9fi5th Miami Fall/Winter 2013

Page 1

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

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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

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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 PLACE FOR YOUR WHEELS TO SLEEP SAFELY AT NIGHT

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ENGINES ROAR

STORIES SOAR Miami’s Porsche Design Tower is making way towards becoming the most talked about build in Sunny Isles Beach.

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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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WAVY DESIGN AT CHATEAU OCEAN

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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

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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

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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

32

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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

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JADE SIGNATURE UP CLOSE

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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

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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

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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.

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A D DIT IONS

BREATHTAKING VIEWS FROM GROVE AT GRAND BAY BALCONY

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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

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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

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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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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.

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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

59


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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I NS ID E

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

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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

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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

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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

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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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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

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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.

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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

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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-

90

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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TOO LS OF T H E T R ADE

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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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.

FALL/WINTER 2013

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A ROUND TOW N

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

FALL/WINTER 2013

117


PILLOW TALK

PI L LOW TAL K

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.

FALL/WINTER 2013

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PI L LOW TAL K

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

FALL/WINTER 2013

121


PI L LOW TAL K

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

125 MARKOWICZ GALLERY

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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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A B R OA D

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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A B R OAD

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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IN TOUCH

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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