LUXURY
REAL
ESTATE
EDUARDO F. COSTANTINI,
Founder, President and Senior Partner of Consultatio tells us just how he picks perfection in location, architecture, and art.
THE RELATED SKINNY
With another crop of highly sought-after properties in line for completion, Related is keeping buyers on their well-heeled toes.
1 SANDY FOOTPRINT TO FOLLOW
New York real estate mogul Richard LeFrak brings ecologically sound development to Miami with 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach.
DESIGNER MIX
Design District developer Craig Robins talks vision, implementation, and favorite breakfast pastry.
MIAMI
Ballerina, by Jeff Koons.
Mirror-polished high chromium stainless steel with transparent color coating 83 x 77 5/8 x 42 13/16 inches (210.82 x 197.21 x 106.68 cm) Edition 2 of 3
Pluto and Proserpina, by Jeff Koons.
129 x 70 x 53 inches (327.7 x 177.8 x 134.6 cm) Edition 1 of 3
A NEW MASTERPIECE Live the Oceana Residences Experience
Flow-through residences with ocean and bay views 10201 COLLINS AVENUE, BAL HARBOUR, FL 33154 | 786-414-2929
WWW.OCEANARESIDENCES.COM
THE SKETCHES, RENDERINGS, GRAPHIC MATERIALS, SPECIFICATIONS, TERMS, CONDITIONS AND STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS BROCHURE ARE PROPOSED ONLY, AND THE DEVELOPER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, REVISE OR WITHDRAW ANY OR ALL OF SAME IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION AND WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. THE PHOTOGRAPHS CONTAINED IN THIS BROCHURE HAVE BEEN TAKEN OFF-SITE AND ARE MERELY INTENDED AS ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE ACTIVITIES AND CONCEPTS DEPICTED THEREIN. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF OFFERS TO BUY, IN STATES IN WHICH SUCH OFFERS OR SOLICITATIONS CANNOT BE MADE.
INTRODUCING A STUNNING NEW SANCTUARY DESIGNED BY ARQUITECTONICA. TWO BLOCKS SOUTH OF BAL HARBOUR S H O P S , O N C O L L I N S A V E N U E & 9 4 T H S T R E E T. 5 8 S PA C I O U S O C E A N F R O N T R E S I D E N C E S O F F E R I N G 3 , 4 0 0 TO OV E R 7 , 0 0 0 S Q UA R E F E E T O F L I VA B L E S PA C E A N D 3 0 0 L I N E A R F E E T O F P R I S T I N E P R I V A T E B E A C H F R O N T.
Oral representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating the representations of the developer. For correct representations, make reference to this advertisement and to the documents required by section 718.503, Florida statutes, to be furnished by a developer to a buyer cannot be made. Images and renderings are all artist conceptual compositions. Created by the seventh art.
Now Within Reach
SALES LOUNGE CHATEAU GROUP 1 57 9 5 CO L L I N S AV E N U E SUNNY ISLES, FL 33160
305-944-4440 CHATEAUOCEAN.COM DEVELOPED BY CHATEAU GROUP 9 3 8 0 CO L L I N S AV E N U E SURFSIDE, FL 33154
E XC LU S I V E S A L E S A N D M A R K E T I N G B Y
MIAMI’S NEW CENTER
FITNESS LIFESTYLE BY
BRICKELLHEIGHTS.COM
T 786.838.4153
SALES CENTER 75 SE 6TH STREET SUITE 101 MIAMI, FL 33131 SALES BY RELATED REALTY IN COLLABORATION WITH FORTUNE DEVELOPMENT SALES
Obtain the property report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. Oral representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating the representations of the developer. For correct representations, make reference to this brochure and to the documents required by section 718.503, Florida statutes, to be furnished by a developer to a buyer or lessee.
INTERIORS BY
GLAMOROUS LOBBY
EXCLUSIVE POOL TERRACE
ROOFTOP POOL DECK WITH AMAZING CITY VIEWS
ENTERTAINMENT ROOM
VISIONARY ARCHITECTURE | WORLD CLASS RESTAURANTS | LUXURY DESIGNER RESIDENCES
This is not intended to be an offer to sell, or solicitation of an offer to buy, condominium units to residents of CT, ID, NY, NJ and OR, unless registered or exemptions are available, or in any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law, and your eligibility for purchase will depend upon your state of residency. This offering is made only by the prospectus for the condominium and no statement should be relied upon if not made in the prospectus. The Developer (as is defined below) reserves the right to modify, revise, or withdraw any proposed unit finishes, designs, materials, plans, specifications, terms, conditions, statements, managing entities, fitness facilities, amenities, restaurants , or all of same, in its sole discretion and without prior notice. This Condominium is being developed by 9SMA, LLC (“Developer”). EQUINOX® is a registered trademark of Equinox Holdings, Inc. Soul Cycle is a registered trademark of Soul Cycle, LLC. The project graphics, renderings, photographs, and text herein are owned by the Developer unless otherwise noted or credited to another. © 2013, 9SMA, LLC with all rights reserved unless otherwise credited to another.
CONTENTS SPRING/SUMMER 2014
12 PLOTS & PLANS 14 ADDITIONS 16 20 24 28 32 34 38
Consultatio - Eduardo F. Costantini Related Group - Carlos Rosso
40 42 44
Lefrak - Richard LeFrak
CHC Costa Hollywood - Moses Bensusan
Ian Schrager Company - Ian Schrager Swire Properties - Stephen Owens
101 Key Biscayne/ R.E.A.C. & Klabin Segall SA - Eric Soulavy & Oscar Segall
Trump Group - Michael Goldstein Rilea Group - Alan & Diego Ojeda
Lionheart Capital - Ophir Sternberg
48 50
52 54 56 58 60
Key International - Inigo Ardid Melo Group - Carlos and Martin Melo
PMG - Kevin Maloney LYND - Michael Lynd Jr. Morabito Properties - Valerio Morabito One Thousand Museum - Louis Birdman Eastview Development - Reid Boren & Taylor Collins
62
J. Milton & Associates - Yosi Gil
91 92 93 94
Adriana Hoyos - Adriana Hoyos
101 KEY BISCAYNE
63 AT HOME
74 INSIDE
64 68 73
75 76 80 82 84 86 88 90
Exclusive Walk-through Brokers’ Roundtable Viewpoint Monica Venegas
THE GERARD SOFA AVAILABLE THROUGH ARMANI/CASA MIAMI
8
9FI5TH.COM
Design District Map DACRA - Craig Robins Zelman Style Interiors - Steven Zelman Roche Bobois - Julien Bigan
Anima Domus - Marconi Naziazeni Samuel Amoia Associates - Samuel Amoia
SoJo Design - Sofia Joelsson Armani/Casa Miami - Massimo Melchiorre
Christian Liaigre - Christophe Caillaud Ornare - Claudio Faria
Uzca - Maria-Elena Uzcategui
96 98 99
Poltrona Frau Group - Aldo Faetti Thom Filicia Inc. - Thom Filicia Trend Design + Build - Troy Dean Ippolito
114 AROUND TOWN 115 118 120 122 124
BMW X6 AVAILABLE AT BRAMAN MOTORS
Ferretti Group - James Henderson Capponi Group - Michael Capponi Braman Motors - Norman Braman R House Wynwood - Rocco Carulli Lou La Vie - John Temerian
126 PILLOW TALK 127 128 129 130
Viceroy Brickell EPIC Hotel Delano South Beach Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove
132 OFF THE WALL 133 135
100 TOOLS OF THE TRADE 101
Sieger Suarez Architectural Partnership - Charles M. Sieger & Jose Suarez
104 106 108 110 112
EDSA - Douglas Smith
FPO PILLOW TALK
DELANO SOUTH BEACH
Sponder and Arevalo Galleries Gary Nader Fine Art Gallery
136 ABROAD 137 140
French Leave Eleuthera Oil Nut Bay
Marble of the World - Charles Urso Fernando Wong OLD - Fernando Wong STA Architectural Group - Todd & Isabel Tragash
143 IN TOUCH
ADD Inc - Jonathan Cardello
144
Listings
THE GARY NADER FINE ART GALLERY
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
9
Note from the Editor
PU B L I S H E D B Y Ciel Bleu Communications, LLC
It seems like it’s been ages since I penned the last one of these. Well, actually it’s been roughly six months, so we’re
1680 Michigan Ave, Suite 700
right on time. If you hadn’t already realized it with the
Miami Beach, FL 33139
many cranes and groundbreaking ceremonies dotting your
info@9fi5th.com
lives these days, Miami real estate is on fire, and there is no putting it out any time soon. We sat down with this edition’s
www.9fi5th.com
RELATED GROUP’S HYDE BEACH RESORT AND RESIDENCES
glorious crop of developers - some of the usual suspects such as Related Group and other major players such as Consultatio and the father-son team at Rilea. We cover game changing developments in form of Brickell City Centre and the
ED I TO R I A L Editor-in-Chief Mina Kavcar
majestic Mansions at Acqualina and explore boutique builds
mina.kavcar@9fi5th.com
101 Key Biscayne and Beach House 8.
Editorial Content Lars Larsson
Our At Home chapter puts you in touch with Miami’s most high-profile brokers as we sit down for one all-encompassing
Pronto Publishing Services
roundtable. Here’s your chance to get in on the good stuff early on. Done and dusted you’ll be ready for what we have in store Inside as we take you on a tour of Miami’s hip and happening Design District. We give you a glimpse into the creative mind of developer Craig Robins and discover the many
ART & D E S I G N Creative Director Sarah Rusin
BAY HOUSE KITCHEN
Designer Nuno Caldeira
interior enclaves of the neighborhood. And what would 9fi5th be without the architects and landscape aficionados we intro in our Tools of the Trade chapter? Get ready for the nimble works
PH OTO G R AP H Y
of Sieger Suarez, the crafty greens of Fernando Wong, and a
Chris Cypert
few more ace cards up this chapter’s sleeve.
Morgans Hotel Group
With all this real estate making its way into the city, it should come as no surprise that we came up with a few very fun things to go along with your home purchase. Around Town
Robin Hill Steven Brooke
will have you driving your Lamborghini without the hassle of owning it, while you will take absolute delight in calling your next Ferretti or Pershing all yours! Rounding out this all-inclusive edition, yes it’s a big one, are our picks for your destination trips. Both Caribbean, both very much enchanting. We’ve worked long and hard, to make this Spring/Sum-
ADV E RT I SI N G & S A L E S Regional Director Brittany Bott brittany.bott@9fi5th.com Director Anna Hibbs
mer 2014 edition even better than the last. Here’s a toast to all those who made it possible! And as I leave you to start perusing, I invite you to keep an eye out for our next New York and Dubai editions. Hot on
C I RC U L AT I O N Joy Newman
Miami’s heels, they’re sure to wow you. PR I N T E D B Y NuPress www.nupress.com
Mina Kavcar
Greg Rosen
Editor-in-Chief
greg@nupress.com
10
9FI5TH.COM
MUSE
COVER IMAGERY - CONSULTATIO’S OCEANA BAL HARBOUR
A D D I TI O N S
FALL/WINTER 2013
11
PLOTS & PLANS 1 OCEANA BAL HARBOUR
4 MANSIONS AT ACQUALINA
Gracing Bal Harbour’s shoreline
Nothing will articulate a mar-
with a whole new sense of para-
riage of Zen and luxury better
dise, Oceana Bal Harbour’s all-star
than the Mansions at Acqua-
cast features Piero Lissoni, Arquitec-
lina – being developed by the
tonica, and developer Consultatio.
Trump Group and endowed with STA Architectural Group’s
CORAL GABLES
2 BRICKELL HEIGHTS + SLS LUX
boutique touch.
Emerging from the Miami real estate winter blazingly hot, The
5 THE BOND ON BRICKELL
Jorge and his Related Group are
The Bond on Brickell showcases
bringing a trilogy of LUX into Brick-
British elegance alongside
ell with two Brickell Heights Towers
modern features on 44 floors in
and SLS LUX.
the heart of the Brickell Financial District.
3 HYDE BEACH RESORT &
COCONUT GROVE 17
14
2
5
BISCAYNE BAY
12
RESIDENCES
6 MIAMI BEACH EDITION
Those jonesing for a little piece of
Superstar Ian Schrager is back
the beach will be able to relate
in Miami with The Miami Beach
to Related’s resort condominiums
EDITION – an 18-story hotel tower
that offer the beach – and a
and 26 residences that will epito-
way to get some cash out of that
mize exclusivity while harnessing
sandy habit.
a sense of Miami’s outdoor life.
BRICKELL
WYNWOOD
7
DESIGN DISTRICT
EDGEWATER 19 DOWNTOWN
MIAMI
13
20
MIAMI SHORES MIMO
10
KEY BISCAYNE
SOUTH BEACH 8
Atlantic Ocean
12
9FI5TH.COM
9
MIAMI BEACH 6
18
MID-BEACH
7 BRICKELL CITY CENTRE
Eric Soulavy, Oscar Segall,
Miami and especially in Aventura
of Zaha Hadid and ushers in a
Miami’s new beating heart is
and our very near Village of
and Brickell. Kevin Maloney’s Prop-
whole new era in Miami.
about to make Brickell one of
Key Biscayne.
erty Markets Group has teamed
the coolest, thumping tropi-
up with Carlos Ott for a brand you
2 0 BISCAYNE BEACH
may hear more than twice.
Bringing the beach to Biscayne,
cal city centres in the world
11 COSTA HOLLYWOOD
with a $1.05 billion, mixed-use
With two six-story buildings poised
development that features a
between Miami Beach, Palm
16 MUSE
defined. Interiors by Thom Filicia
CLIMATE RIBBON™.
Beach, and Hollywood Beach,
PMG’s latest beachy endeavor
will provoke the expressions of the beach and refined tastes.
the city beach is about to be re-
this Moses Bensusan-developed
promises to be one luxurious
8 1 HOTEL & HOMES
locale will offer location, location,
show-stopper.
SOUTH BEACH
and lux living.
21 PARQUE TOWERS
New York’s Landlord, Richard
17 NINE AT MARY
With two 26-story towers parked
LeFrak, is bringing a sustainable
12 1010 BRICKELL
BRICKELL VILLAGE
just outside Miami, Parque
attitude to 600 feet of beachfront
Like fresh ideas from a couple of
Anyone looking for the whole NINE
Towers is bringing amenities
property by revamping the for-
guys who can pull off just about
and a one-acre amenity deck are
galore to Sunny Isles Boulevard.
mer Gansevoort into the presti-
anything? 1010 Brickell sees archi-
going to get just that delivered by
Curious? Think a movie theater
gious 1 Hotel & Homes.
tects Sieger and Suarez making a
LYND Development Partners – all
for 200.
serious mark in Brickell’s heart.
right atop Mary Brickell Village.
RESIDENCES, MIAMI BEACH
13 BAY HOUSE
18 BEACH HOUSE 8
Château Group’s latest de-
With 111 condos and 15 single-
Bay House is ready to give East
Privacy and intimacy honed out
velopment will bring residents
family villas, these residences will
Edgewater that great wide-
of beautiful rectangular forms
the energy of Bal Harbour and
see Piero Lissoni’s immaculate
open feel. The father and sons-
could be none other than the
ease of the beach, with only
senses infused into a tranquil
led Melo Group are bringing in
work of Bernardo Fort-Brescia of
a handful of boutique style
setting of cove-like gardens and
some Argentinian flare to this
Arquitectonica for an exciting Ad-
residences allotted.
Italian interiors.
164-unit project designed by
dition to Collins Avenue.
2 2 CHÂTEAU OCEAN
9 THE RITZ-CARLTON
2 3 CHÂTEAU BEACH
NC Studio. 10 101 KEY BISCAYNE
19 ONE THOUSAND MUSEUM
Another Château Group devel-
Like the idea of Miami on
14 ECHO BRICKELL
Yes, this daring structure and its
oped, in the same Château style,
demand? This is a reality for the
15 ECHO AVENTURA
otherworldly exoskeleton will be
Château Beach continues the
few made possible in part by
ECHO is being heard all around
a twist that marks the entrance
intimate is better approach.
NORTH MIAMI
NORTH BAY VILLAGE BISCAYNE BAY
22
SURFSIDE
B OTANICA L GAR D E N
G OLF C OU RS E
AI R PO R T
HOTE L
SA IL IN G
S HOP PI NG
MAR I N A
NI G HT L IF E
YAC H TS
D I NI NG
AVENTURA
NORTH MIAMI BEACH
BAL HARBOUR
15
1 16
23
HALLANDALE HOLLYWOOD
21 4
SUNNY ISLES
3
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
11
13
ADDITIONS
16 CONSULTATIO
20 RELATED GROUP
34 BRICKELL CITY CENTRE
Argentine developer Eduardo F. Costantini tells us just how he picks perfection in location, architecture, and art.
Related Group plates up another two developments to keep buyers coming back for more.
Swire Properties’ mega mixed-use project Brickell City Centre promises to be one massive game changer for the area.
14
9FI5TH.COM
ONE THOUSAND MUSEUM BY ZAHA HADID ARCHITECTS
A D DIT IONS
Masterpiece ARCHITECTURE
Argentine developer Eduardo F. Costantini tells us just how he picks perfection in location, architecture, and art.
PLUTO AND PROSERPINA BY JEFF KOONS
16
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M
Miami’s latest crop of Additions has us singing odes to art and its many peripheries. Con-
dos no longer just offer you
magical views, glass enclosed spaces, and a concierge to
cater to your every need. No, they offer you sophistication, class, and most importantly artistic inclinations to tickle your creative fancies. One such gem within a gem is Argentine development firm Consultatio’s latest oceanic endeavor, namely Oceana Bal Harbour. Following in the footsteps of similarly designed Key Biscayne Addition, Oceana Key Biscayne, Consultatio’s Bal Harbour development to plate up high-end living by 2016, will tick all the right boxes and do it in a location to match. “We don't feel obliged to develop,” said developer Eduardo F. Costantini. “Our philosophy is that when we find a special location to buy, we can develop our creativity and construct a project that makes sense and has comparative advantages to other projects a project that has the potential to be viewed as unique.” Just how unique are we talking? Pretty darned unique. Situated on five acres of prime real estate right in the heart of the shoppers paradise
that is Bal Harbour, Oceana Bal Harbour has been placed perpendicularly to the 400 feet of ocean in front of it, offering residents flow-through units with views of every kind of body of water in the vicinity. “We could have built 20% more,” Costantini reminded us, “but we do not try to maximize profit, we try to maximize the beauty and the sophistication of a property.” Set back farther from Collins Avenue than the rest of the surrounding builds, the property will be quite the breath of fresh air, having been gleefully designed with the European landscape flavor of Enzo Enea. The “more organic, more raw” plant life will be flanked by adjacent tennis courts laid out right in front of the polished beauty of the Arquitectonicadesigned property. Constructed with plenty of glass, so as to not obstruct any of the phenomenal vistas the site teems with, Oceana Bal Harbour’s other interesting feature, reminiscent of its Key Biscayne sibling, will be the rather large (60 feet high to be exact) gateway or portal if you will, that will allow residents and passers-by to see the ocean all the way from Collins Avenue. Thinking big? Certainly so. The 240 flow through units will come decorator ready with Piero Lissoni’s Italian touch felt in the Boffi and
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
17
A D DIT IONS
Dada kitchens and bathrooms. Appliances will feature the Gaggenau moniker while 10-foot ceilings will make Oceana Bal Harbour’s oversized balconies seem even more airy and expansive. Ready to move in? We haven’t even scratched the surface yet folks. The beachfront end of things at the development will not only dazzle with its pools, cabanas, decks and restaurant but more importantly
eight canvases of art by differing international artists to be
honed appreciation for the artistic side of life. “I have been
hung in the two lobbies of the property. But aside from being
collecting for more than 40 years,” said Costantini, who happens to also own a museum in Buenos Aires. “I find a masterpiece.
Bal Harbour will enjoy life’s luxurious pleasures with a wellplanned palette of amenities to satiate every need. Two massive pools, one for relaxation and another to get in
the location of Oceana Bal Har-
those laps before dinner, will sit pretty along a fitness center of-
bour, Costantini hit the nail on
fering ocean views. The in-house spa will blissfully whisk guests
two wondrous sculptures by famed artist Jeff Koons. “Jeff is
away to relaxation should their jaunt in the yoga and meditation area not have hit the spot. As for the top end, literally, of Oceana Bal Harbour, we’re
a global artist,” he said. “He’s
pretty excited to tell you that the 7,000-square-foot and larger
very clever, his art is up to date,
penthouses, that’s four regular ones and four “much larger”
he revisits the history of art but
duplex upper penthouses with a maximum size of 19,321 square
at the same time his art looks
feet, of this Addition will house their very own spa and gym facili-
at the future. For Miami to have
ties, just in case your triathlon training should be undertaken in
pieces by Jeff Koons is positioning
the privacy of your own, massive home. The handful of upper
Miami as a metropolitan city dialoguing
penthouses will also include their very own swimming pools on
with other cities of the world.” The two commissioned pieces to grace the grounds, “Pluto and Proserpina” and “Ballerina” will have traveled the world’s finest museums with “Pluto and Proser-
9FI5TH.COM
in the presence of several masterpieces, residents of Oceana
With land it’s the same.” Much like
its masterful head by selecting
18
In addition to the sculptures, residents will also delight in
will bring forth Costantini’s other passion - namely his well-
their respective terraces and indulge residents in a private residence elevator gallery to open directly into the residence. “The philosophy is privacy,” said Costantini, quite aptly we might add. “When I saw this site, I said: ‘Wow,’” mused Costan-
pina being exhibited at the Whitney Museum in New York and
tini. Having looked at the plans, we’re glad he managed to
the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, prior to jetting over to
procure a property on par with the “extraordinary piece of
rest at Oceana Bal Harbour’s tranquil walkway.
land” in hand.
KEEPING THE RELATED BALL ROLLING
HYDE BEACH RESORT & RESIDENCES HOLLYWOOD
Related Group plates up another two developments to keep buyers coming back for more. HYDE BEACH POOL BY THE WATER
WARM NIGHTS AT BRICKELL HEIGHTS
20
9FI5TH.COM
A D D I TI O N S
S
Some might call him the, “Donald of the Tropics,” but we are calling the actual Donald the “Jorge of the frozen north.” As you may have read in our previous edition, or are otherwise
“THIS PLACE IS DESIGNED FOR THE CROWD WHO IS INSPIRED BY THE EVER MORE CHIC URBAN LIFE HERE.” - CARLOS ROSSO
fully aware, developer Jorge Pérez and the Related Group have established Miami with their portfolio of blazingly cool, startlingly smart choices. Related gracefully wintered a cold market and emerged scorching-hot with a revamped approach and a diverse selection that only a savvy developer (one who literally and figuratively wrote the blueprint for real estate success) could have. We sat down with President of Condominium Development, Carlos Rosso, for our semi-annual real estate chat to gather the Related skinny on two of their upcoming developments, Brickell Heights and Hyde Beach Resort & Residences Hollywood. “We are starting off with two towers for a total of 698 units, 358 in the first and 340 in the second that boast the biggest Equinox gym in the state,” smiled Rosso as he began to unveil
BRICKELL HEIGHTS WILL INCLUDE EXTERIOR COLORS REMINISCENT OF ANOTHER RECENT RELATED ADDITION
the details of Brickell Heights. A third tower is planned for phase two, to bring the total offering to an even 1,000 units. The 35,000-square-foot
fix of inspiration? They’ve got that covered too,
Equinox fitness center will be massive and is just
with a sleek, modern design by Arquitectonica
one of the touches that caters to professionals
that showcases a smooth façade and a sloping
thirsty to live fashionably and work in the South
crown of the building that flows elegantly with
Miami Avenue and the Brickell City Center
the sweet Brickell breeze. “We are arming the
vicinity. “This place is designed for the crowd
entire development in art – and a beautiful mu-
who is inspired by the ever more chic, urban life
ral by artist Fabian Bruno of Argentina – similar
here,” added Rosso. So just to pamper these ur-
to SLS Brickell where we featured Katja Loher,”
banites a little more, Brickell Heights will feature
roused Rosso.
four pools, 35,000 square feet of office space and
If you are starting to wonder if all of this
a garden where culinary gurus can pick up the
amenity flash at Brickell Heights is going to result
freshest basil, oregano, and rosemary to infuse
in lean units, think again. David Rockwell ensures a
some local spice into the evening. Need your
modern, contemporary aura with soothing neutrals and GE Monogram fittings. “These rooms will feature a 5:1 ratio of unit to terrace,” revealed Rosso.
PARTICULARS BRICKELL HEIGHTS PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
Brickell 698 Residences + SLS LUX 700 - 2,300+ square feet Early 2016 35,000-square-foot Equinox gym, 3,000 soul cycle studio, 35,000 square feet of office space, four pools, herb garden, 20,000 square feet of ground floor retail and restaurants
Units will range from between $330,000 for the smallest unit and go up to $1.5 million for the most expensive of the 30 penthouses. But it is the third tower that will truly crystal-
BRICKELL HEIGHTS
lize the essence of the entire project, completed by an 86-room hotel at the bottom with SLS LUX
feet and will be priced between $500,000 to $2
for the grand finale. The 478 condos spread over
million, penthouses being larger still. Residents
57 stories will feature private elevators and foyers
will have full access to all of the hotel services, a
with finished interiors by Yabu Pushelberg, who
swish Katsuya restaurant and an S Bar. Fabian
will do both the hotel and the residences (rumor
Bruno will integrate the three towers artistically
has it either in the style their esteemed work at
with a parking mural and a, “stronger focus on art
the St. Regis or the W Hotel in South Beach).
in the third tower; the corner of the building will
Units will be a bit larger than those in the first
be dedicated to the city and the whole façade will
two towers, ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 square
be stunning,” as Rosso noted. Amenities are set
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
21
A D DIT IONS
to span three floors and include one tennis court,
are strictly condos and the rest will be resort
dences Hollywood will be combining two units at
one volleyball court, a gym (which will be ad-
condominiums.
the end of the building for massive 5,000-square-
ditional to use of the Equinox next door), and two
Opportunely snuggled into 4111 South Ocean
foot units selling for close to $3 million while
well-appointed pools. It is sure to be an impressive
Drive, Hyde Hollywood will be designed by
the smallest units will run around $650,000.
way to close out the Brickell Heights trio.
Cohen Freedman Encinosa & Associates, with
“We have 327 contracts out for 407 units, so
Among the slew of
like Brickell Heights,
projects Related has on the
we have sold over
burners, one that articu-
75 percent already.
lates Miami very well (no
We move fast,” said
favorites with Related)
Rosso. And he is right,
is Hyde Beach Resort &
it comes down to the
Residences Hollywood.
right amenities for
This 407-unit beach-front
each location; at Hyde
development has been
Hollywood take the
branded as, “resort condo-
stunning infinity edge
miniums,” and will satisfy
pool with ocean views
that urge so many of us
and a beach club to
have to own a picturesque
sip sangrias and snack
view of the stunning ocean-
on tapas… Talk about
front here in Miami. Hyde
fitting the bill.
Hollywood works in a little
This, friends, is why
Related magic, similarly to
the Related Group is
Beachwalk (check out our
so successful – they
previous edition) to ensure
apply their smarts
the numbers work. “Buyers who choose this op-
interiors by Brazilian interior designer Debora
– and know how to adjust their touch. Backed
tion can comfortably cover 90 percent of costs by
Aguiar, “for a very modern feel to compliment
by three decades of success and a portfolio that
allowing the management to rent out their unit
the grooved façade of the building,” revealed
sometimes makes you wonder if they’re the only
as a hotel space when they are away,” explained
Rosso. A few of those who want the ultimate red
developer in Miami, these guys garner up all
Rosso. Hyde Hollywood will have 40 units that
carpet experience, Hyde Beach Resort & Resi-
kinds of awe.
PARTICULARS HYDE BEACH RESORT & RESIDENCES HOLLYWOOD PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
HYDE BEACH EXTERIOR LOUNGE
22
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Hollywood 407 Residences 800 - 5,000 square feet Early 2016 Beachfront, beach club, spa, gym, resort style pool deck, hotel rental program
A D DIT IONS
ÜBER-LUXURY AT ITS FINEST
You’ve heard the buzz. Now find out what makes the Mansions at Acqualina be the above and beyond when it comes to living.
S
MANSIONS AT ACQUALINA’S MAJESTIC PALAZZO D’ORO
Someone may have to invent a new word for The
onyx walls, granite and French Toulouse wood
Mansions, because luxury seems an understate-
floors, mosaic glass tiles, and Fendi Casa crystal
ment. “We’ve set out to create the world’s finest resi-
chandeliers. The his-and-hers bathrooms boast
dence,” said Michael Goldstein, the development’s
German-made showers with two separate hand-
President. Goldstein and his firm, the Florida-based
helds, two body sprays, and a rain head. If that
Trump Group (no relation to The Donald), toured
doesn’t help you unwind, head to the million-dol-
the world’s swankiest addresses while coming up
lar Turkish hammam, with computer-controlled
with the concept for this new ultra-lux development,
hydrotherapy showers.
studying the most high-end residences they could
24
9FI5TH.COM
Living rooms will all have gas fireplaces and
find. “We went to 15 CPW [Central Park West] in
outside on the terrace there will be a summer
New York, and One Hyde Park in London,” Gold-
kitchen with a barbecue and waterfall spa. Inte-
stein said. “We looked at what they did and we said
rior kitchens will feature 12-foot long islands, two
we’re going to do better.”
dishwashers, gas stoves, a warming drawer, and
The outcome was The Mansions at Acqua-
a cappuccino machine… not that the residents
lina, Sunny Isles Beach’s latest private residence
will be cooking for themselves very often. “Our
complex, which will be completed later in the
buyer basically doesn’t want to do anything. When
year. The new development will offer furniture-
you’re working with that kind of money, you want
ready condos that will come in one of four
someone to do it for you,” Goldstein said. “We
custom interior packages. Walk into one of these
can get them anything they want. That’s the life-
regal units and you’ll be dazzled with Havana
style we’re offering.” Residents will be pampered
with all of the concierge services of a luxury hotel. A Rolls Royce and driver will be available, as will a 24-hour valet, babysitters, and even an array of dog-sitters. If they find the time to get bored, the inhabitants can hit up any number of onsite amenities, such as a private cinema and a multi-purpose event space for functions. They might also want to take to the virtual green in a $100,000 golf simulator, hitting real balls on simulated versions of any course in the world. Or perhaps they’ll want to work on their physiques in the 3,000-square-foot gym, or in the pilates room. And of course there’s always lounging by the infinity pool in one of the private cabanas while children can have some of their own fun in either of the two kids camps. The 79 residences went up for sale in January AMONG GOOD NEIGHBORS - SUNNY ISLES
2012, starting at over $7 million, and most have already been sold. One third of the buyers are
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
25
A D DIT IONS
former guests of the Acqualina Resort and Spa. “They didn’t want to leave
interested. For dropping this small fortune, which may be the highest price for
the lifestyle,” Goldstein said. As such, Mansions residents will walk right
anything outside of New York, the lucky buyer will be duly rewarded.
over to the hotel via a bridge linking the two complexes. Along with the balmy weather, many of the domestic clients are attracted
“It has a lot of unique things that have never been done before,” said Goldstein. These include a couple of pools, one of which juts 12 feet out
to Florida’s lack of state taxes. However, less than half of the buyers are from
from the roof so that swimmers can gaze through the glass bottom at the
the U.S. and Canada. Many are from places such as Brazil and China, and
ground 649 feet below. The premier unit also features a stunning 360-degree
promotional materials come in a variety of tongues including Portuguese,
view and a 25-foot outdoor waterfall. Underneath the 30-foot ceilings are six
Chinese, and Russian.
bedrooms, nine and a half bathrooms, a floating crystal staircase, a 4,000-bot-
If you happen to be listed on the Forbes 500 list, you might want to con-
tle wine cellar, and a fitness centre. The elite residents can move into the
sider dropping a cool $55 million on the two-story Palazzo d’Oro penthouse,
Mediterranean-styled complex early next year. But to find out more, flip to
though you may end up in a bidding war since there are already buyers
our Inside chapter and peruse STA Architectural Group’s take on the interiors.
PARTICULARS MANSIONS AT ACQUALINA PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
LETTING ALL WORRIES DRIFT AWAY AT THE TURKISH HAMMAM
26
9FI5TH.COM
Sunny Isles 79 Residences 4,609 - 17,800 square feet Early 2015 3,000-square-foot gym, access to Acqualina resort and amenities, golf simulator, private theater, private wine cellar
Christian Liaigre New York showroom 34 East 61st Street NEW YORK, NY 10065 T.(+1) 212 201 2338 Christian Liaigre Miami showroom 137 NE 40th Street MIAMI, FL 33137 T.(+1) 305 808 3550 − www.christian-liaigre.us
A DD ITIONS
ATTENTION TO DETAIL...
THE BRITISH WAY Rilea Group’s father and son team Alan and Diego Ojeda create subtle elegance with real-life quality.
THE BOND ON BRICKELL
28
9FI5TH.COM
“WHEN YOU SEE A ROLLS ROYCE, YOU KNOW IT’S A ROLLS ROYCE. YOU DON’T NEED TO SEE A BRAND ON IT. YOU JUST KNOW.” - DIEGO OJEDA
SKILLFULLY DESIGNED INTERIOR SPACES
“We try to do it right,” said Alan Ojeda when dis-
And as we sit here blasting some English tracks in
cussing Rilea Group’s penchant for providing real
the office, we can tell you that our Union Jack-loving
the many restaurants in the walkable vicinity,
estate quality. “We try to give buyers real things,
hearts are definitely in tune, no pun intended, with
catching after-hours drinks at differing bars, and
not fluff.” In a world full of fluff, that certainly
The Bond. So, let’s relay said excitement!
being able to walk to work will all be perks of
sounds like a breath of fresh European-tinged air. Rilea Group’s latest Brickell property, this will
Laid out over 44 well-located stories right in the heart of bustling Brickell, The Bond will
middle of it all.” Going out for dinner at one of
this English enchantment. The property will offer residents all the extras
be their fourth one in Brickell, will bring British
offer 328 units purveying everything from studios
of Miami’s booming real estate market with resort
class to one of Miami’s most vibrant parts of town.
to three-bedrooms in addition to a few exclusive
style pool facilities and jacuzzis speckled about
“It’s like a well-dressed man,” said Ojeda Sr., “or
lofts and penthouses that will make you never
the leisure end of the building. When thinking
a well-dressed woman - simple elegance. It doesn't
want to stop gazing at your view again. Steps
about “doing it right,” the Rilea team took into
need to be overdone.” Taking that mantra and
away from not only three different supermarkets,
consideration Miami’s almost regular torrential
applying it to the sleek and sophisticated interior
just in case you’d like to switch it up every now
downpours and designed an outdoor, yet partially
and exterior elements of The Bond on Brickell has
and then, The Bond will, as Ojeda Sr. described
covered canopy. Seems to us this will provide
made for one heck of a property.
it, “not only be on Brickell, but right in the
quite the viewing loggia without the need for an
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
29
A D DIT IONS
PARTICULARS THE BOND
EXPANSIVE VIEWS FROM THIS BRICKELL GEM
umbrella. The pool itself will be T-shaped making
a metaphor, The Bond will actually house a wall,
the trunk of said T a cozy enclave to sip a martini,
and more, full of books in its designated library.
while the horizontal part of the letter will provide
Time to revisit old classics like A Tale of Two Cit-
the more sports-enthused residents with ample
ies? Most definitely.
grounds for aquatic training. There will be three private cabanas that Diego
But rather than remind you of a stuffy English country house full of aged tans and tweeds, The
Ojeda referred to as “mini living rooms” since
Bond will deliver all this British sophistication with
they’ll come complete with BBQs, sofas, and a
a crisp, leather finish. Walls will be covered in tones
fireplace to spend toasty nights roasting s’mores.
of gray and textured suede. “The idea was for an
“We added amenities like these,” said Ojeda,
PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
Brickell 328 Residences 487 - 2,332 square feet early 2016 Pool deck cabanas, BBQ, fireplace, library, kids room, pet grooming
elegant sober feeling,” said Ojeda Jr. “We play
“that are sleek and minimalistic, but at the same
with grays and add a splash of red. We drew a lot
more. We could go on about the kids’ room, the
time are warm like a wall full of books.” Not just
of inspiration from the photographs.” Speaking
pet grooming and dog walking amenities, and kids’
of which, Rilea struck a partnership with famed
classes that will be offered. We could delve into the
photographer Terry O’Neill to display some of his
unparalleled beauty that will be the five to six com-
iconic shots including portraits of Mick Jagger and
missioned sculptures by local artist Tatiana Blanco.
Jacqueline Bisset in the public spaces, as well as a
But really, what we’ve been dying to quote here, is
close-up of Kate Moss to be hung in the wood-
Ojeda Sr.’s oh so romantic take on real estate infat-
paneled gym, should you need some inspiration.
uation. “When you like someone, you like them for
Units will come decorator ready with kitchens
a ton of little things. It's the same for buildings. It's
by Italkraft and fixtures by Swiss maker Franke.
a bunch of subtle things that make you fall in love
Bosch appliances will marry beautifully with
with a building.” We must admit, this one made us
their surroundings with the added bonus of built-in refrigerators and wine coolers to keep your ac-
ALAN AND DIEGO OJEDA
30
9FI5TH.COM
smile, time and again. There is something to be said for classic opu-
coutrements nicely chilled but hidden. As for the
lences, that need no explanation. “When you see a
bathrooms, they’ll boast Porcelanosa goodies and
Rolls Royce,” said Ojeda Jr., “you know it’s a Rolls
wider than usual tubs, since as Ojeda Sr. noted,
Royce. You don’t need to see the brand on it, you
“being surrounded by more water is always nice.”
just know.” Much like classic cars, The Bond will
We could tell you more dear reader, so much
be simple sophistication. No excess, just quality.
Privacy Born Not of Walls, But of Open Air, Sea & Sky.
In the thriving heart of cosmopolitan South Florida, prepare to discover the satisfaction of savoring the rewards of prosperity in absolute privacy – born not of walls, but of open air, sea & sky. Introducing PRIVÉ, 160 impeccably appointed, generously proportioned, flow-through residences on an eight-acre private island in the South Florida Intracoastal Waterway. Well-considered amenities and refined services place Privé amongst the finest waterfront condominiums on the market. What truly sets Privé apart is its unique setting as the sole address on South Florida’s last private island.
For more information, please visit our website at
mypriveisland.com or call us at 866.369.7962 FROM $1.7 MILLION
ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. OBTAIN THE PROPERTY REPORT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW AND READ IT BEFORE SIGNING ANYTHING. NO FEDERAL AGENCY HAS JUDGED THE MERITS OR VALUE, IF ANY, OF THIS PROPERTY. All artist’s or architectural conceptual renderings, plans, specifications, features, dimensions, amenities, existing or future views and photos depicted or otherwise described herein are based upon preliminary development plans, and all and are subject to architectural revisions and other changes, without notice, in the manner provided in the purchase agreement and the offering circular. All features listed for the residences are representative only, and the Developer reserves the right, without notice to or approval by the Buyer, to make changes or substitutions of equal or better quality for any features, materials and equipment which are included with the unit. The dimensions of units stated or shown in brochures will vary from the dimensions that would be determined based upon the description of the Unit boundaries set forth in the Declaration of Condominium. Certain access to and rights to use recreational and other amenities within the development may be provided to the South Island, as described in the offering circular. This brochure does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy a unit in the condominium. No solicitation, offer or sale of a unit in the condominium will be made in any jurisdiction in which such activity would be unlawful prior to any required registration therein. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, sex, religion, handicap, familial status or national origin. Neither BH3 nor Gary Cohen is the project developer and this Condominium is being developed by an affiliated entity formed for such purpose, which is known as Prive Developers LLC, a Florida limited liability company (the “Developer”). Advertising & Interactive by
Miami
A DDDDIT IT IONS
Famed Hotelier Ian Schrager is bringing his brand new concept to Miami’s hippest beach neighborhood.
LIVING THE HIGH LIFE AT THE MIAMI BEACH EDITION
32
9FI5TH.COM
When the man who defined the notion of the “boutique
more than 9,000 square
hotel” rocks into town with a new concept, everybody is
feet (the combined total
watching. Yes, this is the fabled Ian Schrager who scored
for the two penthouses)
platinum with Palladium, schooled the competition with
bequeathed with private
Studio 54, and is now showing Miami how it is done with
gardens, pools and
the Miami Beach EDITION, a 26-residence and hotel mas-
kitchens.
terpiece opening this October. “What makes things special
Schrager will use his
is not the literal, it is the visceral,” revealed Schrager. “Cre-
mastery of anticipating
ating something really exceptional is about taking chances
your desires to provide
– danger is where the magic happens.”
a, “canvas for residents
This October, Schrager will unveil the Residences at the
to paint their lives on.”
Miami Beach EDITION, a 294-room hotel run and operated
This sounds good,
by Marriott International (under strict, Schrager guidelines)
especially when they
and a residency featuring 26 totally unique, ultra-luxury units
are bringing in custom
and two penthouses that will sum it all up. The main hotel
furniture packages
building (forged out of the former Seville Hotel) will house
curated by the Pawson
the 26 residences on the two top floors but will be joined by
and Schrager design
a new 18-story building set to feature the development’s only
team with options from
two penthouses on the property. Although Schrager claimed
Pawson, Hans Wegner,
that this concept is, “pared down to produce only what really
Jean-Michel Frank and
matters to people,” he is bringing a whole lot of lean muscle
Christian Liaigre. “We
to this one. The Residences at the Miami Beach EDITION
are not interested in
will feature an indoor ice-skating rink, bowling alley, night-
all of the extraneous
club, a Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant and contoured
elements that are so
landscaping by Madison Cox all to, “do it right, not bigger,”
common here in Miami,
as Schrager proclaimed. Miami’s very own EDITION will
so we are focusing on
be a sign of the times and if the past is any indication, it will
thoughtful placement,
likely set new points in the market, from price to style.
spare and lighter tones to
The one-of-a-kind residences are designed by architect John Pawson and are priced between about $3,000,000 and
work with the natural light,” clarified Schrager. Schrager is putting a prominence on superb, friendly
$16,950,000. Pawson’s spare approach will ensure a seamless
service and impeccable atmosphere that create the aesthetic of
flow from inside to out with bleached teak floors running from
the service side at the Residences at the Miami Beach Edition.
the bathrooms to the terraces. The two penthouses will be by
To conjure up the right blend of indoor-outdoor ambiance,
far the largest units at 9,800 square feet combined (both have
Madison Cox, the quiet genius behind some of the best garden
already been grabbed by the same American buyer to the ring
designs in the world will be brought in to cast a few spells.
of $34 million). The remaining residences will range from 909
A contoured landscape that evokes a lush, tropical romance
square feet up to 4,597 for the largest of the 26 units and offer ceiling heights from 10 feet that reach all the way up to 21 feet. Bathrooms will be endowed with John Pawson custom pre-cast concrete sink vanities and
(complete with two banyan trees) will gently compliment the architecture and lead out onto a stunning beachfront. Of course, the hotel and residences will offer the breadth of amenities and services from private dinner parties cooked up by Jean-Georges Vongerichten himself to all the best concierge, spa, fitness, and valet offerings, but it will all place an emphasis on creating a purposeful and meaningful experience. Schrager has been wildly successful and his acute sensibili-
tubs. The trim, open
ties are exactly what are driving his prices to the $3,000-a-
Bulthaup kitchens
square-foot level here in Miami. With the London and Istanbul
will be dressed in
EDITIONs already open, and Miami (and a slew of others
Miele appliances just
from Paris to Bangkok) hot on their heels, Schrager’s concept
to ensure effortlessness
is on fire. Bringing in the best architects and designers into
is imbued into every
the finest locations while retaining a keen sense of each city
facet of the living spaces.
is something only Schrager can pull off. For those looking to
Terraces will range from
indulge in Miami, the legend is bringing the best of Miami to
the 70-square-foot options up to
Collins Avenue to reset trends here – and around the globe.
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
33
URBANMecca
A D DITIONS
Swire Properties’ mega mixed-use project Brickell City Centre promises to be one massive game changer for the area.
SWIRE PROPERTIES’ BRICKELL CITY CENTRE
34
9FI5TH.COM
Soon to open in Miami’s thriving
the United States, is more work than
financial district, Brickell City Centre
play. Building on its long-standing
is set to transform a commute-to-
international caché, the goal behind
work neighborhood into a 24/7
Brickell City Centre is to give Mi-
mecca for eating, drinking, shopping,
ami’s business class as many reasons
and all-around living. This $1.05
as possible to move there, stay there,
billion, 5.4-million-square-foot,
and never leave. “It is becoming fun
mixed-use development packs in con-
to live in the urban area and I think
dominium towers, a shopping center,
that experience of live, work, stay
wellness center, office building, and
and play, which is really what Brickell
luxury hotel with ample underground
City Centre is about, is part of this
parking and expanded public transport. And
evolution,” mused Owens. So, what exactly
Swire Proper-
will life at Brickell
ties, the firm
City Centre
behind what
have to offer?
promises to
First of all,
be the new
Swire’s
beating
engineers
heart of
have come
Miami, is
up with a
not known for doing things in half measure, so you can be sure Brickell City Cen-
way to enjoy the Miami sun without baking in the heat. The 565,000-square-foot
tre is going to satisfy all your urban
luxury shopping center will feature a
hopes and dreams.
state-of-the-art, CLIMATE RIB-
The Swire name has been around
BON™, which will make it possible
for almost 200 years, and was re-
to feel the sun on your skin and the
sponsible for developing Brickell Key
breeze in your hair while staying cool
into the dynamic island community
and comfortable when it’s both hot
that it is today. As Swire President
and dry and when it’s pouring rain.
Stephen Owens put it, “our com-
Essentially a fastidiously engineered
mitment to Miami long term and to
glass and steel canopy that will cover
Brickell, gave confidence to urban
and protect the shopping center from
Miami in a way that I don’t think
the elements, the CLIMATE RIB-
would have happened otherwise.”
BON™ itself will be something to
As the single largest mixed-use
experience, let alone all the goodies
development currently underway in
housed underneath. Owens ex-
the Brickell Downtown area, Brickell
plained, “we really wanted the retail
City Centre will dwarf the compa-
experience to be Miami driven.” So,
ny’s already impressive accomplish-
Swire was not about to build a big
ments and will almost certainly give
old air-conditioned box of shops,
a little extra shake to the vibrant
suburban style. “We wanted people
rhythm of the city.
to walk around in natural light,
“Consider the location,” said Ow-
with real trees, where they could
ens, “if you go back to even 25 years
look up and see blue sky, but not see
ago, the name that Latin Americans
the harshness of the sun or get wet
would recognize most in Miami was
when it rains,” he said. Brickell City
Brickell.” But as it stands the Brickell
Centre’s CLIMATE RIBBON™ will
district, which hosts the highest con-
be good for the environment too,
centration of international banks in
collecting and diverting 5 million gal-
ONE BCC
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
35
A D DIT IONS
STREET VIEW
“IF YOU GO BACK EVEN 25 YEARS AGO, THE NAME THAT LATIN AMERICANS WOULD RECOGNIZE MOST IN MIAMI WAS BRICKELL.” - STEPHEN OWENS
nightclub front and emphasized that the enter-
swank hotels in Hong Kong and Beijing, will
tainment options at Brickell City Centre should
bring a new flavor of accommodation to the
serve all types. “The idea with our restaurants and
area. Phase one of the development, which will
cafés is not just to be fine dining but also a casual,
open in two phases, is scheduled to be finished by
ethnic mix, so that you can go there dressed to the
the end of 2015.
nines to go clubbing, or you can go in jeans and have a beer,” he said. Brickell City Centre is more than just a development, its ambition is to be the place to work,
lons of rainwater a year to be saved in cisterns and
shop, go out, and just live in Miami. Brickell City
used in landscape watering and other applications.
Centre will feature 820 condominiums in two
All that excitement before we even know what
high-rise towers. The units aren’t for sale yet,
shops are going to occupy the retail center! Swire
and no price has been set, but these are sure to
is keeping those details under wraps for the time
be a hot commodity likely to draw new residents
being, but with the help of Bal Harbour Shops,
to Miami from all over the world. “European in-
which will be managing the retail space, you can
terest will continue to evolve and elevate, partly
be sure the selection is going to be enticing. One
because people will realize that while Brickell
thing we know: it’s not going to be all purses and
prices are up, they are good value compared to
jewelry—there will also be places to show off that
the beach,” predicted Owens. And for those who
jewelry. Owens suggested there might be some
just want to visit, the luxury hotel operated by
exciting and internationally known names on the
Swire Hotel’s own brand EAST, already running
36
9FI5TH.COM
PARTICULARS BRICKELL CITY CENTRE PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
Brickell 820 Condominiums 565,000 square feet of retail space 2015 Retail, dining and entertainment space, wellness center, office space, on-site hotel and serviced apartments
Photo Michel Gibert. Special thanks: Alain Cordier for Hortus Gallery.com. *Conditions apply, ask your store for more details.
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Showrooms, collections, news and catalogs www.roche-bobois.com
A D DIT IONS
Footprint
LEAVING A
PARTICULARS 1 HOTEL & HOMES SOUTH BEACH PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
South Beach 161 Residences, 406 Hotel Units 868 - 4,280 square feet Fall 2014 Rooftop pool, gym, spa, 2 top-tier restaurants, LEED certified
1 HOTEL & HOMES SOUTH BEACH PENTHOUSE RESIDENCE
38
9FI5TH.COM
New York real estate mogul Richard LeFrak brings ecologically sound development to Miami with 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach.
“Some might say I am wealthy, but 1 Hotel &
signer, Samuel Amoia, see our Inside chapter, con-
Homes South Beach is not about the money for
tributed a model 5-bedroom duplex penthouse
me; it is about challenges,” said Richard LeFrak,
and rendered it a place of natural wonder. “This
billionaire CEO of LeFrak. Although LeFrak
is eco-friendly but super fun,” enthused LeFrak.
might be one of the principal landlords in New
“We’re currently readying our bars, which are
York, his 2009 arrival in Miami was rather to
scattered around the property.”
finesse a recapitalization for BankUnited. That
Starwood Capital Group’s Chairman and
was when he saw that there was a lot more po-
CEO, Barry Sternlicht, who did W Hotels and
tential to be had – in real estate – LeFrak’s drink
the St. Regis amongst others, imagined the
of choice. “I wanted to leave a footprint, one that
concept of 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach. There
showcased the spectacular,” explained LeFrak.
will be 161 homes and 406 hotel units, the latter
With the last few magic touches being applied
of which will be operated by the SH Group, Star-
to 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach, where they
wood’s hotel management division. The Homes
brought in their development expertise, it looks
(which are being released slowly, but going
like this footprint is going to be ecologically sound
quickly) will run from between $1,400 to $3,000
and stylistically awe-inspiring.
per square foot, and the good news is that 29 of
“A few years back, we got involved with these failed banks and acquired their real estate portfolios, so I ended up with more than 2,000 condominiums
these residences will be penthouses. All of the Hotel’s amenities will be made available to the residents, including swimming pools (the dramatic rooftop pool and
here in Miami,”
restaurant/bar afford
LeFrak explained
panoramic views
nonchalantly.
of the ocean and
With the
Miami skyline), a
crystal ball
spa and a fitness
that only an
center. Word
investor of his
has it that there
caliber holds,
will also be two
LeFrak anticipated (correctly) that the absorption rate would pick up a heck of a lot sooner than many underlings in the business had thought.
top-tier restaurants, one by Top Chef judge and James Beard award-winner, Tom Colicchio, who will preside over every naturally sourced dish. For a little bit of healthy
A few years passed and LeFrak bought out the
competition, STK will be brought in to infuse the
former Gansevoort on Collins Avenue with the
place with some tantalizing cuts.
idea of completely transforming it into 1 Hotel
In a day and age when a piece of South Beach
& Homes South Beach. “Over $100 million (on
is getting ever harder to carve out, 1 Hotel &
top of the $230 million spent on the acquisition)
Homes South Beach has snatched up not 200 or
has been invested into the property. And in just a
300 feet of it but 600 sandy feet. “A lot of sand,”
few months, the overhaul will be complete,”
you say? This is going to be huge is what we say.
he explained.
“I like big developments, and this is one that
“Sustainability is something we are commit-
people from the world over are buying,” smiled
ted to,” said LeFrak. “We will make sure 1 Hotel
LeFrak. So with ‘1’ in the final throws of construc-
& Homes South Beach is LEED-certified and
tion and gearing up for a November move-in, we
reflects the same attitude in design.” Energy ef-
are all wondering if LeFrak has got something else
ficient casement windows and sliding glass doors
up his sleeve here in Miami or if he’ll be headed
as well as eco-friendly wood choices will look ever
back to NYC after the project is said and done. It
more silky than one could have imagined. That
appears that pleasant surprises await, and LeFrak
is where Brazilian designer Debora Aguiar came
hinted that, “I’ve got something bigger than 1
in to render interiors from woods, washed fibers,
Hotel & Homes South Beach, just a bit north, but
and copious beiges for a feeling that encapsulates
I can’t spill too many secrets.” What a tease, but
the spirit of the beach and nature. Interior de-
then again, this is sure to be worth the wait.
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
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A D DIT IONS
BATHROOMS AT THE RITZ-CARLTON RESIDENCES, MIAMI BEACH
THE LOBBY
HOTEL AMENITIES WITHOUT THE HOTEL GUESTS Lionheart Capital conjures up the second in a series of ultra-luxury branded residences right in the heart of Miami’s Mid-Beach area.
CULINARY FARE
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W
What’s the best part about staying in a hotel? A
taking the guesswork out of just what to put down on
South Beach, to which residents will have their
Ritz-Carlton hotel that is? - The service and ameni-
the concrete, and will feature a specially designed line
private property boat taking them through the intra-
ties. You really can’t beat upscale attendance, since
of Boffi kitchens to round out the build. Residents
coastal in luxury style and flair.
it will leave you feeling as though you didn't truly
can look forward to top-of-the-line Gaggenau ap-
live prior to having your concierge or personal
pliances, which by the way will include a gas range,
of its condominium units, remember, it’s surrounded
butler arrange for your every move. But aside from
a small tidbit that seems to be the exception in the
by single family homes - i.e. nothing clogging those
the little luxuries that will come as second nature at
mostly electrically powered world of Miami ovens.
360 degrees, it will also offer 15 single family homes
the Ritz, it’s the impeccable training of the high-end
It will be something that the MasterChef-watching
dotted around the building. These will be stand alone
While the development offers stunning views out
hotel staff that makes every day
villas that will, “have the full
just a little more blissful.
services of a condominium,” and
So, what better way to bring
they’ll boast their own private
said bliss to your daily routine,
pools that will actually be built to
than to create the concept of a
come right into the living room.
Ritz-Carlton-managed con-
Sounds pretty... wonderful!
dominium residence without
Residences range in price
the actual hotel attached to it?
from $2 million to $20 million+,
That’s exactly what happened
and should you be in the market
with Lionheart Capital’s latest
to buy an extra guest suite within
Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami
the building, there are 11 of
Beach to rise nine stories above
those, you could go ahead and
the residential neighborhood
snag one of those up as well.
of Mid-Beach, Miami. Having
Would certainly be a great way
already garnered huge success
to put up those guests who might
with a similar development in
want to stay with you, but not
Singer Island, Palm Beach, the
actually stay with you.
folks at Lionheart knew that this
This property, “will be appeal-
one would be a winner and decided to transplant the
amateur cook inside of you will most likely put to
ing to not only international buyers looking for their
concept to an otherwise very gated community.
good pan-wielding use. Should you want to try said
second and third homes,” as Sternberg detailed, “but
“What’s unique about our project is that we are
culinary exploration al fresco you will do so in your
also to a lot of local buyers who are already living in
not a hotel and residences,” said Lionheart Capital
designated summer kitchen that may well grace the
Miami Beach and have been looking for a new and
Founding Partner and CEO Ophir Sternberg. “A
oversized terraces offered in most of the units. As for
modern full-service condominium or single family
hotel component adds an element of transience
interior freshness, ceilings will hover pretty far above
home in a non-transient neighborhood.” There you
with guests coming in and out, checking in, etc. We
you with an average ceiling height at about 12 feet
have it. Hotel living without the pitter patter of actual
are providing the luxury of Ritz-Carlton services
and a penthouse ceiling height of up to 20 lofty feet.
hotel guests. Ready to check in?
but on a purely residential scale.” A residential
The amenities of the property will have you
scale that will provide, “possibly the most amenities
singing just as many odes to service as that last stay
anywhere on Miami Beach.”
at your favorite hotel did. There will be a private
Since, the neighborhood was pretty determined
screening room, the ubiquitous gym and spas with
about retaining a low density, luxurious feel to the
jacuzzis and pools, and of course a dog grooming
environs, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach
station for pooch to get that much needed up-do for
will offer fewer units with, you guessed it, a larger per
a weekend about town. Residents will look forward
unit foot print. As such, the average square footage
to an in-house restaurant plating up organic and lo-
per residence will lie somewhere around 3,500 square
cally sourced fair to their fellow residents and guests
feet with several of the 111 condominium resi-
only, while the Ritz-Carlton concierge will take care
dences offering spacious four and five-bedroom floor
of any and all other matters to be. “We chose the
plans. Speaking of floor plans, thanks to a uniquely
Ritz-Carlton,” explained Sternberg, “because we
designed building, there will be a whopping 60 dif-
think they did an amazing job providing service at
ferent layouts to choose from, making pretty much
our property in Singer Island, Palm Beach. Resi-
every unit unique in its own right. Residence sizes
dents constantly rave about the level of service and
will vary from two-bedroom units with a footprint of
training the staff receives.”
just under 2,000 square feet on the smallest end to
Sitting right on a lake, yes there’s a lake in the
six-bedroom units and penthouses that will boast a
middle of Miami Beach and yes we had no idea
whopping 10,000 square feet and up.
either, the property will also offer 36 boat slips to
With Italian architect and designer Piero Lissoni on board, the units will come pre-floored throughout,
EXCLUSIVE SALES AND MARKETING BY ONE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY AND PREMIER SALES GROUP.
accommodate schooners up to 40 feet in size. There will be beach access through the Ritz-Carlton,
PARTICULARS RITZ-CARLTON RESIDENCES, MIAMI BEACH PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
Mid-Beach 111 Condominium Residences, 15 Single Family Homes 2,000 - 10,000+ square feet 2016 The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach service/concierge, 36 boat slips, dog grooming station, pool, spa, private screening room, in-house restaurant
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
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Privileged LIVING A D DIT IONS
With just eleven units to pick from, 101 Key Biscayne promises to be the limited edition item on this season’s list.
COZY GET-TOGETHERS AT ONE OF ONLY ELEVEN PRIVATE UNITS
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What if you could have all that Miami dynamism on a secluded island paradise? This be reverie no more. A few lucky buyers who grab one of Eric Soulavy and Oscar Segall’s highly sought-after 11 units, yep that’s it, at 101 Key Biscayne can. This is a paradise found – in the quaint but sophisticated Village of Key Biscayne. The oasis
Not only is it hard for buyers to get a piece
captures perfection in the form of a family friendly,
of this pie, it is difficult for developers to get a
tranquil retreat with Miami on demand, topped off
permit to build here, which is what makes 101 Key
with suave architecture by Gabriel Lopez.
Biscayne such a feat and such a haven. With some
The idea for 101 was conceived by Soulavy of
of the most acculturated residences in or around
R.E.A.C., whose business-savvy instincts told him
Miami, Key Biscayne offers sport enthusiasts the
even in mid-crisis that, “this place was way out-
Crandon Park Tennis Center and Golf Course's
side the danger zone.” With a background in the
demanding greens. Wondering about school for the
automobile industry, Soulavy (the former CEO of
kids? Key Biscayne has both the best public and
Bavarian Motors Venezuela, the largest partner for
private schools around and, “is so safe that kids can
BMW in South America) only needed to convince
ride their bikes to class,” enthused Soulavy, who
Segall to bring his vast experience to the table. “After
resides on the island with his family. On top of it
a little persuasion from Eric, whom I really admire
all, Miami is virtually within a stone’s throw (or 15
and trust and a good look at the property, I was sold
minutes via the Rickenbacker Causeway).
on the idea,” remembered Segall (a veteran residen-
“One of the really great things about Key
tial developer who founded Klabin Segall SA in São
Biscayne is that it is a golf cart community,” ex-
Paulo, which went public in 2006).
plained Segall. In lieu of this, 101 will provide both
Segall and Soulavy enlisted Lopez to bring in a
110-volt outlets for golf carts and 220-volt outlets
tropical contemporary aesthetic that infuses Asian
for cars. “It is this type of meditative application
influences to compliment the neighborhood’s bal-
that has allowed us to sell so quickly,” added Segall.
anced framing. “Given that the majority of our
Sadly for us potential buyers, there are only three
buyers are Venezuelan, they really want the option to
units left. After breaking ground last September,
customize,” explained Soulavy. “We have three layout
the completion date has been set for December
options for each unit and an onsite decorator on
this year. The duo has actually cut off sales for the
hand.” In addition to the Ornare kitchens that will be
remaining units even though they would, “probably
complimented by Miele dishwashers and Sub-Zero
sell out right away,” as Segall noted.
appliances, upgrades will be readily available. The spacious units will run between 1,848 and 1,949 square feet, all with nice, sizable exterior terraces between 335 and 550 square feet. Price points
PARTICULARS 101 KEY BISCAYNE PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
Key Biscayne 11 Residences 1,848 - 1,949 square feet late 2014 Rooftop lounge, BBQ, open-air yoga studio, 80-foot lap pool
start at $1,740,000 and top off at $2,290,000 and all units will boast 10’6” ceilings and two to three bedrooms with an option to allocate a separate living space for service staff. “Beyond the beauty of Key Biscayne, we also wanted to bring in some really thoughtful amenities,” Segall noted. And what could be better than an 80-foot lap pool on the roof that beckons residents to enjoy a swim and a Key Biscayne crimson sunset? If laps aren’t your
This initial collaboration is offering the
thing, you can’t argue with their fitness center and
privileged few exclusive first or second homes in
open-air yoga studio. After an invigorating workout,
a superb location. Watch out for what these two
the rooftop lounge and barbecue facilities will let you
eagle-eyed developers are going to hone in on
kick back, entertain, or romance at night on the crisp
next – it is sure to be one catch that only the early
amenity deck that will be set atop the fourth floor.
birds get their talons on.
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
43
A D DIT IONS
WHEN LIFE IS
ONE LONG
VACATION CHC is ready to bring Floridian beach life to your daily reality.
THE COSTA HOLLYWOOD CONDO RESORT TO GO UP IN HOLLYWOOD NEXT YEAR
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I
“I’m trying to create the new Lincoln Road,” said Costa Hollywood Condo Resort (CHC) developer Moses Bensusan when discussing his grand plans for Hollywood’s soon-to-be hippest residential and nightlife destination. Quite the endeavor, we thought, until we saw just what he had in mind. Needless to say, the plans are grand, the reality is even grander. Spread across two ocean and intracoastal-fronted towers in Hollywood, Florida, CHC will be the place where your holiday never ends. Overselling it? Nope, we don’t think so. “Currently we have beautiful restaurants, nightlife and ambiance concentrated around the southern part of Miami,” said Bensusan, as he explained that CHC will bring said ambiance and vibrancy north to, “those living in Sunny Isles, Aventura, and so forth.” With famed hospitality and entertainment authority Michael Capponi on board as the team’s nightlife ambassador, CHC will bring five top quality restaurants to the neighborhood, as well as a rooftop infinity pool that Bensusan likened to a “Gansevoort-reminiscent atmosphere.” There will be a courtyard connecting the bar and restaurant areas large enough to host your most intimate 350-person event, while one of the five restaurants will offer glitzy panoramic views of the intracoastal and beyond. But better yet, the street-level end of things at CHC will be made up of 45,000 square feet of commercial space, offering aforementioned “new” Lincoln Road convenience at just an elevator ride away. Flanking all this is of course the wonder that is the 2.5 mile
PARTICULARS COSTA HOLLYWOOD CONDO RESORT PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
Hollywood Beach, Florida 307 units 500 - 1,500 square feet, excluding the penthouses 2015 45,000 square feet of commercial space, boardwalk, in-house bar, 5 top restaurants, gym
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
45
A D DIT IONS
long boardwalk just outside the literal and figura-
to accommodate 307 units. Prospective buyers
we sneaked those in there), is the plus of the
tive door. With events and on-goings stretching
will have their pick between studio and three-
rental program offered by CHC to make use of
from day to night, it will be the main part of the
bedroom units, as well as everything in between.
empty nests. Whenever an owner is out of town
CHC R&R treatment.
Kitchens will be done by Italkraft and sport
and would like to still profit from the unit at a
Now that you’ve heard about the fun things
Miele appliances. Another fun tidbit that is sure
monetary level, he or she may offer it up into the
around the property, let’s get into what the
to make the buying process less convoluted is the
rental program to reap the cash rewards. Should
units have to offer. CHC has allotted six floors
lack of decorator ready units within this build,
said program not tick your boxes the right way, the unit is just as effortlessly withdrawn from the pool. Sounds easy enough. As for the other accoutrements the units offer, buyers will delight in space-age add-ons from their valet experience all the way to making dinner reservations for two. Bensusan did his research when picking the Boomerang name to feature as CHC’s valet service. “I shopped around,” he said slyly. “We’re on the ocean, so corrosion is an issue. This is a robot on concrete. It takes your car, puts it on a receiver and the robot comes, lifts your car and places it on a concrete slab.” Sci-fi ears
as interiors will be finished in neutral Italian-
must be ringing. Apparently there will be ten such
designed tones featuring a fun hint of red. Come
robots, prompting Bensusan to pledge that, “you’re
again?! Among a sea of bare-boned condos be-
not going to wait for your car. It will be in front of
ing offered to designer-crafty Miami buyers these
you in two to three minutes max.”
days, it even came as a surprise to us to hear of
Once finished in early 2015, the units will also
finished units for sale. “You go in and it’s like you
come fully iPad automated, meaning that you can
go into your apartment,” said Bensusan. “Why
call said car from your unit, arrange for your din-
complicate life? I’m here to facilitate people’s
ner through your iPad, and have access to any and
accessibility to their properties.”
all other aspects of your home at the nifty touch
Once purchased, the units are sure to remain as value added. Aside from the highly affordable $220,000 - $800,000 price points (see how
of a finger. CHC’s top floor will boast 36 penthouse units, which Bensusan has been pretty tight-lipped about so far. It’s safe to say that they’ll probably knock
“WHY COMPLICATE LIFE? I’M HERE TO FACILITATE PEOPLE’S ACCESSIBILITY TO THEIR PROPERTIES.” - MOSES BENSUSAN 46
9FI5TH.COM
your socks off, and do so at a reasonable price tag of roughly $1 million. Costa Hollywood Condo Resort in Hollywood, Florida will be the start of a national and perhaps international brand. So, keep your eyes open, the next CHC will open its glam doors in sunny California, but more on that later.
A D DIT IONS
WHERE YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL
PARTICULARS 1010 BRICKELL
EXTERIOR OF PROPERTY
48
9FI5TH.COM
Brickell PLACE 352 Residences PROPERTY 852 - 2,800 square feet PLANS 2016 PERIOD Hammam, climbing walls, PERKS wristband entry system, infinity-edge pool, mini golf, rooftop running track, open-air theater, indoor basketball court, bowling
With prime location and all family members catered to, 1010 Brickell let’s you have your cake and eat it too!
Brickell to be the sort of place you can enjoy
Prices start at roughly $550,000 for an 852–
yourself, while also having the peace of mind that
square-foot one-bedroom apartment, ranging to
a long-term commitment requires. With individual
$3.5 million for one of the building’s two amazing
elevators straight to all of the front-facing apart-
penthouses. Ardid pointed out that, “when people
ments, opening directly to your personal parking
are buying they are thinking about reselling or
garages, residents can slide smoothly from the
where their lives may be heading,” noting that a lot
breathtaking elegance that is Miami, to the cool
of developments are “cool on paper but, while they
calm of their home.
may be fun for a few years, in the long run, if you
One of the key concepts of the development is
are looking to buy, it is not what you want.” After all,
Right in the heart of one of Miami’s most happen-
that it provides a true oasis for children and families
an apartment in Miami is no small investment.
ing districts, 1010 Brickell has been on fire. With
with endlessly entertaining facilities for kids and
With this in mind, 1010 Brickell is designed
awesome amenities including a fully-wired confer-
“grown-up” kids alike! As Ardid pointed out, 1010
as a location with resale value and of-
ence center with complete receptionist service, an
Brickell is the only development in the area catering
fers the flexibility to raise a family
infinity-illusion pool, and a glass enclosed Jacuzzi
to the family market. “It’s either us or us,” he joked.
and pursue a career. An invest-
overlooking the incredible scenery of Biscayne Bay,
“We are completely family-oriented and we are
ment in the future as well
this new development will take full advantage of its
feeding a market that hasn’t been fed.” What’s more,
as the present, 1010
fantastic setting. The building caters to families and
thanks to the innovative wrist-band system that will
Brickell is not just a
singletons alike but developers Key International
be installed in the building, which will make sure kids
building but a
& 13th Floor Investments recognize that investing
do not stray from the play areas without supervision,
lifestyle.
in property is no small thing… a sentiment that is
parents will be able to take advantage of the BBQ ,
reflected in the building itself.
terrace, gyms and spas, knowing their children are
Step into the lobby and you will instantly be
watched over by the private staff. With features like
moved by the organic, earthy feel of renowned
a glass-walled gym, so that parents can keep an eye
artist Lucas Jaramillo’s ornately-designed wood
on their kids while they’re working out, 1010
carvings, combining cutting-edge elegance with a
Brickell provides the security and the range
harmonious lifestyle that understands the impor-
of amenities that means you can enjoy
tance of both family and community. Take the
family life to the max. With dry and
elevator up to the hammam, with its enviable range
wet play areas – including spouts
of spa treatments and therapies, have a go on the
and water slides – a Nintendo
climbing walls or relax in the treetop lounge, play
station, foosball and table
on the bowling lanes or mini golf course, or swim
tennis, this building
in the infinity edge pool. Oh, and don’t forget
contains neatly
movie nights and football screenings at the open-air
separated
movie theater. The building also boasts an 11th
havens for
floor outdoor jogging track on its terrace and a
all.
swimming pool with retractable glass roof – you can run and swim in the heart of Miami, with incredible views, free from the rush of the city, only a few stories below you. And then there is the location. Inigo Ardid, Vice President at Key International, observed that, “there are probably 40 or 50 restaurants within one mile of the building.” At the same time, while it is great to have all this at arm’s length, Ardid considers that not everyone will necessarily want to take all of it home with them. “We think it’s cool to have it nearby but not in the building… what we have is a club at 1010 – an activity center for everybody.” A family business dating back to the 1970s, Key International has purposely designed 1010 SPRING/SUMMER 2014
49
A D DIT IONS
MARVELOUS VIEWS AT BAY HOUSE
SITTING AT THE DOCK
OF THE BAY
Family-run Melo Group introduces yet another fine Addition to their already impressive Edgewater roster.
KICKING BACK IN THE SOCIAL ROOM
50
9FI5TH.COM
LOBBY AND EXTERIOR AT BAY HOUSE
PARTICULARS BAY HOUSE MIAMI PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
I
If you take a walk through Miami’s newly posh
Edgewater 164 Residences 1,771 - 4,000 square feet 2014 Rooftop pool, gym, sky pool deck, media room, club room, business center, gym, social lounge, children’s room
The major thoroughfare of Biscayne Boule-
to private seven-foot terraces, as well as imported
East Edgewater neighborhood you may find your-
vard runs alongside the bay, and minutes away are
stone countertops, Italian cabinetry, and private
self craning your neck to gaze upon the plethora
the glitzy high-end shops of the Design District,
and semi-private elevators.
of luxury towers soaring above, glittering under the
catering to the neighborhood’s ever-growing luxury
sun. Odds are that whatever high-rise you’re gawk-
market. "It's a very nice area to live in, in terms of
plex’s sky pool deck, chill out in the social lounge,
ing at was built by Melo Group, run by a dashing
the views, location, and accessibility," said Martin
media room, or pool club room, get some work
Argentinian father and sons trio.
Melo. There’s more demand for upscale housing
done in the business center, and keep fit in the gym.
now, and the Melo family is only too happy to
Bay House’s younger occupants will be served by a
nature white cowboy hat, moved to Miami from
fill that niche. "Edgewater is changing, and we're
children’s and teen’s playroom. For parking, there’s
Buenos Aires more than a decade ago with his sons
changing with it. We're making it change too,"
a five-story garage with 24-hour valet service.
Carlos and Martin. They started buying up afford-
added Martin’s brother Carlos.
Father Jose Luis Melo, often seen in his sig-
able land and building properties in pre-gentrified
The Melo family’s latest endeavor, Bay House
Residents can also enjoy the view from the com-
The complex has plenty of common areas for only 164 units. "That's what makes it luxurious - a
Edgewater, which was a much more modest place
luxury condos, will be their tenth residential tower
lot of space," said Carlos, emphasizing tranquility.
back then. Since then there’s been a remarkable
in Edgewater, and is scheduled for completion at
"It's not as crowded as buildings that have 600 or
transformation. East Edgewater has become one
the end of this year. Though construction has just
1,000 units. It's more family-oriented."
of the premier live-work neighborhoods in the city.
started on the 38-story complex, eighty percent of
Despite the soaring prices, buying a place is still a
the 164 units are already sold, including two of the
the family firm. "We are a vertically integrated
bit easier on the bank account than Downtown or
three double-story 4,000-square-foot penthouses
company. What this means is that we're the
in Brickell.
for some very lucky buyers.
designers, the architects, the contractors, and the
Situated alongside the bay just north of Down-
The units, which either have three bedrooms or
town, the district is just a stone’s throw away from
two bedrooms and a den, are starting at just over
some of Miami’s top destinations for shopping,
$500,000, and go up to $2.3 million ranging in size
eating, and culture. There are the Shops at Mid-
from 1,771 square feet to over 4,000 square feet.
town, the trendy Wynwood Arts District, Mar-
For these prices, residents of Bay House will
He went on to point out other advantages of
developers. This reduction in overhead means we can be more competitive." The family loves Miami, and has several more apartment and condominium projects in the works. "The city of Miami is a development friendly city.
garet Pace Park where you can catch the trolley
get to enjoy breathtaking views of – you guessed
We've done a lot here already, and we feel very
going south, and plenty of museums, art galleries,
it – the bay. The units are decked out with floor-
comfortable here," Martin said. “There’s always
and other fun stuff.
to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors leading
something new happening.”
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
51
A D DIT IONS
DUPLICATING SUCCESSES
DINING AT ECHO BRICKELL
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PMG’s Echo Aventura and Echo Brickell resonate in tune with Miami’s upscale living needs.
I
If the thought of designing your own penthouse
to the desired heat. “We’ve made deals with the best
sounds cool, then Property Markets Group is making
furniture companies and have about 20 package
it both fun and really classy. Here in Miami, PMG
options; if you want Fendi or Artefacto furniture,
has two exemplary properties in the pipeline, Echo
you can choose it right on the app,” said Maloney.
Aventura and Echo Brickell, where they are finessing
The beauty is that the concept is entirely cohesive;
everything from conceptual design with Carlos Ott
the pre-selected interior upgrades are the result of
to interior design by the likes of yoo Studio and
the adept eye of Carlos Ott in collaboration with yoo
Yabu Pushelberg. These Echo locations will create a
Studio at Echo Brickell and with Yabu Pushelberg
perfect developer-ready suite and then let you play
at Echo Aventura. “Carlos is amazing, he can really
with an app that allows you to add in, change and
work with materials to make some beautiful state-
upgrade materials such as Brazilian wood, marble
ments,” said Maloney. “He has powerful design ideas
slabs or even furniture to taste. Between purchase
but he is also malleable and very good to work with.”
and your move-in date, all you have to do is open
Echo Aventura’s gentle curves and 11 floors of
an app, make your selection, and sleep tight till your
bravura are set for completion in early 2015. With
sheets are laid out exactly as the doctor ordered. Like
five acres of land and 190 units (18 of them pent-
the sound of PMG now? We’ll ‘echo’ that.
houses) that range from 1,500 square feet to 4,020,
“Echo is a brand we have designed for Miami,”
unit prices run from $500 per square foot to roughly
stated PMG Founder, Kevin Maloney. The flavor of
$900 per square foot. The conceptual designs engi-
Miami is being infused into every ingredient so that
neered by Carlos Ott and stunning interiors by Yabu
selections between artisan oak linen wood and oak
Pushelberg make for touches that magnify the beau-
slate wood will let you spice up your master bedroom
ty of life in Aventura. If you were wondering, life at Echo Aventura means bay front terraces of over 500 square feet and indoor appliances decked out in Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Miele. Along with the simplic-
PARTICULARS ECHO AVENTURA PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
Aventura 190 Residences 1,500 - 4,020 square feet 2015 Expansive grill on terraces perfect for BBQ enthusiasts, serviced suites
ity of buying, upgrading and owning, residences at Echo Aventura will come with breathtaking views and include concierge services and valet parking. Just across the street is one of the best schools in Florida for those looking to move their kids and their living standards to the front of the class. PMG is not only raising the bar with design and simplicity, but also trends in Miami real estate. With the 57-story tower on Brickell Avenue, PMG and partner JDS are setting a new precedent for quality in the neighborhood to, “create a very boutique style residence option,” enthused Maloney. Some similar concepts to Echo Aventura will be incorporated, like the intuitive app that will allow buyers to select and upgrade interiors, but it will also ensure spacious and state-of-the-art living spaces unique to Brickell Avenue. Echo Brickell will feature 180 residences
PARTICULARS ECHO BRICKELL PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
Brickell 180 Residences 760 - 4,300 square feet late 2016 Apple Smart home technology, charging stations for electric vehicles, robotic parking system
between 760 and 4,300 square feet (penthouses will be located on the top 10 floors) priced an, “average of $1,200 per square foot, with the upper units being more and the lower units a little less,” as Maloney put it. The residences will feature gorgeous Biscayne
MUSE
Bay and city views, convenient Apple Home technology (letting you control sensory experiences
ment was well chosen. Maloney and PMG have
like lighting and music with your iPhone) and 10 to
built a reputation around the country by finding dia-
14-foot ceilings. Complimenting the curve of the
monds in the market, but Echo is doing exception-
tower’s Ott-designed façade will be interior designs
ally well. Banking on these successes, PMG recently
from yoo Studio, another first-time collaboration
launched their fifth development called Muse in
that is sure to tease the town with an immaculate air
Sunny Isles. If the current two are any indication,
of expression.
Muse will be yet another phenomenal Addition to an
It’s not surprising that the former banker’s invest-
already impressive roster.
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
53
A D DIT IONS
NUMBERS GAME 9fi5th takes a look at another NINE, namely that of NINE at Mary Brickell Village.
PARTICULARS NINE AT MARY BRICKELL VILLAGE PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS CENTER OF IT AT ALL AT NINE AT MARY BRICKELL VILLAGE
54
9FI5TH.COM
Brickell 390 Residences 744 - 2,078 square feet 2014 Private park, enclosed dog-run, gym, club room, direct access to Mary Brickell Village
also bring in some tasteful accents. “NINE will offer that lifestyle, with its one-acre amenity deck of epic proportions,” distinguished Lynd Jr. And right the man is; located on the 11th floor, NINE’s amenity deck will have a private park with linked terraces, as well as what Lynd Jr. described as, “a kind of secret Zen garden, where people can sit in the
WARM LIVING QUARTERS
peaceful vegetation that will provide a sense of privacy in nature.” For those looking for just a little more action and a little less thoughtful meditation, there will be an outdoor bar and food preparation area and also an enclosed dog-run for the animal lovers among us. The amenities list just goes on, from the gym dressed in Precor, to the lounge and the clubroom. But Lynd Jr. drew our attention to a few key points of the project – the accessibility to the Metromover and Metrorail stations, Mary Brickell Village itself, as well as VIP-entrance to the exclusive Grand Bay Club on Key Biscayne. “We have chosen our location very well,” said Lynd Jr. “Brickell is here, you can toss a stone to Brickell City Centre, and we also have
POOL DECK AT NINE
M
great protected views. Furthermore, a Publix Super Market and an LA Fit-
“My father reluctantly let me join
completion date set for the end of
residents direct access to the village
ness Signature Club are at the base of
the family real estate business, but
this summer,” said Lynd Jr. With a
and panoramic views of Brickell
the building – amenities that no other
under three conditions,” remem-
fantastic record of delivering luxury
and beyond.
building in Miami offers.” To put the
bered Michael Lynd Jr., CEO of
multi-family residences, a high-end,
LYND. “First, he would pay me a
high-rise condominium project was
three-bedrooms, sized between 744
than skin deep, Lynd Jr. called in Nick
whopping $20,000 a year, second,
just their cup of tea. The project
and 2,078 square feet, all with sizable
Luaces Design Associates for some
I wasn’t going to invest any of his
was originally conceived to deliver
balconies while the top two floors of
interiors that speak with an urban
money nor would he introduce
rental units, but was adapted to
the building will be solely devoted
sophistication. NLDA is well known for
me to any investors, and third, he
quench a rapidly recovering Miami
to NINE’s 24 penthouses. Price
their modern sensibilities in works like
said he would not do a stitch of
market thirsty for luxury condomini-
points will run between $400,000
the St. Regis in Bal Harbour.
work.” Today, things look a whole
ums. LYND teamed up with LNR
and $1,200,000 for these decorator-
lot brighter for Lynd Jr. who, along
(now Starwood) and BlackRock
ready units and each unit will feature
is intense, there are a lot of great
with his brother, turned his father’s
Realty Advisors as their partners
the very latest in technology and
projects going up,” complimented
reluctance into gold (oh, and dad
and secured debt financing from
aesthetics; from the spacious walk-in
Lynd Jr., “but I am really proud of
does do a bit here and there). LYND
Wells Fargo to deliver 390 luxury
closets to the kitchens decked out
what we are doing, it is special.” It
is coming back to South Florida
units spread over 35 floors. To
in modern, European cabinetry,
seems like Florida is in Lynd Jr.’s
from San Antonio to claim a piece
bring in that 24-hour lifestyle that
stainless steel appliances, and quartz
blood (maybe because he was born in
of their birthplace with a project
we all come to Miami for, NINE
countertops. For a bit of added
West Palm Beach), but so is real estate
called NINE at Mary Brickell Vil-
will make the commute to Mary
comfort, residents will find floor-to-
development. For those of us who like
lage, a follow-up to their massively
Brickell Village so easy it can be
ceiling sliding-glass doors and sound
amenities done up and done right,
successful EnV Chicago.
done by elevator, as the 35 stories
reducing, impact-resistant glass. The
this is one that is giving us the whole
will elegantly rest atop Mary Brickell
well-chosen imported porcelain tile
NINE, plus one acre – and if you are
Village while the pool area will offer
flooring in a wood-grain finish will
wondering, that makes a perfect 10.
“We have contracts on 65 percent of the condos here, with a
The units will range from one- to
finishing touches to beauty that is more
“Competition here in Miami
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
55
Privacy RIGHT A D DIT IONS
ON THE BEACH
BEACHY SURROUNDINGS AT BEACH HOUSE 8
Boutique development Beach House 8 offers seclusion surrounded by city life.
S
Sometimes it’s hard to decide to take
apartments in Beach House 8, and
with a backyard, except your back
might just draw you in. And while
a few days away at the beach because
each residence occupies its own floor
yard is white sand and crystal clear
Morabito may have left Italy behind,
you don’t want to miss what’s going
with the penthouse topping out the
waters. Beach House 8 is surrounded
he’s filled these interiors with the
on in the city. But what if your whole
top two floors. You won’t have too
by greenery and carefully groomed
finest Italian stone and wood. “It was
life was just Beach House relaxation
many neighbors, which is exactly
lawns, while situated right on the
important to bring in all this Italian
within walking distance of urban
how Morabito wants it. “I have a lot
water without any other buildings
quality,” he said. What materials for
buzz? Usually quite the achievement.
of friends who have apartments in
crowding into your personal space.
the interiors were not imported from
But while the residences in Morabito
beautiful buildings in Miami, but they
Properties’ new development, Beach
don’t like running into 15 different
with an emphasis on peaceful retreat
Morabito had to think about it: none.
House 8, will be as spacious and
acquaintances from the building every
and access to the breeze. “We have
“Almost everything, I guess, is made in
high-end as any apartments you’ve
time they go to the pool or beach,” he
outdoor space attached to the resi-
Italy,” he mused.
ever imagined, with walls for win-
said. Morabito knows that real luxury
dences ranging from 1,400 to almost
dows and nothing but big blue ocean
comes not just from ample square
3,000 square feet,” said Morabito.
craftsmanship. “Our furniture is made
to stare at from morning to night, the
footage, a picturesque swimming pool,
“There are very long balconies
in Florence by this little old man,” said
real appeal of this boutique build is
and top-of-the-line Italian marble
because of the architecture of the
Morabito. And it’s that personal touch
the opportunity to live in seclusion in
(although Beach House 8 has all of
building.” The penthouse has almost
that makes it the best. “They have this
the heart of Miami.
those things). You also might need
6,000 feet of balcony space, and
love and passion for what they do, and everything is handcrafted,” he said.
“It is a different lifestyle from
Everything has been designed
that beautiful pool to feel like a peace-
that’s before we even start talking
the other stuff on the beach, and
ful sanctuary that’s there just for you.
about the outdoor terrace or the
that was the intent - to create
“What differentiates us from anybody
rooftop pool.
something incredibly private,” said
else is the fact that we are very exclu-
Valerio Morabito, head of Morabito
sive,” said Morabito.
Italy you wonder? When pressed,
We are talking real old-world
Beach House 8 seems to be offering the very best of life on the
With all that room to lounge with
beach, with all those special little
the sun on your face and the wind in
touches that allow a really perfect
It’s not just the limited number
your hair, you might never want to go
home to turn everyday life into
you have this striking building, all
of units that make Beach House 8
inside. It’s going to be difficult though,
everyday holiday.
intersecting rectangles and glistening
seem so secluded and homey. Along
because these spacious residences
glass, all to yourself.
with the building, you really get a
are beautifully designed to integrate
lot of beach. It’s like having a house
with the view and the outdoors. They
Properties. You’ll be able to feel like
There are only nine floors and 8
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9FI5TH.COM
EXCLUSIVE SALES AND MARKETING BY ONE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY.
A D DIT IONS developer IT’S A BIRD, IT’S A PLANE, Project Louis Birdman
NO IT’S ZAHA HADID-DESIGNED
ONE THOUSAND
M U S E U M
enlightens us to why bringing in a woman architect truly pushed the boundaries of this space-age build.
PARTICULARS ONE THOUSAND MUSEUM PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
LIVING AT THE TOP OF ONE THOUSAND MUSEUM
58
9FI5TH.COM
Downtown 83 Residences 4,600 - 10,000+ square feet 2016 Aquatic center, roof garden, helipad, concierge services, 2-story health spa, first purchasable Zaha Hadiddesigned property in the USA
If there is one residential develop-
to 16 feet deep and account for roughly
ment in Miami that will inspire
15% of total residential space.
excitement among buyers,
Price points start at a not so
investors, and aesthetics
modest $4.9 million for the
enthusiasts alike, it is One
smaller half-floor units and
Thousand Museum by
make their way to $6 mil-
Zaha Hadid Architects.
lion for the larger ones.
This six-star property
The 8,000-square-foot
represents the coming
duplex units will set
together of luxury,
you back between $8.5
cutting-edge design,
million and $10 mil-
and even celebrity
lion and should you
glamour in the form
have your eye on the
of internationally re-
almost 10,000-square-
nowned British-Iraqi
foot full floor units
architect, Zaha Hadid.
you’ll dip into $12.5
The result has been the
million to $15 million
creation of a truly unique
of your funds. Last but by
and multi-purpose complex
no means least, we’ll give
in the city’s downtown Bay
you a quick price check on the
Area. And judging from the
duplex penthouse’s 16,000 square
interest the project has attracted
feet of space-age grandeur, which
from buyers and architecture buffs
will be priced at around $45 million.
alike, Louis Birdman, one of the project’s leading developers, has indeed found a sweet spot in Miami’s real estate market. “This is one of the most important sites left to be developed in Miami,”
But the luxurious residential units, which start on the tenth floor, are just half the story. What’s the other half ? Well, it centers on the building’s 30,000 square feet of luxury communal areas. Engineering standards have been reinvented
mused Birdman, “and a great site deserves a great architect.” And as we’re
to maximize open communal areas by spacing the building’s columns up to
on great architects, let’s give you a peek into Zaha Hadid’s creative workings.
40 feet apart – rather than the 24-foot Miami standard – and by incorporat-
With a wide array of commercial and institutional projects spanning the
ing these supporting structures into the building’s exoskeleton.
many metropolises and hamlets of this world, One Thousand Museum will
The two-story amenities area at the top of the tower will feature an
be Hadid’s first undertaking in Miami and her first purchasable work in the
aquatic center, garden areas, event spaces, and a helipad with accompany-
USA. Sound exclusive enough yet?
ing concierge service. A two-story health spa on the eighth and ninth floors
Looking out over Miami’s gravity-defying skyline, the One Thousand Museum tower will stand out in a class of its own. “We wanted to bring a woman’s touch to the Bay Area,” explained Birdman. “Zaha’s style is simul-
will house a second pool. The lower floors will boast a business center and ample commercial space for restaurants and other facilities. But the most noteworthy characteristic of the communal areas has
taneously organic and also futuristic and we like to think that this project
been the effort made to match One Thousand Museum's own exte-
has brought something entirely new to Miami.” The sensuous curves of the
rior style with interior substance. Numerous open spaces are designed
building’s exoskeleton certainly look the part.
to serve the artistic cause, including art galleries, multi-purpose event
Standing 709 feet and 62 stories in height, the massive build’s 83 units
venues, and even a theater. The project’s location just off Museum Park
are far fewer than the 200 or so that could have been squeezed into the same
mirrors the tower’s artistic leanings, seamlessly combining sophistication
space. “We specifically set out to develop large units with plenty of space that
with modern comfort and style.
would set a new standard for luxury in the market,” said Birdman. Of said 83 units, four are two-story duplexes, two are penthouses, and
“Miami is the Ground Zero of condominium development, and always has been,” said Birdman, “but even though lots of fads have come and
most of the rest each cover half a floor at a modest 4,600 to 4,800 square
gone, there has not been much real innovation in recent years.” The One
feet with no expense having been spared on the trimmings. High-end kitchen
Thousand Museum project promises to shake up the market and set a new
installations such as induction hobs and porcelain flooring are standard is-
standard in luxury living and architectural design. We’d guess the stylish
sue. Residents even have a choice of custom-made 12.29 scents. A whiff of
appeal of Zaha Hadid’s design will prove to be only the beginning of a
freshly baked croissants to wake you up in the morning? Perhaps. Most likely
new chapter in the city’s contribution to residential design.
though, an idea better suited to the confines of this 9fi5th editor’s mind. Luxurious balconies with breathtaking views of the Bay Area will be up
EXCLUSIVE SALES AND MARKETING BY ONE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY.
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
59
A D DIT IONS
THE SANDS OF TIME Eastview Development and GTIS Partners bring buyers a manmade beach away from the Beach in East Edgewater.
F
Fresh faces shine brighter in opportune places and one of them is storming East Edgewater with the very first Beach Club in Miami. Taylor Collins and Reid Boren of Eastview Development along with GTIS Partners are riding into town with a 51-story, 399-unit development and a private beach up their sleeves, promising to have our well-heeled New Yorker friends falling head over heels for this new property in town.
PARTICULARS BISCAYNE BEACH
With a superstar cast featuring celebrity designer, Thom Filicia (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy), BC Architects, and WHLC Architecture, it is hard to
PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
imagine that Eastview Development and GTIS Partners, “would have been able to pull this off without letting egos get in the way,” laughed Boren. The residences at Biscayne Beach are set to be endowed with the best features in the district, from Miele appliances to Snaidero cabinetry, all of which work with a timeless glamour that harkens to a classic, Mediterranean style. At center stage is Filicia, “who is able to dazzle audiences with his repertoire of subdued minimalism,” revealed Collins. Such a
60
9FI5TH.COM
BISCAYNE BEACH
East Edgewater 399 Residences 800 - 7,500 square feet 2016 Man-made beach, pool tables, 2 tennis courts, basketball half-court, great room, fitness center, spa, library
city and ocean views can also be had from inside the residences, with the floor-to-ceiling, high-impact glass windows and sliding doors installed in each. “We will run the gamut in size from our smallest one-bedroom apartments starting at 800 square feet to a penthouse of almost 7,500 square feet. The average, though, will be at about 1,200 square feet,” said Boren. A few lucky owners will, “grace what we call sandcastles in the sky, which will sit at the very top of the 51 floors,” said Collins. These six toptier penthouses will re-set the standard for contemporary luxury, modestly boasting rooftop garden-terraces and summer kitchens for a true home in the sky. All of the suites at the Biscayne Beach Residences will have ceiling heights that best the competithoughtful selec-
tion, starting at 9.5 feet and reach all the way up to close to 20 feet, an apparent luxury that Boren and
tion of warm,
Collins feel is all part of that, “sophisticated home
natural tones will
that spares nothing.” The statement holds equally
render the Biscayne Beach Residences a living space, not a meeting place. Eastview Development & GTIS Partners are not afraid to bring some jaw-dropping special effects in and will feature aforementioned very first Beach Club in Miami to complete
true for the amenity deck on the sixth floor, which will add another gorgeous pool for good measure as well as two tennis courts, a basketball half court, an indoor/outdoor great room with a library and pool tables. “We will have valet parking, a concierge, fitness center, spa and a salon on the lobby-level, all designed to ensure that this lifts East Edgewater to new heights,” said Boren keenly aware of the dramatic upturn taking place in the quarter. As Miami’s Design District really comes into its
the set. “The first thing
own, all of those New York and South American
that people think when they
hipsters will be hitting the nearest beach. It’s time
hear Miami is the beach, but
to start thinking, “East Edgewater.” The Biscayne
that was spoken for years ago,” said
Beach Residences will be the nearest beach-access
Collins. “We created a man-made beach
point from the Design District, linked to Related’s
on Biscayne bay because we felt it was really
projects and other projects to the north and south
important as an exceptional amenity,” explained
by way of the bay walk. It seems these guys are
Boren. With 344 feet of land that romances the
very well connected for newbies. “In 120 days, 60
water and beautiful white-sand to accent Filicia’s
percent of our units were spoken for,” said Boren.
Mediterranean-inspired Beach Club and restaurant,
“We have seen quite a few younger buyers from
Eastview & GTIS have created something irresist-
South America, New York and the Northeast, with
ible. In addition to direct water access, there is the
a number who are just looking to move out of South
convenience of an L-shaped infinity pool to provide
Beach,” divulged Collins.
just the right touches of style and expediency. “Being
It seems that those prep courses have paid-
new to the area as developers, we were aware that we
off and if the initial reviews are any indication,
would have to really give an unbeatable audition,”
Biscayne Beach Residences and East Edgewater will
said Boren.
be a blockbuster before the premier in 2016. This
The 399 units will range from $500,000 to almost
is one fresh flick that will be hot enough for a date
$10 million, but all will enjoy waterfront vistas from
night and safe enough to take the kids to – all the
their 8-foot deep terraces. Best of all, the sweeping
while dramatically raising the bar for Edgewater.
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
61
A D DIT IONS
CREATING THE DREAM, FROM BEGINNING TO END J. Milton & Associates take care of your every possible need before, during, and after the purchase of your condominium.
W
When J. Milton & Associates President of Con-
PARTICULARS PARQUE TOWERS KIDS WILL HAVE FUN IN PARQUE TOWERS' PURPOSE-DESIGNED KIDS AREA
PLACE PROPERTY PLANS PERIOD PERKS
Sunny Isles 300 Residences 1,850 - 8,000+ square feet 2016 Concierge, butler, kids room, 5 pools, theater to seat 22, game room, wine & cigar lounge
THE PARTY ROOM TO HOST YOUR CLOSEST FRIENDS
“You will go in and see quality that doesn't
your kids are about to be very entertained.
dominium Development Yosi Gil told us that the
exist anywhere else,” said Gil when describing
firm is, “all inclusive, all in-house,” he certainly
the backlit onyx slabs that will grace the walls of
be on hand, should you need reservations made,
wasn’t yanking our chain. Turns out, pretty much
Parque Towers’ modern lobby. 300 three-bedroom
or would just like to plan your grocery needs
any and all needs related to that unit of yours are
units will find space in two separate towers of 150
prior to arrival. “The concierge will literally do
managed and looked after by the large umbrella
units each.
anything you need. Anytime,” said Gil with a
that is J. Milton.
A dedicated concierge and personal butler will
While most of these units will be offered designer
reassuring smile. Not to stop there, Parque Tow-
With decades of rental and condo expertise
ready, J. Milton being the all-in-one kind of develop-
ers will also indulge residents in a sunset room, a
weaved right into the family-owned and operated
ment firm it is, will also offer fully finished units, and
theater to seat 22, a game room with all kinds of
firm, J. Milton & Associates properties not only
in fact has already sold a great chunk of these as it is.
tech goodies, and an entertaining space to host
Kitchens will feature high-end brands like Sub-
your 200 closest guests for a not-so-intimate sit-
dot the Miami skyline, but hold their own, years down the line. “We sit for hours before we launch a
Zero and Bosch, while the bathroom renderings,
project and apply what we think the market wants
quite literally made us gulp in excitement. The units
to see,” said Gil. And what does it want to see?
will range in size from 1,850 square feet to a sizable
that Parque Towers will also give guests the benefit
“Today the market wants to see service. That’s why
2,500 square feet, with penthouses offering any-
of an in-house restaurant where the first $1,000 of
we came up with the concept of the six-star con-
where from 4,000 lofty square feet to 8,000 square
your meal expenditure is actually covered by your
dominium.” J. Milton’s latest in Sunny Isles gems,
feet. Aside from affording twice the legroom and
monthly maintenance bill.
Parque Towers, to rise right next to the developer’s
then some, the eight penthouses will also indulge
previous build St. Tropez will be connected by the
their owners in private roof deck swimming pools,
home, buyers can also delight in the benefits of 14
same base of retail and commercial space, and of-
just in case the whopping five pools that will be avail-
hotel guest suites on site, which means that guests
fer unparalleled service and quality at an unbeliev-
able throughout the development are not enough.
will be able to stay in their own personal hotel suite
able price. Just how unbelievable? Well, the solely
The family oriented Parque Towers will also
down dinner. “We go the extra mile,” said Gil, as he explained
Once signed and ready with a three-bedroom
when coming to visit.
offered three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath units
come complete with not only a kids room, but with
With a projected finish date of early 2016,
at Parque will start at a comfortable $800,000 and
climbing gyms, bike areas, a kiddie pool, and a club
Parque Towers will bring you plush living at an
make their way up to about $1.5 million.
house for your wee ones. We can safely say that
unheard of price point.
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9FI5TH.COM
AT HOME
64 EXCLUSIVE WALK-THROUGH
68 BROKERS' ROUNDTABLE
Bringing you waterfront paradise with this Key Biscayne stunner.
Take note. Here’s what Miami’s most seasoned real estate brokers have to say.
EVENING VIEW FROM 9 HARBOR POINT
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
63
AT HOM E
Key (to the)
Biscayne castle
Bringing you waterfront paradise with this Key Biscayne stunner. THE KEY BISCAYNE PROPERTY IN ALL ITS GLORY
64
9FI5TH.COM
it is a rare day when we don’t hear someone yearn of owning an island. And every time it gets our imaginations going. You too? But then some naysayer comes in and argues islands are not all they are cracked up to be – there are the logistical challenges and all (see Tom Hanks in Cast Away) and then the daydream stops. But what if we said Key Biscayne is every island lover’s dream come true – comfortably close yet wonderfully far away from Miami. And there you go again, but this time you find yourself on (cloud) 9 Harbor Point in a very beautiful little musing….
LOREM IPSUM DRIVING UP TO OPULENCE
It starts in a car just as the driver slows down to approach a property called 9 Harbor Point. In just moments, Architect Cesar Molina’s inflections start to whisper to you with a fusion of historic and modern shapes and hand-carved wood as you curve up the circle drive to the covered parking area. Stately, while quaintly charming, this vernacular home incorporates traditional influences and materials sourced from Biscayne Bay’s rich past.
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
65
AT HOM E
With a lovely detached garage that affords plenty of space for the collector in you to stow four of your favorites, the landscaped grounds are a testament to the beauty of the tropics. The car stops and the door opens. Your feet make their debut on the finely cut marble walkway leading to the main entrance and you wonder, EVENING ENTRANCE
“could this Be mine?”
CITY VIEW
Upon gracing the foyer entrance of this two-story masterpiece, the cohesion between indoors and outdoors is unmistakable, yet inside you notice fittingly finer cuts and polishes in the marble and wood. You move into the living room with a double-high ceiling and wood floors that lead effortlessly into the main dining hall, but that Biscayne Bay sunset arrests you for more than just a minute with westward views of the waterfront from the living room.
DINING ROOM READY TO HOST
As you move through the living room and into the main dining hall, ample space and abundant light radiate from behind the French doors. Glimpses of greenery from the outside provide sweet reminders of the tropical seclusion that is 9 Harbor Point while the dining room begs the question, “what extravagant evenings and dinner parties lie in your future?”
Hints of oregano and olive oil rouse your culinary instincts and you hurry up to inspect the cooking facilities. Your investigation reveals a kitchen more than competent for both your chef to whip up un dîner-spectacle and a cozy dining area to breakfast with the kids. The expansive gas range and marble floors provide an impressive elegance while the professional feel of a respectable kitchen is evident.
9 HARBOR POINT KITCHEN
THE MASTER BATH
But on to the bedrooms you saunter – of which there are not four or six but eight including one in the separate guesthouse. Entering the master bedroom on the second floor feels more like the ‘west wing’ of the home, complete with a large and comfortable sitting area, terrace and en suite bathroom, all topped off with presidential bay views through large, impact-glass windows. Elegant electric shutters, Lutron lighting and climate control add an air of modern comfort to the historic flavor of the rooms, “The perfect blend of past and present,” you confirm.
MASTER BEDROOM FIT FOR A TROPICAL CASTLE
You make your way back downstairs and toward the lawn, you can’t help but notice the generous serving of bathrooms – eight full bathrooms and three half bathrooms, all-told. Each boasts slightly different fixtures, but all offer an impressive level of comfort and style that speak to the “no expense spared” mantra of the home. As you sweep through the
But it was all just a dream, right?
French doors that lead to the out-of-doors, you are greeted by the welcome sight of a private beach and dock on 100 feet of waterfront. Now that the sun
No, in fact ONE Sotheby’s
has almost set, the exterior
International Realty has just
lighting subtly begins to
tipped us off that this is in
illuminate the lawn, pool and pavilion almost inviting you to stay the night…
fact a dream come true for THE EVENING BECKONS
a lucky buyer – and they are listing it. The 15,213-squarefoot interior space that is 9 Harbor Point turns out to be very real indeed and was built in 2007. The price of the dream is set at $27 million. Not bad for something that money usually can’t buy, wouldn’t you say?
GLAMOROUS BACK OF THE PROPERTY
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
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BIG TIME BROKERS TALK PROPERTY GOLD Take noTe. Here’s wHaT MiaMi’s MosT seasoned real esTaTe brokers HaVe To say.
ONE THOUSAND MUSEUM
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ONE SOTHEBY’S
velopers to their vision to the location. It is an extraordinary and stunning construc-
INTERNATIONAL REALTY:
tion in a beautiful residential neighborhood, it has 12-foot ceilings, and is just special.
9fi5th: Miami is enjoying a bounce-back from 2010, do you think that prices will
9fi5th: What buildings do you think will be the most attractive when
continue to escalate?
they come up in 2015 and 2016?
Mayi de la Vega: There are sectors where
Mayi de la Vega: One Thousand Museum and the Ritz-Carlton Residences,
prices have not reached their potential. There
Miami Beach are both incredibly chic and contemporary developments. For the
are also pockets like Mid-Beach that have not
beach area, Beach House 8 will be an exclusive boutique oceanfront develop-
fully taken off. Some are really booming like
ment. In Fort Lauderdale, which is a booming market for the first time in a
South of Fifth. There you have a really con-
while, Privage will be the first luxury boutique project. Brickell City Centre is
centrated boom with $2,000 per square-foot
also going to be moving toward a more contemporary flair.
prices and then you go to Mid-Beach and find growing numbers. If you take an area like Gables Estates in Coral Gables with their big homes and large
9fi5th: The developers at Biscayne Beach are doing a totally new thing;
lots you see prices between $800 and $1,200 per square foot. This shows that
they are bringing in a man-made beach. Will this be a trend or will it be
the international audience has a real attraction to the Miami market.
a one-off where Miami adopts more of a New York style of living?
9fi5th: When you do your inventory and start looking at these projects
Mayi de la Vega: It would be great if it could be both, but I do think that Miami
that you have coming up in 2015 and 2016, how do you monitor? How
is heading toward a New York style of urban living. I would also say that Brickell
do you filter?
and the financial district are going to become more important thanks to the many restaurants and the walkability of the neighborhoods. You have Zaha Hadid’s One
Mayi de la Vega: When I look at Brickell Avenue, the Downtown area, and
Thousand Museum and the West Center Hub, the park and the Frost Museum of
the financial district, there are a lot of projects coming on-line, but the standout
Science. This cultural hub and the 10 to 30 acres behind the Hadid building will be
projects are those where the developers have the resources. Brickell City Centre
a plethora of retail, hotels, and conference centers. It is really going to change the
will be the predominant project in the Brickell corridor. They not only have a
atmosphere. This whole city will be using taxis a lot more, just like in New York.
retail component but also are doing it right with capital at the foundation that will enable them to withstand any turbulence. It comes down to the developer
9fi5th: Are we going to see an improvement of the public transportation
and the product and we know Swire will deliver.
system, with subways and so forth? Mayi de la Vega: I believe so. Cabs are going to have to function a lot more like they do in New York. You should be able to get from Brickell Key into Brickell in two minutes with a cab. PREMIER SALES GROUP: 9fi5th: You focus on developments. Working together with developers you take care of onsite sales and marketing as well as predevelopment planning. Can you give us some insights on the RitzCarlton Residences, Miami Beach? Laurie Ingber: Well, first of all, it’s not just us; it’s a collaborative effort with a team and our global marketing partner One Sotheby’s
9fi5th: Is that something that you educate your clients on?
International Realty. It was a very unique piece of property, set in a prime residential neighborhood, away from the
Mayi de la Vega: It is imperative. We really like to put our clients into a building
tourists and the crowd, but with amazing ocean, lake and city views.
where we know investment is going to be secure, the building has been constructed correctly, and will be completed. The equity must be in place. When you look at
9fi5th: We had no idea! Lake Surprise?
new products coming up in the South of Fifth neighborhood, you see that they have already sold. On Mid-Beach, you have the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami
Laurie Ingber: It’s quite expansive and beautiful. At The Ritz-Carlton Residences,
Beach for whom we are global marketing partners along with Premier Sales Group.
Miami Beach, we are bringing together the best of the best - a connoisseur property.
I want to buy there; it is such a phenomenal project from the architecture to the de-
You can’t get a more storied operator than Ritz-Carlton and we’ve combined
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THE RITZ-CARLTON RESIDENCES, MIAMI BEACH
that with internationally acclaimed architect and designer Piero Lissoni. Add in
ments changed the area. There used to be low-rise motels, today it’s a completely
phenomenal landscape architecture, Boffi kitchens and baths, the finest stones and
different place. That’s a story of a city that has undergone significant change.
finishes, and the best in the appliances, that’s what stands out. When you’re in this $2 million plus price point, you want each residence to feel unique. With over 60
9fi5th: What changed? Why did people start to flock there?
different floor plans, there is plenty of room for individuality. For instance, we have
Carolyn Block Ellert: One developer started to buy up or already owned those
a Piero Lissoni-designed residence that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. We also
hotels, and started to develop them. The area had beautiful beaches and before
have options for those buyers who are looking for something a little more like that
long, both developers and buyers saw Sunny Isles as a real opportunity.
single-family home feel, who want their stately master-suites on one side and their guest-suite on the other side.
DOUGLAS ELLIMAN: 9fi5th: Douglas Elliman has made some 9fi5th: Are there any previous huge trends
very interesting and forward thinking
that were expected to really grab buyers’
strides in the real estate buying and rent-
attention but are now not selling as well
ing process, tell us more.
as they should? Jay Parker: We’ve invested an extraordinary Laurie Ingber: There are certain trends, like
amount of money and time into developing
finishes, brands, that go in and out of style.
technology platforms that will enhance our abil-
Carolyn Block Ellert: We’ve seen a design
ity to control the market, which we believe is
shift. We’ve gone for a more simplistic and
driven by listings. Our website captures its users
elegant approach to design. You see a different trend in bathrooms, for instance. A few years ago, it was all about the tub. Today you see a bigger trend toward wet-rooms, where the shower has become a focal point
and information in a very secure and respectful process, so that when listings are entered into the databases, we have the ability to directly connect to the buyers that have been searching for that product. For example, if you were looking for a two bedroom/two bathroom South of Fifth,
as opposed to the tub. Now you see showers in secondary bathrooms. Yes, it’s
we would know the dynamics of your search pattern, how often you were on
still important to have a tub, but it’s about the shower with the rain heads and
our website, what buildings you were looking in, and what price points you were
having it feel more spa-like. Another shift is the smart controls with iPads and
looking for. Based on that information, if anyone lists a property that meets your
wireless functions. Trends are constantly changing and we try to differentiate
criteria, you’re immediately notified.
between what the market wants versus what they really need. We find having a Ritz-Carlton grill is a great feature. What could be better than having a bite to
Ask Elliman has been extraordinarily successful. We have approximately 1 million users per month.
eat with the Miami skyline in the background? Also popular today is having access for food delivery, such as farm fresh produce that residents can sign up for.
9fi5th: With all these new developments going on, are you worried there’s going to be another bubble?
9fi5th: What about Miami and Fort Lauderdale merging into one large city? Jay Parker: No, and I have good reason! Inventory’s low, days on market are Laurie Ingber: Fort Lauderdale and Miami each have their own, distinct
short, prices are rising, there’s a lot of new inventory coming to market, but the
culture. There’s a different demographic. Fort Lauderdale is more laid back. I
international environment has produced an extraordinarily conducive market
don’t think you’ll see Miami merge like that.
for South Florida. There’s a capital flight out of Europe, China, Brazil, and the
9fi5th: Was Sunny Isles this developed 5-10 years ago?
down here in fleets. So will the market stabilize? Maybe. Will prices level out?
New York market, where continually increasing taxes are driving New Yorkers Who knows. But to consider this market as one that would bust is unreasonLaurie Ingber: Five years ago for sure. Between 1995 and 2005 the new develop-
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able. Nobody’s going to walk away from a 50% deposit. These are people that
can afford to close in cash. To create a bubble, you need artificial growth. The
58 flow-through residences from 3,500 square feet to over 7,000 square feet
growth we’re experiencing today is palatable.
of livable space with deep terraces. The site is two blocks away from Bal Harbour Shops and we are offering five-star services, have a private restau-
9fi5th: Who are most of your buyers? Where are they from?
rant on site with service on the beach, by the pool, and to the residences. The Arquitectonica-designed landscaping at the back of the building is
Jay Parker: New York. The number one transfer of wealth in this country is
phenomenal with lots of water. Diversification was the key to success in sell-
from New York to South Florida.
ing out this project. I sought out different international clientele in Europe
Currency’s going to be a big question for us. As the currency markets fluctuate, it’ll either result in an influx of foreign investment, or we’ll miss it. If currencies are
and Latin America and targeted certain niche clientele who wanted to enjoy the Miami lifestyle.
as volatile as they seem right now, if they adjust fast, it might hinder the ability of those foreign investors to invest here. If the adjustment is slower, foreign money will
9fi5th: So it’s not about living here, it’s about enjoying the lifestyle?
pour into the United States quickly. They’ll want to diversify. The Euro is getting pounded. The Brazilian economy is suffering. There’s a little stabilization in Latin
Monica Venegas: It’s about enjoying the lifestyle at one of their vacation
America, we’re starting to see more Colombians, more Venezuelans, Brazil has suf-
homes worldwide. Miami is one such destination where buyers like to come and
fered but those Brazilians that have their money here are reinvesting it. Foreigners
spend time two, three times a year. To capture this, I really focused on the cli-
are looking for new ways to invest, they’re looking to increase their investments, but
ents’ needs by changing the floor plans and customizing the residences for them.
ultimately we’re seeing New York. They don’t want to pay high sales tax, they don’t want to pay high prices for private schools, and they want a better lifestyle.
9fi5th: Does an international client require different things from a local client and if so how?
9fi5th: And what about current hot spots - where are buyers looking now?
Monica Venegas: They are looking for a development that can offer the same level of service as they have in their own countries. It is about the level
Jay Parker: I would say one of the most interesting changes in Miami Beach
of service and quality even though it’s a vacation home and I really focus on
is the movement north. Alan Faena has basically created his own city in that
providing that.
region. Usually the high-net-worth sophisticated buyer was only interested in South of Fifth, now buyers are not afraid to go into the 30s and 40s on Collins
9fi5th: Château Beach has great amenities. What do you think is the
Avenue. The Edgewater, Midtown, Biscayne corridor has become a livable, de-
stand-out amenity with Château Ocean? What really draws buyers in?
sirable option where historically it simply didn’t exist. These micro-markets are
Is it the location?
swiftly becoming real epicenters. Then you’ve got Midtown, which has become a tremendous success. That part of Miami has become compelling to full-time
Monica Venegas: It is 300 linear feet of oceanfront development for just 58
residents. Miami’s changing. You can work from anywhere. You can communi-
families to enjoy the lifestyle. It offers privacy complimented by a level of services
cate via Skype, video technology, anywhere in the world. Why not live in what I
and amenities found at superior five-star hotels, and is set among unique landscap-
perceive as the Monte Carlo of America?
ing with reflecting pools in the background. It’s like living in their own palazzo. As a developer, Château Group has always created distinct residential buildings with
9fi5th: What are some of the pitfalls that you usually tell your clients to
the highest level of architectural design and a refined functionality, with a proven
avoid when they’re purchasing a second or third home?
record of 35 years.
Jay Parker: I usually recommend that people who don’t know the market explore
9fi5th: Are boutique developments the future for Miami?
it in a rental capacity. South Florida is very diverse. West Palm Beach offers an extraordinarily different lifestyle than South Beach or Miami. I caution people on
Monica Venegas: Yes, and I believe low density is the most desirable amenity
making decisions too quickly. You may have heard a lot about a particular region
developers can offer now. International clients love it.
and decided to move there. Coming to South Florida, renting for six months, seeing if it’s something you really like is a way to move versus just buying a property some-
CERVERA REAL ESTATE
where that you aren’t really sure about.
9fi5th: Can you tell us a little about the family dynamics of Cervera?
VENEGAS INTERNATIONAL 9fi5th: You have been immensely suc-
Alicia Cervera: My mom started the com-
cessful as the exclusive agent for Château
pany in 1969 and created a model of realtors
Beach and Château Ocean Residences. Tell
retailing buildings for developers. Prior to that,
us more about Château Ocean Residences.
when a developer launched a sales effort for a pre-construction building he would go out
Monica Venegas: I think Château Ocean Residences is going to be an amazing
and hire two or three sales people to work inhouse. They did not offer the level of expertise
project because we have 300 linear feet on
and broad international reach provided by Cervera Real Estate’s platform. In
the ocean with a development designed by
the 1970s, Miami was actually a very horizontal city and Mom had the vision
Arquitectonica. It is a 12-story building with
that this would one day be a vertical city. My mother had lived all over Europe,
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Canada, and even New York and therefore was used to vertical cities. She
DORA PUIG
approached Harry Helmsley, who was one of the biggest developers in the U.S.
9fi5th: You focus on condominium clients
and among his holdings was the Empire State building. He came to Miami
more so than pre-construction clients.
to build the Palace and my Mom wrote him a “Dear Harry” letter to tell him
Give us a quick tour of your market.
that she wanted to sell his building. They met soon after and while they were walking to the door, Mr. Helmsley said, “I like you, you are smart and hungry,
Dora Puig: When the market plunged,
and I want to change your life.” At the time, I was at university studying to be
my timing was great because I had just
a psychologist.
finished the Bath Club, a major project that was delivered at 100 percent closed.
9fi5th: What inspired the change?
New construction is a phenomenon that has come back from the dead in the
Alicia Cervera: I realized that I wanted to deal with the happy side of life. Real estate is in the DNA of our family. When we sit down we don’t talk
last year and a half in the market. My timing was fantastic and I really know high-end single-family homes.
football or baseball, we talk real estate. Growing up, my mom was always
No one buys condominiums out in California because of the earth-
working crazy hours, but we were really tight and even became partners. I
quakes. So that is really where my experience is, both in price points
started working for my mom and my daughter started to work for us. It is an
(as LA has really high prices, much higher than Miami) and with an
interesting and beautiful business buying a home in a AAA luxury destination
affluent clientele. I work eight days a week – like the Beatles. Over the
in one of the most magnificent cities in the world. On almost every street here
last seven years I have sold about eight houses in the Venetian Islands
is a building that we have sold and a family that is touched by that.
and I am the top producing agent in an area called Bay Point on the Miami side, which is fast growing. It is an enclosed, private community
9fi5th: Why is Miami becoming such a spectacular city and what did
that is very high-end while I am also doing a lot of North Bay Road
your mother see when she came here for the first time?
and now Hibiscus.
Alicia Cervera: The miracle of Miami is that it is very much like Manhat-
9fi5th: What specifics are clients looking for today in the super-
tan at the time of Ellis Island when all of the immigrants were coming. All of
luxury market?
these people brought different visions, different ideas and an intense need to do something. When one arrives to a new country he or she has to make their
Dora Puig: Three or four bedrooms with large units are more and
mark, it does not matter who you were, it matters who you want to become;
more sought after. High ceilings have become a staple; you used to be
the United States is inspired by this sense of being judged on your work and
able to get away with nine-foot ceilings, while today they are asking for
nothing else. There is so much opportunity in Miami and part of that comes
oceanfront views and sand. Design is another biggie. Amenities have
with it being such a young city.
always been a big player in my career and I have not seen significant changes one way or another, so the high-end buyer always expects
9fi5th: What did you learn from the recent bust and how has it
exquisite concierge services and proper amenities, tennis courts, mari-
impacted you?
nas, and so forth. Some clients want hotel services and that is different, where we take them to the W or the Setai because they are the buyers
Alicia Cervera: Well, it was not the first for us as we have seen Miami
who want a condo with a lot of hotel services and this is something that
weather some very troubling times in the early 1980s, in the days when OPEC
Miami is increasingly offering.
formed and the South American currencies devalued and then interest rates went to 21 percent. So, we’ve been through this before. My mom actually
9fi5th: What is that one ingredient that Miami still needs?
came to me and said, “If the banks hold, we will be okay,” but the banks did not hold. So we have to remember that the only people who delivered
Dora Puig: Miami could use more five-star hotels and better planning.
in the last cycle were the developers who finished those buildings and built a
Traffic is an issue in a town that is hitting puberty. The city has to work in
beautiful city and the realtors who kept working until the buildings were fully
better conjunction with the private sector in order to develop the traffic
occupied. The fact that the prices went down meant that people who would
and roadways. We should have a five-star water taxi service like Istanbul or
have otherwise been locked out were able to move into the city and this cre-
Venice; you should be able to go from Brickell to wherever with ease. We
ated a much more vibrant and fun place to live. It proved that if you build it in
need better urban planning and transportation, our Metromover doesn’t
Miami, people will come. The prices did drop, it is true, but they recovered in
go to Miami Beach. I think that the city and Miami Beach really need to
record time. So at the end of that cycle, we ended up with a city that was built
focus on that; we are getting world-class museums Downtown and even
and then inhabited by professionals because the rents were reasonable. On top
our Marlins Stadium is incredible. This supersonic architecture requires
of it all, we have a city that is completely under-leveraged given that almost all
that we become like Monte Carlo, where we can service mega-yachts. My
of those condos were closed with cash. When people would ask me if we had
understanding is that this will actually happen, and Biscayne, in front of
reached the bottom, if it was going to fall any more, I would say, “I don’t know
the museums, will turn into our version of Monaco. We are perfectly set
how you feel, but standing on dollar bills feels pretty solid.”
up for that and the tunnel will help alleviate traffic.
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VIEWPOINT: MONICA VENEGAS HEAD OF VENEGAS INTERNATIONAL, MONICA VENEGAS SHARES HER VIEWS ON MIAMI AND WHAT SHE FORESEES FOR THE PROSPEROUS CITY IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
E
veryone is asking where Miami is and where
Miami has proven herself not only to be the
ing 70 percent deposits. These are solid purchases
it is headed, so here it is in a nutshell: we have
gateway to the United States from Latin America,
that make for strong financial foundations and are
sun, white sand beaches, an abundance of in-
but also an extremely resilient city. Sure, 2008 may
quite conducive to peace of mind. Prices continue
vestors, and enough culture to blossom into a world
have been a setback, but Miami has rebuilt herself
to rise but the stronger groundwork and continued
capital, Brickell is solid and the Design District has
on a stronger foundation and we are talking cold,
demand have made for a city built on more than
authored itself in as the SoHo of
just rock ‘n’ roll and good market-
the South. All things considered,
ing. They indicate that we are
Vision 2020 is very much about
selling to real buyers.
the future and one that points
Wondering who is buying here
to the Biscayne Corridor where
in Miami? The doors to Latin
residents know, understand, and
America are open as wide as ever,
demand customized homes that
but a lot of Europeans (who would
offer carless transportation and a
not have come 10 or 20 years ago)
cultural fare that includes the best
are being seduced by the increas-
restaurants, museums, art galler-
ingly sophisticated art and cultural
ies, and a unique neighborhood
offerings. In the ultra-high-end
on call. Miami buyers are no lon-
real estate market, Miami ranks
ger buying only for investments;
fifth in the world and second in
they are people who want to enjoy
the nation after New York. Devel-
the lifestyle of Miami. The good
opments like the One Thousand
news is that this is a booming
Museum Tower by Zaha Hadid,
international luxury market – but
offer the possibility of units that
developers who want to deliver
occupy the entirety of a floor. It
will have to do just that, because
is alluring for Miami buyers but is
people who come to Miami have
something that will separate the
now learned what they want and
wheat developers from the chaff.
know how to get it.
This bodes very well for the level
Over the last ten years Miami
of quality that will carve out the
has come of age; the many dif-
future of Miami.
fering areas have accessorized
Miami is now and for the re-
her outfit well. The potential
mainder of the decade a safe place
may have always been there, but
to live, work and play but one
it took visionary Craig Robins to
where developers will face some
fight and bring in offerings like
fierce competition. Neighbor-
Art Basel and ambassadors for
hoods and carless transportation
the city like Venegas Internation-
are defining the city. Sure, public
al who understood how to sell the
transport does leave much to be
city – and who to sell it to – to
desired, but Miami-Dade County
really define her look and clien-
Mayor Carlos Giménez is a reas-
tele. By meeting the needs of our
suring force in pushing for an ex-
international luxury buyers with
pansive Metromover system. With
the amenities of a five-star hotel,
a bright future, Miami will only
ocean views, and interiors that are growing ever
hard cash… what is better than that? Take Châ-
need to cultivate each of its neighborhoods through
more mature, developers such as Château Group,
teau Beach Residences priced between $1.5 and
good policy and excellent development choices.
who can feel the client’s needs have been able to
$6 million and Château Ocean Residences priced
sculpt the city both culturally and architecturally.
between $5 and $20 million where buyers are pay-
– Monica Venegas SPRING/SUMMER 2014
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INSIDE
76 DACRA
80 ZELMAN STYLE INTERIORS
82 ROCHE BOBOIS
Design District developer Craig Robins talks vision, implementation, and favorite breakfast pastry.
Steven Zelman creates livable spaces that will stand the test of time.
With an impressive roster that hints at a lot of customization, Roche Bobois is the address for European furniture flair.
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ELASTIKA BY ZAHA HADID, MOORE BUILDING
INSIDE
DESIGN DISTRICT 6
5
NE 40TH ST.
12
9
NE 40TH ST.
13 10 15
NE 2ND AVE.
2
NE 1ST AVE.
4 NORTH MIAMI AVE.
3
NE 41ST ST.
NE 41ST ST.
11 7
NE 39TH ST.
14
NE 39TH ST.
1
I 95
NE 38TH ST.
NE 2ND AVE.
NE 38TH ST.
NE 1ST AVE.
NORTH MIAMI AVE.
8
I95
1 DACRA
6 U ZCA
11 R O L EX
2 C H RI STI A N LI AIG RE
7 AR M AN I/ CASA
12 CH R IS TI A N LO U B OU T I N
3 O RN ARE
8 POLTR ONA FR AU
13 LO UIS V U I T TON
4 AN I MA DO M US
9 CA RTIER
14 FEND I CA SA
5 ADR I AN A HOYOS Right in the heart of Midtown, Miami’s
10 PR ADA
15 M A IS O N M A RT IN M A R GI E L A
Hoyos’s intuitive relationship with texture and
and world-class art and interior design. But the
Design District is the vibrant driver of urban
color, the novel Italian designs available at
Design District isn’t just one of the very best
regeneration. It overflows with high-end furni-
Anima Domus, and the elegant interior solu-
places in America to go to outfit your home. It
ture showrooms, art galleries, antiques dealers,
tions offered by Ornare and UZCA. We got
is a pulsating urban hub of art and culture, and
architecture firms, and places to nosh on fine
the details behind the upscale sophistication of
Robins explained to us how a developer goes
food and drink. We toured the most sensuously
Armani/Casa and deconstructed the truly dis-
about not just erecting buildings and leasing
satisfying interior and furniture designers in
tinctive, unmistakably Italian chic of Poltrona
space, but bringing culture, caché, and liveli-
the District, to bring you design tips, notes on
Frau’s leather chairs and sofas.
ness to what was not so long ago a struggling
current and future trends, insight into what goes
Tying it all together is our exclusive Q&A
urban center.
into making truly luxurious sofas, tables, ward-
with the developer mastermind behind the
robes and chairs, and insider accounts of the
Design District, Craig Robins of DACRA.
sit, because the following pages will bring you
intimate and collaborative process of decorating
Robins shared with us the history of the few
face to face with the dynamic world of one of
and furnishing a home.
blocks of real estate that have transformed Mi-
the most influential and innovative neighbor-
ami’s Downtown and established it as a global
hoods in Miami, one which also happens to be
destination for unique and exclusive furniture
home to Miami’s most comfortable couches.
We learned about Christian Liaigre’s exquisite attention to perfect cushioning, Adriana
We’d suggest you find a comfortable place to
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
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LOUIS VUITTON STORE FRONT IN THE DESIGN DISTRICT
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9FI5TH.COM
INSIDE
divine design Design District developer Craig Robins talks vision, implementation, and favorite breakfast pastry.
Having started out in the late 80s focusing primarily on South Beach historic and art deco restorations, Craig Robins has become synonymous with Miami hip and chic as the frontman of the wildly popular Design District. We sat down with him to get a glimpse of what goes on in the mind of this master planner. 9fi5th: Art deco has really been brought back to life in Miami’s Design District. What was your vision? Craig Robins: When I came in, I felt that the South Beach scene really needed a place to grow and Miami needed a more sophisticated and creative laboratory. In the mid 90s I started to buy up properties in the Design District. I worked with Art Basel to collaborate on a lot of cultural events and eventually founded Design Miami in partnership with Art Basel. That was born in the Design District and we made it internationally recognized for creative content. In about 2007, I realized that we had succeeded in a really big way with furniture, design, art, culture and we were starting some restaurants. I thought that if we could also have fashion it would be a really powerful combination, so I brought in some fashion brands. It is a growing art, furniture, food and fashion scene.
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9fi5th: With the influx of all this
some very exclusive residential units
Craig Robins: It is growing at an
9fi5th: What makes Miami
fashion and lifestyle, do you
that will be in the tallest structure at
impressive pace and I think that
stand out in the art scene when
see a lot of shoppers from Bal
the heart of the Design District.
Miami is maturing into a much
it is compared to other metro-
more dynamic city of culture and
politan cities?
Harbour coming here? Craig Robins: Yes, I do. When
9fi5th: Sounds great, can you
affluence. Look at Art Basel and
Craig Robins: It comes down to
Christian Louboutin opened, a lot of
give us a little more on that?
Design Miami along with the Perez
the great collections here along with
Bal Harbour shoppers started to fre-
Craig Robins: There will be an
Art Museum that has just opened
the strengthening of the institutions.
quent the Design District. Then Louis
incredible restaurant that we cannot
up and the New World School of
The Art Basel Design Miami week is
Vuitton, Cartier, Hermès, Céline, and
announce yet, but it will be really im-
the Arts, the beautiful Frank Gehry
a really important contribution that
a few others closed in Bal Harbour
portant and “cool.” We are going to
building with all of the program-
Miami is making culturally. There
and that started to bring in shoppers
brand the hotel ourselves, it will not
ming there. These are just a few
are also a number of really interest-
as well. We have a lot of great brands
be the DACRA hotel but we (with
examples of the large number of
ing artists who live in Miami and a
like Prada and Maison Martin Mar-
our partners) will create a special
extraordinary things that are hap-
growing gallery scene, like Maman
giela that were already here. Rolex
brand specifically for that hotel.
pening in our city.
in the Design District. Markowicz
there will be about 60 stores open in
9fi5th: Are you also offering
9fi5th: Where did your personal
there is the De La Cruz, which is a
the neighborhood, and that is up from
residential units?
passion for art begin?
great non-profit space and a won-
15 right now. Impressive jump. We
Craig Robins: There will be 80 units
Craig Robins: As a child I liked to
derful gift from Carlos and Rosa De
have 15 buildings under construction.
with price points that are affordable
draw, but I really became interested
La Cruz to the city. I actually allow
for the luxury fashion clientele that we
in Spanish art when I studied in
my art and design collection to be
9fi5th: Can you name a few that
have, in line with what we are doing
Barcelona. I spent a lot of time at the
viewed by appointment. We also
are making their debut?
in art, design, and fashion. We expect
Prado Museum in Madrid looking at
have a robust public art and design
Craig Robins: Tom Ford, Tiffany’s,
to deliver at the end of 2015 or the
the Goya and Velázquez paintings.
program; there is a beautiful instal-
Miu Miu, Van Cleef & Arpels, Val-
first quarter of 2016.
In Barcelona, I got into early Picasso,
lation by Zaha Hadid as well as
just opened up. By the end of the year
is also a nice gallery here, and then
entino, Tod’s and several others. The
Dalí and Miró. These artists all re-
Mark Newson. This year we will in-
luxury fashion category is helmed
9fi5th: Let’s talk a little art. You
ally built up my interest in art and
augurate projects by Nate Lowman,
mainly by European brands more
co-founded Design Miami. Why
inspired me to start collecting in a
Konstantin Grcic, John Baldessari,
than American names.
was that an important step for
modest way as a college student.
and Buckminster Fuller.
the Miami art scene? And what 9fi5th: Who comes to these
was the impetus for Art Basel
9fi5th: What are some of your
9fi5th: Along with the hotel
shops and where are they from?
choosing Miami?
favorite pieces?
and condo units, do you have
Craig Robins: They are from all over
Craig Robins: I think that with
Craig Robins: I collect contempo-
any other exciting things com-
the world; it is a very popular place
South Beach, Miami was an Ameri-
rary art from all over the world, with
ing up?
for both people who live in Miami as
can city with a lot of sex appeal.
the aim of finding art that is interest-
Craig Robins: This fall, we have
well as tourists. We see a lot of Brazil-
Sam Keller, who was the director of
ing. One that I collect is Rirkrit from
another half-dozen great restaurants
ian and Russian clients but really
Art Basel at the time, realized that if
Thailand as well as Pavel Althamer
coming in.
anyone who is in town might stop by.
you merge this traditional, powerful,
and some great artists from New
and established art fair with the sex
York and California like Richard
9fi5th: Do you see this as a place
9fi5th: How do they find out
appeal Miami has, then you would
Tuttle and John Baldessari. I also
where people live and work or
about it?
get an explosive combination. It was.
collect pieces from European artists
do you want to keep it as more
Craig Robins: In addition to
After a couple of years of collabora-
from major cities. I try to find art
of a day/night time destination?
fashion, it has great restaurants and
tion, I realized that furniture was just
and furniture design that I think is
Craig Robins: The Design District
the most important furniture offer-
as collectable as art but no one had
important and is making a contribu-
was originally about showcasing
ings in the state of Florida. These
really showcased important collect-
tion to our time.
furniture design to the world and
restaurants are destinations in and of
able furniture to that same art-col-
themselves, and the buzz is growing
lecting audience. Many of the great
9fi5th: What does your house
I believe that the original names
organically as is the neighborhood.
design dealers from around the world
look like?
should always be kept even if the
approached me. I thought it was a
Craig Robins: It is a blend of mod-
times change; it is a really cool
9fi5th: What about residential,
wonderful opportunity and a chance
ern and contemporary art and design.
name to have even if it is a place
do you intend on bringing more
for Miami to make a statement that it
of that in?
was a city of substance.
Craig Robins: We want to start to
that is why it was named as such.
where people come to live and work 9fi5th: Do you travel to a lot of
as well. It was the only one that
art fairs?
was originally named as the Design
build some residential offerings as
9fi5th: How do you expect the art
Craig Robins: Well, I go to Art
District; a lot of people are copying
well as a hotel. We aim to provide
scene to evolve; is it sustainable?
Basel every year.
this now around the world.
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INSIDE
40TH STREET, NORTH VIEW. READY FOR A NIGHTTIME STROLL?
9fi5th: Was this what you
some stunning refinement. If you
We are naming it after the great de-
Craig Robins: Crumb and Parchment
envisioned?
want to get jewelry, there is Cartier
signer Giò Ponti, so it will be called
because they have such great baked
Craig Robins: Yes and no. I did
and Rolex and many more to come.
Paseo Ponti.
goods. I order something like a muffin
here would be coming but I never
9fi5th: Do you live nearby?
9fi5th: What do you have in
to MC Kitchen, Michael’s or Cypress
imagined that it would have so much
Craig Robins: Just a few
store for the landscaping?
Room. Cypress Room has the best ro-
success and it would be such a cata-
minutes outside.
Craig Robins: We hired a brilliant
tisserie chicken I have ever had. If you
landscape architectural firm called
go there, you will love me forever.
think that a lot of the things that are
and coffee or tea. For lunch I usually go
lyst for creativity. 9fi5th: So you walk here?
Island Planning Corporation and
9fi5th: What is your favorite
Craig Robins: When I am in the
the strategy is to plant hundreds of
9fi5th: Sounds good. What about
store to shop?
area I walk, it is definitely a place to
beautiful, mature specimen trees
your favorite place to go for
Craig Robins: I have a lot of
walk and you can also park your car
throughout. You can see the first
a drink?
favorites but Margiela is great. For
and walk around.
specimens on 40th Street now; they
Craig Robins: Oak Tavern is a nice
are all indigenous trees like mahoga-
place to have a drink. I usually order
ny that are from this area.
red wine.
women’s selections there are stores like Céline, Gucci, and Prada. Her-
9fi5th: How will the pedestrian
mès has some amazing things as does
streets evolve in the future?
Louis Vuitton. Berluti just opened
Craig Robins: We are setting up a
9fi5th: So where is your favorite
9fi5th: What is next for you?
their latest lifestyle store, the first in
new street that will be entirely for
place to eat breakfast and what
Craig Robins: A nap, a little yoga,
the United States and are offering
pedestrians minus the intersections.
do you order?
and this neighborhood.
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
79
I NS ID E
I!ERIOR PA"IONS Steven Zelman creates livable spaces that will stand the test of time.
S
diversity and depth of his vision, and because his easy going and
contemporary flair. After getting to know each
casual style make it a pleasure to do
individual client, Zelman does his
business with Zelman Style Interi-
research. His presentations include
ors,” said Jeremy Bedzow, developer
carefully planned layouts, render-
of the Privage project. “Our de-
ings, and other customized facets
velopment team continues to work
such as architectural details, fab-
with Steven because of his whole-
rics, furniture, and floor coverings.
hearted commitment to the job and
“Sometimes I get it 100% right,”
because he has proven himself fully
Zelman said, as was the case with
adaptable to the various needs and
a Brazilian football legend’s home
markets to which we cater.”
in Sunny Isles. “He was unsure of
Other recent commercial works
what he wanted. He knew it should
include revamping of the Palms
be inspired by his team colors,
Condominiums public spaces. These
which he had been wearing for
iconic, massive towers in their
20 years. I gave him a gorgeous,
outh Florida is no strang-
that is both cutting-edge and highly
bright salmon hue are viewed from
contemporary space and used those
er to luxury interior
personalized.
most anywhere on Fort Lauder-
team colors in a fresh new way he
design. The glistening
Whether it is an oceanfront
dale Beach. Zelman Style Interiors
hadn’t seen before.” said Zelman.
beaches and balmy air
penthouse in South Florida, a
gave the public spaces a boost into
“He and his family love their new
have always been a backdrop for in-
sprawling multi-level penthouse on
the 21st century with a carefully
space. My staff and I could not be
teriors as fabulous as their stunning
Lagos, Nigeria’s exclusive Banana
planned design that focuses on mar-
more proud of our creation.”
settings. What sets Zelman Style
Island, or an upscale New York City
rying the beautiful ocean views
Interiors apart from the rest is that
townhouse, Zelman is involved with
to timeless, clean interiors with a
interior designer Steven Zelman and
all aspects of a client’s project, and
his staff possess an uncommonly re-
truly designs to earn his clients love
freshing combina-
and awe for their
tion of approach-
space. “Many
ability and passion
designers come
for what they do.
up with grand
Zelman’s breezy,
ideas geared
laid-back style is
towards receiving
peppered with a
accolades such
drive for success
as magazine fea-
and a true willing-
tures,” said Zel-
ness to grant each
man. “I design to
client a unique ex-
give real people
perience. “Many
a spectacular
of my clients are
reality.”
friends,” said Zel-
Among
man. “They know
other projects,
they can count
Zelman is cur-
on me to receive
rently working on
the rare union of
public spaces and
personal touch,
private residences
honesty, and care
for Privage,
for their project.”
an exclusive
He encourages clients to do their
boutique building featuring $3
“homework” whenever possible,
million and up units that will boast
which includes cutting images from
exquisite views of the intracoastal
glossy magazines and forwarding
and the ocean in Fort Lauderdale. “I
him intriguing links, ensuring that
chose Steven as an interior designer
Zelman provides an incredible space
because of his impeccable taste, the
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Zelman’s design process time varies by project, as does project
INSIDE
“I DESIGN TO GIVE REAL PEOPLE A SPECTACULAR REALITY.” - STEVEN ZELMAN
CONTEMPORARY STYLE MIXED WITH OLD WORLD CHARM CREATE A GORGEOUS LIVING SPACE IN THE EXPANSIVE COUNTRY CLUB RESIDENCE
length. Projects frequently include
automobile brand transcended
furniture and built-in pieces
that luxury into furniture design.
custom-designed by Zelman and
Zelman looks forward to pairing
his staff. These pieces are then
the automobile inspired designs
manufactured with each client’s
with his signature contempo-
needs in mind. No attention to
rary flair. Select pieces from the
detail is spared. “We designed
furniture line will be on display in
a Sunny Isles penthouse for a
Zelman’s Sunny Isles showroom.
high-profile client. He wanted a
“Right now, people want white,
clean, white palette accented with
contemporary interiors, which
provocative, polished artwork and
are comfortable but still opulent.
a lot of custom pieces,” explained
Aston Martin’s new line of sleek,
Zelman. “After publishing just
streamlined furniture fits our style
one photo in a magazine, we must
like a glove.”
have gotten 50 calls the first week
Zelman is a world class design-
from potential clients wanting the
er who enthusiastically balances
same exact look!” Continually
work with family life. These days,
striving for individuality, Zelman,
when he is not designing posh
of course did not design the same
new residences such as a home in
thing for anyone else. Instead,
London’s affluent Chelsea area,
he welcomed and dazzled new
a penthouse on Brickell Key, or a
clients by giving them their own
mansion in St. Andrews Country
design identity.
Club in Boca Raton, he is spend-
Always an innovator, Zelman
ing quality time with his wife,
has now partnered with Aston
sons, and golden retrievers. In the
Martin to be their exclusive
words of Steven Zelman, “You
furniture dealer in South Florida.
can fake talent, but you can’t
Recently the luxury British
fake passion.”
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
81
I NS ID E
European GO-TO
FURNITURE FIX
With an impressive roster that hints at a lot of customization, Roche Bobois is the address for European furniture flair.
THE MAH JONG MODULAR SOFA BY MISSONI HOME FABRICS
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INSIDE
W
ith over 260 locations worldwide, an anniversary
cushions, and fabrics by Jean Paul Gaultier himself to create
bash to commemorate 40 years in the country, and
some very high-end style à la haute couture. This couch is
its first collaboration with an American designer
sexy enough to seduce just about anyone into its chic, armless
(hush, hush), French furnishing master, Roche Bo-
embrace. Prices run upwards of $30,000, depending on the
bois, has a big year ahead. According to Communications Di-
number of modules and selections.
rector of the United States, Julien Bigan, “Roche Bobois seeks
Those looking to capture a moment might perk up when
out the world’s best designers to deliver innovative furnishings
they see Nouveaux classiques’ slick pieces. Each work of art
that are sleek, homey, and very customizable,” and this year we
captures the essence of an era and then reinterprets it with
can expect some new blood. With showrooms that articulate
new finishes for an enduring allure. Take the Louis-Marie
the quality of European craftsmanship, our crystal ball hints
Table’s smooth, gentle curves, solid oak and linden on slatted
that they will be partnering up with a very lucky developer for
wood composition and a number of finish options that range
some very big projects before their golden anniversary…
from a hand-waxed shellac to aged grey antique.
“The three cornerstones of Roche Bobois are creativity,
Roche Bobois, “holds almost no stock at all because we
innovation, and quality,” galvanized Bigan. These are words
customize nearly everything for our clients”, said Bigan.
that ring true for both the Les Contemporains and Nouveaux
Given their leadership in high-end furnishings, it is impres-
classiques collections. Roche Bobois has a unique ability to
sive that they also update collections every six months. These
harness the skills of a number of veteran master designers
new collections always blend the latest trends with Roche
like Luigi Gorgoni and Hans Hopfer, but also of fresh faces
Bobois collections to bring about fashionable offerings that
from the industry to bring a piece for every home. “We fuse
keep up with the latest. That being said, they have teamed
this broad range of designers with exciting partnerships
up with Christophe Delcourt to bring in eco-friendly options,
like Missoni Home fabrics to come up with something for
handmade using timber carefully harvested from a sustain-
“WE FUSE THIS BROAD RANGE OF DESIGNERS WITH EXCITING PARTNERSHIPS LIKE MISSONI HOME FABRICS TO COME UP WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.” - JULIEN BIGAN everyone,” said Bigan. Customization can come from fabrics
able forest in France. Price points for these pieces are set a
(where Roche Bobois has partnered with aforementioned
bit higher than standard furnishings (sectional sofas start at
Missoni Home and Jean Paul Gaultier among others) or
$13,165). However, they are fashioned from environmentally
materials ranging from brushed stainless steel to perforated
responsible materials like PEFC wood and implement half-
composite panels. The real candy here is that prices are very
gluing molding options.
competitive for such high-end products and especially so if you are looking for that special something. “Les Contemporains focuses on avant-garde furnishings
“Roche Bobois is very popular here in Miami and Latin Americans seem to understand us very well,” commented Bigan, “but people come to us because they recognize and
while Nouveaux classiques puts a fresh twist on era-specific,
trust the brand. They may know us from New York or Paris.”
classic styles,” differentiated Bigan. The Mah Jong Couture
With such an impressive line and ability to aptly follow
modular sofa by Missoni Home might be the zestiest ex-
trends, it is no wonder Roche Bobois is the go-to-address for
ample with design by Hans Hopfer and materials, handmade
any European fix.
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
83
I NS ID E
Life TO BE LIVED IN Interiors guru Christian Liaigre brings comfortable, classic French elegance to Miami’s beachy chic demeanor.
C
hristian Liaigre is bringing that je ne sais quoi to
mixed with other products.” That means Liaigre showrooms
comfortable, you don’t have rows of
As such, Liaigre’s showrooms
chairs or sofas,” said Caillaud envi-
around the world are responsive to
are complete spaces, with pieces that
sioning a company philosophy that is,
their locations. In the new Miami
parable French elegance, infused
come together to transform whole
“best when we sell not products but
Design District
with an airy Miami sea breeze.
rooms. “You feel that you are entering
the brand environment.”
Created around rich textures,
a home, a place where you feel
Miami, a dose of incom-
exotic woods, and fine materials, Liaigre’s furniture pieces remind us of what, exactly, we should be expecting from anything that claims to be luxurious: it has to feel as good as it looks. Liaigre himself checks every sofa to make sure it meets his own (very high) standards of cushiness. “Christian tests every single piece prior to production,” company Président Christophe Caillaud assured us. This means paying such attention to particulars as to personally check that armrests are at precisely the right level, and seat heights don't disappoint either. Now that is what quality control should be. Christian Liaigre is not just the vision behind the company, he is intimately involved with the production of every piece. “Christian is still very hands on,” said Caillaud, “with the artisans, with production, and so much is finished by hand.” Liaigre is a man who thinks about furniture in the context of complete interiors, “Christian is an interior architect,” explained Caillaud. “Each piece of furniture is designed to be part of an environment and to be
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showroom, you’ll find designs created specifically to fit the loose, free-spirited vibrancy of the city. “In Miami, it is definitely more relaxed than in New York,” explained Caillaud. “It is very beachy chic here. You might find a sofa in a beige with very bright, floral printed pillows. We tend to inject more color,” he continued. To bring some extra Miami light and sparkle into Liaigre’s typically neutral color palette, wife Deborah Liaigre recently introduced a new line of fabrics. “The Deborah Liaigre Collection allows us to add a dose of fashion into our pieces. There are more linens, more silks, and basket weaves,” said Caillaud.
SUPER YACHT VERTIGO
Liaigre’s trademark exotic woods paired with silk, linen, and patterned prints? Yes, please! A Christian Liaigre piece can be the inspiration for redesigning
"ANY PIECE YOU BUY HERE, WILL MATCH SOMETHING ELSE YOU BUY HERE, AND IT WILL ALL WORK TOGETHER.” - CHRISTOPHE CAILLAUD
a whole room. His furniture is created to be versatile, but distinctive.
ness that’s housed in such a subtle,
“He mixes pieces of his line with
modern design as to be at home
his namesake company, Liaigre
though Liaigre uses only the most
antiques from the 18th century, or
in the most minimalist spaces.
also designs and furnishes luxury
precious materials and finest finish-
from the 1920s and 1930s, and gives
Liaigre's minimal and elegant can
yachts such as the stunning super
es, he’s still making furniture for you
them this multifaceted consistency,”
come with a dash of opulence.
yacht Vertigo, which with its
to live in, on and around. “There
mused Caillaud. “Any piece you
Take, for example, a piece like the
poised yet child-friendly interiors
is the Galet coffee table in leather,
buy here, will match something else
Poivre armoire, made of Jamaican
received not one but several of the
which your kids can walk and jump
you buy here, and it will all work
Dogwood and finished in high gloss
highest awards aquatic play things
on,” said Caillaud. “When Chris-
together,” he said.
so that the spectacular grain of the
can garner.
tian’s son was young, he was jump-
Not one to limit himself or
wood creates a breathtaking but all
“In terms of the quality of the
that are Liaigre’s trademark ma-
natural pattern—eye-catching and
product, the refinement, there are
terials emanate an 18th Century,
understated at the same time. One
really not many people doing what
Louis XIV-inspired sumptuous-
of our personal favorites for sure.
we’re doing,” said Caillaud with pride.
The ebony, bronze, and leather
But keep in mind that even
ing and running on it, and the table held up perfectly.” There you have it - impeccable French taste with real life in mind.
THE GALET COFFEE TABLE
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
85
I NS ID E
Culinary Backsplash Brazilian kitchen and closet specialist Ornare shows us how the right layers of design will give a modern home that cozy touch of comfort.
KITCHEN TEK
W
e like to cook. Well,
Ornare has perfected the layer-
a part in a harmonious unit. The
by step to make sure you get just the
better put, we like the
ing process of kitchen design to
roughness of a reclaimed wood table
right kitchen for your needs. “It’s an
idea of cooking. And
give clients that effortless Brazilian
will play off the modern shiny handles
investment that will last 10, 20, 30
cooking often involves a kitchen that
aesthetic with the level of luxury
of the cabinet behind it, while an inte-
years, if you don’t sell your house
will make you want to cook. Or so
and sophistication they are used to.
grated Corian sink will blend in easily
before that,” said Faria with a smile.
we tell ourselves. At Ornare however,
“The market nowadays is looking
with lacquered cabinets above.
“You’re going to deal with it on a
cooking comes quite naturally, thanks
for something different,” explained
to an integrated approach that is
Faria, “which is also why the way
kitchen collections all available in
as Director Claudio Faria called it,
that we combine finishes and tex-
several colors and combinations
What are some important factors
“unique in a sense that is modern,
tures and the way that our handles
but also catered to the different
when planning a kitchen you wonder?
but a more comfortable modern.”
are designed are so interesting.”
design sensibilities of a client. The
Good question, we asked the same. As
design process is one that an Ornare
often the case, counter space is a big
specialist will walk you through step
one and storage comes in just behind
By virtue of the creative minds of quite a few designers on board,
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As such, you’ll find glass, stainless steel, wood, and quartz all playing
Ornare offers six different
daily basis, so you should definitely take the time to plan it.”
“IT’S AN INVESTMENT THAT WILL LAST 10, 20, 30 YEARS, IF YOU DON’T SELL YOUR HOUSE BEFORE THAT. YOU’RE GOING TO DEAL WITH IT ON A DAILY BASIS, SO YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY TAKE THE TIME TO PLAN IT.” - CLAUDIO FARIA BARLIA CLOSET
SAVILLE
grown up dressing room.” With ten different design options,
that. “Plan a kitchen to not have lots of things on top of it,” said Faria,
hitting the showrooms this June. But lest we forget the equally
MONOGRAMA
Our favorite part of these wardrobes? The “luxury wall.” Doesn’t
there will be at least one that will
need much explanation with a name
definitely fit the bill. “We have done
like that, but it basically consists of a
closets for many years,” said Faria.
wall to showcase your most precious
“We know what works.”
or collectable pieces. Clients can opt
The design brief will have you
for a watch display case, a display of
answering questions as to what kinds
hats or belts and perhaps the handful
of shoes you have - mostly heels,
of bags they treasure the most.
flats, boots, etc. and if your garments
With the average Miami kitchen
while showing us the nifty storage
large share of Ornare’s doings,
are of the low or long hanging kind,
project clocking in anywhere between
drawers Ornare has put into place.
namely closet design, let’s take
since Ornare will custom set the
$50,000 and $150,000 and closets
Seems that spice rack we had hanging
a quick whirl around what your
shelving heights and hanging bars
starting at $10,000 and up, Ornare
about our counter top, now has plenty
clothes could be calling home if Or-
to match just what will be housed
provides clients with more than
of space in its designated soft-close
nare had a say. Seems the Brazilian
within these closets. “Both the design
just designer interior fare, but with
drawer. Another thing to ponder - the
firm has made it its mission to truly
and quality of our products (the
exposed luxury where kitchens and
trash bin. “Don’t forget about it,” said
highlight the beauty of attire and
precision, the alignment of the draw-
closets, “become part of the architec-
Faria. Be it stand alone or hidden, it
accessories with environments that
ers, the way they close) is important,”
ture,” themselves. So, take a look at
should be part your plan.
will make them shine. “Our closets
said Faria as he explained that their
their Design District showroom, you
are for those who appreciate display-
closets, “need to be beautiful, but
may want to invite Ornare’s Brazilian
ing their pieces,” said Faria. “It’s a
must be functional.”
flair into your home.
Ornare kitchen designs evolve every two years with a brand new one
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
87
I NS ID E
Romantic Roster Miami furniture retailer Anima Domus does it the Italian way when it comes to style and quality.
S
ome of the best stories we’ve
authority in space saving solutions,
heard are the ones that have
which, even though Miami isn’t quite
you traveling from someone’s
as cramped as New York, do come in
backyard business to their multi-mil-
rather handy when your numerous
lion dollar enterprise. There’s some-
aunts, uncles, and second or third
thing so …genuine, about building
cousins come to visit over the holi-
a success story from the ground up.
days. Super sleek and sophisticated,
Our love for “the dream” aside,
the range plays with appearing and
there’s one such success story we
disappearing beds and offices that
came across during this edition that
are otherwise neatly tucked away in a
really spoke to us, namely that of
streamlined bookshelf or the likes.
Anima Domus. Latin for “the es-
Being the inquisitive journalists
sence of the home,” Anima Domus,
we tout ourselves to be, we person-
truly is all about family, consider-
ally tried out the mechanism and can
ing that husband and wife team
tell you that Clei products open and
Marconi and Silvia Naziazeni built
close with a silky smoothness that
the business out of their home a
seems preposterous considering that
mere 15 years ago. “We started this
you’re moving a queen size bed here.
company just the two of us,” said
But hey, these Italians clearly know
owner Marconi Naziazeni. “The
what they’re doing.
warehouse was my garage and I
Current best sellers include the
used to make deliveries using my
Swing and Lollisoft lines, which, as all
Grand Caravan.” Nowadays, with
Clei lines, are available in a multitude
showrooms in Miami’s hip Design
of fabrics, colors and several different
District and upscale Aventura, plus
options in materials from finished
another one in the works to open
lacquers to melamines. The firm also
this year, Anima Domus has cer-
differentiates between diverse mat-
tainly outgrown Naziazeni’s garage.
tresses, be they firm, soft, or a type of
The company deals in Italian-
memory foam, to make these solu-
designed and manufactured products
tions as top-notch as a regular bed.
and above all, in well-constructed
Another of Anima Domus’s Ital-
quality. “When we were defining the
ian brands is wood expert Porada.
business, we made a strategic decision
Dealing in minimalistic pieces of,
to focus on the Italians,” said Nazia-
for a lack of a better term, gorgeous
zeni. “We are a niche within a niche.”
wood furniture, the Italian manufac-
When touring the Design District
turer has master-crafted the process
digs, Naziazeni first took us on a
to give customers pieces that truly
quick trip through the Clei product
shine in quality and design. “What is
line-up. Now, we should tell you that
special about Porada,” said Nazia-
coming from New York, we appreci-
zeni, “is the way they treat wood.”
ate space and more specifically, the
Woods, turns out, can be quite diffi-
dire need for it. Clei, based in north-
cult to get right, since even pieces cut
ern Italy, just outside Milan, is the
from the same type of wood may dry
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9FI5TH.COM
CLEI LOLLISOFT CLOSED
CLEI LOLLISOFT OPEN
INSIDE
AQUA CANALETTO IN WALNUT
in differing ways depending on temperature and humidity. “When you have two chunks of the same wood that were cut at different points in time, or were dried in different ways and you glue them together, you’ll feel the joint,” said Naziazeni. “With Porada you never feel the joint.” Having been in the business for three generations, the good folks at Porada have tweaked the job to perfection. And guess what, we did try to feel for a joint. Did not find one. Now that we’ve told you about the top-notch woods, the lacquers and offices and beds at Anima Domus, we can’t just go on without telling you about the glass. When you walk into Anima Domus’s Design District
PORADA INFINITY ELLITTICO
shop, you’ll be flanked by Cini Boeri’s 1987 glass chair design for Fiam, the Italian glass pundit. Made
material, but stand the test of time
many of whom have been there since
directly, handling shipments in-house
out of one single piece of 12mm
and daily wear. We have to admit, we
the start. “We like what we do very
from point A to Z, and still on the
thick curved glass, the chair is a work
never thought a glass chair would be
much,” said Naziazeni. A self-pro-
job six days a week. “In life there are
of art, that is as Naziazeni called it,
comfortable. We were wrong.
claimed “logistics freak,” Naziazeni is
moments when you have to make a
A decade and a half later, Anima
involved in every aspect of the busi-
decision,” said Naziazeni. “We made
day.” Elegant and timeless, Fiam
Domus is still a family-owned and
ness, personally going to Italy to both
one of those decisions when we
continues to create pieces, that are
operated business that has now
cultivate and maintain relationships
started this company.” 15 years later,
made out of an otherwise very fragile
grown to include 20 employees,
with the manufacturers and designers
it’s safe to say he made the right one.
“a piece of furniture to be used every
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
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I NS ID E
Natural Highs Interior designer Samuel Amoia brings in the most natural of materials to create inner warmth.
A
s the creative tour-de-force behind Samuel Amoia Associates,
and beige while he is also bringing in some (muted) colors from the Caribbean,
frontman and namesake Samuel Amoia is bringing a young-
exclusively for Miami. Last year, Amoia even played a major role in the 2014
blooded and garden-fresh approach to fuel a movement towards,
ELLE DECOR Modern Life Concept House and created a distinctive Amma
“natural materials and perfect composition.” Former protégé
Studio console bar from rock salt and dyed concrete along with a set of geomet-
of Stephen Sills, Amoia is currently
ric chairs composed of washed-out
polishing the doors of his own office
cerused oak detailed with brass,
and furniture showroom to open
leather, and copper.
this summer in Wynwood to bring
If that wasn't enough, how about
in interior design solutions that offer
a coffee table cast out of ground
an organic sense of sophistication
coffee for a doppio shot of cool?
featuring a furniture line called Amma
Amoia has partnered up with sculp-
Studio. This gifted, inspired young
tor Fernando Mastrangelo to create
designer is out to prove that simplicity,
Amma Studio (titled from the first
when creatively applied in accord with
two letters of their respective last
textures, depth, and flawless propor-
names). The duo works with natural
tions, can define luxury.
materials to the ring of pink Hima-
Samuel Amoia Associates, based
layan salt, black silica, and sand and
out of New York, is serving a natural
then casts or sculpts the pieces. “All
fare cooked up from ingredients as di-
of our work is intended as sculp-
verse as cast sand, rock salt, and even
tural collector pieces,” explained
ground coffee to brew up everything
Amoia. The line features tables,
from floors and walls to furniture.
chairs, bars, consoles, and sconces
Amoia’s results are aesthetically
fueled on inspiration for a natural
nutritious and distinctively unpreten-
high. Price points for side tables
tious. “I am inspired by organic forms
are set at $3,000 and can move up
and work on the principle of ‘under
to $65,000. The limited edition
design’ that relies on the materials
pieces, “start at around $25,000,”
and proportions,” he explained. For
he revealed.
a little tease, check out South Beach
“I have no idea what is trending,
development 1 Hotel & Homes, which
my eyes just glass over that stuff,”
sees him bring in a natural refine-
enlightened Amoia, whose inspira-
ment and a model 5-bedroom duplex
tion comes from a place deeper
penthouse. “This is a place for people
and worldlier than
who have all the means but want qual-
fashions. After a stint
ity – and we are setting the standard with an inspirational illustration,” elucidated
in Buenos Aires at the
Amoia. He blended this approach with abundant wood for the 1 Hotel & Homes
Algodon Mansion and
South Beach to create a feel that captures the harmony of nature.
a demonstrated ex-
“When I do custom homes, I work like a psychologist only with a different
pertise in proportions,
toolset,” said Amoia who sits down individually with each client to ensure that
Amoia is bringing all
their personality transpires in their living space. “I need to get a sense of who
of that here for us in
each of my clients is and how they live.” He recently designed the interiors for
Miami. This is one ris-
a new home and used raw marble, rock slabs, and plaster walls cast out of sand
ing star that will be a
from the owner’s beach to create a stunning, timeless feel. Amoia’s sense of
guiding light for a long
tranquility often emerges in stained monochromatic wood tones or white, ivory
time to come.
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GLOBALLY AT HOME Adriana Hoyos fuses international flair to create interiors that feel at home in any environment.
A
SENSUOUS CURVES IN ADRIANA HOYOS PIECES
Your Own, pieces are highly customizable with finishes, fabrics, and color
architecture, and fashion,” she said. Hoyos’s eclectic spirit is showcased
schemes adaptable to any backdrop.
in her new collection Bolero, which
“I believe design needs to be timeless,
based on the romantic Spanish-Cuban
comfortable, and practical. My philos-
slow music and dance, draws on the
ophy is to be universal. Whatever I use
sensuous and dynamic culture of both
in Miami, can be switched up in color
regions. “Last year we were at the fair
and tone to be just as well-positioned
in Seville, and I was so inspired by that
driana Hoyos is a furniture
when we landed in Ecuador, we took
in New York, Palm Beach or Dubai,”
colorful experience,” she explained.
and interior design company
them to a factory and started produc-
said Hoyos. “You can create your own
“Everything flows, everything is about
that seamlessly channels a
ing the first prototype within the next
Adriana Hoyos piece according to
joy.” The sensory overload of Flamen-
Latin American interpreta-
ten days,” she said.
your region and your tastes.”
co and bull fights led to a collection
tion of international sophistication, creating residential and hospitality
Taking its name from the Spanish word for coconut and incorporating
And while her pieces tend to share a certain earthy sophistication, she is
that adds a whole new variety of flair to Hoyos’s repertoire. “I broke all the
furnishings intended to be lived in,
rules with Bolero,” she said, “It takes
and lived in well. Born in Colombia,
inspiration from everything; equestrian
raised in Ecuador, and devoted to
themes, dancing, lots of new rounded,
the culture of Miami where her two-
flowing shapes.”
story, 5,500-square-foot U.S. flagship
With 300 employees and a serious
store is strategically located in the
track record under her belt, Adriana
Design District, founder Adriana
Hoyos, truly understands Miami’s
Hoyos herself embodies the vibrancy
culture. “Miami is the melting pot. It
of Latin America.
is the real capital of Latin America,”
Hoyos never made a decision to
she said. “People are here to enjoy
design interiors or furniture. It all just
life in a luxurious and spectacular
came innately. “I was born a designer,”
way.” The firm partners with devel-
she explained. Her namesake interior
opers looking to differentiate their
design firm was founded in 1989
projects, and has current contracts
and by 1997 Hoyos was designing
under way at Downtown Doral as
original furniture pieces, in addition to
well as a residential building in Brick-
interiors, as a holistic extension of the business. “In all of these jobs through the years, if I went to buy furniture, I was not always able to find what I was looking for. So, I started designing
“IN ALL OF THESE JOBS… I WAS NOT ABLE TO FIND WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR. SO, I STARTED DESIGNING FURNITURE…” - ADRIANA HOYOS
furniture naturally,” said Hoyos.
ell. Adriana Hoyos not only designs furniture but also sculpts sensuous art pieces when she has the time. Just named UNICEF’s goodwill ambassador for Latin America, she clearly is doing something right.
actual coconut shell into the designs,
always interested in venturing outside
born in a jolt of inspiration, in an
Coco set the tone for future collections
of familiar territory by making sure
organic cool and style all at once.
unexpected place. “I drew my first
incorporating natural materials for an
her designs are always a little surpris-
And with the option to truly make
draft on an airplane. I was with
organic warmth. While Hoyos’s fur-
ing. “We are constantly looking
them your own, you can be sure that
my husband Eduardo, who is my
niture and interiors might be infused
for new materials and new things
your Adriana Hoyos piece or entire
business partner and life partner. We
with said spirit, they are designed to
to bring to the market. Everything
ensemble will feel at home, wherever
were in love with those drafts, and
work in any locale. As part of Design
we do is inspired by travel, culture,
said home may be.
Her first collection, Coco, was
Her furniture and interiors convey
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
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I NS ID E
Fresh, Multifarious Ideas Eclectic interior shop Uzca promises to never run out of design options.
O
nly a jeweler could exhume interior furnishings composed of exotic materials ranging
from shagreen and python to mother of pearl the way Uzca does. The two-year-old store is inspired in title by the first two syllables of Maria-Elena Uzcategui’s last name and in style by her international palette of eclectic sophistication. The locale is a welcome collection in Miami’s Design District, from the delicately massive Block table
BLOCK TABLE AT UZCA
(one of Uzcategui’s favorites) to the spritely Fairytale lamp. Uzca supplies clients and designers with ideas and options
of material samples that we can send to customers and designers to point out
to customize some very exclusive furnishings as well as some very stylish brands
different options for the desks, consoles and coffee tables.” Uzca’s own Python
like DK Home from Holland and Visionnaire from Italy.
console table and Stingray writing desk are some elegant specimens of the
Uzca has been a life in the making for Uzcategui but it was a trip to Bali that yielded both inspiration and a vessel full of Indonesian treasure. “This moment
concept on offer. Have a seat in the Uzca Stingray armchair and reflect on the interior furnish-
crystallized the conception of the store,” she revealed. “Many customers come
ings while gazing into the dangerously beautiful Uzca Python mirror. The store is
to us with their designers to choose pieces that work with their lavish living
an exhibition of Uzcategui’s work; much of it manufactured in Italy. But the col-
spaces, but for those who want to drop in on their own, we propose interior
lection also introduces many rare gems from other brands at the top and obscure
design solutions as well,” said Uzcategui. “We facilitate this with thousands
one-of-a-kind models. “We offer products from furniture to photography, with current photographs by Daniela Urzi from Argentina,” said Uzcategui. She added, “The Urzis are a great way to inject a little energy into an entire wall with their size and dynamism.” Uzcategui revealed that she loves, “the idea of creating a model space for sumptuous condominiums, to bring fresh diversity to first-rate luxury that is ever more present in Miami.” She also offers the very best pre and post-services to her clients who are hunting down an increasingly metropolitan style. This means that Uzca is selling a few more pieces with animal skins but also obscure finds from Europe unearthed during Uzcategui’s frequent travels there. Lost for inspiration? Let Uzcategui take you on an outing around (her) world for some fresh, multifarious ideas.
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NORDIC NEUTRALITY that SoJo loses any of that glamor-
Interior Designer Sofia Joelsson brings achromatic aesthetics to your otherwise unfinished spaces.
ous SoJo mojo, though. See what we did there. Joelsson is ever aware that clients like surprises and she is more than happy to select a piece of furniture, art or a chandelier from previous epochs to make a timeless statement, rendering a space a home. Looking to some of SoJo’s signature work at the South Beach
L
Ana Capri penthouse, a stunning eave it to a Scandinavian designer
glass-cased wine cabinet provides not
to truly bring out the brightness
only a gorgeous aesthetic, but a well-
of Miami’s sun drenched back-
planned focal point for gatherings. In
drop. Sofia Joelsson has a Swede’s
her own home, the designer’s favored
appreciation for light and an ability to
locales are her glass-enclosed wine
create bold statements through not so
cellar and media room where she
naturally bold neutral colors. Select-
draws her inspiration. An intuitive
ing a feature to emphasize in every
ability to work together with clients
project alludes to her background in
every step of the way to create
modeling. “I love space planning,”
their dreams within their needs and
exclaimed Joelsson with a teenager’s
means is Joelsson’s ace-card, be it for
enthusiasm, “but functionality must
wine cellars or jet interiors. Yes, she
focus on where the money view is,”
does those too. Placing her bets and
she quipped. Restraint in some areas
full confidence in her team of 15
makes the finest features all the more
and developing a relationship with
seductive, however, nothing she does
her customers facilitates a careful
sacrifices a carat.
delivery of their visions, from the
“I LOVE THE ADVANCES IN LINENS, IT OPENS UP SO MUCH POTENTIAL TO KNOW THAT IT IS NOT ONLY LUXURIOUS BUT SO DURABLE.” - SOFIA JOELSSON The intricacy in Joelsson’s neutrality is breathtaking, achieved through careful attention to detail marked by
WINE ROOM WITH ROOM ENOUGH FOR SOFIA JOELSSON’S OWN LINE OF ROSÉ
NEUTRAL LIVING QUARTERS BY SOJO DESIGN
will never look at the work we have
help of a preset SoJo concept at a not
initial chat all the way to the glass of
done and see 2005 or 2013. You will
so hefty price tag. But helping Miami
champagne at the end.
see a constancy that incorporates the
to fulfill design dreams doesn’t stop Jo-
latest in materials.”
elsson from reaching her own, which
Careful not to jump onto every
Joelsson recently developed a
include a SoJo satellite office in the
true skill in layering both fabrics and
color bandwagon that trends might
tones. “I love using neutrals accentu-
dictate, SoJo enthused, “I love the
turnkey solution for fast and simple
iconic Chrysler building in New York
ated by textures, be they mohair,
advances in linens, it opens up so
custom interior design to clients who
as well as personally designed rosé
velvets, linens or silks to create depth
much potential to know that it is not
need to take the expressway to style.
wine from Napa Valley, California.
and texture.” Neutrals don’t mean
only luxurious but so durable. You
Clients can quickly finish a room with
We’ll toast to that, Sofia, skål!
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
93
I NS ID E
Enclave Emporio Miami’s Armani/Casa turns up the heat with well-designed pieces already in high esteem.
“ARMANI IS A LIFESTYLE. IF YOU SEE ONE ARMANI/ CASA PIECE IN MIAMI, THE WHOLE ROOM OR EVEN HOUSE IS LIKELY TO BE DONNED IN THE BRAND, WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT ARMANI IS ALL ABOUT.” - MASSIMO MELCHIORRE
I
f you arrived late to the cocktail
the lineup by garnishing them with
to the Baloon chairs and back to the
party, luxury penthouses and
aforementioned color combos in ad-
Esotico cushion cover embroidered
condominiums have started to
dition to introducing new materials
with fern motifs. We do not offer an
sport Armani/Casa a lot more
such as banana tree wood. Outfit-
interior design service at Armani/
as of late here in Miami. For 2014,
ting rooms in 2014 with Armani/
Casa Miami but help clients to
Giorgio Armani’s interpretation of
Casa also makes for exciting eco-
furnish their homes with the way of
1920s French Art Deco has made
conscious testimonials; the question
life envisaged by Giorgio Armani
some daring wardrobe changes.
is whether you and your rooms are
himself,” explained Melchiorre. To
“Green, blue, and orange are ac-
going to live la dolce vita in full?
ensure the efficacy of this vision,
centing our signature Armani/Casa
“Armani is a lifestyle,” Melchi-
Armani/Casa offers 3D renderings
pieces with exclusive and expensive
orre explained and, “if you see one
and fabric options from Rubelli to
statements,” said its Miami CEO,
Armani/Casa piece in Miami, the
tailor for customers’ own rooms
Massimo Melchiorre. Armani/Casa
whole room or even house is likely
and homes. Armani also provides
was conceived by Giorgio Armani
to be donned in the brand, which is
kitchen solutions with Armani/
and like his Emporio, it tradition-
exactly what Armani is all about.”
Dada and bathrooms by Armani/
ally made significant piece changes
Although Armani/Casa brings the
Roca, both partnership endeavors.
every year. This year, however, Ar-
same offerings to Miami as it does
mani/Casa has finessed some of its
to New York and Los Angeles, “the
mani/Casa Miami opened in
signature models rather than make
Dubai of the West understands
2012), the favored table that has
Armani and buys Armani/Casa
embellished a number of Miami
rooms,” said Melchiorre. “More
abodes is called the Trocadero and
major changes to
than 70 percent of our customers outfit at least one space entirely in Armani/Casa and they allow us to work
Over the last two years (Ar-
unsurprisingly Miami denizens have a penchant for its golden-leaf finish. This masterpiece is an essay on the finest points of Art Deco
with them straight from
and captures the seemingly effort-
the Beethoven sofa
less elegance in construction that can only be the product of true
94
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INSIDE
ANIMAL INSTINCT AT THE DESIGN DISTRICT SHOWROOM
SEATING ARRANGEMENTS ON VIEW AT ARMANI/CASA MIAMI
MORE COLOR TO SEE IN PERSON
master artisans. The Trocadero
year,” enthused Melchiorre. The
green, but of course the signature
walnut and orange lacquer. These
is partly made from stucco that
Rubelli V, its 2013 collection,
Armani/Casa classic tones of ivory,
furnishings, “are made by the
requires breakneck speed to craft
was inspired by oriental designs
ice, silver, pale gold, taupe, red and
best European, primarily Italian,
with its 15-minute dry time. Turn
be it architectural in the GAYA
anthracite are also available.
artisans selected by Armani,” mused
up the heat even more and there
or through natural materials like
Rooms with the 2014 VIP ticket
Melchiorre. But they also work
are the flamed glass vases, which
with other Armani/Casa products
wed old-world European standards
flawlessly, which the primarily South
with impeccable forms to conceive
American customers in Miami love
a collection that accessorizes an
and trust so much. As you frequent
Armani/Casa room. These are the
posh dinner parties, take note of the
work of Murano, who is employed
Trocadero and Gilbert, but don’t
to produce the gorgeous Alcazar
ignore the quality of the banana
and Ceylon lines of glasswork.
tree wood and oriental designs in
“One of Armani/Casa’s greatest
these Armani/Casa rooms; they
strengths is in the fabrics it offers,
bamboo in the GENT fabric. The
are wearing Armani/Casa and are
are all a part of Giorgio’s personal
from the Baloon chair covering of
2014 generation moves down the
punctuated by pieces like the Gilbert
selection chosen to produce that
bielastic to the Rubelli-produced
alphabet from ‘G’ to ‘H’ (in name)
table with its surface of striped
sweet, Italian, Armani effect now in
collection. 2013 was a very good
and features bolder orange and
banana tree enclosed in Canaletto
green gusto.
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
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MULTIPLE LINES OF QUALITY UNDER ONE
Italian Roof
Poltrona Frau Group brings you furniture pedigree with plenty of quality to stand the test of time.
T
hose with a discerning decora-
Bugatti, Ferrari, and Pershing
tive palette may already know
Yachts) for its superior leather, the
Mastroianni while walking through
room is an original work of art,” said
that Poltrona Frau cooks a
design house has brought its largest
Poltrona Frau’s Miami showroom; the
General Manager, Aldo Faetti. The
fusion of classic and urban-cool
showroom in the world to clients who
place exudes everything we love about
Poltrona Frau Group houses three
to create a casual but highly stylized
can appreciate that Italian ‘segno di
Italian design. Modern and chic, the
companies; its namesake self, Cappel-
swagger for your home. Recognized
eleganza’ in Miami.
aesthetic here struts the line between
lini, and Cassina under its corporate
classical elegance and modern novelty.
and physical umbrella to deliver a
the world over (notably by Maserati,
It is hard not to saunter like
aesthetic. “Every item in this show-
Poltrona Frau is a love affair of bold lines and sensuous curves with an already established, longstanding design
complete thesis on the finest in Italian furniture. “Each brand seduces its clientele with unique attributes, but everyone comes here for the same reason, the quality.” Poltrona Frau itself tests the boundaries of furniture design while also ensuring that each step is carried out to the highest standard in its application of leather to furniture. The Turin Chamber of Commerce issued a patent trademark in 1912, but surely founder Renzo Frau could not have known his burgeoning furniture company would reach this level of international fame. Then again, we have a sneaking suspicion he did. From the Collezione Storica (Historic Collection) comes an example of the work Renzo Frau exhibited in 1912, the Chester Armchair, this is a piece that demonstrated craftsmanship that spoke to endurance, 100 years ago. “When people who know style choose leather, it is Poltrona Frau,” explained Faetti. To achieve its superior, forgiving, pliable and robust leather, Poltrona Frau puts each hide through 20 phases before it deems the quality acceptable. You know that feeling, the one when you sit in a Ferrari? Poltrona Frau. Apply a little
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"A LOT OF AMERICAN COMPANIES AREN’T CONCERNED ABOUT DESIGNING AND MANUFACTURING ONLY 1,200 PIECES. WE ARE.” - ALDO FAETTI stylistic velocity to your living room
nies aren’t concerned about designing
bine art and design in a functional
perb service to the hyper-trendy
with the Vanity Fair, the archetypal
and manufacturing only 1,200 pieces.
object, which has been the foundation
Miami scene but also the enduring
armchair designed by Frau in 1903
We are,” compared Faetti. “We bring
of contemporary furniture manufac-
renewal only possible with Italian
from the Collezione Storica. Or how
in international designers to inspire
turers since.”
craft that is recognized as the best
about the Grantorino for your living
pieces with construction, conceptual-
Poltrona Frau Group adds not
in the market from project to post-
room, which is currently their best
ization and innovative styles.” Cassina
only timeless Italian elegance and su-
installation assistance. This swanky
selling sofa.
also includes the design brand Simon,
Discerning buyers looking for bold-
which with its storied past, “repre-
er statements will heed those of Cap-
sents the initial experi-
pellini. “The material communicates
ment of furniture
with strength and eloquence, through
manufacturers
strict material selection and an impec-
trying to
cable manufacturing process,” added
com-
design house extols refined furnishings to bridge your modernday connection to European class, quality, and artisanship.
Faetti. The company was the child of Guilio Cappellini, one of the original dons of design and head of the Cappellini family. “Cappellini is more for those iconic works that you see in the museums and books.” With names like Peacock, Butterfly, and Dalia, you can let your living room whisper sensually for you with materials that grace the senses. For those who prefer slightly more subdued statements but an equally assured sense of style, Cassina has brought us innovative avant-garde minimalism since the 1940s. “Cassina cuts the fabric for Italian design to make it what it is today,” complimented Faetti. Those are not cheap words, and also why Cassina is lauded for its cuts around the globe. “Cassina offers two collections, the timeless Masters and the modern Contemporary line,” explained Faetti. Crisp designs very often come from fresh designers and these Italians give a large number the chance to develop some provocative concepts. “A lot of American compa-
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
97
I NS ID E
WORKING With Your
SURROUNDINGS Famed designer Thom Filicia creates location-specific interior elements to tickle your designer fancies.
I
t’s been several years since
interesting market, and it’s going
star interior designer and
through this incredible moment of
interior designer to the
becoming a real business, culture, and
stars Thom Filicia became
vacation hub all at once.” Filicia took
a household name, transforming
that laid back, natural-but-cool vibe as
interiors for aesthetically challenged
an inspiration for his design concept
men on “Queer Eye for the Straight
with Biscayne Beach. “It’s about mix-
Guy.” Having moved past television
ing earth and nature with a relaxed
to become one of the most success-
sensibility that’s also sophisticated.”
ful interior designers in America and
His approach to interior design
the world, Filicia is all set to make
is all about honesty. He explained
a splash in Miami. Filicia’s design
that great interiors are made by
label, Thom Filicia Inc. is the design
recognizing what you really need
partner for Biscayne Beach, an excit-
in your life and your home. “When
ing new luxury condominium tower
you’re dealing with people with an
you no doubt just marveled at in our
honest aesthetic, you’re dealing with
Additions chapter.
the way they really live. They’re the
Although Filicia has a particular
people that can say that although
personal aesthetic—what he de-
they’d love a formal dining room,
scribes as “New American,” focused
they know they won’t use it, so they
on simplicity and modernity, free
don’t need it,” explained Filicia.
of frills or unnecessary embellish-
INTERIOR COOLS BY THOM FILICIA
Accordingly, Filicia is designing
the colors, it’s about water, nature,
open because the most inspirational
and a city skyline,” said Filicia.
things can come at any time.”
ments—as a designer, he pays atten-
for Miami as it is, creating livable,
tion first and foremost to clients and
stylish spaces that will make their
world because it comes from liv-
Miami a more permanent home for
locations, creating spaces that cohere
residents feel at home. “One of the
ing in the world. “If I go out to
his company. “One of the things
with their surroundings. “We work all
things people love about Miami is
restaurants, or I’m traveling, or
people love about New York is that
over, so what we are doing in Miami
the lifestyle of being outside, with
in a European park, or in South
it’s a global city, but it’s a business city.
isn’t what I would do in Connecticut
nature, water, trees, and parks. But
America, all of a sudden I might
Miami is a global city, but it’s also a
or Colorado. It isn’t what I would do
at the same time, it’s an urban city.
see all these highlights and differ-
destination and a relaxation and vaca-
in New York City,” said Filicia.
It’s about that mix,” he said. The
ent pieces of things I love. I just
tion city,” he explained. With the help
new condominiums will reflect their
bring them back and create my own
of Thom Filicia, Biscayne Beach will
itself as a city, and is excited to be a
light and lively surroundings. “The
designs based on all the interesting
be the kind of place that makes even
part of the transformation. “I love
color palette to me really fits the
things that inspired me,” said Filicia.
business feel like vacation, just like the
Miami,” he said. “It’s a fun, dynamic,
sensibility of Miami. If you look at
“It’s just about keeping your eyes
city of Miami itself.
Filicia sees Miami growing into
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Filicia’s aesthetic fits into the
Filicia is thinking about making
T
rend Design + Build is one
be introducing a more streamlined
cool company that you want
option for interiors and architec-
on your side. Owner, Founder, CEO
ture that will retain all of our qual-
and Creative Director, Troy Dean
ity and style,” said Ippolito. The
Ippolito brings, “more than interiors
line is an exciting opportunity as it
that truly are designed – not clad – to
delivers the Trend Design + Build
the table,” as he said. Trend, “does
mark of quality but does not re-
everything from integration of design
quire customization that starts from
into construction to selecting the
scratch, as it will offer set options
correct finishes.” This is a team that
for both interiors and architecture.
delivers an end-to-end solution, all
“Everything that we do promises
done in-house and led by Ippolito,
to do it right from phase one; we
whose qualifications are nothing short
aim to set the foundation right,”
of impressive. With a background as
Ippolito explained. Trend Design + Build has never
a builder and general contractor, a
come across a project that they
degree in architectural and structural
have felt was daunting, and this
engineering and a general contractor’s license from the Construction
from start
Industry Licensing Board of the
to finish,”
State of Florida, Ippolito is qualified
verified Ippolito.
and certified to build anything in the
Trend Design +
table is a visual
speaks to their impressive technical finesse. This team is going to get it
dissertation on
right, integrate it properly and set
refinement itself with
their own terms – no subcontrac-
state of Florida. After carving out a
Build has been busy with its in-
its sleek, clean lines and impeccable
tors, no designers and if that is not
successful career as a builder, Ippolito
house furniture line called Arthur,
material choices of mirror-polished,
enough for you, they have their own
rightly saw how his experience and
pieces of which currently call the
stainless steel ends connected by a
20,000-square-foot mill shop to
education could be harnessed to cre-
Sunny Isles masterpiece Regalia
wooden bridge in oak or walnut.
handle all of the furniture and cabi-
ate a unity between the architectural
and its 360-degree panoramic
“Arthur pieces will be passed on as
netry work for a project. Troy Dean
backbone of a project and its interior
views home. Named after lifestyle
an heirloom,” said Ippolito. “They
Ippolito and Co. have got Miami by
design. “Our finished product is
designer, Eric Arthur Dyer, the line
carry a style and quality that will
its horns and can do anything they
engineered to work seamlessly with
showcases timeless Japanese style
speak for generations.”
want, the question is only who they
people’s lives – and we guarantee this
and Italian quality. The Shanghai
“Trend Design + Build will also
will do it for.
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
99
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
101 SIEGER SUAREZ
104 EDSA
112 ADD Inc
Architectural duo Sieger Suarez stress accuracy in all of their most innovative and masterful projects.
Internationally well-groomed landscape firm EDSA creates stand-out environments to lure the indoors out.
Innovative architecture that identifies those distinctions that release emotive responses.
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BEAUTIFUL STONE WORK AVAILABLE THROUGH MARBLE OF THE WORLD
TOOLS OF TH E TR A D E
Ge"ing it Right
THE
FIRST TIME
ArchitecturAl duo Sieger SuArez StreSS AccurAcy in All of their moSt innovAtive And mASterful projectS. BRICKELL HOUSE ENTRANCE
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TOO LS OF T H E T R ADE
PORSCHE DESIGN TOWER LOBBY
A
nyone nostalgic for a little of that oldschool work ethic with a penchant for the full monty of modern design should slap
their bets down on the Sieger Suarez Architectural
Partnership. With decades of experience in South Florida and an extensive, flawless record of delivering projects on time, on budget and to specification, owners and Chief Architects, Charles M. Sieger and Jose J. Suarez have a talent for creating beauty, “from the inside out.” From the Porsche Design Tower with its stunning, “sky garages,” you read about in 9fi5th Miami’s last edition to the iconic 50 Biscayne deemed by Sieger as, “a project that really captures and reflects the essence of the city,” these two are designing beautiful, sensuous, efficient structures – and are doing it right. Between Apogee, the Porsche Design Tower and the The St. Regis Bal Harbour Residences, “we have our names carved into the three most expensive properties in Miami and quite possibly the Southeast,” Sieger revealed. With over $15 billion in properties designed thus far, Sieger Suarez has assembled an impressive portfolio of work that includes everything from architectural design, outdoor environments and landscaping to construction, pool designs and decks. But Sieger Suarez projects, like Apogee’s 67-units, all wear their hearts on their sleeves, “because we start from the inside and see the project through till the end,” as Sieger explained. When it comes to smelting the architectural aesthetics with the landscape, William Eager, partner and in-house landscape architect works in unison with the duo to ensure flawless cohesion between the soul of the building and its green. up to 5,000 square feet, offering studio apartments
hard to bring innovative solutions that work, like
to penthouse suites all of which dexterously and
their signature “floor-through/see-through” design.
which will feature a robotic car garage designed
beautifully utilize the space. That is just what
This innovative concept can provide residents with
to guarantee, “unbeatable security,” quipped
Sieger Suarez does best; it creates efficient designs
exterior views from two opposing sides in the same
Sieger and “spacious units that maximize the us-
and then brings them to fruition adeptly, “in fact,
unit, often east and west here in Miami, to greet
able square footage,” added Suarez. The project
so adeptly that no one has to work on the week-
the sunrise and romance in the sunset. The design
features progressive layouts from 500 square feet
ends,” joked Sieger. The Sieger Suarez team works
is frequently accompanied by an elevator in the
This quiet giant has its nimble hands on Newgard Development’s Brickell House as well,
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center, which allots exclusive entrance to each of the suites where upon entering, there is not just one gorgeous view, but two. Sounds practical right? “It’s part of doing this correctly, but the floorthrough/see-through concept was initially hard to sell, even though the idea eventually exploded in Miami,” said Sieger.
"OUR DRAWINGS ARE REALLY ACCURATE; CLIENTS DON’T LIKE IT WHEN THEY HAVE TO CHANGE THINGS LATE IN THE GAME - AND NEITHER DO WE.” - CHARLES M. SIEGER But the Sieger Suarez partnership does not just ride on old success stories, with no better testimony to this than the Porsche Design Tower’s first-ofits-kind robotic parking system. The innovative concept will allow residents to drive their 911s into the building, which will scan the car while it is parked on a massive disc. When the car’s engine is turned off, the disc will align with the glass elevator that then uses a robotic arm to lift the car up and place it inside. If you are starting to worry about the paint job, don’t; all of the movements are laserguided and promise to never scuff a nanometer of your car. When the vehicle arrives at the garage (which is located right next to each suite) it can be viewed through the glass panels. Did someone say James Bond just called all hot and flustered? Aside from being the cool and quiet guys, what keeps bringing clients back is a genuine knack for getting it right the first time. Both Sieger and Suarez, “give customers the greatest ratio of sellable square footage that you can find,” testified Suarez, “our drawings are really accurate; clients don’t like it when they have to change things late in the game – and neither do we,” stressed Sieger. Getting it right the first time is what these two professionals are doing all over Miami and as of late you may have heard that there will be a swish, 42-story project BRICKELL HOUSE EXTERIOR
with 352 units called 1010 Brickell. You guessed it – canned competence.
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TOO LS OF T H E T R ADE
THAT SPECIAL
PLANTBASED SOMETHING internAtionAlly well-groomed lAndScApe firm edSA creAteS StAnd-out environmentS to lure the indoorS out. 2360 COLLINS AVENUE
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E
DSA has been pioneering hotel and residential design from its South Florida base for more than 50 years, and has already
been very active on Miami Beach, being involved
"NEW DESIGN TRENDS AND TRAVELERS THESE DAYS DEMAND A MORE SOPHISTICATED EXPERIENCE FROM THEIR ACCOMMODATION.” –DOUGLAS SMITH
in the design of the stylish W Hotel, notable for its elegant garden courtyards. The long-established
project draws inspiration from South Florida’s na-
important,” said Smith. EDSA’s solution? Break-
design firm is currently involved in two exciting
tive coastal landscape, allowing guests to experi-
ing the area up to provide privacy, while at the
new projects soon to hit the Miami Beach area and
ence elements from the maritime forest and beach
same time ensuring the flow of the space allows for
with a strong track record of delivering innovative
dunes. The use of plants such as Sea Lavender,
maximum social interaction. Detailing the scheme
and modern landscape and resort designs both
Firebush, Sea Oxeye Daisy, Muhly Grass and
with color-matched patterns of glass tiles and glass
here and across the world, you can expect some-
Sand Cord Grass is applied at a residential scale
aggregate stone will add to the home-away-from-
thing a little bit special from these new ventures.
to create a prairie-like expression of grasses and
home atmosphere. Coconut palms will provide a
First up is the 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach development, a radical overhaul of one of the
flowering shrubs. Part of EDSA’s core idea is to work in harmony
tropical ambiance for the pool area and a signature Gumbo Limbo tree is planned to be the focal ele-
largest properties on the shore, which was origi-
with whatever site they are landscaping, using
ment of the restaurant’s outdoor dining experience.
nally built in the 1970s. In a bold plan to get the
native species of plants and materials from the
Although it has no side with direct access to
most out of both beach and urban environments, EDSA wants to revamp the whole premises to provide a different experience from your traditional seafront hotel. Douglas Smith, EDSA President, told us that, “new design trends and travelers these days demand a more sophisticated experience from their accommodation,” whether coming to this fair city for business or just to decompress for a few wellearned days of vacation. Contemporary style with several mid-century modern features promise to make this hotel an unforgettable one. Working carefully around the existing structure and showing off the best elements of the spacious 625-foot ocean frontage, the designers have ensured that there will be no shortage of infinity pools, deck space, and beachwalk, all with a variety of sun or shade to suit your preference. The unique planting palette for this LEED
area. Smith believes strongly in sustainability for
the beach, the hotel has two sides bordering
the community as well as the environment. EDSA’s
beautiful Lake Pancoast, and with a new dock –
vision is one where the site, the landscape, and the
complete with restaurant and boats – vacationers
architecture all work in synthesis creating, “a seam-
will have something very different to tell their
less transition between spaces and places.”
families back home.
This mantra can be seen in another Miami
With the Miami Beach area already full of
Beach project, located just along the street at
hotels, it normally takes something a bit special to
2360 Collins Avenue where Starwood Aloft, the
stand out from the crowd. EDSA, backed by exten-
boutique branch of the well-known hotel chain, is
sive international experience (having worked in 37
repurposing an historic 1950s building to create a
countries in the last year alone) and their intelligent,
thoroughly alternative Miami Beach experience.
sustainable designs, certainly provide that special
What used to be the old Ankara Hotel is being
something. Their work has ranged from individual
updated with the addition of a new tower designed
homes to massive swathes of land and, as Smith
to maximize the value of this comparatively small
put it, “even in a heavily resort-based environment,
2.1-acre site.
we have some interesting features that will draw
“With such a compact space, details become very
people in.”
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TOO LS OF T H E T R ADE
COOKIES
wi t h A
Side
STONE
of
cuStomer-centric mArble of the world not only provideS cuStomerS with endleSS choice in Stone SlAbS, but doeS it in An environment to mAtch.
RADIANZ BY SAMSUNG. MARBLE OF THE WOLD IS A FACTORY-AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR
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T
hese days, any luxury home worth its salt, will include a marvelous dis-
ized fragments buried within stone. The chances, of course, are slim, but every
play of beautifully finished stone, either gracing the floors, the counters,
once in a while, Urso will come across, “real fossils (palm tree branches, fish,
perchance the walls, or staircase(s). Stone has been in fashion for thou-
skeletons) in stone,” that truly make it, “one of a kind.” Prices for these slabs
sands of years, with classic marbles even gracing the many surfaces of the Colos-
usually carry a tad higher than your regular piece would and can really hit the
seum at one point. So where to go to outfit your newly purchased digs or that
ceiling if an actual dinosaur bone is found. Anyone else thinking Jurassic Park?
home that’s been yours for a few years? We’d suggest Marble of the World. Now, don’t let the name fool you, the folks at Marble of the World deal in far more
Marble of the World also has a large stock of semi-precious stones such as agate, pure quartz, tiger’s eye, and blue sodolite, just to name a few. If
than marble alone. Home to
you were thinking of perhaps
roughly 400 varied slabs at
doing the entire house in stone,
any given time, you are sure to
which mind you, people have
never run out of options.
done quite marvelously, you
“We always ask people what
may want to look into some
kind of performance they are
eye-catching products. As
looking for out of a stone,”
for colors, the sky’s the limit.
said Marble of the World
“They usually find different
CEO Charles Urso. “Most
colors in very obscure areas
countertops are granite be-
around the world,” said Urso,
cause granite doesn’t scratch
“where you can see pebbles of
or stain easily, whereas marble,
green or red when driving on
quartz, and onyx, are softer
the road.” Once spotted, some
materials that require more
“experimentation” takes place
upkeep.” Softer they may
to find a proper deposit of the
be, but marble, especially the
stone, which is then taken, cut,
white variety has seen quite
and polished. If it looks any
the surge in popularity as of
good, chances are you’ll see it
late. “Today, a lot of people
at Marble of the World.
are using white marble for countertops (like they have for centuries in Europe) and they are used more as a veneer than an actual product.”
With a client list that spans names like Sylvester Stallone and Gene Hackman, as well as several New York City and Florida Hotels, Marble of
While Urso deals in stones from multiple countries, he does maintain that
the World serves patrons all over the country. Their newest showroom in
the, “Italians still import some of the nicest stone from around the world,” and
Miami will bring the company’s time-honored customer-centric attitude
do, “the best processing using cutting-edge techniques, new adhesives, new
to the area and add on a few fun tidbits like putting greens, a completely
epoxies to better the stone, make it stronger, give a better shine and make a bet-
air-conditioned experience, and even wine tastings to go along with your
ter product.” Current favorites in the market are “whites” as has been the trend
rock-hard shopping needs. “A few years ago,” said Urso, “we had a Russian
in furnishings and wall colors as well. Customers it seems really err to the side
client who had come in. He had gone all over and told his architect that
of snowy marbles such as statuary, carrara, calacatta, as well as white granites,
he wanted to go back to the place with the bagels.” Being more the cookie
quartzites and other pale products.
fiend ourselves (Marble of the World offers a plethora of edible indulgences)
Milky stones aside, we were pretty impressed with the possibility of fossil-
we can attest to wanting to go back too!
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
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TOO LS OF T H E T R ADE
ALOCASIAS AND ORCHIDS IN A CUBAN LAUREL TREE
PEACEFUL TONES OF GREEN
SHADES OF GREEN lAndScApe Architect fernAndo wong creAteS luSh SpAceS by lAyering hiS fAvorite ShAde in itS mAny incArnAtionS.
A SPLASH OF COLOR FROM A STANDARD BOUGAINVILLEA BUSH
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AN ANTIQUE BENCH ANCHORS THIS PEACEFUL SITTING AREA
F
ernando Wong made his way to Miami on January
both create intimacy and a natural
1st, 2001. Trained in interior
courtyard to frame the building. “We
design and architecture, he jumped sectors to landscape design, opened
adjusted the designs,” said Wong, “but the integrity remained. We used
up shop in 2005, and managed to
confederate jasmine hanging over
learn English by watching TV in be-
the agaves, and materials that give
tween. Seems like quite the checklist
the feeling that you are actually in
of accomplishments, especially con-
the Mediterranean.”
sidering that we spent our fair share
His classical training of layer-
of hours watching French dramas in
ing, scale, and proportion will be
hope of achieving the same linguistic
just as well implemented at the Surf
goal, but failed miserably time and
Club, to which he referred to as
again. We digress.
the “highlight” of his career so far.
What you should really take from
Wong is placing a series of faceted
the above is that Fernando Wong is
saw terraces among greater palm
not only trained as a landscape de-
trees and natural grasses, referring to
signer, but also possesses the keen eye
it as “almost like a plantation.” He
of both an architect and an interior
detailed that, “because of the proj-
designer; two features that come in
ect’s topography, you cannot see the
very handy when it comes to picking
ocean on ground level. So, you have
and placing plants. “Coming from architecture and interior design, I see things that a lot of HEDGES ARE USED TO PROTECT THE FLOWERS ON THE OCEAN SIDE OF THE PROPERTY FROM THE HARSH COASTAL WINDS AND SALT.
erty with greenery and coconuts to
to build up anticipation to what you are hearing but not seeing.” Wong’s gardens range in size from large commercial projects such as the Capri and Surf Club to
designers or
private residential gardens. “Com-
landscape
mercial work is great,” said Wong,
architects
“because you get to see your work on
don't see,”
such a grand scale. Private gardens
said Wong. “I have enormous respect for interior designers and architects and I see myself as a supporting actor to frame their creations.
speak to me on a more intimate level.” Typical projects usually take roughly two years and often involve construction and rebuilding of spaces in that time frame. Once a client decides to go green with Wong at their side, they’re asked to come back with a collection of
That’s why I love green. It’s neutral
images, of gardens or interiors, colors,
and let’s the building pop.”
or ideas, that appeal to them. “I use
Speaking of green, Wong pro-
these images to create a story,” said
fessed that the leafy color in all its
Wong. “We’ll look at your closet or see
gradations needs no add-ons to be a
what color you love the most and then
stand-out star. As such, his designs
bring it in as an accent and keep it re-
and finished gardens often play off
strained; pottery, flowers, foliage, etc.”
said restraint to create a lush yet
Wong was chosen to do the ELLE
not overcrowded atmosphere. One
DECOR Modern Life Concept
of his recent projects at the Capri
House 2014 and the 2014 Red Cross
South Beach had him evoking the
Show House in Palm Beach. With
property’s namesake Mediterranean
ten associates on staff, the designer
ambiance by including blue agaves,
keeps pretty busy these days, but has
junipers, and silver buttonwoods to
his eyes set on the Hamptons as his
bring to mind the olive trees of many
next “backyard.” We can’t wait to
an Italian landscape. He successfully
see what he’ll come up with there.
layered the entrance of the prop-
Stay tuned for more!
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TOO LS OF T H E T R ADE
PALAZZO D’ORO GARDEN
TRANquIL SuRROuNDINGS
StA ArchitecturAl group iS the number to cAll when looking for zen environmentS thAt will keep you on your not So conventionAl toeS.
PALAZZO D’ORO GLASS POOL
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TOOLS OF TH E TR A D E
W
ith striking concepts in a boutique package, Todd and Isabel Tragash
have made a mark in Miami that is
grand yet genuinely modest. The duo has worked on prominent commercial, institutional, and residential projects along with their recent über-luxurious portfolio addition of the Mansions at Acqualina’s majestic Palazzo d’Oro. The Mansions, which you no doubt have just gleefully perused in our Additions chapter, were characterized by Isabel as, “a designer’s dream.” And design it well they did. Since STA does not limit itself to a signature style or current trends, Isabel explained that STA, “defines the style to that of the particular project and then seamlessly works the materials into the design.” Sounds like startling brand restraint for swish projects such as the spas at Acqualina and Fisher Island. In achieving a modern design, Todd revealed that, “one needs not be confined to using stucco, white boxes and steel if the right geomet-
ACQUALINA ESPA ICE TREATMENT AREA
ric qualities are applied.” Modern design, he explained, might well be
to bring the best of Miami’s outdoor
complimented if more classic ingre-
environment into the comfort of
dients are added. With that in mind,
their home. Needless to say that,
both floors of the Palazzo d’Oro
many of STA’s clients connect with
boast tastefully selected but classic
nature and want it to be part of their
materials, such as cerused Euro-
homes. Gardens, views, and natural
pean oak floors, bronze trim, and
plants are all incorporated into STA’s
the world’s finest travertine slabs to
work and are integral to creating
deliver the feeling of a home, rather
harmony and Zen in a living space.
than a condominium. Honestly,
So what sets STA apart without
what discerning buyer with $55 mil-
a signature stamp or per chance
lion to spare just wants a few tons
a shark tank in each penthouse to
of stucco, even if there are eight
leave a mark? The firm caters to
bedrooms and two spas of it?
clients who are looking to use their
STA has also found that Miami
living space as a sanctuary, whether
locals and not so local buyers alike
this is through soothing spas that
want to bring the outside in. And
nearly always punctuate their port-
MANSIONS AT ACQUALINA MEDIA ROOM
square feet of bedroom alone, has
standing space and proportions prop-
why not; this is Miami after all. No
folio or the tasteful STA touches that
no trouble creating said sanctuary by
erly and not squeezing in too much,
battling hail and the garish elements
integrate warmer tones and cooler
incorporating his and her spa-style
nor making something so large it
of winter here. Keeping that in mind,
stones. At the Palazzo, guests arrive
bathrooms among an otherwise ex-
loses its sense of scale,” while partner
the firm has fathomed a number of
at the top floor and are met by the
pansive space. If you had any doubts,
Isabel prompted that, “it is equally
projects with dramatic interior/exte-
dining area and then descend into
just gaze into the predator-free
important to keep the flow between
rior water features that marry archi-
the private quarters, where they are
reflecting pool and admire the sense
impressions connected.” Sound
tecture with landscape. The Palazzo
offered a view of the stunning sur-
of space and light that resonate with
advice. And on that note, check out
d’Oro’s 25-foot waterfall and two
roundings below. The 100-foot wide
crisp style. Todd Tragash cautioned
said palatial Palazzo - we promise,
outdoor kitchenettes allow residents
master bedroom, that’s 4,000 plush
that the real challenge is, “under-
it’ll be one for the books!
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TOO LS OF T H E T R ADE
BRICKELL BAYVIEW
INNOvATIvE
ARCHITECTuRE innovAtive Architecture thAt identifieS thoSe diStinctionS thAt releASe emotive reSponSeS.
W
ith a pure heart and a solid soul,
Director of ADD Inc Miami. Cardello suggests
ADD Inc does what few companies
that we can have our cake (made from fair-
here in the Miami architecture and
trade cocoa) and eat it too.
interiors scene can with such a sense of cool:
from the neighborhood in ten years,” urged
interiors. Here at their creative lab in Miami,
Cardello, who is currently engaged in the
ADD Inc is infusing the city with crisp designs,
expansive, amenity-rich and LEED-certified
a sustainable approach, and some of the most
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach.
innovative architects and designers in the world.
This project is not only set to redefine the city,
“We use the nuances of the neighborhood and
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“Failure is to build something that detracts
create stylish and sustainable architecture and
but the essence of luxury itself with the lush
the intended purpose of the project to resonate
gardens, pools, posh entertainment spaces, and
throughout the community,” said Jon Cardello,
a private marina for its 111 condominium units
and 15 villas. But the exuberant, lavish design demonstrates only one look that ADD Inc is capable of imbuing buildings with. While the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach encapsulates the crux of luxury, ADD Inc adapts to projects and has shown an adept eye for identifying those distinctions that release emotive responses. Take the
even challenge each other to rope in fresh concepts,
are hypothesized by channelling playtime,” said
Homer Bonner law firm’s new office building with
stay in touch with what is relevant today but also to
Cardello. The Brickell Bayview building features a
its expansive, horizontal views, well suited to Miami.
ensure that the projects are delivered on time, on
stunning, woven pattern on the exterior and wells
The attentive play with natural light paired with the
budget, and to the specifications that the client asks.
placed in strategic locations to capture rainwater
Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay views are all testa-
Right in line with this, ADD Inc designed what has
and thereby look and function naturally, but also
ments to Homer Bonner’s meticulous approach and
been dubbed “the coolest contact center in Florida”
uniquely capture the spirit of Miami. “You have
ADD Inc’s ability to elucidate precisely that.
for Inktel Contact Center Solutions, using floor-to-
to be humble, no matter what level of success
“We carefully calculate points like gross to net
ceiling windows to harness light, open spaces and
you achieve,” advised Cardello who doesn’t mind
square footage and clarity in construction systems,”
walkways to foster a sense of camaraderie, trust,
working with starchitects but also recognizes all
Cardello said. It is this prudence, along with an
positivity, and brand identification with the staff.
of the potential, “right here in Miami.” ADD Inc
inventive office attitude, which has cemented ADD
Projects like the 48-story residential tower on
gracefully dances on the balancing act between
Inc’s success. The company philosophy encourages
the Brickell Bayview Center are created with a con-
prudent business and nurturing creativity with this
junior and senior staff to mingle, share ideas and
ceptual resemblance to a date palm. “Ideas like this
impressive humility to be architects who think like business developers. It is no wonder they are so popular. With a larger office in Boston, one opening up in New York and rumors of South America running hot through the grapevine, it is reassuring to see such a friendly, healthy face popping up in Miami too. ADD Inc will certainly be sculpting the future, having come to the table with some killer designs for the soon-to-be released The Berkley Shore Hotel, 330 Third Street in St. Petersburg, and Southgate Tower Apartments. If Cardello’s vision of the future is as keen as his understanding of what his clients want, we are sure to see more unique living and quiet environments in Miami, the Beach, and beyond.
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
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AROUND TOWN
115 FERRETTI GROUP
118 MICHAEL CAPPONI
120 BRAMAN MOTORS
There to design, build, and market the utmost of luxury yachts, Ferretti Group will have you cruising the seven seas in your own slice of marine mastery.
Miami nightlife, development, and philanthropic guru Michael Capponi has weathered the city’s ups and downs and gives us a bit of insight on its changing personality.
Ride into Braman Motors and be sure to ride out of there a few well-earned horsepower stronger.
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SHOWVVROOOOMM AT LOU LA VIE
A R O U N D TOW N
PASSION
INNOVATION
AND EXCELLENCE À LA JAMES BOND
THERE TO DESIGN, BUILD, AND MARKET THE UTMOST OF LUXURY YACHTS, FERRETTI GROUP WILL HAVE YOU CRUISING THE SEVEN SEAS IN YOUR OWN SLICE OF MARINE MASTERY.
H
erything from the sleek 27-foot Riva Iseo to the 260-foot CRN Chopi Chopi;
real yacht, not a concept boat or a cool ride created in the mind of Ian Flem-
sion. “Ferretti Group manufactures seven brands under its portfolio, each quite
ing, but one of the many boats manufactured by Ferretti Group.
versatile in its offerings yet bonded by the Group’s ethos: passion, innovation,
ow about running a 27-foot Riva yacht right into a float-in tender
At the innovative and stylistic helm of yachting, Ferretti Group brings us ev-
dock on a 197-foot CRN mega yacht? Sounds like a way to make an entrance to a private party. The best part is that the J’ade is a
from Ferretti’s intuitive design to the Pershing’s sporty, surface drive propul-
THE 197-FOOT CRN J’ADE
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115
“WHEN YOU GET ABOVE 140 FEET, YOU ENTER THE WORLD OF STEEL AND ALUMINUM AND AT THAT POINT YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING YOU WANT.” - JAMES HENDERSON excellence, which is really seen throughout every
primary residences here,” said Henderson. “Miami
facet that encompasses each yacht brand including
Beach Marina is an ideal location to entertain and
performance, design, and materials selection, just to
showcase our new product to current clients while
name a few,” said CEO and President of Ferretti
introducing prospective clients to our Group, the
Group Americas, James Henderson. So what is Fer-
segment of different yacht brands within our port-
retti going to bring to, “Miami, the Capital of Latin
folio, and the incredible yachting lifestyle Miami
America,” as Henderson put it? It is safe to say that
offers,” he added.
007 will be looking for a little love from Florida and the good news for him is that there is a brand-new, super-swanky sales office right here in Miami. The new sales center, designed by Ferretti
Client loyalty among the Group and its brands is key to Henderson. “We can do incredible things within the design limits of naval architecture,” said Henderson.
Group Architect and Interior Designer Giuseppina
Working with Advanced Yacht Technology & De-
Arena, will house eight top Ferretti Group sales
sign, the engineers at Ferretti Group bring smaller
executives, specializing in Ferretti Group product,
yachts perfectly planned design and larger boats
Allied Marine yacht brokerage, charter manage-
the options for complete customization. “When you
ment, and listing services. The Group will have an
buy a boat above 100 feet, it is like building a home
allotment of three large, prime dock locations in
with a preconfigured layout and a choice of fur-
the marina, where a rotation of new yacht models
nishings. When you get above 140 feet, you enter
along with pre-owned yachts will be showcased.
the world of steel and aluminum and at that point
“Many of our clients have second homes in Miami Beach and some have even established their
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you can have anything you want,” said Henderson. But here, Ferretti caters specifically to the Ameri-
EXTERIOR FLOATING GARAGE
A R O U N D TOW N
can market, where clients can cruise into the Fort
Pershing answers. Make a lightning fast getaway
Lauderdale showroom, peruse the ample inventory
in the Pershing 115 without shaking your Martini
and have a boat within a few weeks.
(again), made possible by a high-powered gas turbine
Of these seven brands, Ferretti is rightly the
engine boasting speeds of up to 52 knots. “This is
flagship with a, “tremendous amount of attention
remarkable for a boat of this size, you don’t see boats
paid to the finish and fit,” Henderson explained.
this big able to go this fast,” explained Henderson.
The flagship model, the Ferretti 960 (the largest
But if the world is not enough, the CRN Chopi
planning pleasure boat ever built by Ferretti Group)
Chopi is. This stunning boat features a glass elevator
is a narrative about intuitive design from the
that requires the owner’s phone in order to enter the
stern to aft of its 96 feet. With a typically Ferretti
master floor (yes, it is a whole deck), but the best part
interior of lighter tones and a sleek hull shape that
is that the smart glass tints for privacy when a non-
maximizes deck-space, the boat is an impressive
holder passes by in the elevator. The Chopi Chopi,
new upgrade. But when he is commissioned to Eu-
“also has the most advanced bridge system of any
ropean waters, 007 would do well to opt for a Riva
super yacht, it uses a lot of aviation technology and
122’ Mythos, the company’s latest 122-foot vessel
functions intuitively like an enormous iPad.”
that takes smooth, mature and refined lines inside
Those who come to South Florida looking to
and out designed by Mauro Micheli to impress her
escape like a secret agent know that the name is
majesty. The Mythos is imbued with the gentle con-
Ferretti. Be it the restrained Venetian charm of the
fidence of cutting-edge technology and aluminum
Aquariva Super or the formidable profile of the
alloy, tasteful additions to her classic, minimalistic
Pershing 92, Ferretti Group has a line of boats to
style. The price tag, you ask? “Think in the line of
compliment your any nautical getaway. Ferretti en-
50 Ferraris,” remarked Henderson.
sures that each and every yacht has an equal ratio
But within these seven brands, Ferretti Group
of sophistication and superior technology mixed
also offers sportier options. For those seeking the
into every boating cocktail. Ready to set course?
pinnacle of performance without ruffling their locks,
We certainly are.
FLOATING GARAGE TENDER RIVA ISEO
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GROWING UP
MIAMI MIAMI NIGHTLIFE, DEVELOPMENT, AND PHILANTHROPIC GURU MICHAEL CAPPONI HAS WEATHERED THE CITY’S UPS AND DOWNS AND GIVES US A BIT OF INSIGHT ON ITS CHANGING PERSONALITY.
JUST ANOTHER NIGHT AT STORY
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M
ichael Capponi, a power player in the hospi-
“I was here at the very beginning. I’ve been to every
tality industry in Miami, has grown up with
single restaurant opening, real estate opening, and I
the city. Capponi got his start as a skater
know everyone in town. I can walk into a restaurant and
and surf boarder, hanging out at the beach handing out flyers. But he’s always been in tune with the energies of
know exactly how long it is going to last,” he said. He has the track record to prove it and he’s still going
the city, and when he was still
just as strong as ever, putting
a teenager he started organiz-
together the hottest nights at
ing club nights that put both
LIV and STORY, some of
Miami’s nightlife and Capponi
Miami’s most sought-after
himself in the national spot-
night spots.
light. When he was 21 the Mi-
Capponi is also in the real
ami Herald dubbed him, “The
estate business and has been
Sobe Prince,” of nightlife.
busily developing property
“It was a lot for a 21-year-
all over the city for years. His
old to be at the helm of that
latest collaboration with Costa
whole eruption, from 1992-
Hollywood Condo Resort
1994,” he recalled. “That’s
developer Moses Bensusan,
when Miami went from just
will birth an all-encompassing
being a Bohemian village to
luxury lifestyle project, provid-
the hottest city in America,”
ing beachfront residences with
he said. Back then, the Design District was just, “ten stores if
ample opportunities for dining, shopping, and relaxing right there on the premises.
you wanted to buy some furniture,” said Capponi, “and
And with Capponi involved, you can be sure it is going to
developers could buy up beachfront property for just
have that special something that gives a place magnetism
$125,000 a house.”
and energy. Capponi is known, more than anything, for
But if you want to pick somebody’s brain about the
being a man with strong instincts, who knows how to
various phases Miami has gone through over the past 25
create just the right environment for any entertainment
years, Capponi is the person to ask. He divides the city’s
or hospitality project.
history into successive epochs, starting when developers
As Miami has become more sophisticated over the
bought up beachfront property in the late 1980s, then
years, Capponi himself has settled down and moved
marking another shift when the first large, luxury hotel
on to quieter pursuits in his personal life. These days,
opened on Miami Beach in the mid 1990s, bringing
going to clubs is work, not relaxation, “It’s more like
an influx of celebrity patrons like Gianni Versace and
homework, I’ve done it for 25 years,” he said.
Madonna to the city. “Every time we have a new era it brings a new crowd,
You are more likely to find Capponi sailing down the Miami River on his boat, or studying up on ancient
a new audience, a new clientele,” said Capponi. “There
Hindu and Jewish teachings. “I’m always on the water,
will immediately be more fine dining. The clubs become
I like to have very intellectual conversations, and the
VIP and each time the rhythm changes.”
rest is really more like work to me,” said Capponi.
Now, Miami has reached a new phase of world-class
But Capponi’s homework still turns out amazing re-
luxury to compete with all the global cultural capitals.
sults, helping keep things in Miami fresh and lively after
“Now it is just a whole different ball game. Now you
all these years. And in time, Capponi might even bring
have billion-dollar projects going up,” said Capponi.
his more recent emersion in spirituality back to the
And through it all, Capponi has been at the very
city of Miami. “In the big picture I would make more
epicenter of Miami nightlife. Invite him to the open-
civilization-defining architecture and large spiritual
ing of your new club or restaurant only if you are
centers, and venues that would encompass everything.
ready for a reckoning with the truth. Capponi knows
That would be the new cool,” he said. As a man who’s
exactly what it takes to succeed in Miami and he can
been making the new cool for 25 years, if anyone can do
tell it to you like it is.
it, Capponi can.
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
119
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A CAR LOVER’S DREAM RIDE INTO BRAMAN MOTORS AND BE SURE TO RIDE OUT OF THERE A FEW WELLEARNED HORSEPOWER STRONGER.
BMW 7 SERIES SEDAN
I
magine your dream car. Now head to
cumulated a fortune selling high-performance
Downtown Miami and you will probably
vehicles to the good people of South Florida.
be able to find it at Braman Motors. Bra-
Braman is a stand-up citizen and has contributed
man got its start in South Florida in 1975 as
to the community through more than just cars.
a dealership for Cadillac, BMW, Bentley, and
“I’ve chaired the Art Basel Fair since its concep-
Rolls Royce and now also sells MINI, Hyundai,
tion here. My wife chairs the board of the Mu-
Honda, and Bugatti. Their dealership in Palm
seum of Contemporary Art. I’m Vice-Chairman
Beach adds Porsche and Audi to the mix, and
of the board of the University of Miami. This
locations in Colorado sell Mercedes Benz and
is my community and my interests go far beyond
Acura. With a large service department, state-
what we’re sitting in here for,” said Braman.
of-the-art body shops and over 23 separate deal-
Commitment to the community feeds back
erships in Florida and Colorado - and more on
into the business. “We try to remember who the
the way - Braman has all the bases covered. But
only will you find exactly what you want there;
customer is and to make sure each customer
make no mistake, Braman Motors is a Miami
you’ll feel good while doing it.
knows that we are dependent on them. That is
business at heart and it has risen to prominence based on its customer-focused approach. Not
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The man behind Braman Motors, Norman
basically the way that we operate,” said Braman.
Braman, is a self-made billionaire who has ac-
Braman Motors is South Florida’s leading luxury
COLORFUL BENTLEY LINEUP
pressure at all. We don’t operate that way.” Braman Motors must maintain diverse offer-
staff; it means working hard to give the cus-
ings because it’s impossible to pinpoint exactly
tomers precisely what they are searching for.
what the people of Miami are looking for. But
Braman Motors offers cars in all the colors of
Norman Braman thinks it’s better that way.
the rainbow—both inside and out. Vehicles are
“Miami is a wonderful core market. People like
fully customizable, and the service department
Ferraris, Audis, BMWs, Mercedes… I don’t think
doesn’t mind unusual requests. If, for example,
there is one car that
you happen to need
everyone has or wants
some extra security,
to have,” he said.
they will find you an
Nonetheless, there
“WE TRY TO REMEMBER WHO THE CUSTOMER IS AND TO MAKE SURE EACH CUSTOMER KNOWS THAT WE ARE DEPENDENT ON THEM.” - NORMAN BRAMAN
Good service means more than just friendly
armored car capable
might be a special
of deflecting bullets.
passion for the BMW.
They also keep up
Braman Motors is one
with innovations in
of the largest and most
electric cars. They are
successful BMW deal-
currently taking pre-
erships in the United
orders for the i3, the
States, and these fast
latest electric car from
and furious cars are
BMW, made of carbon
selling in Miami like
fiber to keep its weight
hot cakes. “If you
low, on sale since ear-
want to be driven by
lier this year.
somebody, have them
With a large Certi-
drive you in a Mer-
fied Pre-Owned De-
car dealership not just because it’s a one-stop
cedes. But if you want
partment to tickle your
shop for all the finest automobiles available on
to drive yourself, drive
the market, but because Braman’s employees
a BMW,” said Braman, explaining that the
fancies, it truly is, “nowhere else but Braman
will make sure that your purchasing experi-
power and responsiveness a driver feels behind
Miami.” It must be hard to walk into a Braman
ence is supported and informed, not rushed or
the wheel of a BMW makes it one of the most
showroom and resist taking every single vehicle
pressured. “We provide an excellent quality of
popular luxury cars in the city and the United
for a test drive, but if that’s what you need to
service here,” said Braman. “We are not high
States as a whole.
do, we’re sure they won’t mind.
luxury and exotic car
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Tasty DELIGHTS
RECENT RESTAURANT FIND R HOUSE WYNWOOD HAS US SINGING ODES TO CHEF/OWNER ROCCO CARULLI AND HIS DELECTABLE TREATS. NEW FAVORITE EATERY IN TOWN? FOUND! ZESTY COCKTAILS RIGHT FOR ANY OCCASION
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S
eeing how everything Design District and
to a decidedly delectable palate. The space
nearby Wynwood has garnered up quite
is decked out in some very eye-catching wall
the hype as of late, we probably don’t
hangings by artist Dietmar Brixy in partnership
have to sway you much on a recent restaurant
with White Porch Gallery, and feels immediately
find we discovered in the latter hip district of the
inviting in that rustic chic way you expect of the
two. But just for the sake of argument, let’s try to
area. Tasteful swirls of color covering the walls,
knock your socks off anyway. Recently, we had the
we were transported to our dining spot in the
absolute pleasure to dine at R House Wynwood, a
outdoor seating area of the resto. Having just
delightful restaurant nestled right in the midst of
made the acquaintance of northern transplant
artsy, up-and-coming Wynwood.
Chef/Owner Rocco Carulli (he moved down
Serving up a culinary fusion of American
here recently from cooking up a storm in seafood
dishes combining Mediterranean, Latin, and
mecca Massachusetts), we knew we were in for
Asian aromas, R House brings casual dining
a treat. “We’ll trust you,” we established and
“R HOUSE IS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE FOODIES. IT’S FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE AN ENERGETIC VIBE, LAUGHING OUT LOUD, AND HAVING A GOOD TIME.” - ROCCO CARULLI prepared ourselves for what was to be a culinary fun fest of uniquely RUSTIC CHIC AT R HOUSE WYNWOOD
discerning tastes. First up were expertly mixed
Moqueca, an aromatic blend of scallops, cobia, and shrimp blended
mo, which even though we usually
with ginger, garlic, peppers and
stick to our glass of vino, made us
tomato in sweet coconut milk.
want to down some hard liquor in
The dish, served in small portion
form of fresh cucumber and tangy
adjusted to our tasting menu, left
ginger. Followed by what were very
us utterly satisfied in that South
refreshing drinks, we were met with
American fusion way. “It’s my
our first taste of the evening, the
favorite dish because it reminds me
Lobster Corn Soup. Now, we should
of my travels to Brazil,” said Chef
tell you that we never order soup in
Carulli. We couldn’t agree more. The Braised Short Rib and its
and we usually want to leave plenty
finely scalloped potatoes made a
of room for other nibbles. Little did
welcome appearance to our gleefully
we know how happy a bowl of soup
filled bellies as we sat and listened to
could make us when Chef Carulli
not one but several of our favorite
sent over this dainty creation. We
tunes. “We have DJs on weekends,”
can honestly proclaim to never
said Chef Carulli, “and a band
have had soup this good. And that’s
during Art Walk.” With plenty of
saying something folks. The bisque
live music planned for this new
was as smooth as can be. Topped
eatery, guests will be sure to truly get
off with a scrumptious sampling
trademarked “food+art+music” at
of fresh lobster it simply melded
R House. And the recent addition of
beautifully alongside the touch of
Sunday brunch has brought in even
cilantro, making this a mouthwater-
more fans as live muralists painting
ing way to start our meal.
the walls keep you both entertained
“R House is for people who are
and in artistic awe. “It’s definitely
foodies,” said Chef Carulli, “it’s
more of an energetic brunch,”
for people who like an energetic
mused Chef Carulli. The art on
vibe, laughing out loud, and having
display will continuously evolve as
a good time.” In keeping with this
artists are invited to showcase
mentality, Chef Carulli plated up
their creations.
the Sweet Pea Falafel, topped with
GREEN TWIST WITH THE SWEET PEA FALAFEL
Up next was the Chef ’s personal favorite - Brazilian Seafood
cocktails Coolantro and Ginger Cos-
a restaurant. Seems to be too filling
YUMMY BRAISED SHORT RIB
far beyond sold.
And while R House keeps its
well-dressed heirloom tomatoes,
menu elegantly streamlined, we’d
cucumber, olives, and feta cheese
suggest you take advantage of the
paired with tangy tzatziki. This
handy offering in half versus full
green version of the Middle East-
portions. This way, you can gather
ern favorite brought on a welcome
a handful of your closest foodie
twist to an already satisfying dish.
friends and truly experience what
Course number two and we were
this House is all about.
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
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SHIFTING GEARS
WITHOUT THE FUSS
LOU LA VIE BRINGS YOU HIGH-END CAR FERVOR SANS THE OWNERSHIP.
H
ave a penchant for power? The kind that
strong case against owning exotic cars at second homes
is exotic or luxurious and comes on four
and renting his instead. Judging by Justin Bieber’s lat-
wheels? If you own two Lamborghinis and
est antics, he did apparently know how to get a sweet
a Maserati that are begging to be driven but also to be
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder on the double
serviced, John Temerian, Founder of Lou La Vie is an
– and it was from Lou La Vie.
exotic car enthusiast who might have an answer. Temerian is taking the idea of renting a high-end vehicle
“rent the life,” Lou La Vie is a company that knows
and putting you in the driver’s seat – of whatever you
what the life is and how to rent it out. Temerian (whose
want, whenever you want it. His concept makes a very
grandfather emigrated from Southern France in 1958)
FERRARI SCUDERIA SPIDER 16M
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9FI5TH.COM
Adapted from the French phrase, “louer la vie” or
wants those of us with two or three houses to
total of 22 members in the world that include
be able to rent the life we are accustomed to –
professional athletes, software gurus and celebri-
without the hassle of ownership. Prices run from
ties who Temerian carefully selects as ambas-
around $350 for a Corvette up to $3,900 a day for
sadors. Memberships run between $20,000 and
the Lamborghini Aventador, with a range of lux-
$50,000 a year and provide a respective number
ury and exotic brands from Porsche to Maserati
of points which then can be put toward rentals.
to Rolls Royce and everything in between. “Most
The premium $50,000 membership allots 1,800
of our clients are people who have realized that
points per year, whilst a Rolls Royce Ghost will
owning an exotic car at a second home can be a
run about 40 points per day (working out to a
hassle and it costs a lot in the currency of time,”
30 to 40 percent discount when compared to the
explained Temerian. Lou La Vie is a luxury brand
non-membership price). The idea is not so much
that seeks out cars that excite aficionados, like the
about the cost savings but about exclusive treat-
Ferrari 430 Scuderia Spider 16M with its racing
ment and priority that brings ease, simplicity,
inspired carpet-less, diamond-plated aluminum
and full-bodied pleasure to automobile lovers.
floor that reveal the raw, exposed welds. “What is so appealing about our exotic cars is that they are
But what if this line of cars were an amenity in a luxury condo development, where owners
a bold statement
“MOST OF OUR CLIENTS ARE PEOPLE WHO HAVE REALIZED THAT OWNING AN EXOTIC CAR AT A SECOND HOME CAN BE A HASSLE AND IT COSTS A LOT IN THE CURRENCY OF TIME.” - JOHN TEMERIAN
LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO LP560
in technology and design that is integrated with incredible engineering – and our clients appreciate this,” enthused Temerian. Lou La Vie offers members a day at the racetrack every couple of months so that they can reduce those Pirelli tires to ash and practice doing fishtails. Just kidding. “This
is about teaching them what an apex is and how to feel the parameters of a real performance car and even when (and how) to break properly,” explained Temerian. Lou La Vie is in it deep when it comes to the luxury and exotic car market and their tastes are a testament to this; they have even
could swing into Miami and have access to the
partnered up with Felipe Massa from Williams F1
Lou La Vie fleet as if it were their own? Well,
to expand the company’s reach into the Brazil-
this amenity of amenities is fast becoming a
ian market. Lou La Vie is committed to driving
reality. The best part is, Temerian and company
member services further, to places like New York,
would be fixing the flats and keeping the tanks
where many clients own primary residences.
topped-off so we only need to start the igni-
So you’re wondering how you get a pair of
tion and keep our blood alcohol content under
keys to the exclusive membership club? Well,
control (cough, Bieber). “This can also be offered
there are a few honorary members, the likes
as an amenity before construction is complete,”
of Jamie Foxx, but the list of members is so
proposed Temerian who is currently driving
impressive that it wouldn’t hurt to have two
some agreements home as we speak. Sounds like
Academy Awards under your belt if you are
the amenity stakes are about to get a lot higher
interested in joining. We are talking a grand
in this Miami drag race.
LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR
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PILLOW TALK
PI L LOW TAL K
127 VICEROY MIAMI
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9FI5TH.COM
128 EPIC HOTEL
129 DELANO SOUTH BEACH
QUARTERS FIT FOR A KING OR QUEEN AT VICEROY MIAMI
P I L LOW TA L K
VICEROY MIAMI
THE SPA WATER LOUNGE
WITH TWO MASSIVE SPA WHIRLPOOLS and Florida’s largest infinity pool, this one has aqua amenities suited for more than a viceroy… but the king and queen. Fitting then, that Viceroy Miami is the crown jewel of Icon Brickell’s ten acres of élan. Located just a stone’s throw from Brickell’s financial district, the Viceroy affords quick access to both your business and leisure affairs. The stunning guest rooms are branded with a stylish, modern ambiance that Interior Designer Kelly Wearstler achieved by blending
pool overlooking Biscayne Bay and a hot tub that affords room enough for her court of 80. For a thorough pampering, check out the 28,000-square-foot full-service spa designed by Philippe Starck, complete with redwood saunas and eucalyptus steam rooms. But you’re looking for some of that Miami heat, you say? Greet the sunrise at Café Icon for an
green, onyx, and slate with classic shapes, or-
espresso and some fette biscottate, spend the day shopping and sightseeing in Brickell, and then
ganic wood finishes, reflective brass, and veined
embrace the sunset at 15th and Vine Kitchen and Bar for its fusion of Latin, Asian, and Italian
marble. Sound good enough to stay a while?
dishes. Once the sun goes down, you can set the mood for a night on the town with a cocktail at
The good news is that you can do just that
FIFTY Miami Ultra Lounge – or better yet, stay and groove with an international elite on the
with the Residences at Viceroy Miami, which
rooftop to the beat of Miami’s top DJs.
provide all of the hotel payoffs in the comfort of a fully furnished private residence. Amenities? Well, this viceroy has got the queen’s back with a 300-foot long infinity
Most of us frequenting Brickell have come to work (easy) and play hard… If that sounds right up your alley, you would do well to stay at the Viceroy Miami with its 2,666-square-foot ballroom to the West Salon suited for more intimate meetings and professional events. If you are just looking to take a holiday approved by the queen (or 9fi5th), it’s time for you to hit up Viceroy Miami.
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
127
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EPIC Hotel
EPIC HOTEL
NESTLED IN THE HEART OF THE CITY,
31, recently received a
with sparkling skyline all around, the EPIC Hotel
makeover and a new
looks out over the glistening water, so you’ll be
executive chef: Miami
constantly reminded of the vibrant, cosmopolitan
veteran Wolfgang Birk,
tropical paradise in which you’ve found yourself.
who’s keeping things
EPIC wants you to feel the beating heart of
local and sustainable,
Miami, which means feeling relaxed and stimulated
fresh and delicious. We’re
simultaneously. Isn’t that what you want, too? We
talking chilled melon and
thought so.
cucumber soup, grass-fed
Let’s start with the rooms. Every single suite
Florida beef, and lobster
and room has a balcony, and is fitted with floor-
just plucked from the
is EPIC’s one-of-a-kind Club Level concierge-
to-ceiling windows, luxurious furnishings, and the
ocean. As with everything EPIC, this sky-high culi-
serviced lounge. Situated at the very top of the
softest of sheets. With rooms ranging from 475 to
nary hideaway includes outdoor seating, so you can
EPIC high rise, on the 29th and 30th floors, this
1100 square feet, you can choose exactly how much
have a little sea breeze to accompany your scallops.
isn’t a bar or a restaurant. The difference is at Club
of this cushy elegance you need to feel at home.
EPIC also offers a more hip, urban dining
Level, you don’t have to ask. This is a space for eat-
experience on the ground floor with Zuma Miami,
ing, drinking, and just being that exists to give you
accommodation just a little bit more, well, epic.
a trendy sushi bar concept already charming
exactly what you want before you think of it.
Their 12,000-square-foot spa is the ultimate in self-
globetrotting palates in Istanbul, Bangkok, London,
care and—of course—it comes with a view. Who
Hong Kong, and Dubai and a soon-to-open loca-
EPIC hotel, looking out over the rippling ocean
would settle for anything less?
tion in New York. At Zuma you can feel a part
and the buzzing city, you’ll know you’re seeing
of the city, but if later you need to retreat, there
Miami exactly as it wants to be seen.
EPIC makes everything you expect from luxury
Their renowned 16th floor restaurant, Area
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When you’re sitting up at the tip-top of the
DELANO SOUTH BEACH THE ONLY PROBLEM with Delano South
class luxury hotel with every creature comfort you
Beach is that it offers such a singular world of
could imagine, marked by supreme attention to
nourishment, so it’s a good thing Delano South
fantastic luxury that you might never manage to
detail and stylish flourishes.
Beach also offers fine dining, with modern Italian
leave to explore the city of Miami. Everything
Guests can choose from 194 rooms and suites,
All that working of the body is going to require
at Bianca, as well as a more casual sushi and sake
you could want from a vacation is right here: the
and the accommodations range from more basic
bar. If you’re looking for a place to go after dinner,
beach, restaurants, two of Miami’s coolest bars, a
rooms offering spectacular views of either the
Delano South Beach’s bars are known for being fa-
swimming pool, peaceful outdoor verandas, and, of
Miami skyline or an expanse of limitless ocean-
vorite hangouts for the stars on sultry Miami nights.
course, resplendent accommodations.
to pool-side bungalows, loft apartments, and a
There’s nothing average about Delano South Beach. The building is an architectural landmark,
majestic top floor penthouse suite. Delano South Beach’s rooftop spa, Club Es-
Wake up smelling the ocean, eat breakfast looking out over the water, stroll from your table straight to a pristine, sandy beach. And if by the
included on the American Institute of Architects
sentia, offers quiet relaxation along with cutting
afternoon, you’ve convinced yourself you want
list of, “America’s Favorite Architecture.” Enter,
edge therapeutic treatments like IV supplemen-
to leave this sumptuous palace, you can take one
and you will be swept into a world of comfort and
tation, cellular therapy, and hyperbaric cham-
of Delano South Beach’s complimentary bikes
glamour usually reserved for the movies.
bers. Add to that a fitness center and pool, and
for a spin around the city. By evening you’ll have
you can be sure you will keep yourself feeling top
earned a world class cocktail, and you’ll be in
notch throughout your stay.
good company. Can you imagine a better day?
But let’s talk specifics. Yes, Delano South Beach offers cinematic atmospherics, but it is also a firstDELANO SOUTH BEACH POOL AREA
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129
PI L LOW TAL K
THE COURTYARD TERRACE AT THE RITZ-CARLTON COCONUT GROVE
RITZ-CARLTON COCONUT GROVE
MAIN LOBBY AT THE PROPERTY
TO SEE WHAT THE INTERNATIONAL
The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove has made a
for those who like to revel into the wee hours of
par d’elegance has to offer, we snuggled up with
point to incorporate the locality of Miami right
the night.
the Ritz for a night. And this is not just any
into the rooms with portraits of Villa Vizcaya, a
Ritz-Carlton, this is the Ritz-Carlton Coconut
nearby national landmark on Biscayne Bay, and
Coconut Grove impeccable, but the amenities
Grove, Miami, which is nestled into one of the
architecture inspired by businessman James Deer-
here have made quite a name for themselves as
most gorgeous locales on the planet. Better be
ing, who wintered there in the early 20th century.
well. The Boutique Spa’s liberal size offers some
good then, right? It is. With panoramic views
If you are a connoisseur of the finer flavors
Not only is the service at Ritz-Carlton
refined treatments from the cranberry anti-
of Biscayne Bay, Coral Gables, and the Miami
from around the globe, Bizcaya is a must with
aging massage to a champagne and mandarin
skyline, the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove accents
its inflections from coastal Italy, Spain, France,
manicure or pedicure. The Fitness Center boasts
the natural luxuries with just the right touches
and India. Last October, the restaurant boasted
a wide selection of sweat inducing fare – and for
of amenities, furnishings, and an unparalleled
an entire month of gorgeous Indian cuisine
those inclined to indulge in a little low-impact
but casual ambiance to set a new par for your
prepared by Executive Chef, Ramesh Kaduru in
exercise, there is aqua fitness and Vinyasa Yoga.
vacations away – one that will be hard to beat.
what was called, “A Passage to India: An Authentic
Lovers of fine cuisine looking to kick back in
Indian Pop-Up Restaurant.” But then there is the La-
a casual sense of sophistication carved out of a
Miami suite up right considering that most of us
zuli Lounge that mixes up a classic elegance built
rich marble and mahogany soul all under the op-
come here hoping for a light kiss from the Miami
with columns, leather couches, gently cascading
erational standards of The Ritz-Carlton should
sunset and a gentle caress from her breeze. Unfas-
fountains, and a dash of that sunset for the per-
think Coconut Grove. Be it business, leisure or
ten that collar-button and revel in casual comfort
fect cocktail. Lazuli cooks up a Mediterranean-
a long weekend of pleasure, The Ritz-Carlton
– or lounge in the lush environs of the pool area.
inspired menu and light tapas (served from 11pm)
Coconut Grove has got the recipe down.
The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove does a
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OFF THE WALL
132
133 SPONDER AND AREVALO GALLERIES
135 GARY NADER FINE ART GALLERY
Design District shared galleries Sponder and Arevalo have managed to entice art lovers with differing, yet complimentary compilations.
Gary Nader brings Central and South American flavor to Miami’s already buzzing art scene.
9FI5TH.COM
THE GARY NADER FINE ART GALLERY
O FF TH E WA L L
TWO GALLERIES IN ONE
DESIGN DISTRICT SHARED GALLERIES SPONDER AND AREVALO HAVE MANAGED TO ENTICE ART LOVERS WITH DIFFERING, YET COMPLIMENTARY COMPILATIONS.
L
et’s talk smart investment op-
owns with her mother, the Baker
in an artist’s career are most valu-
Basel Miami. Both he and Sponder
tions that consider your artis-
Sponder Gallery in Boca Raton.
able,” informed Arevalo, fresh off
advise clients to build a collection
a successful run at last year’s Art
that is not only valuable but also
tic interests. Francisco Arevalo and Deborah Sponder are
“Art is born out of a time and the circumstances of that time,
scientist (Arevalo a medical doctor
which is what an artist reflects.
and Sponder a research scientist),
Some of those times yield
who believe that art that speaks to
higher dollar values.
collectors and financial returns are
We know which
not mutually exclusive. The pair,
times and
“intelligently mediate between the
periods
reflects each customer personally through a group of pieces. “I select artists like Stanley Boxer who create
worlds of dollar values and emotion, using the medium of art,” quipped Arevalo, Director of the Arevalo Art Gallery. Art mediums, you ask? Sort of. These two galleries housed at one address in Miami’s Design District are working to serve the same ideology but different art interests. “We advise collectors where to place their emotional bets to earn a financial return,” remarked Sponder who focuses on abstract expressionism to the ring of Jedd Novatt and Dan Christiansen. Arevalo speaks in an artistic language but also in Spanish to Latin American investors who own properties in Miami. He works to identify the best works of Latin American Modernism displaying works of artists such as Luis Tomasello, Carlos Cruz-Diez, and Jesús Rafael Soto. Sponder believes her success is driven, “by family ties and values and sells largely abstract pieces,” as she called them and noted that she has another venue that she
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
133
OF F T H E WALL
deep and powerful abstract mes-
Sounds like a course that we all
sages and are extremely lucrative.
can learn something from.
We are so certain of their value that we always offer a buy-back
science, emotion, and finance have
price equal to that at purchase,”
in store for Miami? Sponder aims
Sponder assured. But clients
to bring new media for exhibi-
almost never sell their pieces back
tions like push messages, “because
and for good reason too; Sponder
people today have so much going
was giving away Koons balloon
on that a quick informative snip-
dog plates as Bat Mitzvah presents
pet when they peruse is perfect.”
for a while and one of them sold
As for future endeavors, she can’t
at an auction for the ring of more
rule out the likes of sculpture
than $50,000. Promise kept.
projects seen at the Ritz-Carlton
Sponder recently chose to fea-
LOTHAR CHAROUX
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So what do these two people of
Key Biscayne and the Boca Raton
ture Natvar Bhavsar, “because he
Resort and Club that she has
speaks powerfully, but at the same
facilitated. Arevalo continues to
time, he also has a tremendous
shape the gorgeous fractures that
capacity to generate a return for
make up Miami into even more
a long time.” Both Sponder and
beautiful shapes with newer artists
Arevalo have purchased smart art
like Andrea Zittel and Jorge Pardo.
tuition savings programs for their
“Miami’s identity has really come
kids and have stunning collections
of age and that image is beautiful
of their own that for Sponder
in its diversity,” admired Arevalo.
include Lynn Chadwick and for
This is a gallery that paints life,
Arevalo pieces that, “he will not
as it should be: elegant while both
sell.” If you were wondering, the
artistically and financially reward-
kids’ tuitions are taken care of.
ing. Two galleries, actually.
DEBORAH SPONDER AND HER MOTHER ELAINE BAKER OF BAKER SPONDER GALLERY
LIVING AND BREATHING LATIN AMERICAN ART GARY NADER bRINGS CENTRAL AND SOuTH AMERICAN FLAVOR TO MIAMI’S ALREADY buzzING ART SCENE.
GARY NADER’S 55,000-SQUARE-FOOT WYNWOOD SPACE
W
hen I told my father I
where Nader grew up. He sold his
America is one of the most impor-
artists,” he said. “Our contribution
was moving to Miami, he
first painting at the age of seven,
tant art movements in the history
has been immense to American
thought I was crazy,” said
and opened his very own gallery
of modern art,” Nader proclaimed.
culture. That’s why we’re building
prominent art collector Gary
this museum.”
when he turned 18. Six years later,
“From Mexico to Chile, there are
Nader. But Nader saw a glimmer
he moved to Miami and opened a
hundreds of extraordinary artists.”
of potential in the city, which until
gallery here.
recently hadn’t exactly been known
And not just any gallery. “We
And what better city than Miami,
He’s planning on opening a 70,000 to 80,000-square-foot
the gateway to Latin America, to
complex in three to four years,
are one of the largest galleries in
play home? “We are the most exotic,
and hopes to place it Downtown.
the world,” Nader insisted of the
contemporary, cosmopolitan city on
Nader’s plan is to focus on getting
stead of New York, Paris, or London,
Gary Nader Fine Art Gallery, which
the planet,” Nader proudly declared.
Miami’s young denizens inter-
because he wanted to, “grow with the
sprawls its 55,000 square feet in the
city.” Now he’s made it his personal
heart of Wynwood, Miami’s hip new
building a museum of Latin
shouldn’t be places where you
mission to put Miami on the map of
art district.
American art. For the past 25 years,
have to whisper. “You have to do
as a cultural capital. He chose to settle in Miami in-
cultural capitals. He wants the city
“We have an extremely eclec-
That’s why he’s planning on
ested in art. He thinks museums
Nader’s been globe-trotting from one
fun things to bring young people
to be known for more than just fancy
tic collection,” said Nader. The
cultural capital to the next, studying
to museums,” which is why Nader
restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs.
gallery hosts over 3,000 pieces by
all the best museums of art.
wants to include a lot of music in
Nader lives, eats, and breathes Latin
150 artists from Latin America and
“There are 600 million people
American art.
around the world, including a huge
south of the border, and there aren’t
as an art center and include an
Picasso collection, and over 100
museums dedicated to telling the
auditorium to host musicians, plays,
(Fernando) Boteros.
story of Latin American culture, and
and films. “I think Miami is ready,
giving opportunities to contemporary
and the world is ready.”
“I was practically born in a gallery,” he said. His father had a gallery in the Dominican Republic
“What’s happening today in Latin
the museum that will also function
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
135
ABROAD
136
137 FOLLOW THE ROYAL PALM TREES
140 VIRGINAL ESCAPE
Bahamian island paradise Eleuthera gears up for authentic chic, with latest development French Leave to hit the market any, sunny day now.
Vacation paradise Oil Nut Bay’s eight differing neighborhoods have something in store for your every travel themed fantasy.
9FI5TH.COM
AUTHENTIC COTTAGES AT FRENCH LEAVE ELEUTHERA
A B R OA D
Bahamian island paradise Eleuthera gears up for authentic chic, with latest development French Leave to hit the market any, sunny day now.
W
e’ve been pretty blessed to have traveled this world. We’ve been
the Bahamian island of “freedom” that manages to whisk you away to another
far and wide, have seen oceans and seas, fishermen and fleas, have
dimension; one where time stands still and life takes on another meaning.
trotted hills and mountains, and have waded through our fair
Having traveled there to check out 9fi5th Miami’s latest Abroad recommen-
share of keys. But, all these peripatetic endeavors aside, we must
dation, French Leave Eleuthera, we didn’t know what to expect. Perhaps we
admit that our latest jaunt to a particular Caribbean enclave truly
thought we’d see turquoise waters, be met with friendly locals, and then be on
hit the mark when it comes to unique destinations. We speak of
our way back to the harsh Northeast for yet another “polar vortex” (there’ve
course of none other geographic spot than the isle of Eleuthera,
been a lot of those lately). Little did we know that Eleuthera would plate up all
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
137
A B R OAD
BEAUTIFUL WHITE KITCHENS
that and more in a whirlwind of weekend wonder. Nestled among the handful of Bahamian Islands in the Caribbean, Eleuthera’s very slim, elongated shape boasts both Atlantic and Caribbean waters on either side. “It’s just enough off the beaten path,” said Michele Johnson, 28-yearresident and owner of tasty oceanfront restaurant The Beach House. “Any closer, and I would be in heaven,” her late husband would add. French Leave Eleuthera has been long in the making. Home to one mile of pristine pink sand beachfront, the development will boast authentically styled cottages speckled about the massive property. “It’s unbelievable,” said Shaner Capital CEO Eddie Lauth when taking us around the grounds. “I watched the sunrise this morning on French Leave Beach and then I came over here, sat on the deck and caught the sunset,” he mused
to well-proportioned two-bedrooms will offer sun
of the environs, to come in handy when you’ll
with a look of utter satisfaction.
drenched colors, classic African mahogany woods,
want to sail the nearby seas.
Influenced in part by British Colonial stylings, the cottages, which will range from studios
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9FI5TH.COM
and tasteful details such as french doors opening the way to the bathroom and actual nautical maps
“We tried to keep it very traditional,” said Lauth when referring to his use of antique ROHL
said
French
Shaner
Leave,
Corp CEO
let us tell
Lance Shaner. “These are solid concrete, steel through the walls, and the roofs strapped down.
fixtures and even the option of Dogtrot cottages. With only a fraction (roughly 20 to 25 cottages)
you about the island that simply stole our hearts. We rode horses on the beach. Thanks to
You have to spend a lot more, but it’s not about
the trusty leadership of mother and daughter team
the money. It’s about having something that we’ll
Angela and Kelly at Oceanview Farm, this riding
be proud of when done.”
novice got to live out her equine fantasy. Yep, just
Words of wisdom, with a message that is
like in the shampoo commercials, and every bit as
clear - these cottages are built the Bahamian
awesome. We dined at Tippy’s where we had phe-
of the 270 acres of land currently earmarked
way, much like the old church or library in town,
nomenal lobster, and tasted fresh, delightful sushi
under the French Leave Eleuthera building plan,
which after what surely has been several heavy
at The Cove, a recently completed development
buyers can be sure that their slice of heaven will
storms, are still there.
in Gregory Town. We trailed the supple sands
indeed stay as secluded as it is now. In fact, we can
Currently under construction, the first few
of French Leave Beach and swam in the crisp
attest to the happy solitude we felt when literally
cottages are already finished, incorporating ex-
waters of Eleuthera’s Caribbean banks. The one
being the only people on the beach.
terior walkways made of local stone and wood
thing we didn’t get to try was the celebrated local
work. “You don’t see these walls anywhere,”
pineapple. We hear it’s a smaller, sweeter version
with all the best of modern engineering featur-
said Shaner, “we wanted them to be an expres-
of what we’re used to up here. Too bad it was out
ing Bosch appliances and the highest hurricane
sion of Bahamian art.” The waters out front
of season, but just another reason to return.
rated glass, which Lauth joked, “you could
will be able to accommodate two mega yachts
throw a brick at and wouldn’t get through.”
of sizes up to 180 feet, as weddings and events
Leave,” explained Shaner who currently visits
Each cottage will offer a wide deck that will be
with room for 150+ guests will start making
Eleuthera three times a year. “Everything has to
open yet private through use of side shutters,
their way to French Leave starting November
be done just so.” With a property that sings odes to
while tortoise shell patina polished concrete
1st. All this will also come neatly wrapped up
Bahamian authenticity and a team that is there to
floors will flow from indoors to out. Though
with the option of a hotel program, should you
provide quality above all, we understand why.
it’s the little things you’ll notice, it’s also the
want to profit from your days spent away from
big ones you should remember - French Leave
island paradise.
The cottages, though traditional, will come
Eleuthera has been built to stand the test of time. “We’re trying to create something special,”
But more than just tell you about the amenities or little extras you can look forward to at
“Eddie has put his heart and soul into French
So, if you’re tired of “the congestion, the golf carts, and the noise” … then we’d suggest you hop on a flight and land at one of Eleuthera’s three airports. Safe to say, we’ll be back.
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
139
A B R OAD
VIRGINAL
ESCAPE Vacation paradise Oil Nut Bay’s eight differing neighborhoods have something in store for your every travel themed fantasy.
E
legantly snuggled into the Eastern tip of Virgin Gorda and just two
Nut Bay is a neighborhood and a place to meet some of the most engaging
hours from Miami International Airport is the furtive cove called Oil
and successful people in the world. The government gave us permission
Nut Bay. In a haven bathed in lush palms, golden sunrises, and luring
to develop 400 sites. We built 88 because that is the perfect number for a
turquoise waters, there lies the very exclusive retreat home to 88 sites
community that allows for low-density living,” explained Johnson. In fact,
and a small number of resort accommodations. Oil Nut Bay affords
it has officially garnered the crown for the lowest density development in
prestige and seclusion that is gently mixed with a community of elites.
the Caribbean with a 50 percent development to land ratio. The cove also
“I chose this area because my daughter doesn’t like to go to our
boasts wonderful boating options with two marinas, Oil Nut Bay with 88
private island as there aren’t any friends around,” laughed its developer
slips accommodating up to 100-foot vessels and the larger YCCS with 38
David V. Johnson, Chairman of Victor International Corporation. “Oil
slips for mega yachts of up to 300 feet.
OIL NUT BAY SUITE, FENDI CASA
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Well known for his work at Bay Harbor, a high-end luxury real estate development located on five miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Johnson spent the better part of ten years in search of the idyllic location, “to live for the rest of my life,” as he said. Over the course of an impressive career, Johnson has garnered a number of awards and honors, notably one for Environmentalist of the Year in 1995 conferred by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. In order to fashion an oasis for guests, Johnson needed three primary ingredients, “unparalleled beauty, superior return on investment possibilities, and a stable government. Oh, and a little more than seven days.” It may have been the soundtrack of gentle waves accompanied by the strumming of palms rustling in the breeze that enticed Johnson to settle on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. “It is a setting where I want to live with my friends and get a chance to meet new friends,” Johnson invited. Victor International mixed artful design and superior technology in the 88 sites it created, half of which are already on the market (seven completed villas and two more done this year) and are spread over eight unique neighborhoods. “We offer eight different product categories and this makes Oil Nut Bay totally unique,” explained Johnson. These stunning plots run from $1.95 million to $15 million without villas, which cost about $1 million while houses run at between $3 and $50 million. “Buyers can bring in their own designers to work the interiors to their specifications. The amenities are the icing on the cake and along with the marina there are spa services offered in villa or on the beach, concierge service, fitness center and best of all, our own Nut House for the kids,” Johnson noted. Unlike what that title usually brings to mind, The Nut House and Nature Center provide an education and activity facility for children, part of Johnson’s vision aimed at creating a setting that fosters learning, development, and a sense of community. “It is a great way to let the kids have a good time learning without it looting your peace of mind,” he said. Perched on the highest point are three individual, deluxe one-bedroom rental suites called the Cliffs. These exclusive rental pieces offer privileged vacationers the chance to embrace a natural paradise in the out-of-doors while the penthouse residences enjoy Fendi Casa panache indoors. Oil Nut Bay caters to a variety of tastes, but for those who like life at the top, there is the Cliff penthouse suite, a 1,300-square-foot rental property at the summit of luxury where prices start at $1,750 per night. Alternatively, if you like to live large on your holidays, the Bella Beach Villa with its six rooms starting at $6,000 might be up your cove. The floor plans of these spaces offer generous helpings of indoor-outdoor space so that guests can relish the consistent 82-degree breeze and sweet scent of tropical flora that Johnson is dedicated to protecting. In fact, the community area surpasses energy standards and meets the Green Building Rating System developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and even employs a salt to freshwater filtration system for irrigation. Victor International does everything from formulating research opportunities to working with the public sector to nurture this utopia. Ensuring that indoor luxury is joined with outdoor fun while also providing extravagance that is guiltlessly sustainable is what Oil Nut Bay does right. What might be most striking of all about Oil Nut Bay is the way Architect and CEO, Douglas A. Kulig of OBM International created the architecture of several resort buildings and villas in the community to compliment the natural environment. The lagoon-like grounds caress the topography just as they bless your eyes with effortless beauty. Whether you are a sailor looking forward to 40 or back at it, Oil Nut Bay is a bountiful treasure to add to that chest, be it for a week or a lifetime.
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
141
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IN TOUCH
VIEW OF DOWNTOWN, ONE THOUSAND MUSEUM
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
143
I N TOUCH
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. Having successfully marketed Château Beach Residences, Venegas is currently managing sales for the more affluent oceanfront development Château Ocean. Office: 786-567-4122 E-Mail: mvenegas@venegasinternationalgroup.com 888 Biscayne Boulevard #111 Miami, Florida 33132 www.venegasinternationalgroup.com
LAURIE INGBER & CAROLYN BLOCK ELLERT PREMIER SALES GROUP With a combined 40 years of experience and over three and a half billion dollars of high-end residential real estate, Premier Sales Group prides themselves on their ability to fully immerse themselves in every aspect of a project and successfully match the right buyers with each development. Led by Laurie Ingber and Carolyn Block Ellert, Premier Sales Group opened in 2000 and has excelled in the South Florida real estate market by creating a new identity for each development to fit a specialized niche market and appeal to the most discerning buyers. From acting as the liaison between builders, developer and media partners to designing sales pitches and marketing campaigns, the Premier team excels by personally working with the developer and providing input at the project’s earliest stages in order to position it for maximum profitability from inception. Office: 954-351-5050 500 West Cypress Creek Road, Suite 380 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 www.premiersalesgroup.com
MAYI DE LA VEGA & DENNIS CARVAJAL ONE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY Renowned real estate professional Mayi de la Vega has cemented her success as a high-end luxury property specialist with unparalleled knowledge of her market. Beginning her 25-year real estate career at a boutique residential brokerage firm in Miami, Mayi quickly excelled in her field and decided to open her own local office. Five years later, she partnered with the internationallyrecognized Sotheby’s brand and became Founder and CEO of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, a premier and global real estate firm specializing in luxury properties. Founded in 2008, ONE Sotheby’s International Realty has quickly expanded to include eight offices throughout South Florida. ONE Sotheby’s International Realty houses more than 300 full-time agents, such as Dennis Carvajal, who with over 10 years of experience, has become a fast riser as one of the top producing agents at the firm. Dennis has closed over $125 million in sales, participating in some of the largest residential closings in Coral Gables for $16,750,000, $14,100,000, and $12,000,000. He specializes in luxury real estate and has built an extensive list of clients locally and internationally, who continuously reach out for his expertise, broad knowledge of the Miami real estate market, and relentless attention to his clientele’s needs and best interests. While Dennis’s specialty lies in the high-end residential market, he still sticks close to his roots with some commercial sales. Office: 305-666-0562 E-mail: mayi@onesothebysrealty.com, dcarvajal@onesothebysrealty.com 1430 South Dixie Highway, Suite 110 Coral Gables Florida 33146 www.onesothebysrealty.com
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JODI L. STRANG ADAMS, ESQUIRE STRANG ADAMS, P.A. Jodi L. Strang Adams, Esq. is Principal Attorney at Strang Adams, P.A., a boutique real estate law firm located in the Historic City Hall Building in Miami Beach, Florida. The firm specializes in real estate closings/title insurance, contract law, residential and commercial loan workouts and debt settlement. The firm offers its clients quality legal representation and an exclusive experience whether buying or selling residential or commercial real estate. With a genuine focus and philosophy on client satisfaction, Strang Adams, P.A. has been able to distinguish itself by upholding high standards in exceeding the expectations of its discerning local and international clientele. Office: 305-397-8800 1130 Washington Avenue Third Floor Old City Hall Miami Beach, FL 33139 www.stranglaw.com
ADD INC ADD Inc, a premier architecture and design firm, creates award-winning projects across the country from its offices in Boston, MA and Miami, FL. With an innovative spirit and deep expertise, the firm’s design teams develop a guiding vision for each project to enhance value and enrich communities. By merging that vision with collaboration and business savvy, ADD Inc delivers consistently notable results in workplace, mixed use, academic, retail, branding and residential design. Office: 305-482-8700 Fax: 305-482-8770 One Biscayne Tower, Suite 1670 2 South Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida 33131 www.addinc.com
SAMUEL AMOIA ASSOCIATES With offices in New York City and Miami, Samuel Amoia Associates tailors elegant, timeless and modern living environments to high-end residential and commercial projects. Amoia strives to dynamically collaborate with each client, reflecting their individual taste and unique style. Having worked within various wings of the design community, Amoia has earned his curated eye for inspired design. In Spring 2014, Samuel Amoia Associates is launching AMMA Studio, a collaborative capsule line of sculptural furniture. In addition, Amoia is currently designing the new Miami outpost of the iconic Indochine restaurant, building an oceanfront 10,000 square foot home in both Golden Beach and Palm Beach, designing a penthouse unit at the 1 Hotel and Residences by Starwood Capital in Miami, a state-of-the-art private gym in TriBeCa, and a pied-a-terre on Central Park South, among several other residential and commercial projects. Office: 212-216-0046 548 W. 28th Street, Suite 640 New York, New York 10001 www.samuelamoia.com
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O N E S O T H E B Y ’ S I N T E R N AT I O N A L R E A LT Y | D E V E L O P M E N T D I V I S I O N REDEFINING THE SALES AND POSITIONING O F S O U T H F L O R I D A’ S L U X U R Y D E V E L O P M E N T S
In under four years, ONE Sotheby’s International Realty has become a leader in the representation of luxury projects. The Sotheby’s brand heritage instantly elevates the value of each of our developments; the name is our differentiator and the strong global network that comes with it exposes projects to the most elite, highly qualified clientele.
ONESOTHEBYSREALT Y.COM/EXCLUSIVE-DEVELOPMENTS VISIT US ONLINE OR CALL 305.901.3494 FOR MORE INFORMATION
ONE T HO US A ND M US EU M M I A M I
B R I C KEL L C I T Y C E N T R E M I AM I
KA I B AY HA R B OR
B E AC H H O U S E 8 M I AM I B E AC H
PR IVAG E FO RT L AU D E RDA L E B EACH
RIVA F O RT L AU D ER DAL E
OC E A N SE V EN MIAMI
W SOUTH BEACH RESIDENCES MIAMI BEACH
INTRODUCING SLS LUX THE NEXT EVOLUTION OF STYLE, LUXURY & SERVICE ELEVATED AMENITIES AND SERVICES, EXPERTLY CURATED BY SLS LUX SKY RESIDENCES WITH 10-FOOT CEILINGS FULLY FURNISHED RESIDENCES WITH PRIVATE ELEVATORS SBE’S AWARD-WINNING CULINARY CONCEPTS, INCLUDING KATSUYA AND SBAR MONUMENTAL MASTERPIECES BY FERNANDO BOTERO AND MURALS BY FABIAN BURGOS
®
SALES GALLERY 801 SOUTH MIAMI AVE. T 305.521.1343 SLSLUX.COM
Sales by RELATED REALTY in collaboration with FORTUNE DEVELOPMENT SALES
Obtain the property report required by the federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. Oral representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating the representations of the developer. For correct representations, make reference to this brochure and to the documents required by section 718.503, Florida statutes, to be furnished by a developer to a buyer or lessee. This is not intended to be an offer to sell, or solicitation of an offer to buy, condominium units to residents of CT, ID, NY, NJ and OR, unless registered or exemptions are available, or in any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law, and your eligibility for purchase will depend upon your state of residency. This offering is made only by the Prospectus for the condominium only. The plans, specifications, design, amenities, managing entities, hotel operators, restaurants operations, and resort style services (if any) referred to are accurate as of this publication; however, the Developer reserves the right to change any of these, as the Developer deems best it’s sole and absolute discretion. This condominium is being developed by AMCO PRH 801 SOUTH MIAMI AVENUE, LLC which has a limited right to use the trade names, logos, images, and trademarks depicted pursuant to license agreements. The Related Group, SBE Hotels, LLC, The Allen Morris Company and Yabu Pushelber are not the Developer. © 2014 AMCO PRH 801 South Miami Avenue, LLC. All rights reserved unless otherwise credited to another.