers to the gym, steam, and sauna areas.
BATHING QUARTERS
Currently on the market for a cool $35,000,000 this At Home gem is a Miami local with sleek flair. Listed with property masters The Jills, 30 Star Island Drive will make those South Floridian dreams become quite the flush reality, making it far more than a place to hang your hat. When asked what a novice home buyer or a seasoned real estate veteran WAKING UP IN PARADISE
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should do, Eber quite simply exclaimed, “Call The Jills!” Sound advice.
THE WARHORSE OF THE SOUTH FLORIDA REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY? isG’s phiLip spieGeLman TaLks reaL esTaTe pasT, presenT, anD FuTure.
CRAIG STUDNICKY & PHILIP SPIEGELMAN OF ISG
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AT HOM E
F
ounder and Chairman of the International Sales Group (ISG), Philip J. Spiegelman is widely recognized as one of the world’s most
successful and influential experts in the marketing and sales of luxury condominium projects. We met with Spiegelman to find out what one of Miami’s power players and creators of The Miami Report, had to say about the past, the future, the trends, and of course the upcoming investment opportunities in South Florida. Spiegelman describes himself as one of the old warhorses of the South Florida real estate industry, and claims he has been through every cycle imaginable in the 40 years he has been in the business. But it’s not until now he said that, “Miami has finally arrived at what everybody had hoped it would be years ago. It’s become a cultural place as evidenced by the millions of dollars being spent to develop museums, opera houses, and cultural things of that nature.” Since founding ISG, Spiegelman and partner Craig Studnicky have been responsible for more than $8 billion in sales of prestigious properties for leading developers. Spiegelman told us that ISG has survived and prospered in the face of a lot of downfall, and made it through 2009, 2010, and 2011 by understanding the market from scratch again. First and foremost, by publishing their very own market study called The Miami Report, which has been published quarterly for the past four years. “It became our way of teaching ourselves what the conditions of the market were,” said Spiegelman. “What really happened, building by building, submarket by submarket. Most of all, we became very educated in the face of a lot of ignorance within the industry. We used the report as a tool to get business.” By creating The Miami Report, ISG showed that they not only knew how to sell, but also understood what they were selling. “We know exactly what’s out there,” said Spiegelman. “We know the competitors, and we know where to target business. This helped us get some of the standing inventory off the market in the crash. By 2011, Jorge Perez [Chairman of the Related Group] was starting to talk about getting started with new buildings again. So, we started to make the transition from selling old inventory to new.” “So, what about the future?” we asked him. “I sat with the global head of real estate for Citibank last week,” he told us. “They wanted our opinion about the market. They’re actually considering going back into construction lending, which is a
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VIZCAYNE AT NIGHT
ECHO AVENTURA
WE KNOW EXACTLY WHAT’S OUT THERE. WE KNOW THE COMPETITORS, AND WE KNOW WHERE TO TARGET BUSINESS… WE BELIEVE THE NEXT THREE TO FOUR YEARS LOOK SOLID.” - PHILIP SPIEGELMAN big deal. Number one because no one is really
tal,” he said, “where people invest money into real
doing that yet, and number two because Citibank
estate here, but I personally get more excitement
is a market leader not a market follower. So, if
and gratification from selling a product that people
they consider doing it you’ll see others join suit.”
will actually live in.”
However, he explained, “the wounds are still rather
Building facilities, he told us have, become more
fresh from the disaster we were hit with not that
about lifestyle as developers are providing not only
long ago. People still worry. We believe the next
for parents, but also their children. “There are day-
three to four years look solid. Many of the proper-
care opportunities and dog walking which makes
ties that are getting built right now are mega build-
sense for busy people. We also have amazing pool
ings, which will take two and a half to three years
and spa facilities, which is a minimum. It’s all in the
to finish. The cycle, as we see it, is that it is most
little details. Continental breakfasts are becoming
likely three to four years before we see other events
included in the condo buildings, inspired by the
come into play, as they always do.”
hospitality industry.”
When asked about the current and upcoming
As for future investments, Spiegelman believes
trends in the South Florida real estate market,
that any waterfront condominium, be it in Sunny
Spiegelman quite clearly stated that, “the trend is
Isles, Fort Lauderdale, South Beach, or Brickell is
moving towards end-users and not just investors
an investment to look out for. Keep turning those
today. There will always be the so-called flight capi-
pages, and you’ll find out more.
FALL/WINTER 2013
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INSIDE
67 INTERIORS BY STEVEN G.
71 LUMINAIRE
74 CAD INTERNATIONAL
Steven G., the man himself, shares his vision and work ethic when talking about three decades at the helm of design giant Interiors by Steven G.
Luminaire creates environments that affect and improve people’s lives.
Charles Allem introduces us to true opulence in a world of overabundance.
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9 fi5th
SESION ODOS BALTUS
INSIDE
HANDS IN ALL THE SOUP Steven G., the man himself, shares his vision and work ethic when talking about three decades at the helm of design giant Interiors by Steven G.
TWO-STORY LIVING QUARTERS
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I NS ID E
I
nteriors can be a daunting affair. We often find ourselves liking quite a few different styles, be they modern or transitional, which ends up leaving us at a loss as to how to pick, where to place,
and how to furnish those grand units we’d like to call ‘home.’ Thankfully, as with all markets, there are a select few individuals and their respective design firms who specialize in said intimidating task and make the whole experience a lot less stringent. One such pundit is Interiors by Steven G. namesake and luminary Steven G. Having moved from New York to Florida four decades ago, Steven G. first started his career working for a boutique design firm at the tender age of 19. “As I spent time with the design team, their business started to grow and I continued to grow with their business. I had three amazing teachers; very seasoned veterans in the design world,” he explained. About a decade into his formative design gig, Steven G. decided to venture out into the design world under his own moniker and opened up Interiors by Steven G. “Everybody has their concept of building a better mouse trap,” he joked. “I felt that there was a better way and an easier way to do turnkey design. We’re not open to the public.
SLEEK MASTER BEDROOM
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ELEGANT MASTER BATHROOM
WARM KITCHEN
People do not come in just to buy a sofa or a chair.
to do something very low-key. We wanted to do
G. patrons can visualize the possibilities the mo-
They come here because they want the talent and
something soft with great lighting and some great
ment they enter.
the service we offer.”
architectural features.”
The firm’s style and sophistication is on
Visitors and prospective buyers at Marina
display in numerous model homes throughout the South Florida and Miami development boom, with a recent model currently on show at Marina Palms - flip to our Additions chapter to learn more. At the helm of about 90% of his projects, Steven G. still keeps, “his hands in all the soup,” and always designs with user and budget in mind. As
PEOPLE DO NOT COME IN JUST TO BUY A SOFA OR A CHAIR. THEY COME HERE BECAUSE THEY WANT THE TALENT AND THE SERVICE WE OFFER.” - STEVEN G.
Steven G. makes sure to keep his line up-to-date by bringing in new features and pieces weekly.
Palms will be amazed with the
“When you’re in a fashion business, and we con-
backlit onyx wall that lights
sider ourselves a fashion business, you can’t show
up the foyer entrance and the
the same pocket books for a full year,” he said. “It’s
drop ceilings that truly make it
all about new and exciting. One thing that makes
a home.
our world interesting, is that you think you’ve seen
“The details of the job are
it all and then all of a sudden somebody walks
what a great designer does.
in the door with their latest collection and you’re
Anybody can put furniture in
blown away.”
a space,” he said. “We believe
80% of the firm’s annual volume comes from
that everything needs to have
referrals alone, proving that happy clients come back
an interest point.”
for their second, third, and fourth homes. “Under-
Clients can leave their
standing the market is a tremendous edge for us.
such, clients can visit his neutral, sophisticated
property babies in Steven G.‘s trusty hands
Remember, I have been doing this for 40 years and
interior design flair at Marina Palms, where,
and rely upon him to give them weekly reports,
I have sat with developers during those 40 years for
“90-95% of the market is South American or
pictures included, showcasing the progress under
marketing and PR meetings. You get to understand
Brazilian.” With that in mind,Steven G. re-
way in their house or unit. With 100,000 square
who your market is and you get to understand what
minded us that South Americans, Brazilians in
feet of showroom space in South Florida, and an
your target is based on price,” he noted.
particular, love neutrals. “Very few will ever say
additional office on New York City’s 60th Street
‘I want color in my furniture.’ So, we wanted
between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, Interiors by Steven
A debt-free company since its inception, Interiors by Steven G. does the bulk of its business in
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RICH FOYER AND LIVING ROOM
Florida, New York, and New Jersey, with a select few “special” projects in international destinations such as Brazil and Mexico. Doing business by appointment only, designs by
furnish it for under $100,000,” he explained. The concept will be ideal for those looking for Steven G. quality without the hefty price tag, with his target audience including those looking to fur-
Steven G. are turnkey from construction to comple-
nish a unit that will be rented out or simply clients
tion. “I don’t put poles in anywhere,” he quipped.
who’d like to come in under budget for personal
“I don’t draw lines. Certainly if somebody came
or sales purposes. “Quality furnished real estate in
to me wanting to do hot pink in their bedroom, I
this town sells like hot cakes. It’s instant gratifica-
would do my best to talk them out of it,” he teased,
tion for the buyer. ”
“but at the end of the day, if they really wanted hot pink, I’d give them hot pink.” Steven G.’s newest concept store called Now by
Self-ascribed control freak Steven G. spends most of his waking hours at work and is still able to proclaim: “I’m blessed.” Clearly, he does
Steven G., will be opening its doors to offer af-
what he loves. And it shows. When asked what
fordable luxury any day now. Clients will be able
his personal interiors of choice would resemble
to walk through 15 completely designed room
he briskly said: “I’d like to live on concrete floors
vignettes within and pay a bundled price for the
with a mattress in the middle of the floor. I’m
set. “It goes from rental to affordable. A couple
very minimalistic. I love great art and sculpture.
can come in with a three-bedroom apartment and
I am a collector. I believe that less is more.”
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INSIDE
THE [DESIGN] LIVES OF OTHERS Luminaire creates environments that affect and improve people’s lives.
B&B ITALIA’S TUFTY TIME BY PATRICIA URQUIOLA ON MAIN LEVEL AT LUMINAIRE LAB
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B
eing a renaissance man or woman was once an esteemed title reserved for none but a select few. It set you apart from the masses and meant that you had a knack for not just one
craft, but somehow managed to excel in a variety of different areas. Yes, being a renaissance man or woman used to mean something. These days… everyone does everything. Fashion stars become business moguls, actors sing, singers design, and designers become mega stars in their own right. While many of the aforementioned overlaps have proven to be quite the success story, it’s not always talent or ingenuity that moves the pendulum in favor of fans and dollar signs. More often than not, doing it all means not doing much of anything particularly well. Nevertheless, there are those select few creatures, those renaissance people in their own right, who still construct to inspire, who foster to sustain, and
GOOD DESIGN IS AS LITTLE DESIGN AS POSSIBLE. IT SHOULD NEVER HAVE TO BE EXPLAINED. GOOD DESIGN IS ABSENT OF VULGARITIES… GOOD DESIGN IS AUTHENTIC.” – NASIR KASSAMALI
who genuinely excel in whatever they place their lissom hands upon. So, without further ado, may we introduce – Nasir Kassamali and his brainchild Luminaire, a furniture and design source unlike any of its kind. Created by husband and wife team Nasir and Nargis Kassamali almost four decades ago, Luminaire has continued to grow, to expand, and to include design and art from all kinds of paths and avenues. “Our whole philosophy here is that Luminaire engages people in telling, not selling. If you increase the knowledge base of the consumer, this knowledge will not escape after they’ve bought the furniture. It will intrigue them, it will make them more curious, and soon enough the client will become a connoisseur of our design,” said Kassamali as he explained that, “design is not furniture related. It’s an all-encompassing philosophy. It has
PIERO LISSONI-DESIGNED PIECES FOR LIVING DIVANI AT LUMINAIRE LAB
to do with furniture design, fashion design, automotive design, architecture, and industrial design.”
there to answer your most unadorned questions,
While 90% of Luminaire’s business is still made
but rather are trained professionals who will take
Luminaire’s assortment stays true to high standards
up of furniture, which we’ll tell you about in just
you through the evolution of each piece of inter-
of quality, contemporary design, and functional-
a jiffy, Kassamali has cultivated something quite
est and tell you exactly why it made it into the
ity as collections by artists and designers such as
unique with the remaining 10%. Sponsorships
Luminaire showroom in the first place. Kassa-
Philippe Starck, Antonio Citterio, and Piero Lis-
as well as frequent events, e.g. Design Lives, and
mali travels the world selecting his pieces, which
soni keep your interests peaked. And rest assured,
exhibitions at Luminaire Lab in Miami’s Design
range from your not so classic chairs, sofas, and
those interests will remain peaked since Luminaire
District, grant space to a selection of innovative
other furnishings to jewelry, art, and fashion.
provides you with not only your furniture, but also
and up-and-coming designers, foodies, products,
As a true renaissance man, Nasir Kassamali has
your accessories, your Braun wristwatch, your Mai-
and palettes.
managed to construct a renaissance concept;
son Martin Margiela bookmark, your ideaco wet
“Design in this country is related to objects.
Within a continually updated medley of pieces,
one, which does not simply confer one aspect
wipes case, and even that feather pen you’ve been
Design the way I preach it, is a way of life, “ Kas-
of design, but opens the door to a multitude of
searching for, for months.
samali explained.
propositions that envelop the soul and after the
His philosophy is evident throughout the Design District staple. Sales associates are not only
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But let’s not get off the chosen path, for Kas-
second skin of your clothes, grow to be your
samali would surely remind us that design, his
“third skin,” as he called it.
philosophy in particular, is not about objects, but
INSIDE
I created the Lab to undo these walls and explore
upon, what it will look like, and we engage them.
other things. We take fashion designers and see
It’s about going to their home, seeing how they live,
how to deconstruct fashion so that it still holds the
and trying to understand how we could improve
value of the second skin, but also communicates
that,” Kassamali explained.
the construction methodology.” Taking note of how the previously mentioned third skin can change the way we live, Luminaire
mean so little. 70% of Luminaire customers are
provides before and after service atypical of most
repeat buyers. A rate, which easily explains why
other furniture and environs shops.
Luminaire is undeniably an experience that cannot
“The biggest difference between us and other about personal growth and evolution. “Good de-
people is that we propose a value. All these years,
sign affects and improves lives,” he maintained.
we have studied what it takes to de-traumatize this
“We have the Lab, which is an exploration
Design is a word that gets thrown around quite loosely, and yet, or rather because of that, can
be missed, if you’re in the market for an armchair, a laptop bag, or more aptly - a new way of life. As part of a consistently shape-shifting concept
whole aspect of furnishing your home. We have
we can only recommend you stay tuned to what
of design. People can walk around products and
seven architects on staff, we use 3D technology to
comes up next at Luminaire. Since, as Kassamali
understand the language of the particular designer.
make people see what they are about to embark
put it: “the adventure is how to fill the holes.”
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MIRA HOTEL, HONG KONG PRESIDENTIAL SUITE DINING ROOM
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INSIDE
Charles Allem introduces us to true opulence in a world of overabundance.
W
ith his interior design work displayed in homes from Hong Kong to New York, CAD International
Founder and Director of Design Charles Allem counts the globe his open canvas. “Painting” in every color imaginable, his clients are often met with interiors that truly transcend expectations, to become something decidedly unique and
Luxury
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
incomparable. Though constantly approached to add to his numerous projects on hand, he has avoided expanding his boutique-sized firm into an oversized design factory, still making sure to give each client truly tailor-made tune-ups. As such, he spends the first six months of any given project on drawings and perfecting the layout. “When people think you’re not doing anything, is actually when everything is being done,” said Allem. “The first incubation of six months is doing the drawings. The more you get the drawings to perfection, the more you are able to pin the costs down.” A minimalist at heart, Allem who favors artists such as Donald Judd and David LaChappelle, embraces various design styles and lets his eclectic eye meld everything from modern sleek lines to ornate period pieces. “I value so many different periods and I love doing them all,” he said. “I enjoy doing everything from Louis XIV right through to the modern era. And it may sound as though you’re trying to accommodate everybody, but it’s like a fashion collection. You can’t keep putting out the same style. I love pushing the envelope with design.” While years of design may cultivate
FALL/WINTER 2013
75
W HOTEL SOUTH BEACH, PENTHOUSE RESIDENCE STAIRS TO ROOFTOP TERRACE & CORRIDOR
TODAY, LUXURY IS DRIVEN BY A LOT OF WORDS THAT DON’T HAVE A LOT OF MEANING. PEOPLE THINK THAT LUXURY IS HAVING A DIAMOND WATCH ON YOUR ARM. YES, THAT IS LUXURY, BUT TRUE LUXURY IS QUALITY OF LIFE, VERSUS THE THINGS.” – CHARLES ALLEM
W HOTEL SOUTH BEACH, PENTHOUSE RESIDENCE GREAT ROOM
to discuss the client’s inherent lifestyle. “Finding out what type of lifestyle the client leads is critical. Do they like parties or are they very private people? Is it a family home? Do they cook? You get all these huge homes that don’t function as a home. A lot of rooms, such as big formal dining rooms, may not even get used once or twice a year. No matter how beautifully you design them, they become empty rooms with no energy. So, it’s critical that you get these things asked and take the brief based on that,” he stated. Providing a skillfully planned and
MIRA HOTEL, HONG KONG PRESIDENTIAL SUITE BEDROOM
executed full service solution, CAD International homes are delivered
rant being cited, we can tell you that
know I do different styles, they know
turnkey from the inside out. Since
Allem courts his fair share of VIPs
they’re going to get an extraordinary
Allem, a self-confessed nomad,
spanning every sector from actors and
home,” he professed. But there are
spends most of his time traveling
singers to businessmen and athletes.
bigger plans ahead. Already an Asian
stagnancy, Allem manages to sidestep
the world’s metropolises and rural
His rule of exclusivity is clear when
staple, Allem plans to outpost CAD
incidentals such as repetitive design
hamlets, clients can look forward to
he mentioned that he only takes on
International even more so in the
by taking into account surrounding
pieces that truly tickle their wan-
the projects he truly believes in and is
Far East. Along with the launch of
climates and regional styles when
dering fancies. Fabrics are shipped
never one to stretch his team’s efforts.
his first carpet collection this fall,
drafting design proposals. As such, a
from the finest producers in every
As most of these extravagant private
Allem has no plans to curb those
home in Napa may evoke thoughts of
part of the world, while attention to
abodes are not open to inquisitive
creative juices any time soon. “I
a French chateau, while a bungalow in
detail can be found in quartz and
eyes, prospective clients can dip their
think it’s great to reinvent yourself all
Hawaii would include island influ-
semi-precious stone work that may
toes into CAD International’s design
the time, especially in the world we
ences and emote a Balinese tone. Re-
well gild the halls. Up-to-date with
sense by visiting Allem’s commercial
live in today. We’ve opened up the
gional tastes in his Asian projects have
modern technology, his team ensures
cornucopia on display at the Mira
consciousness of design to so many
seen Allem work in tandem with Feng
seamless integration of “intelligent”
Hotel in Hong Kong, the W Hotel
people around the world and made it
Shui consultants, to create a compre-
accessible,” he said.
components by putting off installa-
South Beach, Ten Aragon in Coral
hensively harmonious experience, but
tion until the very end of the project,
Gables, and 254 Park Avenue South.
more on that in 9fi5th’s Asian editions.
allowing for proper allocation of the
Given that every patron proves to be unique in his or her wants and needs, Allem’s first order of business is
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9FI5TH.COM
most state-of-the-art equipment. While most of CAD International’s clientele is far too private to war-
Allem’s firm has already achieved
Luxury truly is a quality of life, one which thanks to Allem’s imagina-
insider status by being the design
tive designs, is something to be
firm that doesn’t really need an
encountered and reveled in among
introduction. “People call me - they
four unparalleled walls.
INSIDE
TALKING THE TALK, WOLKING THE WOLK Michael Wolk on the different layers of successful furniture design.
W
oods, metals, glass and
design, Michael Wolk has always
stone. Lighting, fabric,
been a hands-on type of designer.
Wolks, to call your own.
“In the beginning,” he said, “I built
Simple rhymes aside,
everything that I designed. For five
Michael Wolk Design Associates is
years I was in the shop every day.
the type of design studio that gives
And what would happen is that I
you a truly all-encompassing array
would produce something - build a
of choice that merges to create
table, for example, put it in a home
your entire interior experience with
and the client would say, ‘Well, what
impeccable attention to detail and
would you do as the console and
that hint of handmade flair. Col-
what about chairs?’ So, it sort of ex-
laborating with a number of manu-
panded from one piece of furniture
facturers as well as local suppliers,
to the whole house.”
Michael Wolk Design Associates
Wolk who still hand-sketches
have managed to enthuse and invent
furniture whenever inspiration
spaces ranging from intimate private
strikes, has embraced modern
homes to elaborate corporate offices
computer imagery allowing him to
and hospitality spaces. His work can
bring finished pieces to market in
be found at the Trump International
a fraction of the time. Much like a
Hotel, the Porsche Design Tower,
bespoke suit, his designs take into
and the home of Porsche Design
account every detail, as drawings
Tower developer Gil Dezer.
and imperatives are exquisitely ex-
With a background in industrial
LITTLE MEN
ecuted. “Before computers,” Wolk
SNAPPER CREEK
FALL/WINTER 2013
77
I NS ID E
explained, “I would do a drawing,
blank slate design initiatives as well
guru, Wolk makes sure to let those
the manufacturer would take a
as clearly communicated rules and
artistic inclinations roam free. “I still
look, and if he liked it, I would go
ideas from a client or manufacturer,
do sculptural furniture that’s not
back and do the sizing and ratios
Wolk tends to err on the side of di-
really done for a client so much as
by hand. I would then send it to the
rectives and limitations. “One way
just for the sculptural integrity of it.
factory, where they would do their
or another, I think the strongest
The pieces are one-offs and sell in
own best version of it. After the
response comes from something to
galleries,” he said. Avant Gallery in
fifth round we would get close to
fight against or push against, rather
Miami is one such space that carries
what I was looking for. Now, we go
than not knowing what you’re
Wolk’s sculptures, while a collection
directly from the design rendering
pushing or what you’re fighting
of his graphic art is currently being
to the computer.”
for,” he said.
introduced by Crate & Barrel stores
While he has worked with both
Much more than just a furniture
around the country.
WOLK CHAIR SKETCH
WOLK CHAIRS
Having recently finished a new
private home takes anywhere from
collection for Mark David, Wolk
nine months to a little over a year
created environmentally conscious
from initial design to completion.
seating consisting of five differ-
So, if you’re looking for interi-
ent styles. His first line of fabrics
ors that manage to create a feeling
and area rugs is newly minted for
of warmth and comfort, then you
Pierpoint Pacific, and Boyd Lighting
have found your address. We can
is currently carrying Wolk’s award-
only attest to the ease we felt when
winning lighting design called the
sinking into a Wolk- designed chair*
Half Pipe.
on display at the studio. Needless to
Wolk is obviously keeping busy
say, we may be looking to snag one
and providing clients with all kinds
up for our own abode in the not too
of options. His furniture oozes com-
distant future.
fort and contemporary modernity.
BOYD HALF PIPE
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9FI5TH.COM
Lines are drawn in an effort to bring
*Said chair was the Stryde chair,
design to the customer without
manufactured by Loewenstein, that has has
trying to overcompensate in style or
made it onto the small screen in an episode
sketch. A typical design project for a
of Ray Donovan.
INTERIORS IN A FLASH MV Group gives customers turnkey solutions in a fraction of the time; taking the hassle out of finishing and furnishing those newly purchased digs.
BEDROOM AT PARAMOUNT BAY
WE DO EVERYTHING FROM DESIGN TO IMPLEMENTATION START TO FINISH. IT’S NOT LIKE GOING TO A FURNITURE STORE. WE’VE REVOLUTIONIZED THAT PROCESS.” - MANNY VARAS
Q
uestions such as, “Decorator ready? Well,
CEO, Manny Varas has made it his mission as part
what’s that? Whom do I hire now, to finish
of his thriving company to cater to your every call,
this apartment?” have been thrown around
making that large empty box you purchased, feel
quite loosely amid all of Miami’s newest
like a true home in 45 days or less.
blank slate units hitting the market. Luxury abodes
Leading a team of roughly 80 employees with
come decorator ready to allow you to truly put
18 architects and 12 designers on staff, MV Group
your personal stamp on them, but said luxury can
takes care of everything from flooring and electri-
sometimes prove to be quite the headache for those
cal, to furniture and window treatments. As part
prone to real estate induced fatigue.
of this holistic approach, clients can look forward
Some buyers rely upon their trusted designers to
to an all-encompassing experience that will have
finish the job, others go in search of a design team
MV Group take all the guesswork out of home
on local shores, and yet another subset of Miami
remodeling by acting as a one-stop-shop address.
investors and homeowners has come across the
“We do everything from design to implementation
latest trend in home finishes, namely that of MV
- start to finish,” said Varas, who also explained
Group’s turnkey solutions for all of your interior
that, “it’s not like going to a furniture store. We’ve
needs. And when we say all of your interior needs,
revolutionized that process. We create all the mill-
we really mean all of your interior needs. MV Group
work paneling, custom ceilings and lighting - all
FALL/WINTER 2013
79
BATHROOM AT SUNSET ISLES RESIDENCE, MIAMI BEACH
can actually build here and begin giving them the options of the luxury improvements.” His business model allows clients to know exactly what they’re getting themselves into without ever being faced with those tiresome extras that leave their budgets bare. “Whether it’s a $1 million project or a $5 million project, we have to understand the impact of each item to understand the impact on the overall project,” he clarified. And the attention to detail doesn’t stop there. As approximately 70% of MV Group’s clients hail from international addresses, Varas provides live video feed to all of his projects. “We were doing a certain celebrity’s house and he wanted to be able
KITCHEN AT SUNSET ISLES RESIDENCE, MIAMI BEACH
to see what was going on with his project. We installed webcams in his house so that, as construc-
the details, as every space is unique.” With projects such as Howard Lorber’s 15,000-square-foot HQ in the Ivax building under
ing more common and interactive coffee tables
tion was being done, he could see exactly what
are part of his newest fittings.
was going on every day. We took that concept and
All this technological bravado aside, real
implemented it for all of our clients, who are now
his belt, his latest designs include quite a few very
estate and construction budgets, more often than
able to log onto the website and see the progress
unique features to say the least. Some feature
not, tend to run over their mostly symbolic rims.
live from anywhere in the world.” Not only does
components involve architectural glass veneer on
While you may have experienced the monetary
this assure that the work is being done, it also
the walls, where kids can pull up their favorite
add-ons of a home renovation or interiors re-
allows clients to chime in before it’s too late if
photographs, draw on them, and wipe them clean
model before, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with
they’re not happy with a particular color or panel
for tomorrow’s artistic endeavors. In the same
MV Group’s fiscal approach to the job. Varas
that is being used.
vein, SmartGlass veneers allow clients to create
has managed to create a concept that caters to
instant privacy as glass goes from clear to frosted
the need for economic accuracy – because, let’s
foot location in Miami’s hip Design District, MV
at the turn of a switch. Varas has installed actual
face it, no one likes to pay 20%, 30%, or 40%
Group will continue its client-centric efforts to
shark tanks into people’s living rooms. And by
more than they were expecting to. “Generally,
keep those smiling homeowners coming back for
people, we mean Lil Wayne. “We try to create ele-
architectural firms design a dream. If you design
more. Clients and visitors will be welcome to stop
ments in our designs that create a talking point,”
a dream without understanding if that dream
by and take a tour of previous projects, possibly
he mentioned. Talking points definitely soar, as
can actually be completed you can’t get to that
angling to see what could become of their latest
smoke mirrors with TVs behind them are becom-
next step,” Varas stated. “We look at what we
clean-slate purchase.
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9FI5TH.COM
Soon to move into a spectacular 10,000-square-
INSIDE
ONE STOP (FURNITURE) SHOP hours. Not much time is
Tui Lifestyle offers 15 different col-
it? Yet, within 72 hours,
lections that will appeal to everyone
your bare box of a de-
from the contemporary modern buyer
signer-ready unit could
to the more transitional traditionalist,
be a fully furnished and complete
and since most pieces can be switched
home. Yep, you read right. Thanks
out from one collection to the other, it
to Tui Lifestyle and its logistically
truly is a boundless experience.
superior concept, homeowners can
Atkins has about 20 designers
delight in everything from furniture
on staff who produce 60% of Tui’s
to window treatments, floors and
original furniture styles. The remain-
bedding within a matter of days.
ing 40% are inspired by timeless
And all that, at a highly affordable
pieces gracing the halls of far more
price. “Your home is so important to
expensive furniture designers and yet
your spirituality
are offered at a
and to feeling at
price tag that’ll set
ease,” said Jason
you back a frac-
Atkins, President
tion of the cost.
and CEO of Tui
Stocking all of
Lifestyle. “It’s
his furniture on a
your sanctuary. It’s
permanent basis,
where you take off
Atkins is able to
your armor. And
deliver pieces in
it doesn’t have
the hours listed
to cost a lot of
above, and should
money to have a
you not be happy
beautiful look.”
with the furniture
With two loca-
once it sits in
tions in Miami,
your living room
and other outposts in Las Vegas and
or den, you’re free to send it back
New York, Tui Lifestyle has grown
without a fuss.
to be the economical and hassle-free
Collections can reach up to
answer to your interior needs. “What
$40,000, at which point the leather
we’re trying to do is make great fur-
and finishes on your sofa will be top
niture truly affordable to everybody,”
notch and the stitching will rival
Atkins said. And with prices for a
those going for $100,000.
fully furnished one-bedroom that
SOPHISTICATED LIVING QUARTERS
With clients such as Karl Lager-
includes everything from your sofa
feld and Jennifer Lopez to its name,
and side tables to your bed and night
Tui has rapidly made its mark on the
stands, starting at about $10,000
furniture scene. Take a peek inside
-12,000 and the complete look,
their latest store in the Design Dis-
which adds on the accessories, art-
trict. You’ll be amazed at what your
work, linens, and electronics ringing
home, or that unit you’re looking to
in at around $20,000, he definitely
rent out, could look like in a swift
has his price points set right.
three days.
TUI LIFESTYLE LOUNGE
FALL/WINTER 2013
81
INSIDE
CUSTOM GRANDEUR Furniture made for you.
CADDY SOFA
H
ome is where the heart is. Or rather, home is where your favorite sofa is. With furniture shops springing up left and
right, it can prove to be intricate to choose
the retailer for that perfect chair, coffee table, or chiffonier you’ve been pondering. But fret not dear reader, Baltus has you covered. If clean, sleek lines, grounded furniture, and timeless elegance are what you’re looking for, then you’ve found your lot. The Spanish furniture source has been selling high-end luxury furniture in Europe for a little over a decade, with its first Miami store opening up shop in 2009. The epitome of Miami’s highly sought-after modern, crisp finishes, Baltus has certainly garnered quite a bit of attention as well as a horde of repeat customers. While other furnishings may come and go, Baltus makes sure that their pieces stand the test of time. And should they fall short, the good folks at the Spanish export will provide repair services at no cost to you. Hand-made in their Spanish factories, Baltus pieces are completely customizable - meaning that, that giant sofa you saw in the catalogue can be sized down for your smaller quarters, and the 10-seat dining table you loved at the store can be upped to leave ample legroom for 18 of your guests. Customization doesn’t stop there, as colors, fabrics, and finishes are also at your discretion, allowing you to definitely have it your way, no questions asked. With sofas ranging from a decent $7,000 to $27,000 and dining tables and armchairs falling somewhere in between those price points, Baltus has set the benchmark high for quality and materials. But quality comes inherent since their most recent collaboration with Related Group, will bring forth ROMA CHAIR
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9FI5TH.COM
the highly anticipated Baltus House - yep, an entire development in Baltus style.
INSIDE
INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE FLAIR a second home here, and if they’re not doing well, they buy a home to live here!” Constantly on the road between Miami and São Paulo, Bacchi oversees the 35 architects and designers who create an average of 500 new products in his São Paulo design studio every year. With a warehouse filled with $10 million worth of inventory, Artefacto can supply and furnish an apartment within hours. “Most people buy a whole solution from us. We have everything - even wall treatments and home video,” Bacchi told us. “The other furniture companies out there don’t have the capital to do this and it gives us credibility. 90% of our clients are not from here, and they don’t want to wait. Timing, quality, design and price point is what has made this company successful here.” Having amassed over a decade of local experience, Bacchi told us that they, “see more selective clients moving and buying here now.” His customers know what they want and mostly tend toward natural products in beige and white, adding colors that match the tropical nature of Miami. As for
ARTEFACTO DESIGN HOUSE GISELA MARTIN
S
his best sellers he reminded us that Artefacto has,
ince its first showroom opened about a decade ago, Brazilian furniture retailer Artefacto has quickly become the go-to address for minimalistic, neutral furniture that is sure to
COLUNA DE JANTAR INDIAN
please its heavily South American and more specifically Brazilian clientele. CEO Paulo Bacchi moved to Miami in late 2002 and saw an opportunity to expand the already successful South American retailer Stateside with its first showroom in Miami. Bacchi started by working seven days a week during the first two years of setting up shop. “That’s how I became successful,” he said. “No one
Artefacto will furnish 200 of the property’s units
“3000 products in stock,” making it difficult to pin-
top to bottom with in-house products.
point a best seller, but that, “generally upholstery is
The retailer is already one of Brazil’s leading
a big seller.” Loyal celebrity patrons include Gloria
furniture companies and the fact that South Ameri-
Estefan, Anna Kournikova, Enrique Iglesias, and
Part of the Miami real estate boom, the fur-
cans are the biggest players in South Florida’s real
Eddie Murphy.
niture retailer teams up with numerous interior
estate market has certainly helped to establish the
decorators and spearheads several exclusive deals
brand on local shores. As Bacchi put it himself:
up further stores in the U.S. His goal is opening five
with some of the city’s major developers. In its lat-
“Miami is the capital of South America. So, when
new stores in the next five years making Brazilian
est collaboration at the Trump Towers Sunny Isles,
South America is doing well, that’s when they buy
neutrals the thing of the future.
gets a second chance for a first impression.”
Bacchi hopes to continue his success by opening
FALL/WINTER 2013
83
I NS ID E
MOVABLE ABUNDANCE I
f you pick the right piece of
the manufacturers twice a year to
manufacturer Kenneth Cobonpue.
furniture, you don’t have to
make sure that everything that is be-
Alcalay noted that reclaimed wood
refurnish often,” is what Addison
ing manufactured for us is up to stan-
and recycled materials are on the
House President and CEO Max
dards and quality,” Alcalay stated.
rise with sustainable constituents
Alcalay told us during his interview.
And even though Miami has
such as bamboo and rattan being
Fortunately, with a lineup of roughly
been reveling in sleek, white sur-
100 different furniture manufactur-
roundings with the added panache
ers including the Addison House
of a touch of turquoise mixed
ever, is that Addison House provides
namesake brand, customers should
in, Alcalay told us that things are
its customers with such ample choice
have no problems picking said “right
getting rather earthy these days.
not only in product but in manufac-
piece of furniture.”
“The whites are fading away,” he
turer, that there truly is something for
Addison House represents numer-
said, as customers are embracing
everybody. Their 15,000 square-foot
ous high-end manufacturers, such as
neutral, warm tones and natural
warehouse harbors many of the re-
worked in more frequently. The real success story here how-
Addison House “is very technologically inclined,” with iPads handy to show the full range of inventory ready for perusal. “If customers don’t like what they see in the showroom, they can see what we have in our warehouse.” Since many Addison House patrons are repeat buyers, product lines change every six months and while the retailer has its own collection, many of their manufacturers’ pieces are uniquely theirs by virtue of the company having bartered exclusivity on certain product palettes with manufacturers such as Kartell. “Customer satisfaction is very high,” Alcalay noted. “We’re very personal with our customers. A lot of people come to ask for me or my partner Alberto Camhi personally because they know us in the community.” Addison House is currently in the process of opening an entire store dedicated to the wee ones in your life. Missoni Home, Pianca, and Kartell,
woods. Environmentally conscious
tailer’s pieces, allowing delivery times
Housing everything your kids might
with the majority of them hailing
furniture has equally seen a rise
to be swift and on pointe. And should
want or need, the showroom will be
from Italy, the US, and Brazil. “We
with Addison House most re-
a client fail to find the style they’re
a stand-out star in its own class and
look at quality and style. We’ll visit
cently adding a line by Indonesian
looking for, Alcalay reminded us that
is set to open its doors later this year.
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TOOLS OF THE TRADE
87 RAYMOND JUNGLES
89 CARLOS OTT
92 ARCHITECTURAL ROUNDTABLE
Landscape Architect Raymond Jungles continues to create livable outdoor environments that put his clients back in touch with nature.
Carlos Ott can’t imagine being anything but an architect.
No luck involved here. Master architects Chad Oppenheim, Kobi Karp, and Luis Revuelta show us just how much drawing, planning, and effort go into designing the buildings we work and play in.
86
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TOOLS OF TH E TR A D E
Living The
JungLe(s)
GROSVENOR ROOFTOP GARDEN
Landscape architect raymond JungLes continues to create LivabLe outdoor environments that put his cLients back in touch with nature.
B
oasting a local footprint that spans over three decades,
Having worked on some of Miami’s major developments over
it should come as no surprise that Raymond Jungles
the years (e.g. 1111 Lincoln Road, Apogee Beach) with current
is the go-to guy when it comes to Florida landscaping
collaborations at Grove at Grand Bay and Jade Signature, Jun-
and the outdoors. A true believer in lush and wild surround-
ings, Jungles tries to bring nature back to the urbanized masses. “All humans, whether they know it or not, have an innate love
gles diversifies his portfolio to also include residential estates and botanical gardens. “I like challenges,” said Jungles. “I like to have a wide range of projects in the studio. I have done a lot of work
of nature,” he said. “Most of them have been removed from it
in Miami Beach (Soho Beach House, Miami Beach Botanical
by their lifestyles and living in urban areas. We bring some of
Garden). You learn things by repetition, so it becomes a bit easier
that back and people respond well to it.”
sometimes because you know the rules and regulations better.”
FALL/WINTER 2013
87
TOO LS OF T H E T R ADE
ALL HUMANS, WHETHER THEY KNOW IT OR NOT, HAVE AN INNATE LOVE OF NATURE. MOST OF THEM HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM IT BY THEIR LIFESTYLES… WE BRING SOME OF THAT BACK.” - RAYMOND JUNGLES His designs generally take into account the surrounding flora and
Jungles is one of the first names that comes up when discussing land-
fauna, and the local climate. Choosing plants that are indigenous to the
scape in Florida, and Miami specifically. He has worked in the state for an
region, Jungles also introduces genetically compatible flora. Genetically,
ample amount of time and as such, has a firm grasp of its natural vegeta-
what now?! Fret not, no Frankenplants here. Essentially it just means that
tion and how to play with it to make that otherwise bare backyard of yours
Jungles doesn’t try to adapt plants that grow to be 10 feet tall to fit into a
look like it had always been the tropical environs he created. “We look at
space that only houses five of those feet. Rather, he chooses his vegetation
things holistically,” he said. “The garden and the architecture fuses. It’s all
based on the genetic makeup
about interior and exterior
it already offers and places it
relationships.”
accordingly. For Grove at Grand Bay,
These days, the firm is so busy that Jungles refers
Jungles designed an abundant
to himself as a “victim” of
and naturally diverse environ-
his own success, with days
ment on top of a not-so-natural
that start out at 4 A.M. and
parking podium. “We wanted to
barely finish post-dinner
make as much of that property
time. While the bulk of his
be a garden as possible,” Jungles
work is still centered around
explained. “We wanted to maxi-
Florida, he has taken on
mize the amount of common
a wide variety of projects
space that the residents could
internationally with gardens
have and make it feel as though
spanning from the Carib-
it were a garden on the ground.
bean, Central and South
We worked in collaboration
America, to Montana and
with Bjarke [Ingels] and used
Monterrey, Mexico.
regional materials like oolitic limestone inside and out.” At Jade Signature, where
Always one to be in the “pursuit of excellence,” Jungles makes sure to hire
architects Herzog & de Meuron
a local consultant whenever
managed to sink the parking ga-
working outside of his meta-
rage below ground level and create a building that will seemingly rise straight
phorical backyard, making sure that his focus on native plants gets carried
out of the beach, Jungles emphasized the surrounding coastal feel. “We
out in countries that may not be particularly native to him.
designed the beach to look like a natural beach - lush and tropical, with big
Having worked continuously over the better part of three decades, Jungles
canopy trees and mature palms. We used natural flowing grade to look like a
has surprisingly not had a garden to call his own in over 12 years. Here’s hop-
natural land form,” he stated.
ing, he’ll soon find the time to set down some roots, pun intended.
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TOOLS OF TH E TR A D E
Drawing on his
Passions carLos ott can’t imagine being anything but an architect.
BALCONIED VIEW FROM CARLOS OTT-DESIGNED SAGE BEACH
FALL/WINTER 2013
89
SAGE BEACH BY NIGHT
W
ith noted projects
you have to use your brains to make
leaning more towards cars and
reminded us, has indeed become
around the globe and
it logical,” he explained.
car design than building bones. So,
his trademark. “You will be able to
when he was 15 years old he started
pinpoint it from anywhere. It will be
numerous professional
Ott’s portfolio showcases that
awards to his name, Uruguayan-
he was involved in the early stages
designing cars. “I thought I was
tall, skinny and shapely like a lady,”
born architect Carlos Ott has
of the world famous Burj Al Arab
going to do that for the rest of my
he said slightly amused, and con-
become one of the most sought
in Dubai, and that he is also the
life,” he said with a smile, “but my
tinued to explain that Echo Brickell
after architects in the world. We met
architect and mastermind behind
father forced me back to designing
will be located in a prime corner of
him for lunch in Brickell, Miami,
famous iconic buildings such as
buildings.” Ott told us he still draws
Brickell and will likely become the
where he made a stopover to work
the National Bank of Abu Dhabi,
cars for fun and joked, “I guess
highest residential building in both
on Echo Brickell, one of his many
Miami’s own Jade Beach and Jade
I am really frustrated because all
Florida and South America. “It’s
projects in the making.
Ocean, and the Opera de la Bastille
of my buildings are curvaceous! I
probably going to be about 700m
One of the first things you
in Paris. Still, he doesn’t seem to
like sensual architecture. I’m Latin
(2,297 ft) high. You will be able to
notice when meeting Carlos Ott is
have let his success go to his head.
American, and we like sensuous and
see the skyline of Miami on one
his warm energy and the immense
“I may be a good architect, I don’t
passion he has for his profession. “Sometimes I wonder why more
know,” he said modestly. “It’s not for me to judge. Some people may
curvy things. Putting out a square
side and the sunrise overlooking
building makes no sense to us.”
South Beach and the horizon on the
Ott has come a long way since
other,” he mentioned.
people are not architects. Why are
like it and some people may hate it,
his father forced him back to the
they lawyers, or doctors, or engi-
but I love what I do.”
architectural end of drawing. Today,
comprised of one and two-bedroom
he has roughly 100 people working
units on the lower floors, two and
The 181-unit building will be
neers, when they could be an archi-
Unsurprisingly, Ott professed he
tect!?” he pondered empathetically.
always knew he was going to be an
for him all over the world and trav-
three-bedroom units on the middle
architect, but didn’t always know
els constantly to look over the many
floors, and 16 exclusive penthouse
projects he has in the making.
units residing in the building’s pin-
“Architecture is a profession where you mix your heart and your brain.
what kind of architect he wanted
You have to let your heart and your
to be. Growing up he would follow
feelings go into it. But at the same
his father, an Uruguayan architect,
goes by the name of Echo Brick-
full-floor pool deck, which will allow
time the building you design has to
to construction sites, although Ott’s
ell, a building with a curvaceous
residents to swim from one side of
stand its weight and the weather, so
own interests, at the time, were
silhouette, which as he so fittingly
the building to the other in breath-
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9FI5TH.COM
His most recent design in Miami
nacle. The property will feature a
SOMETIMES I WONDER WHY MORE PEOPLE ARE NOT ARCHITECTS. WHY ARE THEY LAWYERS, OR DOCTORS, OR ENGINEERS, WHEN THEY COULD BE AN ARCHITECT?” - CARLOS OTT taking infinity-edge style. So, what does the future hold for someone who seems to have done it all? “It’s true, I have done hotels, airports, hospitals, private residences, houses, shopping centers, opera houses, etc. But one thing I still haven’t done is a religious building like a synagogue, mosque, church or cathedral. I would love to do that,” said Ott. “Why? Because it’s a great building to build. That building has to be a link between you and something you believe in. It’s a space where people go to sometimes ask for a favor or to cry because they have lost someone. It’s something quite unique, which I hope I will be able to do one day.” Despite having seemingly done it all, Ott has no plans of retiring from his game any time soon. “I’ll work until they put me in a coffin. As long as my brain still works I can work until very late. I’m not a surgeon or an actor so my time is not as limited. The older you become, the fewer mistakes you repeat.” In other words, it sounds like Ott’s crafty drawings will only get better. ECHO BRICKELL
We can’t wait to see what his next project will be.
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LuCK oF The Draw no Luck invoLved here. master architects chad oppenheim, kobi karp, and Luis revueLta show us Just how much drawing, pLanning, and effort go into designing the buiLdings we work and pLay in.
A
rchitects are a lot like artists. Problem
a challenge, he manages to come up with
solving artists that is. They envision a
location-appropriate designs that exude luxury
thing of beauty or meaning and design
and stand the test of time.
an idea from concept to reality. Their genius how-
fire cracker Kobi Karp, a seasoned architectural
you name it - making their creative process, a
veteran who has put his name on anything and
lot more arduous. Fortunately for you real estate
everything from local classics such as the Deauville
admirers, and pretty much anyone who enjoys
and the Caribbean to international hubs in the
properties, be that by living in them or simply
UAE and Saudi Arabia. Famed for his unique
standing and staring in awe, class architects take
approach to each site, he often goes for rounded
these rules and regulations and work them into
buildings in an effort to maximize frontal appeal.
their magic. They make road blocks dance in
with Luis Revuelta, who as a local architect
that not only push the envelope but awaken the
with projects such as Epic Residences and
soul. Lest we get too emphatically poetic here, let
Hotel under his belt has truly done volumes for
us introduce you to the select group of talented
end-users and their daily grind. Revuelta has
architects we chose for this edition of 9fi5th Miami.
managed to continually put the interior lives of residents first, by planning and executing floor
Chad Oppenheim. Locally known for his
plans that actually work. Not one to put form
many odes to boxy structures in white, Op-
above function, his buildings are both pleasing
penheim has worked on buildings around the
to the eye, as well as practical to the touch.
globe with a very recent project in the deserts of the Middle East. Never one to turn down
WHARF ROAD, AUSTRALIA - OPPENHEIM ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN
9FI5TH.COM
Last but by no means least, we sat down
their favor as they continually design structures
First up, we met with Miami mainstay
92
Next up, we took our questions to international
ever, is often limited by rules, regulations, budgets,
So, without further ado, let’s get this show on the road.
TOOLS OF TH E TR A D E
A CHAD OPPENHEIM Chad, You’re originally from New Jersey. What made you come down to Miami and why did you stay? Miami Vice [laughs]. I watched a lot of Miami Vice growing up. It was really sexy and cool. A beautiful place with beautiful people. I never thought I would end up staying here, but that was kind of what brought me here. That was 1995. Then the family settled down and I just loved it here. I’m typically on a plane twice a week, but I try to be here [Miami] as much as possible. So, what is it that draws people to Oppenheim? What sets you guys apart from the rest? We have a very unique blend of really dynamic and beautiful, sellable projects that is very lifestyle driven but also incredibly focused on efficiency and functionality, which I think, is quite rare. It’s either that you’re super creative and avant-garde or very traditional and simple. We bring both of those things together in a unique way. Clients seek us out from around the world. How do you go about doing that? You work all over the world, literally. How do each of these projects compare with each other? We always try to focus on enhancing life, and preserving nature. We’re big proponents of natural environments. We do many projects in very delicate eco
What about some of the challenges you face on a daily basis? What
systems, so we try to protect and preserve those environments as much as pos-
roadblocks get put in your way?
sible. We focus on the eco system - the surrounding flora and fauna, use local
Where do I start?! Global conditions always impact us. Right now we’re
materials, and make the buildings blend in harmoniously with their surround-
going back into a boom. These things are cyclical and timing is critical. If our
ings. Everything is driven from location - the views, the landscape, the spirit of
projects were four years earlier in their development, we would be sitting with
it, the foods and tastes of a place.
over $300 billion worth of projects globally. Sadly, some were casualties of the global economic crisis.
How does Miami factor in when it comes to location? Miami is a tropical, hedonistic place that has a serious culture and business
The biggest challenge is that there are so many forces beyond your control that dictate a project. Things that you don’t see coming. You’re working on a project,
side. It’s really a very sophisticated hybrid of work and leisure. It’s something I
it’s in the ground, they’re building it, and then all of a sudden the economy crashes.
have been fascinated with.
Those things really affect us architects. It happens to everyone. You’re lucky when they come back. The challenge is when the developer can’t hold on to that land. We were doing a building right next to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai [1 Burj Park], that was going to be their most luxurious project. We were done, they were digging, and then they had to pull the plug. The market changed. What are some of the projects you are currently working on around the world? We are blessed to have amazing clients. Architecture is 95% client. We are working on the most luxurious hotel on the beach in Rio de Janeiro for Emiliano, on an 800-room hotel in China for Disney, and an Aman Resort in Australia. We are working on some great private homes in Miami, Bal Harbour, Coral Gables, Caracas, Aspen, and Bel Air - where we’re doing an incredible villa for movie director Michael Bay. We are also doing a super confidential destination spa in the Middle East that will blow your mind.
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A KO B I K A R P
the Caribbean and called it the Caribbean. That’s
what it was that I needed to do, which was basi-
Kobi, your name
what set us apart.
cally a modern glass building adjacent to it.
projects locally and
Sounds interesting. Any other historic build-
How difficult is it to do something when there
abroad. At the risk
ings you did?
are so many regulations, especially with his-
is on all kinds of
of sounding repeti-
We just got approval for the Deauville. We
toric buildings?
tive, tell us what
got approval for a new building next to an
sets you apart and
historic building [Deauville on the Ocean in
what sets us apart. A lot of people can do buildings,
what you bring to
Miami Beach]. Today, the preservation and
but to design something unique and repeatedly
the table?
restoration of historic buildings is as important
unique is what makes us different. Every day is a
The basic thing
It’s difficult. It’s extremely difficult, but that’s
if not more important as whatever new thing
challenge. Every day is a roadblock. We are just
that sets us apart is that we fit into the sites and
you’re adding on to it. People want to hear
problem solvers. I solve problems from the minute I
into the chemistry of our clients differently than
about the history, what happened here, who
get up to the minute I go to sleep.
anybody else. We’re not stylized. We don’t come
came here before, who performed or stayed
in with preconceived ideas and notions. We
here, who met here, who ran away, who cheated
meet people, we study sites, and then we come
with whom. They like the backstory.
up with an extremely creative solution that is
You do interiors as well. Why? Architecture is not just buildings. It’s indoor spaces and outdoor spaces that are connected and
unique to the site. You have to keep a variety
You were also involved in the restoration ef-
related. You can’t put on a dress without accesso-
and keep going in different directions. You can’t
forts at the Surf Club, correct?
ries. It has to tie together. It’s a whole composition
eat steak every day. Some days, you want to have grilled fish.
Various bidders were looking to bid on the
and whole way of presenting yourself.
Surf Club. They [the municipality] were saying that it’s historic and that you couldn’t build. I
You take on such a multitude of buildings
Can you give us an example of a project you
suggested a complete historic preservation of
around the world. What drives you to give
did where you came up with some solutions?
the Surf Club the way it was originally built in
them different identities? How would you
1939 during the Depression - taking off all the
describe your work?
We were brought on to do the Caribbean in Miami Beach. Everybody looked at wholesale demo-
additions that people put on there in the 50s
Buildings are like people. They can be similar
lition of that project and we found a way to create
and 60s and bringing back the original grand
but they have different DNA. You have a mom and a dad and you have kids. I have two boys with the same father and mother but they’re substantially and uniquely different. So, imagine if it’s not the same father and mother, it’s not the same country, it’s not the same tribe, and it’s not the same nation. There is a difference between the Southern Alps of Austria and the Northern Alps of Italy. You take the train and you see how the culture of people changes from village to village. Speaking of Austria and Italy, do you have any places in the world that really inspired you?
a luxury product, where luxury did not exist. We
dame building that was there. We removed false
created this luxurious building and preserved what
ceilings - we found beautiful murals. We removed
Simple, clean architecture is what I prefer. Archi-
we think is a very nice historic building right next
floors - we found some beautiful terrazzo. So, the
tecture is a mirror of what the culture, society, and
door, which is the Caribbean Hotel. We labelled it
historic preservationists were happy to give me
community is and wants.
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Vienna, Rome, Paris, Germany, Greece, Italy...
It’s like a painting - you have to step back and leave it to the next day to find out about things you didn’t think about yesterday. Once you have this unit resolved, you have to think about how you will put them together and do so efficiently. Units can be in a corner with elevators and stairs and you have to adapt them accordingly. Then you still have to consider the outside of the building. It’s always a back and forth. Does building in Miami pose separate challenges than building abroad. If so, what kind? We don’t have too many tools in the sandbox [Miami]. Once you go to Europe, you go up North or you go South, you don’t have to deal with hurricanes. The slenderness of the aluminum, the steel, and glass can be substantially more refined and nicer. Architects get to play with pre-cast concrete panels, with stone, with all the things that down here by the nature of Miami used to be impossible. Now, it’s slowly changing. What happens now is that people are realizing that in order to beat the next guy you have to bring the famous architect and you have to spend more money. If there is one good thing about bringing in outside design it’s that it raises the quality of architecture and it’s actually helping us local guys. Safety regulations and more honestly price, EPIC RESIDENCES AND HOTEL
have kept a lot of parking garages in Miami above ground. Tell us more. Going down to basements is a very expensive
A L U I S R E V U E LTA
proposition. The water table is very high and the
Luis, we’ve heard about your passion for floor plans. Tell us more.
soil is not very good. When you go up to New York
We’re obsessive about floor plans. Our floor plans function well and sell well.
or other places, you can go down seven, eight levels
We think about floor plans not only from the plate of a building, but actually from
of parking. Piece of cake. And the other cities have
the inside of the unit. Privacy is a major factor. A lot of times, these floor plans are
great methods of public transportation. Miami
put together because developers are asking for it to be rushed. It gets to a point
depends on the car.
where people don’t continue to think about it. A master bedroom in a high-end
Slowly, developers are finding out that in order
luxury condominium should have privacy from common areas and from front
to build more, they will have to go down. At that
doors. You want to avoid walking in front of a master bedroom door and seeing
point they’re starting to spend the money.
a bathroom or seeing a closet. You want to avoid putting a bathroom, a closet, and a bedroom in such a way that you have to cross in the nude from the master bedroom to the bathroom to the closet. And if your wife or husband left the door open - there you are.
A
rchitects showcase their ability publicly on every corner, in every city, around the world. More often than not, we
Miami is all about condos and multi-unit buildings. How do you fence with layouts when it
frequent these structures without paying much
comes to fitting in corner units, middle units, and so forth?
attention to the detail and thought that went into
Condos are very difficult buildings to design because you’re selling homes in a building and sometimes
each and every angle. Yet, much like great de-
you have three or four different unit types - sometimes 20 unit types. And each one is a little house. Each
sign, great architecture affects and improves the
one has to work. Sometimes we find that in buildings that are designed from the outside in, you have to
lives of those around it. So, here’s to you drafts-
force somebody on the inside to not be able to function because the exterior dictated the interior. We try
men! Thanks for making our indoor endeavors
to create a balance as much as possible.
much less cluttered.
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gLoBaL
green ThuMB
PRIVATE GARDEN, ZUG
enzo enea creates Luxurious outdoor spaces in any kind of environment.
W
e’ve all walked through parks and
sculptors, plumbers, electricians, and gardeners. It
gardens that have taken our breath
is all part of a holistic way of thinking. We provide
away. We have enjoyed the fresh air
a complete product.” As part of Enea’s holistic ap-
and surrounding man-made sceneries. But rarely do
proach, his highest order of business is quality. “Let’s
we stop and think about who creates and plans these
say you build a Rolls Royce. If you have Rolls Royce
areas, and what goes into it all. We got curious, and
design for the shell but you put in a Toyota motor,
to find out we met up with Enzo Enea, one of the
it’s not a Rolls Royce anymore,” he joked.
world’s leading landscape architects. Over the course of his 20-year career, Enzo
At the moment, one of Enea’s projects in Miami is the garden of Related Group’s One
Enea has designed over 800 gardens in public parks,
Ocean in the South of Fifth district of Miami
private villas, and high-rise buildings. With works
Beach. Enea, who has created gardens in Miami’s
displayed in Russia, China, Thailand, Egypt, France,
Design District and has worked on the rehabilita-
Japan, Florida and Hawaii, Enea has amassed a vast
tion of Simpson Park in Brickell, is looking to
knowledge of vegetation in different climatic zones
bring an evolved landscape to this South of Fifth
and various cultural traditions when it comes to
setting. “One Ocean is a very interesting proj-
garden design. The secret to Enea’s success, is “con-
ect. It’s not a high-rise. It’s a project integrated
ceptual thinking,” as he called it. “I learn everyday.
with the streets,” he said. “We planned a tropical
I learn about architecture, design, and components.
feeling that blends in, so that you get a feel for
It’s a matter of how you translate what you have
the real Miami.” Among the hurdles he has had
learned in these different countries and make it work
to deal with are strong winds and salty water, as
for each space,” he explained.
well as the dangers posed by hurricanes. “For us
Currently working on a garden for famed Egyptian singer Amr Diab, Enea had to adapt to
the right combination of textures. It’s always
the diverse environment and come up with some
demanding when you want integration, and you
interesting solutions. “We are working in front
think about the future microclimate for the next
of the pyramids in Egypt. The desert starts 300
generation. We have to imagine and plan how big
meters away and you can’t go outside because of
the trees will become and how much space they
the mosquitos. So, we made a barrier of eucalyptus,
will need,” he elaborated.
making it difficult for both mosquitos and people
A firm believer in the importance of landscape
to get in.” His team, then planted lavender, and
design and its impact on future generations, Enea
added thyme amidst the stones, using the plants’
touched upon quality of life when he mentioned
pungent scents to deter those pesky bugs. “This has
that, “landscape architects have become some of
created a space that is livable,” he assured us. “It
the most important people in the world. As cities
is now comprised of three layers of barriers and
get bigger, people need air to breathe and they need
at the same time it is a little oasis for the people
landscape. Think of New York City without Central
residing there.”
Park!” he pondered emphatically. “We create that
Much like his geographical reach, Enea’s vision extends beyond landscape design to include hard-
quality of life.” It’s clear that Enea has cultivated an immov-
scape, water features, lighting, and the company’s
able fervor for his craft. Truly international
own line of outdoor furniture, along with con-
in his offerings, Enea’s work will continue to
struction and installation management. His vision
transcend culture and climates to bring clients
incorporates a project’s appearance upon comple-
that quality of life he raves about. “Landscape
tion and factors in how the materials will age over
architecture is a work that has to come from in-
time. “We customize everything for a space,” he told
side because it’s not a money thing. It’s a passion
us. “We are not only the architects of the landscape,
for life. It’s exciting to do different things and
we are the producers of the whole garden. We have
solve different situations.”
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PRIVATE GARDEN, ZÜRICH
it’s a challenge to work on the seaside and to find
PRIVATE GARDEN BINNINGEN
TOOLS OF TH E TR A D E
roCK soLiD eric schigieL pebbLes our mind with sLabs of beauty as we take a Look at opustone’s creative surfaces.
O
pustone, also referred to as “the
Apple of the stone industry,” has been specializing in stone slabs, tiles,
and accessories for over a decade now. Only 23 years young when the company first got off the ground, founder Eric Schigiel’s stone haven has since outfitted the homes of celebrities like A-Rod, LeBron James, and Billy Joel, with pearly slabs also the gracing the halls of luxury fashion houses YSL and Gucci. However, things weren’t always as easy as they seem today. Schigiel’s tender age often put him at a disadvantage early on. “When I started out everybody was older than me. I would walk up to people in the showroom and I’d constantly hear that they didn’t expect me to be this young,” Schigiel recounted. “But all I could do was perform and earn their respect. It was just a matter of pushing and trying
PLETHORA OF STONE SLABS AT OPUSTONE’S DESIGN DISTRICT DIGS
to get people to buy from us. Today, we have a lot of advantages but it is still hard work,” he said. Having survived two market downturns, Schigiel decided to switch from selling average everyday products to high-end fare. “I look at my products as a true luxury. Opustone features a worldwide selection of unique, hand-selected stones, offering the ultimate
WE HAVE THESE SLABS WITH AMETHYST, AGATE, AND TIGER EYE WITH PRICES OF $20,000 PER SLAB. IN MANY CASES PEOPLE ARE USING THEM AS ART ON THEIR WALLS!” - ERIC SCHIGIEL
in high-end home design.” These days, Schigiel maintained that people,
Four Seasons Miami, where the entrance of the
ies that come in white, grey, and black. Schigiel
apartment was finished with a whole wall of
indicated a steep decline in colors like gold, yellow,
showed us some beautifully lit up slabs of semi-
six semi-precious slabs, creating a beautiful eye
green, and brown over the past few years, as
precious stones in his showroom. Constructed
catching hallway. Another new decorative inven-
trends are changing and competition is aggressive.
completely by hand, they are made from natural
tion on the market is a mixed stone and moss
To stay ahead of the game, he is constantly on the
and selected semi-precious stones bound with
product from Norway. The moss is neutralized
road. “Welcome to the world of being a leader.
resin to create a visually appealing solid surface.
so it doesn’t need light, fertilizer, or even water.
You can’t just sit back and relax or be compla-
The slabs truly look like works of art, rather than
The verdant tiles add greenery to the interior
cent. You have to be ahead of the game, because
just a surface area. Schigiel mentioned that these
environment and create the illusion of a living
people will copy you,” he said. “Even if I don’t
products have been around for a while, but that it
wall of art.
always buy, I go to all the trade shows. I hate trav-
“want the most unique stuff.” As an example he
wasn’t until recently that he started seeing a real
Even though semi-precious slabs and moss tile
eling for 20 days. Staying in 18 hotels is draining
demand for them. “We have these slabs with am-
are up and coming trends, they are by no means
and sometimes you get to a vendor and you can’t
ethyst, agate, and tiger eye with prices of $20,000
the best sellers at Opustone. The most in-demand
even think anymore! But this is what keeps us
per slab. In many cases people are using them as
product for the company today is a marble that
advancing,” he declared with a smile. Needless to
art on their walls!”
goes by the name of Calacatta Gold with white
say, Eric Schigiel seems aware that success is never
and gold veins along with the other marble variet-
set in stone.
Opustone recently serviced a unit in the
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AROUND TOWN
104 CASA TUA
106 YACHTBRASIL USA
112 MARGULIES WAREHOUSE
Miami’s private member oasis Casa Tua knows how to make you feel at home.
Aderbal Coelho Junior talks YachtBrasil USA, his personal evolution, and why Miami is the place to dock, sail, and swim ashore.
Prominent art collector and Miami real estate developer Martin Z. Margulies’s vision for art serves to both educate the masses and give back to those less fortunate.
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ANSELM KIEFER SPRACHE DER VÖGEL 1989 A4
A R O U N D TOW N
WELCOME TO MIAMI,
BIENVENIDO A MIAMI
CHATTING UP MIAMI'S POWER PLAYERS ON THEIR CITY OF CHOICE.
AGM ARIA’S 321 OCEAN FAÇADE
F
ollowing a very civic downturn back in the late 2000s,
taken a tumble. But, as most local and international buyers
Miami’s luxury real estate market had to sit back
and real estate enthusiasts know, Miami’s back… and how.
and take a breather. Much like an 80s party girl at
What previously came with large sums of credit and num-
the dawn of Jan 1st 1990, Miami was faced with a sudden
bers that had to be crunched has now been replaced with the
bereavement of opportunity. All the parties, the steady flow of
welcome influx of cash, and lots of it; a welcome change to
cash, and smiling faces had evaporated and what was left was
some, a twist in buyer identity to others.
the bare façade of one too many unsold condos. South Florida had been on steroids and had inevitably
Here’s what some of our interviewees had to say about Miami’s latest real estate boom.
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99
A ROUND TOW N A JORGE PEREZ CHAIRMAN, THE RELATED GROUP A EDGARDO DEFORTUNA PRESIDENT & CEO, FORTUNE INTERNATIONAL A AVRA JAIN DEVELOPER A HARVEY HERNANDEZ CHAIRMAN & MANAGING DIRECTOR, NEWGARD DEVELOPMENT GROUP A JASON ATKINS PRESIDENT & CEO, TUI LIFESTYLE A MATHIEU MASSA OWNER, BÂOLI MIAMI A GREGORY FREEDMAN PARTNER, BH3 A DAVID ARDITI PARTNER, AGM ARIA A GILBERT BENHAMOU PRESIDENT & CEO, SHEFAOR DEVELOPMENT
FORTUNE INTERNATIONAL’S JADE SIGNATURE, DOME
A JORGE PEREZ
for expenses, has very little risk over time. Now,
concerned about investment and about value
Tell us about the
if tomorrow the market were to collapse again,
appreciation rather than if the property was
risks Miami buy-
would that person say, ‘Oh my goodness if I had
comfortable or if the floor plan worked. It was
ers and investors
to sell would I take a loss?’ The answer is yes. But
a buyer who put down 10-15% and, in many
face today?
if you have the capacity to hold and you’re not
cases, hoped that he could sell before he had
The risk to the buy-
being over-financed, then you’ll be fine. The people
to put down the rest of the money. Nowadays,
er is a lot less than the
who lost money are those people who said that the
buyers are putting down 50-70%. The presen-
risk to the developer.
whole world would continue to go up at a 10-15%
tation that used to take 10 minutes takes three
Why is that? Because the buyers that we’re having
clip and went to finance for 110% of what the ap-
hours. They go through every dot and every
today are all cash buyers. If you look at the time
praised value was then. They were in trouble when
aspect of the apartment before making the deci-
horizon of real estate and compare Miami with
that market suddenly went down 20%. Real estate
sion. It’s a more solid buyer, but also a buyer
New York or L.A. and you’re buying a condomin-
has proven to be a very good investment over time,
who, especially in Sunny Isles and the beach is
ium on Brickell Avenue for $500 a square-foot, all
particularly in growth markets.
a buyer who will use it for himself.
cash, then I can tell you with almost certainty that unless we get World War III and an atomic bomb is
A EDGARDO
There are so many towers going up,
thrown over here that this condominium will go up
DEFORTUNA
especially in Sunny Isles. How does a
in price if you buy it in the right location.
Do you think the
buyer choose?
Miami buyer has
There is a great number of projects out there,
So, how would you forecast the local real
evolved? Is it a dif-
but if you analyze them, they are significantly
estate market?
ferent buyer today
smaller than they were during the prior boom. If
I feel very certain that the person who is making
than it was
you add the total number of units being devel-
that cash purchase or very unlevered purchase
10 years ago?
oped in Sunny Isles today, taking aside ours [Jade
(i.e. the financing is not a big part of it) and uses it for his/her own purpose or to rent it out to pay
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Absolutely. The Miami buyer during the prior boom was a buyer who was mostly
Signature], you probably don’t add up to one of the towers of the prior boom. The units are all
A R O U N D TOW N
over 4,500 square feet per unit. Nobody is going
the state laws, about turn-over, liabilities, etc. I think
to speculate on a 4,500-square-foot unit. If they
every developer should know how to read a set of
buy it they want it for themselves. In the business
blueprints and should understand what their legal
district yes, there appear to be a lot of projects,
liabilities are when building a building. It’s just basic
but the ones that get done, is a different story.
math. Real estate is a linear equation. You can sell it
The ability to finance is not yet there. With the
for X, you can build it for Y.
exception of the Relateds and the Fortunes of this world, they are relying on deposits from the buy-
You’ve worked in New York and Miami. What
ers to complete their buildings.
are the differences between markets? In NYC you deliver finished product. You don’t
A AVRA JAIN
do this pre-sale process. So, it has to be good. People
What are wealthy
have to walk in and experience what they thought
buyers looking for?
they were buying. During the crisis, people closed in
There’s a reason
the good buildings. People who walked away, usually
why wealthy people
did so because it was not what they were promised.
are wealthy. They
Buyers are more sophisticated and are asking the
care about value.They
right questions. They have heard some of the bad
don’t care about the
stories and they’re making sure it’s not going to hap-
price per se, but they don’t want to pay for things
pen again.
they are not using. A HARVEY HERNANDEZ
What’s your role as a developer?
How would you de-
Here’s a good question for you – what makes a developer a developer? It’s interesting because if
scribe the evolution
you’re a real estate broker, you have to be licensed.
of Miami? I think Miami is in
If you’re a general contractor, you have to be licensed. As a developer you just have to find the
a different position as a
money. I think it’s unfortunate that some develop-
city. It’s changing fast.
ers don’t know more about construction, about NEWGARD GROUP’S CENTRO
I’ve been here for over 20 years and I’ve never seen it this dynamic. I’ve never seen it this rich as far as culture and diversity, and gastronomy. We’ll never be the old Miami again. The banking system is making sure that we develop responsibly since nobody is lending much (yet). We’re maintaining a market that is low in leverage. There’s a lot of capital and a lot of interest in Miami. A JASON ATKINS What makes or breaks a home? What sells these units? From 2005 to 2008 we watched all the cranes go up in the sky in Miami. We knew that it was a debacle waiting to happen. We found that people were saying they need to get these units closed and they need to sell. When you looked at the inventory it was all raw. There were no floors, no paint - they
TERRACE AT RELATED GROUP’S ICON BAY
were designer ready. If you look at a lobby and the furniture in that lobby, it is such a huge part
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of the value that you get. When you go into a designer’s home, he never sells his home without the furniture, because everybody will love a welldesigned home. That’s what makes real estate more valuable. It defines the space, it makes the whole lifestyle come together. MATHIEU MASSA, You’re from Cannes, France and only recently moved to Miami. Your views? Miami has all the fundamentals to become a major city with a lot of influence around the world. It’s close to Europe and close to Latin America. The weather is amazing. You have all those hotels on the same street which is a big advantage for conventions. Real estate is still very affordable. It’s a destination
TUI LIFESTYLE BEDROOM ENSEMBLE
for families from Europe and Latin America when they don’t feel safe about the economy of their country since the economy of the U.S. is pretty reassuring and stable. Even after a crisis, it’s still better than the rest of the world. Has it changed since you came here? When I came here in 2007 my friends were making fun of me because Miami was still very cheesy. There was no glamour. And it’s been a challenge for us [Bâoli] to create a location that was glamorous. Now, when we look at all the international hotels and restaurants opening their flagship locations here, we know that it’s a sign. Now, when you’re in Paris or Milan and you’re having a coffee, there are two things you need to have - the new Daytona in yellow gold with diamonds, and a condo in Miami Beach. Then you’re trendy. Miami is very hot. GREGORY FREEDMAN Miami’s many different neighborhoods have been booming. You’ve stuck to the beachy end of things. Please elaborate. There’s a lot of new property in Downtown. We were bearish on Downtown and we were wrong. Our thesis at the time, and our thesis that remains
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until today, is that Miami is the beach and there’s only so much of it. Numbers like $1,200 - $1,600-asquare-foot are 30% higher than what they were at peak time. It’s bigger units and less density. Any difference between the buyers for the varying neighborhoods? The guys who are coming and buying $4 million - $5 million units on the beach are totally different than the guy buying a studio or a one-bedroom at SLS for $300,000 - $400,000. Miami has seen massive investments by Latin American buyers. Will this trend be a lasting one or should developers be weary? When things are good in Latin America, Miami does well. When things are bad in Latin America, Miami does even better. The Brazilian Real lost 20% in purchasing power against the U.S. dollar in the last 12 months. On top of that, prices here have gone up. So the same apartment that cost $1 million a year ago, is now 20%-30% more expensive. Latin Americans are accustomed to inflation. They think to get it out now because it’s going to happen again this year. What about the future? If there is a swing on the radar, the middle class will be impacted the most. The ultra wealthy will not. It will be interesting to see the financing of all these projects that aren’t out. Most of the guys
321 OCEAN KITCHEN
A R O U N D TOW N
on the beach are really strong guys. They are well-
The fact that people are bringing up these big
capitalized. If there is a market event, they’ll still
deposits is an interesting sign. In all these cases,
finish the building.
someone who is buying a $5 million apartment is putting down $2 million immediately. I don’t think people would walk away from that.
DAVID ARDITI What is making the market safer
How would you compare Miami to
today than a few
other major real estate markets, e.g.
years ago?
New York, London?
Developers are being more selective on location. Now,
Miami is extremely dependent on South SHEFAOR DEVELOPMENT’S 2000 OCEAN
when you see a truly high-end product come to
America. New York is not dependent on anyone. I had a distinct conversation with somebody who lived in London and bought something very large here
the market, it’s in a location to match. What you
Harbour, South Beach, or South of Fifth. Also,
for $1,000 per square foot a couple of years ago and
saw before was a lot of over-improved assets in
for the most part, projects tend to be smaller.
was telling me Miami was the bargain of the century
areas that were not there yet. You were betting
You’re not getting these 400-unit monsters in the
because in London prices hit $10,000 per square
not only on the market, but you were also betting
luxury space.
foot. Ten years ago, you never would have heard
on the submarket. Today, while the pricing is at
anything like that. It’s also interesting to see how
levels that I don’t think anybody expected, you
Interesting. What other factors give you faith
the general infrastructure of Miami with regards to
can at least say that you’re on the beach in Bal
in the market?
culture, hospitality, and tourism has undergone this really nice facelift and rejuvenation. That sophisticated, international clientele is now increasingly comfortable coming to Miami, to spend time and dollars. It’s not just about the real estate. GILBERT BENHAMOU What are your views on the changing face of Downtown Miami? Downtown Miami is booming. Great restaurants are opening constantly and when you’re from Miami you want to be where all the culture and action is, as opposed to where the tourists are [in South Beach]. Four, five years ago nobody would have thought about having dinner in Downtown Miami. Today, we have the best restaurants there. Buyers are predominantly Latin American. What do you attribute this huge influx of South American money to? South Americans, as much money as they have, need bodyguards in their country. They need bulletproof windows and security around them. Here, they can come and enjoy life. They can buy the cars that they don’t have in their country even though they can afford them. The market is healthy, because everything is cash. People are putting down 50-80% deposits during construction, which limits the risk for the developer.
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CASA TUA’S OUTDOOR DINING
MI CASA ES SU CASA
MIAMI’S PRIVATE MEMBER OASIS CASA TUA KNOWS HOW TO MAKE YOU FEEL AT HOME. READY TO ENTERTAIN
Y
ou’ve probably enjoyed your fair share
right into the title itself - namely, a feeling of home,
come back because they love the service, they love
of wine and tasty nibbles at a number of
a sense of being at rest and ease, and enjoying life’s
the food, and they love the ambiance.”
clubs and private enclaves over the years.
little pleasures amongst ... family.
The service certainly doesn’t leave you wanting,
The concept usually hovers around the same set of
With its first location established in Miami
principles; refined clientele and up-scale parapher-
roughly 11 years ago, Casa Tua has since opened
makes sure that everyone who enters Casa Tua’s
nalia housed amongst a plush set of surroundings.
its selective doors to create another “home” away
gates will remember the attendance afforded. “Our
But what makes or breaks a private member club?
from home in Aspen, Colorado. “When you are a
staff knows exactly what you like and don’t like,
What gives it that special something?
member you become part of a big family. Ev-
which doesn’t necessarily happen at other places.
erybody knows each other and it’s a very private
When you enter the club, the bartender will know
place,” Casa Tua Founder Miky Grendene told us.
what drink you like and prepare it without you hav-
It’s usually a combination of discerning entry structures and a je ne sais quoi that has the caval-
since Grendene expects the highest of his staff and
cades form out front. At Casa Tua however, there is
“It’s great for business relationships, and espe-
ing to ask,” he explained. And the detail oriented
something else. Something, that has worked its way
cially for social and personal relationships. People
service doesn’t stop there as staff are well trained
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A R O U N D TOW N
to know all manner of things about you, from dinner preferences to the way you like your bedsheets folded. “We create a profile when you first come in and then every time you come back, we’ll have the [hotel] room the way you like it or make the changes you decide to make,” Grendene continued. But perhaps the most interesting feature of Casa Tua’s ever evolving offerings is the continuos art appreciation that is on show through roughly three in-house exhibitions per annum. Grendene notes photography as his main artistic muse and brings in artists from all over the world to display at the club. Members can browse the pieces whilst enjoying the company of their friends and decide on them within their own time frame. “The idea is to make art more accessible to people in general,” said Grendene. “So, instead of showing it in an art gallery, we show it in a home environment and people can come and look at the tag on the wall. The majority of our sales come from people who ask if a piece is on sale, because they love it, they live it, they spend time in front of it, having dinner and drinking a glass of wine. They have the time to come back and see it, without any pressure from a sales person.”
WHEN YOU ARE A MEMBER YOU BECOME PART OF A BIG FAMILY. EVERYBODY KNOWS EACH OTHER AND IT’S A VERY PRIVATE PLACE.” - MIKY GRENDENE
THE RESTAURANT INSIDE
When asked what type of pieces or artists he gravitates toward he remarked that he always looks for, “something that is a little bit out of the norm,” and tries to, “discover artists who have great growth potential.” Casa Tua’s Mediterranean style restaurant and 5-suite hotel are open to the public, while members enjoy private concierge services and several other perks within the confines of the membership policy. Lively karaoke nights, movie nights, and jam sessions are just a fraction of the fun-filled days and nights members revel in. Grendene takes it a step further with summer trunk shows, delectable wine tastings, and mixology nights, to keep his clientele coming back for more. Membership may be hard to come by, but it’s certainly worth the try. Next time you’re in the market for some new family ties and a series of funfilled activities be sure to pay a visit to Casa Tua.
BAR AREA
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MARITIME
THE DOMINATOR 640
ADERBAL COELHO JUNIOR TALKS YACHTBRASIL USA, HIS PERSONAL EVOLUTION, AND WHY MIAMI IS THE PLACE TO DOCK, SAIL, AND SWIM ASHORE.
W
hat castle would be complete with-
had the pleasure of interviewing Aderbal Coelho
three? That is the question. None,
Junior, YachtBrasil USA’s CEO and broker ex-
truly. That’s your answer. When flipping through our gleefully laid out publication, you have no
“I really came here to not work,” said Coelho. “I was supposed to be here for one year. But at that
erties, be they skywards or ground bound, that
same time my company [YachtBrasil USA] was
have sent you packing your things and calling the
getting very busy and I saw all these boats here - big
movers. And right you are in coveting these fash-
boats, small boats - a full marina! That was May
ionable abodes, for we here at 9fi5th have spent
2007. I said ‘You know what, I’m going to open the
quite the plethora of hours delving into Miami’s
first office,’ and I opened it in December 2007.” Noting that times in 2007 and 2008 weren’t
dear reader, I have the subtle privilege to remind
the best would probably be the understatement of
you of yet another “toy” to come along with
the decade, but Coelho welcomed the challenge.
you on your real estate themed fantasies and/or
“I said, ‘you know something, Brazil used to have
realities – the boat, the ship, the vessel of choice.
this every day.’ I love it when it’s difficult!”
Your first, second, or fifteenth (that’s probably stretching it) yacht!
9FI5TH.COM
traordinaire to the maritime enthused.
doubt been met with more than one set of prop-
most luxurious set of addresses. Nevertheless,
106
As part of our search for the seven seas, we
out its very own vessel, or two, or
And then 2008 came along, wiping those rose colored glasses a gloomy shade of grey. “We say the
millions, with an average 35-footer at $400,000 $5 million and the average 150-footer+ clocking in at $28 - $35 million or more. One of Coelho’s trusted breeds, the new Dominator 640, recently snagged up not one but two awards at the Cannes Boat Show, namely a trophy each for the “best
DOMINATOR 29M AVANTGARDE CLASSIC INTERIOR
layout” and “best interior decoration” categories. But Coelho’s business is far more than looking at a catalogue or line-up and picking out the best, prettiest, or most popular model. “We used to fly to Italy with clients, meet them there, and show that kind of boat. It’s not like going to a car dealership and saying I want this etc. You have to construct them. It’s a lot like a house. You have to choose the decorations and the finishes. You can change the floor, the kind of marble, etc.” This prompted us to ponder the somewhat first thing you sell during a crisis is your boat and
he’ll change the language to English, because it’s
palpable. What happens after these not so humble
the last thing you buy when things get better is your
easier for him than Portuguese.”
cruisers are sold? Are they taken home, do they re-
boat.” However, YachtBrasil USA’s silver lining came
With extensive experience dealing in Azimut
main in US waters, do they star in a Broadway musi-
in form of simple math. “We started from zero here,”
Benetti, Dominator, Absolute, and Cheoy Lee
cal? Turns out, they spend their sleeping hours in
said Coelho, “and one good thing about starting
yachts, YachtBrasil USA makes sure to encompass
American waters. “When they buy a $7 million boat,
from zero is that every 10% is growth, 20% is 20%.”
the market and offer clients whatever they are look-
they’d have to pay a 100% tax to ship that boat to
ing for, be that a weekend speedboat or weekday
Brazil. Meaning, they would have to give the govern-
either. While markets and moneys were crashing
mansion cruiser. “We are the exclusive US dealer
ment another $7 million in taxes,” Coelho reminded
here, Brazilian Reals were fairing quite healthily,
for Dominator, the exclusive Florida dealer for Ab-
us. “Just to give you an idea of how it works here
allowing him to expand when everyone else was
solute, as well as the exclusive Miami dealer for the
– for a boat to be shipped over to the United States
packing up shop.
Alpha 87 by Cheoy Lee,” said Coelho. “Last year
from Italy, the duty is 1.5%. In Brazil it’s 100%.”
Coelho’s Brazilian background didn’t hurt him
Azimut Benetti were number one again. Above 95
A small detail that certainly makes boat owner-
weather, and a decidedly South American way
feet they no longer have exclusivity. If you come to
ship, or docking for that matter, a lot more attrac-
of Americana, it was also offering more “logi-
my office today and want to buy a 95-foot Azimut,
tive on local shores.
cal” business practices, as Coelho called them.
I can sell to you. That makes us bigger because we
Miami wasn’t just offering cheaper prices, great
As for his plans for the future he told us that his,
“It’s easier here than in Brazil. It’s smarter, more
cannot sell Azimuts from 38-94 feet, but we can sell
“dream is to wait a little bit more and make the
direct, and more logical in culture. I see that with
from 95 feet onwards,” he explained.
brand three times bigger, here in Miami. It is the
my son. If he wants to go directly to something,
Prices range from the tens of thousands to the
perfect place for the boat business.” Right, he is.
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TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL FRENCH CULINARY EXPORT BÂOLI HAS MIAMI’S DAPPER DENIZENS LINE UP FOR A TASTE OF MEDITERRANEAN CHIC.
M
ake it hard to get into a place and you know you’ll have the queues line up. That’s the mantra that has worked for restaurants and
nightclubs from New York to Paris, and has now transplanted itself to South Beach, Miami. A Cannes favorite for over a decade, Bâoli, under its current name, reopened its first stateside doors in Miami back in 2011. Ever since then, the trendy clientele has come back for tasty tidbits and their
INSIDE AT BÂOLI MIAMI
fair share of celebrity sightings, as regulars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Cristiano Ronaldo and Jaime Foxx stop by for fashionable eats when in town. Plating up South Florida favorites such as Ahi Tuna
and flavor. Disappointing English fare aside, Bâoli’s pristine and unfooled-around-with dishes are served with the utmost in care
Tartare and Black Truffle Risotto, Bâoli also gives nods to its
as Head Chef and native Argentinian Gustavo Vertone, uses
French Mediterranean origins by offering patrons Mediter-
his European and Latin American culinary background to
ranean Mussels alongside the once Japanese, now interna-
present a fusion that is decidedly germane.
tional, fancy of Sushi in all its delightfully raw forms. We had the pleasure of soaking up Bâoli’s ambiance and
Housed in the purple oasis that is their back garden, Bâoli’s décor comes complete with tufted chairs set amongst
culinary offerings on a recent trip down to Miami and were
aforementioned violet gleam, flanked by hanging crystal
charmed with the service as well as the food.
chandeliers; a design that easily transports you to the South
We went ahead and ordered the ubiquitous Tuna Tartare
of France in all its glory. Take your time finishing your meal,
followed by the Rustic Bouillabaisse. Now, you might say
since once the clock hovers around midnight, Bâoli’s bottle
that the fishy forerunner to our main course is as easy as it
service and night club persona sets in.
gets in terms of plating up an appetizer that is sure to wow.
The restaurant has steadily expanded its lounge and night-
But guess what folks, right after we enjoyed our fresh and
club offerings giving rise to a hip after dinner crowd that will
absolutely wonderful Bâoli Tartare, we ordered said tuna
keep your eyes and wallets entertained. With tables exacting
dish in a London restaurant (not to be named) and were
anywhere from $1,500 to $25,000 a night, the intimate (up
sorely underwhelmed at the pale comparison in both quality
to 250 guests) club portion of the restaurant has no problems
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WHEN I CAME, THE RESTAURANT WAS DOING $1.8 MILLION. LAST YEAR WE DID $8.5 MILLION. IT WAS A LOT OF HARD WORK.” - MATHIEU MASSA
A R O U N D TOW N
bringing in the big numbers. In fact, as Bâoli Miami owner Mathieu Massa told us: “When I came, the restaurant was doing $1.8 million. Last year we did $8.5 million.” Hefty profit increases aside he assured us that, “it was a lot of hard work,” since they created a concept (restaurant/club) that did not previously exist. Bâoli’s clientele is mostly made up of locals and celebrities, as opposed to tourists, ensuring that your fellow diners or partygoers will be those in the know. Should you choose to dine or carouse at this South Beach top pick, we’d suggest you go for the above mentioned Tartare and rustic nosh, or perhaps try your tastebuds on the Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio and Lobster Cavatelli, both of which were also top notch. At roughly $12.00 for an appetizer and $95.00 for your main course, your meal at Bâoli might leave your wallet a little lighter, but your tummy utterly satisfied and ready to come back for more.
BOTTOMS UP AT BÂOLI’S GARDEN BAR
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WHEN FLYING FIRST CLASS JUST DOESN’T CUT IT ANYMORE
WE SELL YOU AIR TIME. THERE IS EXCESS CAPACITY ALL OVER THE GLOBE. RIGHT NOW, THERE ARE FLIGHTS GOING FROM RUSSIA TO LONDON, FROM LONDON TO BELGIUM, AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN.” - TODD ROME
THE BOMBARDIER CHALLENGER 850
BLUE STAR JETS IS TAKING THE GUESSWORK OUT OF PRIVATE TRAVEL WITH JETS AVAILABLE ANY TIME YOU WANT, ANYWHERE YOU WANT THEM.
T
he world has become an increasingly global place. You’ve heard that a million times, but it doesn’t make that 8-hour weekend jaunt to London, or quick stop in New England any more convenient. In fact,
more often than not, you spend 30-40% of your time waiting, be that in line or due to delays. As such, travelers who spend most of their hours closer to the clouds than the ground simply want more. More flexibility, more security, and more bang for their hefty buck. Easy. Just buy a plane you say? Well, it seems owning a private jet has mostly fallen out of taste these days. “If you bought a plane, whatever you bought was too big or too small,” said Todd Rome, Founder and President at Blue Star Jets. Add to that the costs of maintenance, repairs, and all those last minute setbacks that turn a quick getaway into a drawn out affair, and you’re left with a system
minute gig you have to attend, or need to be at the other end of Brazil for
that just doesn’t work. “When I got into the business in 1999, if a family was
business the next day.
going from New York to Los Angeles for a week-long trip, the plane would actu-
The concept is fairly straight forward. Blue Star Jets banks on “empty leg” or
ally have to do four trips for a two-trip flight. It made no sense. That’s why most
“dead head” flights - i.e. flights that are heading to their set destination anyway,
people didn’t deal with it. It was just too expensive,” said Rome.
but aren’t bringing along any passengers... yet. The firm then buys blocks of
Enter Blue Star Jets, the world’s first super broker. “We’re the largest air
time or makes operators compete for their business. “We sell you air time.
charter broker in the world,” said Rome. “We can get you a jet anywhere in
There is excess capacity all over the globe. Right now there are flights going
the world on four hours notice.” Pretty nifty when you just heard about a last
from Russia to London, from London to Belgium, and everywhere in between,”
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Rome explained. “We take that trip into the market and treat it like it’s a com-
waits for you, you don’t wait for it,” Rome said.
modity. We make operators compete for the business. Then we give the custom-
Operating roughly 500 flights per month on average, the company’s clients
ers all the best options and they get to pick which plane they want.” Working to
span every sector from finance to sports, rock stars to athletes, and wealthy fami-
get his clients the best deals, Rome is able to offer them flights at $0.50 on the
lies to round out the bunch. “Whoever your favorite singer, actor, or athlete is, I’m
$1, making private jet travel far more affordable an option than it used to be.
sure we fly them,” Rome told us. Rome who counts St. Barth’s and Marrakech as
Blue Star Jets not only provides travelers with the most up-to-date aircraft but also makes sure that their onboard bits and pieces match in style and quality. You can charter a small jet for a handful of people, hail yourself a jumbo jet to house 300 of your guests, and call upon every size in between. Once booked, passengers
two of his favorite destinations, makes use of his company’s flighty savings five to six times a year. Luckily for him, a Blue Star jet can fly him there or anywhere, at the drop of a hat.
can customize their onboard preferences from temperature, snacks, and floral arrangements to add-ons such as in-flight massage, nanny support, and that hot plate of s’mores the kids have been begging for all day. “We take care of the catering and ground transportation including helicopter transfers,” said Rome, as clients, “may want to fly into the South of France and then want a helicopter waiting to take them to Monte Carlo or St. Tropez.” As safety and security are paramount among air travel concerns, Rome assured us that Blue Star Jets only, “uses aircraft that are independently audited by Wyvern and Argus,” making sure that they, “only bring the best quality to the table.” The company has been steadily growing for over a decade now, using aircraft manufacturers such as Gulfstream, Challenger, Dassault Falcon, and Citation X - the fastest corporate jet in the world. Currently offering specials between New York and Los Angeles and New York and the South of France, Blue Star really is offering passengers something that money can’t buy - time. Take all the time between passport control, boarding, and other airport delays out of the equation, and traveling suddenly becomes a lot less taxing. While commercial planes hit the runways at 500 U.S. airports, private jets have the luxury of landing in about 5,000 airports around the country. “The plane
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A WAREHOUSE OF A DIFFERENT KIND PROMINENT ART COLLECTOR AND MIAMI REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER MARTIN Z. MARGULIES’S VISION FOR ART SERVES TO BOTH EDUCATE THE MASSES AND GIVE BACK TO THOSE LESS FORTUNATE. GORMLEY
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A
rt, be it in painted, installed, or otherwise
visual perception. They can’t understand.”
envisioned form, often requires not only
Margulies maintained that he has no favorite
an inherent appreciation, but also a well
piece/s within his collection, while we wondered if
defined education to fully be grasped and understood.
the pieces housed in his home wouldn’t qualify as the
“When you’re educated about art it doesn’t mean that
apples of his eye. “They all have their own personal-
your tastes will change. It means that you will see it
ity. It depends on the day and how you feel. The
better,” Martin Z. Margulies avid art collector, faithful
most important thing is to see the works when the
supporter, oh and also one of Miami’s most respected
lights are out,” he told us. Whatever did he mean,
property developers mused. “It’s like a person,” he
we queried. “Are you close to people?” he asked us.
went on. “You might look at a person and say this is
“Certain people in your life? Your parents? Your
a very interesting person that I’d like to get to know.
friends?” Yes, of course, we were. “You don’t see
Then when you get to know that person the chemistry
them all the time do you? When the lights are out,
is either gone or it is enhanced. When you know something about someone it just helps you see them better.” Margulies has developed some of Miami’s most iconic buildings (e.g. Grove Isle, Bellini Bal Harbour) with his latest Bellini Williams Island ready to welcome residents any day now. But the developer has another, highly fulfilling passion in life - collecting and cherishing contemporary art and photography. “My love for art began with a woman,” he told us. “This has been a very lucrative journey for me but it didn’t set out that way. It just happened. I didn’t sell the works. I just loved them and I kept them.” His affection grew to roughly 4,500 works under the Margulies collection cap. Most of these are displayed at the 45,000-square-foot Margulies Collection at the Warehouse in the Wynwood Arts District near Downtown Miami, where 50-60% of the pieces are switched out every year. “I had no room in my house,” Margulies said. “I had mainly paintings and sculptures in my house. The Warehouse was a vehicle for me where I was able to put photography, videos, sculpture, and installation work.” The Warehouse not only serves as a haven for inspiration and appreciation, but also gives space to
do you think of them?” We smiled. It was true. Ever
sarily let any group come to my house), they have to
the teacher, Margulies reminded us that, “you don’t
pay $100 a person. I have a party during Art Basel
always have to be around something to see it.”
for Europeans and out of town people. We hold these charitable tours, for the homeless shelter. We don’t let
lectures designed to expand the minds of Miami’s
The Warehouse houses a vast array of con-
youth. Held by appointment, guided tours serve to
temporary and vintage photography, installations,
broaden the spectrum of a whole new generation by
video, and sculpture with artists such as Doug
introducing them to different movements and tech-
Aitken, Olafur Eliasson, Joan Miro, Richard Serra,
ums including the Whitney and the Metropolitan
niques, and the artists who express emotion through
Isamu Noguchi, and Willem de Kooning gracing
Museum of Art in New York as well as the New
their work. “You can learn conceptually,” Margulies
the halls. Having taken it a step further, Margulies
World Symphony in Miami, and continues to share
explained. “I tell the kids there are two light bulbs.
has also published a book containing a selection of
his passion and position with those less educated
This light bulb can give you 10,000 hours of light
paintings and sculpture in print. Available through
and less fortunate.
and this light bulb is a burned out light bulb. You
his website, the book showcases some of his favorite
can see the black that burned out. And they say we
pieces as well as his perspectives and elucidations
accomplished many undertakings in life, and these
want this one [the new one] and I say no you don’t,
when it comes to collecting and appreciating art.
days prefers to spend his time with those few pas-
because this one is Thomas Edison’s first light bulb.” Much like a light bulb that suddenly takes
a lot of people in the house,” Margulies explained. He has pledged large grants to various muse-
A man of warmth and fervor, Margulies has
But Margulies’s perhaps greatest and most win-
sions that elevate the soul. “I have a pretty full sched-
some feat is the philanthropic aspect of his doings. As
ule,” he joked, “I go to a lot of Miami Heat games.” Whether he is developing a building or collect-
on new meaning, Margulies illustrates how our
part of his continuous collaboration with the Lotus
impressions of an object change with the introduc-
House, a homeless shelter for women and children
ing and sharing his love for art, Margulies does
tion of a backstory. “It’s about education,” he said.
located in Overtown, Miami, Margulies pledges pro-
things because he is keen on them and they bring
“Not necessarily looking with your retina, but look-
ceeds from guided Warehouse tours, personal tours
him joy. Fortunately for Miami’s denizens, his
ing with your mind. That’s what we try and teach
through his own home, and the sale of his book to
educational efforts continuously open the doors to
kids. Some kids will never get it. They don’t have a
the shelter. “If they come to my house (I don’t neces-
likeminded individuals eager to discover.
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A ROUND TOW N
HITCHING
a Ride
REPRESENTING SEVEN OF THE WORLD’S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER CAR BRANDS, THE COLLECTION MAKES YOUR EVERY CAR-THEMED FANTASY BECOME A REALITY.
MCLAREN P1 ... JAW. DROPPED.
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ooking for the perfect birthday or anniversary gift? Look no further. Miami’s signature car showroom THE COLLECTION
has something for every kind of car lover. Dealing in seven of the world’s most enticing automobile brands, THE COLLECTION has fast become the go-to address for those on the lookout for a roaring engine fix. “Because we have seven different brands, we can always offer something new and exciting,” said Ken Gorin, President and CEO of THE COLLECTION. You can find everything from your day-to-day Audi Q7 to your weekend Ferrari, with Wednesdays being your dedicated Jaguar days and Fridays making room for Maserati prowl. THE COLLECTION also caters to Miami’s pervasive love for German car giant Porsche and its thundering line-up of ohso-pretty wheels. Rounding out the list are incomparable McLaren and British beauty Aston Martin.
WE WANT YOU TO GET THE MODEL THAT SUITS YOU. YOU CAN COME AND SPEND YOUR TIME LOOKING AT THE DIFFERENT BRANDS WITHOUT HAVING TO DRIVE TO MULTIPLE DEALERSHIPS.” - KEN GORIN
dealerships.” Miami is all about the latest and greatest, making cars fresh off the designer’s table all the rage. “It’s about what’s new and hot,” said Gorin. “It’s about the best, the most expensive, and the fastest model. Regardless of whether they’re stuck in traffic on US1 or not - they still want to have
Makes it hard to pick, doesn’t it? We’d probably take
rari is probably the most well-known [brand] from
the fastest.” And to make sure locals not only
them all, but editorial budgets won’t stretch that far.
a brand knowledge standpoint. They’re right up
get to stay on the cusp of all things new and hot,
there with Coca-Cola and Disney,” said Gorin. “It’s
but also get to enjoy the vehicles they dream of,
about his impressive roster. And who could dis-
really the epitome of what a sports car/super car
THE COLLECTION arranges race days with
agree. Dealing in both brand new models and cer-
is.” Wise words considering that THE COLLEC-
their various brands. The events usually see them
tified pre-owned vehicles, THE COLLECTION
TION is the number one Ferrari dealer in the U.S.
closing down streets, heading to the race track,
“We love our cars,” said Gorin when talking
can get you every model your heart desires. Cur-
Highly anticipated models aside, what sets this
and enjoying the engineering brawn of these
rently awaiting the Maserati Ghibli, the Italian
Collection apart from other car dealerships you
aluminum beauties. Breakfast and police escort
answer to affordable luxury to arrive in October
have undoubtedly stepped into, is service and five-
included. “We strive to exceed people’s expecta-
of this year, Gorin told us that they, “already have
star flair. “I think the most important thing about
tions. We’re all about relationships,” said Gorin.
a long waiting list.” Makes sense considering that
the five-star resort comparison is how you feel and
With a repeat buyer rate of roughly 85%, we’ll
the model should set you back far less than your
if you’re comfortable,” said Gorin. “Do you feel
take his word for it.
average Maserati with a starter price right around
as though you are with strangers or do you feel as
$65,000. “I can’t wait for it to hit the streets. I see
though you are with friends who genuinely care
show stoppers and generally switches up his ride
that as striking a tone in the market that Miami
about what’s happening with you? People don’t just
fairly often. He says he is enamored with the new
is all about. It’s pretty incredible and attainable,”
come in to buy a car, they also come to relax and
Ferrari F12 and calls it his every day super car,
Gorin stated.
spend time here.” We’re not surprised. Chances
while he describes the new Jaguar F-Type as “just
Gorin himself, gets to drive around in plenty of
are we’d spend our fair share of engine revving
phenomenal.” He drove the new Quattroporte for
of Ferrari’s LaFerrari, the limited production
hours marveling at the combustible beauty of these
a couple of weeks and tried the Cayenne Turbo
hybrid sports car that will blow your eco-friendly
vehicles too.
S for the summer. Clearly, Gorin makes good use
Another highly anticipated launch will be that
mind. The brand’s first “mild hybrid” car, will
While some of the models are exclusive deals, e.g.
of the legacy at his fingertips. “I drive to work
knock out the highest power output of any Ferrari
Ferrari’s LaFerrari or fellow hypercar McLaren P1,
with a smile on my face every day,” he said. “I’m
while also lowering fuel consumption by 40%.
Gorin reminded us that THE COLLECTION has
very fortunate. I was the 8-year-old kid with the
With a total of 936 PS it will still manage to come
a brand and model for every type of buyer. “We’re
pictures of cars on his wall.” Definitely a better
in at just 330g/km of CO2 emissions, making it
not about being exclusionary. We want to get the
use of his wall space than the hordes of teenage
a definite improvement for planet earth. All this
model that suits you. That’s what’s so wonderful
heartthrobs we had lining ours. Moving right
eco-talk aside, the LaFerrari will catapult you from
about having seven different brands under one roof.
along. Drop by THE COLLECTION some time.
zero to 60mph in under three seconds, effortlessly
You can come and spend your time looking at the
You might just drive out of there with a massive
earning the title of super car, hybrid or not. “Fer-
different brands without having to drive to multiple
smile on your face.
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BAL HARBOUR AERIAL
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A MICROCOSM
OF LUXURY EVEN WITH ALL THE NEW ADDITIONS TO MIAMI’S GROWING LIST OF HIP NEIGHBORHOODS, BAL HARBOUR KEEPS ITS TITLE AS A PRIME DESTINATION FOR ELEVATED LIVING.
HISTORIC BAL HARBOUR SHOPS
L
uxury is all about experiences,” said Bal
place allowing the pleasant ocean breeze to be
evolved since the inception of Art Basel Miami
Harbour Director of Tourism Carolyn
felt from all corners of the outdoor plaza. De-
Beach,” Travis explained.
Travis when referring to her upscale
signers and architects took into account Miami’s
To foster said thirst for art and cultural hap-
enclave of choice. Mere steps away from the pris-
ever so frequent rainfall and included measures
penings, Bal Harbour has put in place several
tine waters of Miami’s sun-bathed coast, a quick
to prepare for said precipitous occurrence. “Bal
programs to cater to likeminded individuals. The
15-minute jaunt to South Beach and all that it has
Harbour really became a place of firsts,” Travis
municipality just partnered with several of Miami’s
to offer, and home to “the world’s most successful
told us. “When you arrive into Bal Harbour, you
museums to provide guests and residents with a
mall,” Bal Harbour is a whirlwind of extravagance
feel this luxurious atmosphere and you’re across
museum access card that will open the doors to free
waiting to indulge you in all the right ways.
the street from the beach. It’s a unique anomaly.
membership at MoCa and the Perez Art Museum
With its humble beginnings in the not too
It’s a microcosm of luxury.” Year to date, Bal
and free entry at the Wolfsonian-FIU and the Bass
distant 1940s, Bal Harbour has steadily grown to
Harbour Shops pull in over a record $2,800
Museum of Art. “It is our hope that our guests and
include far more than high-end shopping alone.
of sales per square foot, leaving far behind the
residents frequent our museums and galleries year
“What makes Bal Harbour extremely unique is its
national average.
round,” said Travis.
history and its location,” said Travis. “It was rati-
A thriving community in its own right, Bal Har-
Bal Harbour’s continuos support of the arts
fied as a separate village in the 1940s, i.e. it’s too
bour, the village, has seen even better days since the
shines through Unscripted, the village’s public art
small to be considered a city. It’s a village. In the
establishment of two of Miami’s most luxurious
program. The program’s inaugural season, saw
1960s Stanley Whitman, who at 94 years old is still
hotels; One Bal Harbour Resort and Spa and the
Bal Harbour commission two temporary instal-
the owner of Bal Harbour Shops, saw the wealth
flagship location of the St. Regis brand, the St.
lations by Miami-based artists George Sanchez
in Miami moving north,” she explained, while re-
Regis Bal Harbour Resort. “If you think about Mi-
Calderon and Christy Gast. Gast’s sculpture,
minding us that back then, Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road was the place for high fashion. Miami was still far from the international shopping destination it
“Self Portrait of a Barefoot
WHEN YOU ARRIVE INTO BAL HARBOUR, YOU FEEL THIS LUXURIOUS ATMOSPHERE AND YOU’RE ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE BEACH. IT’S A UNIQUE ANOMALY. IT’S A MICROCOSM OF LUXURY.” - CAROLYN TRAVIS
Mailman,” on display in Bal Harbour until mid-September, will then find a new home at the Bass Museum of Art where it will remain through Art Basel Miami
is today, but once air-conditioned indoor centers
ami in the 1980s - it did not have a concentration
Beach. Unscripted’s next season will host a series
took hold of the masses, South Florida saw the
of luxury hotels. It was the Sheraton, Turnberry
of Art Chats, bringing in talent like Christine Y.
rise of malls such as Dadeland. “In those days,
Isle, and Grand Bay. The market wasn’t evolved yet
Kim, Associate Curator at LACMA and Curator
malls were made up of hardware stores and gro-
because it wasn’t the global destination that it is to-
for Art Basel’s Art Public in 2011 and 2012. Kim
cery stores. It wasn’t a fashion center,” said Travis.
day,” said Travis, while elaborating that, “Starwood
was also a guest at an Unscripted Bal Harbour Art
had the vision to create something special in Bal
Chat this summer. “People are really thirsty for
the street from the beach, which at the time was
Harbour, not only to place a St. Regis there, but to
knowledge and are interested in smart program-
unheard of since the other malls had set up shop
name the St. Regis Bal Harbour the flagship hotel
ming - things they can learn from,” said Travis.
farther inland. “He wanted this beautiful outside
for their brand.”
Whitman had the idea to buy real estate across
environment that was reminiscent of the location
Currently home to 3,000 residents, Bal Harbour,
Clearly, Bal Harbour is where it’s at folks. Make sure to check out this village next time you’re in
and he wanted an all-fashion center.” And so the
has expanded its offerings to include lifestyle ori-
town - this, of course assuming that you don’t
dream of upscale expenditure began.
ented events and lots of art related contributions.
already spend your Miami-based travels basking in
“The art community in Miami has completely
the glory that is open-air shopping.
The shops were built with wind tunnels in
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PILLOW TALK
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119 THE SETAI, MIAMI BEACH
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121 W HOTEL SOUTH BEACH
122 ST. REGIS BAL HARBOUR
ST. REGIS BAL HARBOUR
P I L LOW TA L K
The Setai,Miami Beach Is it just us, or does pronouncing “Setai” immediately conjure up a sense of serenity and relaxation? Happy coincidence? Perhaps. But the more likely answer is that The Setai Miami Beach truly does whisk away any stresses you may have had and allow you to take a deep breath of utter tranquility. Located in Miami’s Mid-Beach area, the hotel and residences (yep, there are units for sale) are in a far more secluded subset of the beachy locale and offer patrons privacy above all. “We have the most important business tycoons and the greatest entertainers. We have royalty, and top-level CEOs,” Guenter Richter, Vice President and Managing Director at The Setai Miami Beach said. Royalty probably takes a fine toothed comb through any and all establishments to be frequented, taking the guesswork out of where to stay should you wish to be treated like a prince or emir of sorts. Steeped in Asian flair, The Setai Miami Beach’s tranquil ambiance shines through its systematic recruitment of a predominantly Balinese and
THE RESTAURANT AT THE SETAI MIAMI
Indonesian staff, effectively importing said local talent for hospitality to South Florida habitués. “We
front entrance, you’re met with a view of the se-
an incidental,” Richter joked, “A thirty thousand
believe in a lot of Asian luxuries,” Richter detailed,
rene courtyard, which with its low-level pond pool
dollar a night incidental.”
as he explained that, “it’s not just the fine beds or
and trickling tones will transport you to Seminyak
expensive linens. Everybody can buy those. It is
in all its glory.
strictly about the service.” Rooms and suites find space in two separate
Complete with Jacuzzi bathtubs, two living rooms and a music room should you wish to burst
The three swimming pools* at the back of the
into song, the suite also offers a private terrace with
property are surrounded by natural hedges at just
an infinity pool set amongst wrap-around views of
towers; one modern, one art deco as both are
the right height, managing to give you a view of
the ocean and the beach.
drenched in calming earth tones that lull the eye.
the beach without leaving you exposed. And if
As soon as you enter the hotel from its discreet
you’ve been wondering where the aforementioned
Setai residents and hotel guests can delight in a fusion of international cuisines alongside down
regal guests stay
home steaks imported from New York, as top-level
- it’s in The Setai
chefs from around the world plate up culinary
Miami Beach’s
nonpareils. Having had the opportunity to nosh
10,000-square-
on some Setai goodies at the Pool & Beach Bar
foot penthouse
ourselves, we thoroughly recommend the Tuna
suite. At more
Niçoise, which we followed with a divine Choco-
than $30,000 a
late Glacé.
night, this four-
“My heart is in New York. My soul is in
bedroom top-
Miami,” said Richter, who spent a portion of his
floor hideaway is
hospitality career in the Big Apple. Luckily for
fit for those who
residents and guests of The Setai Miami Beach, his
wish to escape
dedication to service is with him wherever he goes.
their daily grind
*Just a heads-up - The Setai Miami Beach will undergo a
and have the
slight facelift from August- November 2013, as the Pool & Beach
world at their fin-
Bar areas undergo renovations. The hotel’s vast beachfront will
gertips. “It’s just
remain open for your enjoyment.
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Four Seasons Miami
BRICKELL’S ONLY ALL DAY SUN DRENCHED POOL
Head into Miami’s Brickell corridor and you’re
Steak & Bar has managed to draw in a healthy flow
immediately met with lots of traffic, business types,
of after-workers as the outdoor fire pit welcomes
and a somewhat cold and rather impersonal aura
guests to mix and mingle indoors and out. “It’s a
about the place. Yes, Brickell is Miami’s profession-
place where you want to chill out, particularly for
al neck of the woods where suits and ties will far
happy hour,” Normandin assured us.
outnumber the bikinis you’ll spot. Yet, within this
The property’s location doesn’t hurt either, as
office of a community there lies hidden an urban
high level views truly make the hours spent on
resort, pardon the cliché, in the form of the Four
a plane worthwhile, and having recently gone
Seasons Hotel and Residences.
through an extensive renovations process, Four
Celebrating its ten-year anniversary this year,
Seasons Miami rooms and suites mirror the clean
the Four Seasons Miami has been known for its
crisp lines of Miami with a touch of turquoise
expansive architecture and noteworthy art on display
drawn in. Guests and transplants can delight in
(we noticed a depth defying Soto last time around).
50,000 square feet of exercise space in the Sports
These days, the hotel is steadily revamping its im-
Club/LA, where over 100 fitness classes per week
age to appeal to a more hip and energetic crowd.
will keep those glutes in tip-top shape.
Already home to Brickell’s only all day sun drenched
Normandin’s background has seen him work
pool, the hotel has rolled out quite a few “resort
everywhere from Vancouver to Santa Barbara with
once hosted a busy Filipino business woman who
style” add-ons as General Manager Dan Normandin
San Francisco sprinkled in between. He recently
had been on the road for far too long. Lamenting
has been bringing in touches of tropical flair. Guests
joined the Four Seasons Miami from Atlanta,
the lack of home cooked fare, she was met with
can enjoy poolside massages and treatments while
where he served as General Manager. Truly bridg-
quite the surprise the next day, when one staff
they sip on a number of expertly mixed cocktails
ing the gap between business and pleasure, he
member brought back an extra portion of dinner
from nearby Bahia Restaurant and Bar. Should they
explained that above all, the Four Seasons Miami
his wife had made the night before. “It’s hospital-
wish to lull about and snooze the day away, they may
is, “really customer focused.” Hotels and residences
ity. It comes from the heart. It doesn’t come from a
do so in dedicated hammocks strewn about in the
at this level, more often than not, will shine in all
training manual,” Normandin aptly commented.
Palm Grove, a lower level pool.
things service related but there was one particular
And it’s little things like these, that truly put a smile
tidbit that truly enticed us. Turns out, the property
on your face.
The Four Seasons in-house restaurant Edge
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W Hotel & Residences Hotels come in all kinds of categories. Some cater
in first-rate service at the touch of a very handy
dazzled with plenty of options as you may choose
to your need for privacy, others offer you much
button. A special feature of the W South Beach’s
to lounge by either one of the two in-house pools
needed relaxation, and yet another subset purveys
WHATEVER/WHENEVER option is the built-in
or take your bronzage to the W beach cabanas by
all things cool and stylish. See where we’re going
Acura experience, allowing you to take to your own
the ocean.
wheels WHENEVER you want.
W suites always leave you amazed and stylized
In keeping with the celebrity and socialite
as they never fail to wow guests and stoppers-by.
heavy clientele, patrons are able to chow down at
The E-WOW Penthouse seems to be the dapper
signature restaurants The Dutch and Mr Chow,
option when arriving with your entourage. With
while also having the luxury of sipping their favor-
room enough to host several of your closest pals
ite cocktail at no less than three in-house bars. A
and family members, the penthouse offers service
chance of running into Leonardo DiCaprio? You
and cool factor above all. Oh, and mind you,
never know.
entrance to the W South Beach’s hip nightclub
Sports fans can take their workouts to aptly
WALL comes standard. And should you wish to
named Sweat gym or shoot a few hoops on the ho-
call this trendy hub your home, you can look into
tel’s basketball court. Tennis enthusiasts can swing
buying up one of the suites. You’ll get your own
their racquets while enjoying ocean views, as this
residences chapter within the property and can
with this? Yes, W Hotels worldwide have garnered
property boasts a rooftop tennis court. Vertigo any-
either choose to mingle with hotel guests or keep to
a reputation for being the happening place people
one? And your tanning-themed objectives will be
owners’ quarters.
flock to, to see and be seen. And guess what? Miami’s W South Beach is no different. Quite the cool-magnet, this property will not only make sure to bathe you in fashionable eats and treats, but will do it right with beachfront flair. Now, we should tell you that we once had the subtle pleasure of actually living in a W, in an international destination that shall not be named. It was quite the experience to say the least, mostly because of the W Hotel & Residences trademark WHATEVER/ WHENEVER service that continually honored all of our, sometimes outlandish, requests. The W South Beach takes that same concept to enlightening lengths as guests can revel
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St. Regis Bal Harbour Looking for a vacation? A real vacation? The kind you took when you were a kid? Then you should probably take your bags to a further Starwood favorite - the St. Regis Bal Harbour. Described as a “peerless haven of oceanfront elegance,” this property will make you feel like you’ve left the city and have arrived at holiday town. Right across the street from Bal Harbour Shops, the St. Regis flagship location, was opened last year and has since received nothing but rave reviews. With 227 rooms, the hotel also offers residences - i.e. you can buy yourself a one- to five-bedroom bit of holiday-themed housing, butler service and all. Speaking of the St. Regis Butler, he or she is available to fine-tune everything from your favorite wine at dinner to that specific thread-count you’re looking for, making each visit just as memorable and tailor-made as the last. The property’s rooms and suites
PRESIDENTIAL SUITE BATHROOM
come in light, soothing tones that
Spa Shared Indulgence. With mar-
also incorporate well-placed pops of
ble floors and walls, a sumptuous
color. With views of turquoise water
soaking tub for two, a private rain
and white beaches throughout, you
shower, and other unique touches, it
can be sure that this contemporary
is sure to calm your senses and those
resort will tick all of your interior
of your partner. Massaged and
and exterior boxes.
purified, you can head to the private
Residents and guests can enjoy the culinary mastery of famed
finity pools or go au naturale by the
chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten at
1,000 square-foot white sand beach.
signature J&G Grill or sample the
Aaaahhhh, feel that relaxation com-
upscale fare at the three other culi-
ing on? We do.
nary escapes within the property.
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And what vacation would be
As the St. Regis Bal Harbour is
complete without spending a portion
a resort, the spa takes all things mind
of those holiday funds on a heavenly
and body therapy to a whole new
shopping spree in the world’s most
level. A 14,000-square-foot kind of
successful shopping mall?
Shangri-La, Remède Spa offers a
GRAND LUXE OCEANFRONT SUITE LIVING ROOM
cabanas and daybeds by the two in-
Since the St. Regis Bal Harbour
plethora of treatments and pamper-
is literally steps away from Bal
ing services to rejuvenate the body
Harbour Shops, you can walk on
and soul. Should you be traveling
over and wallow in all the latest
with your significant other, we’d
fashions, the freshest dining, and
definitely recommend the Couples
a horde of cultural activities to go
Treatment Room, and the Remède
along with them.
P I L LOW TA L K
MANDARIN ORIENTAL MIAMI OASIS BEACH CLUB
MIAMI BEACH
COCONUT GROVE
D E L A N O H OTEL Address: 1685 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, Florida 33139 United States Phone: +1 305-672-2000 Hotel class: boutique, not rated www.delano-hotel.com
RITZ- CAR LTON - COCONU T GR OV E Address: 3300 SW 27th Avenue Miami, Florida 33133 United States Phone: +1 305-644-4680 Hotel class: 4 stars www.ritzcarlton.com
S L S H OTEL S O U TH BE AC H Address: 1701 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, Florida 33139 United States Phone: +1 305-674-1701 Hotel class: 4 stars www.slshotels.com
BAL HARBOUR
MO NDRI A N S O U TH BE AC H HOT EL Address: 1100 West Avenue Miami Beach, Florida 33139 United States Phone: +1 305-514-1500 Hotel class: boutique, not rated www.mondrian-miami.com S O HO BE AC H HO U SE Address: 4385 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, Florida 33140 United States Phone: +1 786-507-7900 Hotel class: boutique, not rated www.sohobeachhouse.com
ONE BAL HARBOUR RESORT & SPA Address: 10295 Collins Avenue Bal Harbour, Florida 33154 United States Phone: +1 305-455-5400 Hotel class: 4 stars www.onebalharbourresort.com
SUNNY ISLES BEACH AC Q UALIN A R E SO RT & S PA ON THE B E AC H Address: 17875 Collins Avenue Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160 United States Phone: +1 305-918-8000 Hotel class: 5 stars www.acqualinaresort.com
BRICKELL KEY M ANDAR IN O R I E N TA L M IA M I Address: 500 Brickell Key Drive Miami, Florida 33131 United States Phone: +1 305-913-8288 Hotel class: 5 stars www.mandarinoriental.com
DOWNTOWN MIAMI HOTE L B EAU X ARTS M IA M I Address: 255 Biscayne Boulevard Way Miami, Florida 33131 United States Phone: +1 305-421-8700 Hotel class: 4 stars www.hotelbeauxartsmiami.com EP IC H OTEL Address: 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way Miami, Florida 33131 United States Phone: +1 305-424-5226 Hotel class: 4 stars www.epichotel.com
MANDARIN ORIENTAL MIAMI ORIENTAL SUITE
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OFF THE WALL
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XU ZHEN MADELN EMPIRES WAY OF THINKING
O FF TH E WA L L
POP GOES THE EASEL D
ealing in pop art and contem-
The gallery is open for walk-ins
porary pieces from an array
and perusers at its on-the-money
of domestic and international
location right in the middle of
artists, Markowicz Fine Art
Miami’s Design District, of
also represents the Mourlot estate’s
which Markowicz said that they
lithographic prints and posters,
are, “lucky because there’s a mix
which range in dollars from the
between tourists who come for the
hundreds to the thousands. Picasso,
luxury brands and locals or second
Chagall, and Matisse posters aside,
homeowners who come for the
you’ll find works by pop artists such
furniture shops.” Markowicz, a
as Tom Wesselmann, Andy Warhol,
native of Paris, has been in Miami
and Damien Hirst alongside numer-
for just under a decade, and only
ous pieces by French names includ-
recently developed a taste for pop
ing those of Alain Godon, Claude
art after having left his then gig
Charlier, and Richard Orlinski. As
in the software game. “Pop art
you enter the Design District gallery
came to me four, five years ago,”
an Alexandra Gestin sumo sculpture
he said. “Before that, I was more
might well greet you, while a pair of
conservative.” The gallery does
Richard Orlinski pants will keep
events during Art Basel Miami
you company.
and changes up what’s on show fairly often. We’re talking the span of mere days here. You’ll be met with a calm space and knowledgeable staff to take you through your artistic endeavors, be they wellingrained or newly acquired.
BIG FOOT GIRL IDAN ZARESKI
JEAN ROUGE RICHARD ORLINKSI
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OF F T H E WALL CAROL PRUSA
A
rt should be accessible to ev-
about is paying homage to those
lection with a heavy focus on new
eryone, no matter what their
people who have worked in this
media, video and digital art as
price range is,” said Zadok
town before all the art fairs came
well as performance and recycled
drop, Zadok Gallery frequently
Gallery curator Bernice Stein-
in and before every artist thought
art. “One has to not be so focused
holds events within the space, to
baum during a recent interview.
they should earn $1 million,” said
to lose track of what’s happening
“expose people to an environment
Her philosophy shines through the
Steinbaum. “They were passionate
in the world and how technology
where they can see art,” be that
17,000 square-foot space located
about making their mark.” Another
is part of our everyday lives,”
during their wedding ceremony or
in hip Wynwood, where several
tidbit of interest comes in form of
said Steinbaum.
a family function. Steinbaum talked
exhibitions a month rotate every two
the Zadok exhibit entitled Reclaimed
months to give you something fresh
Miami, in which local artists use
business for over three decades and
and luckily didn’t stick to it. We’d
and new on a regular basis. Cur-
recycled materials to create their
with five MacArthur Genius Grant
guess that her treasured roster of
rently on display is 20 Shades of Grey,
objets d’art.
awardees in her roster of artists
artists and loyal clientele are fairly
a collection by 20 artists between
Steinbaum has been in the
choose her visual interests. With limitless beauty as a back-
about retirement only a year ago,
Prices for the various works
and a Lifetime Achievement Award
happy that she joined Zadok Gal-
the ages of 70 and 95. Yes, you read
on display range from $400 to
from the College Art Association to
lery, just a few blocks down from
that right. “What this show is really
$120,000 and encompass a col-
her name, certainly knows how to
her previous space.
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O FF TH E WA L L WYNWOOD GA RY N ADE R F INE ART Address: 62 NE 27th Street Miami, Florida 33137 United States Phone: +1 305-576-0256 www.garynader.com PAN A MERI CAN PROJECT S Address: 2450 NW 2nd Avenue Miami, Florida 33127 United States Phone: +1 305-573-2400 www.panamericanart.com RUBE LL’S PRI VAT E COLLECT ION Address: 95 NW 29th Street Miami, Florida 33127 Unites States Phone: +1 305-573-6090 www.rfc.museum
DESIGN DISTRICT LO C US T PRO J E CT S Address: 3852 North Miami Avenue Miami, Florida 33127 United States Phone: +1 305-576-8570 www.locustprojects.org DE L A C RUZ P R IVAT E C OLLECTION Address: 23 Northeast 41st Street Miami, Florida 33137 United States Phone: +1 305-576-6112 www.delacruzcollection.org
DOWNTOWN MIAMI CIFO CISNEROS FONTANALS ART FOUNDATION Address: 1018 North Miami Avenue Miami, Florida 33136 Unites States Phone: +1 305-455-3380 www.cifo.org
NORTH MIAMI BEACH E SPAC E ME YER Z AF R A 1100-1180 E. Hallandale Beach Boulevard Suite 1130C Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 United States Phone: +1 646-884-0139 www.espace-zafra.com
LIU WEI
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ABROAD
A B R OAD
AAAHHHHH…
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home is where the
beach is heart Relaxation, just a plane ride away.
POOL OR OCEAN … YOU DECIDE
Day in, day out, we toil away at our professional
recharge your drained batteries and make you ap-
positions, always dreaming of that day by the
preciate all that nature has to offer.
beach, by the serene waves moving in and out, as
With that said, welcome to Zemi Beach,
we’d sit there with a good book in hand, make that
Anguilla, the secluded hide-away you’ve been
a good cocktail, and let the hours drift away.
searching for.
No matter how onerous or effortless your work
Caribbean indulgences are a dime a dozen
week may pass by, there’s always that place you
these days. They all offer perfectly tinged tur-
have reserved for vacation-themed reverie. That
quoise waters, bright sun-soaked beaches, and
place in your mind you use to escape it all. More
weather that can’t be beat. So, how is a traveler
often than not, said spot has a beach, some crisp
to choose? Seems to us, that as with all luxuries in
water, and a formidable climate attached to it. And
life, exclusivity and privacy have to come in pretty
while Miami might tickle your tropically themed
high, which is why we’ve chosen the soon-to-be-
fantasies, the palmy American city may not be idyl-
finished island getaway of Zemi Beach to entice
lic enough and may still be too built-up to throw
your escapist fantasies.
off all that tension you have amassed. Well, dear
Anguilla, unlike many other Caribbean islands,
traveler, luckily we’ve done our homework and are
has managed to retain its very well-honed sense
about to introduce you to a property that will truly
of seclusion, with a remarkably limited number
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of people making the trek out there. A British
will be speckled throughout the acreage. Should
overseas territory, Anguilla is part of the Lesser
the aquatic workout session prove to not be
Antilles and sits right above Saint Maarten and
enough, there will be plenty more healthy activity
tend to any and all needs whatever time of day or
east of the Virgin Islands. No direct flights from
on offer at the fitness center.
night it may be. And since everyone likes to have
the States mean that it’s probably best to charter
Cardio session completed, newly minted jocks
squeezed from local bounty. We digress. There will be a 24-hour concierge available to
things at their fingertips these days, Zemi will also
your own jet when traveling there. Otherwise you
will continue on their health kick at the juice bar,
have bespoke iPads available in the residences,
can fly into Saint Maarten and hop on over from
where being in the Caribbean will really make its
from which residents will be able to pencil in their
there. Oh, and you will not find any vehicles aside
mark. Ah yes, juice really does taste better when
restaurant or spa slots from anywhere they like.
from local taxis steering through Anguilla’s roads, making this a naturalist’s haven. Sound secluded enough yet? We thought so. Spanning over 5.25 lush acres, The Goldman Family developed Zemi Beach’s 1,000 feet of beachfront property in Shoal Bay East, will be home to one of the “world’s top ten beaches,” according to the Discovery Channel. And really, who are we to argue with the good folks at Discovery - their slogan is “the world is just awesome.” Set to be completed in mid-2015, the property will boast 28 two- and three-bedroom residences that will run for about $2 million - $3.1 million. Brought to life by Caribbean architects Lane Pettigrew Associates, the property will echo its surroundings with neutral tones and natural woods that will include a slight Asian touch. The residences will range from 2,500 - 3,800 square feet, allowing ample relaxation space within the common areas and sheathing views of the sea and beach from all kinds of angles within. There will be inward courtyard views to create a sense of community among the residents and guests. Love thy neighbor and all. And Miami-based Asmayda Furniture Group will do the honors of offering design options to outfit the interiors of the units. Residents and guests will be able to treat themselves at onsite restaurants that will offer everything from the local, eclectic cuisine to international cookery. Once done with their lunch or dinner, they will then be able to burn off that chocolatey dessert in the infinity-edged pools that
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EVENING VIEW OF ZEMI BEACH PROPERTY
Continuing in the same tailor-made vein, Zemi
units, roofs built with Enviroshake tiles for water
will put a pre-order system in place, from which
collection, and heat packs instead of the usual
i.e. you’ll have actual neighbors whom you may
residents can make sure that their favorite grocer-
solar powered water since those require electric
well spend plenty of time with. But say, you want
ies are stocked just in time for their arrival.
storage tanks. The heat packs will heat up to six
to garner a profit from your property - then you’d
gallons of water per minute within the residenc-
toss your tropical unit into the rental pool man-
ances and customized Vaneta Cucine cabinetry
es, allowing residents to keep the warm water
aged by Trust Hospitality. They’ll take care of all
alongside granite countertops. Italian kitchen for
coming for as long as they want. Efficiency at its
the bits and pieces and you’ll be left with a nice
italian food - may end up plating up lots of pasta
best we tell you.
chunk of change.
Finished kitchens will feature GE Profile appli-
dishes here. The residences will also come with finished bathrooms that will offer coral stone-weaved walls, Kohler lavatories, and wood vanities with
Midnight strolls will be lit up with amber, low-
The property is mostly marketed to owners -
Another swanky feature comes in form
level gas propane torches that will keep roamers
of Anguilla’s fantastic tax system, or the lack
from stumbling while also being kind to nature.
thereof. Government concessions waiving Aliens
Zemi will make sure to sound-proof pretty
Landholding License (ALHL) and Annual Levy
rose gold marble. Since no paradise retreat
much any and all parts of the units, making that
(RRAL) taxes have been put in place to make that
would be complete without an outdoor shower,
evening operetta you like to perform stay within
island getaway even more attractive. Residents will
Zemi residences will also have a solid wood out-
your own four walls.
not be subject to VAT, capital gains tax, income
door shower in place should you wish to get even
Now, you may be wondering what measures
tax, or estate duties either. Secluded islands and
closer to nature. For those of you not so keen on
have been put in place for the annual fun-fest
exterior bathing, there will be a six-foot Duravit
that is hurricane season. Well, Zemi Beach will be
Philippe Starck bathtub waiting to lull you into
using shatterproof glass on par with Miami-Dade
be ready to welcome residents and guests fairly
tranquil, soapy delight.
County standards to withstand up to 150 mph
soon. So, get those goggles and paddle boards
wind gusts. Those annual storms are about to be
packed, because you’ll probably want to jump
no issue at all.
right in.
As a sustainable project, Zemi Beach will feature motion and heat sensors in all of the
their awesome rules. Can’t complain there. Right then, Zemi Beach in all its glory will
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I N TOUCH
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I N TO U C H
Monica Venegas - Venegas International Group With over two decades of experience and $1.5 billion in sales, Monica Venegas has developed an array of knowledge specializing in high-end developments in international markets. Venegas International Group is the exclusive sales and marketing company for Château Group developers. Currently Venegas is close to selling out Château Beach Residences and is in the process of launching the even more affluent oceanfront development Château Ocean. Office: +1 786-567-4122 Fax: +1 786-567-4133 E-Mail: mvenegas@venegasinternationalgroup.com 888 Biscayne Boulevard #111, Miami, Florida 33132 www.venegasinternationalgroup.com
Jill Hertzberg & Jill Eber - The Jills (Coldwell Banker) The Jills®, Jill Eber and Jill Hertzberg, have been selling luxury real estate with a commitment to excellence for over 20 years. Their specialty is luxury residences, both homes and condominiums, throughout the Greater Miami and Fort Lauderdale areas. Their success is evidenced by their numerous record-breaking sales in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties having earned The Jills a host of prestigious awards and accolades, including their continuing status as the #1 Team Worldwide out of 85,000 Coldwell Banker Associates around the globe, #1 Team in Florida for Coldwell Banker and the prestigious #1 Team in America as ranked by The Wall Street Journal for all real estate brands nationally. Jill Hertzberg: +1 305-788-5455, Jill Eber: +1 305-915-2556 Office: +1 305-341-7447 Fax: +1 786-276-7451 1691 Michigan Avenue, Suite 105, Miami Beach, Florida 33139 www.thejills.com
Josh Stein (Gary Hennes Realtors) Josh Stein’s down-to-earth style has earned him loyal clients around the world, all of them drawn to his Midwestern approach to Miami real estate. With targeted international real estate websites in nearly every major language — including Italian, French, Russian and Portuguese — Josh positions himself on a global stage. That’s helped him to become a top producer in high-end sales for 10 consecutive years. Office: +1 305-791-5596 1633 Jefferson Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139 www.joshsteinrealtor.com
Christopher Barthelemy - Barclays Real Estate Group Christopher Barthelemy, currently a Barclay’s Real Estate Group agent specializing in Miami Beach, has previously served as Manager of Sales and Marketing for various international residential projects for the Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons. His commitment to excellence extends to every aspect of client services, and his areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, representing clients looking to purchase residential and condominium properties. US Mobile: +1 305-343-8022 Office: +1 305-377-3000 E-Mail: christopher@barclaysrealestate.com www.barclaysrealestate.com
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