Posts filed under 'Miami Beach: South Beach'
Image: Formerly Fairwind Seafood Bar and Grill
On May 17, last year, I wrote a post on the Collins Avenue Shopping District’s relatively rapid emergence and unique attributes. I ended the post by stating:
“The shopping district currently ends at 10th street, but there is room for it to expand northward. Collins, between 10th and 15th streets represents an underutilized segment of the storied avenue.”
Since then, the area north of 10th street on Collins has begun to transform as the anticipated northward expansion of new retail and hotel activity takes place. Structures are getting bought, restored, or demolished to make way for new businesses.
South Beach as a neighborhood and international brand has continuously redefined itself. It’s in these subtle changes, the motifs within the theme, that you see the redefinition taking place, so that every time a New Yorker or Londoner visits SoBe they feel like the experience has improved. This adaptability, along with the endowments nature has granted the island, is the key to its continued success.
Let’s see what this expansion looks like on the ground:
Continue Reading January 29, 2008
Let’s take a tour through Miami Beach to take a look at the third quarter status of recently topped off buildings, ongoing construction, and recently started foundation work:
Continue Reading September 17, 2007
Image: Active construction site for the Shops at 5th and Alton
The Shops at 5th and Alton, which will include 185,000 sq. ft. of vertical retail space and a 943 space parking garage at the 5th street entrance to South Beach, has begun to see activity on its site. U.S. Century Bank is financing development for the Berkowitz Development Group and Potamkin family. The Shops at 5th and Alton will…
Continue Reading September 4, 2007
Orientation
Cyclists, crowded outdoor cafes, restaurants, people walking dogs, cabs, and plenty of pedestrian activity is what the West Ave. Corridor is all about. The neighborhood is a calm haven for local life in touristy South Beach. As mentioned in the introductory post, the MDPL does not designate the neighborhood as a historic district, but that doesn’t mean it lacks aesthetic gusto. There is no neighborhood association, that I could find, registered with the municipality, and on the neighborhoods map, the City of Miami Beach addresses it as West Avenue, but there is much more to it than that.
Images: Side walk cafes in the Corridor
The narrow neighborhood straddles the south west coast of the Billion Dollar Sandbar. It’s located between Biscayne Bay and Alton Road (on the east and west) with Dade Blvd. and 5th Street making up its north and south boundaries. It’s bordered by the quiet Flamingo Park District to the east, popular Lincoln Road to the north east, Sunset Harbor and Bayshore to the north, and SoFi to the south. From the bay line, the world famous Star, Palm, and Hibiscus Islands are a glance away.
Image: Site of Vitri (foreground) and Bentley on the Bay (background)
Residential Activity
Beginning in the south and moving north, the Corridor gets off to an exciting start:
Continue Reading June 19, 2007
Native Miamian developer Craig Robbins has been around the block. In South Beach, the influence of his development firm, Dacra, bounces all over the place. While Jorge Perez slams his influence down at the southern tip of the island, Dacra has brought life to the heart of the island community. Dacra is attributed with having ignited the spark of Lincoln Road at a time when the funky strip was underground and unstable. Today, bustling Lincoln Road is the main East/West economic artery in South Beach. The north side of Espanola Way is another major trace that Dacra has imprinted upon South Beach.
Continue Reading June 15, 2007
South Beach is divided into 11 historic districts by the Miami Design and Preservations League. This delineation of what neighborhood is what based on architecture is ideal. However, since not all areas have historic significance, the MDPL designations fall short of covering all areas. BoB intends to cover all areas of activity, nodes, neighborhoods, districts, whatever you may call them,based upon historic character, development activity, etc. My recent article on the Flamingo Park District led me to cover a neighboring community, but frankly, I don’t know what to call it. The neighborhood is bordered by Alton Rd (East), West Avenue (West), 5th street (South), and Dade Blvd. (North).
Since I couldn’t rely on MDPL’s map for guidance, I turned to the City of Miami Beach’s neighborhoods map, but there again, I couldn’t get a satisfactory answer. The area is referred to as “West Avenue”. The problem with that is that we’re talking about a neighborhood not an Avenue. Or are we? So in a last attempt to garner a neighborhood title, I reviewed the names of the various subject buildings in the area. Often times, a developer will name a building after the neighborhood, or his/her interpretation of what the neighborhood should be called. In doing so, I found no consistency. Here are some examples:
Continue Reading June 14, 2007
Map: The area outlined in red is the Flamingo Park District South, which is the focus of this piece.
Orientation
This weekend I had a discussion with Josh Stein– a well known realtor specializing in high end South Beach lofts– and he mentioned that the area from 5th street to 11th in between Alton Road and Euclid Avenue was the frontier of South Beach. I thought “frontier of South Beach” sounds kind of paradoxical, but after giving the area a closer look, I’ve come to realize that Josh’s assessment is on the money.
Map: Flamingo Park District in its entirety is shown in Pink
The area in question is designated as the Flamingo Park Historic District by the Miami Design Preservation League. Josh mentioned the southern part of this district. I will, therefore, focus on the southern half of the Flamingo Park District from 5th street to 11th street (south to north) and from Alton to Pennsylvania Ave (west to east).
Images: Foliage in the District
First off, it goes without saying that the Flamingo Park District is surrounded by a hubbub of activity on almost every side. The raucous Washington Avenue runs along the east side of the District. The busy Alton Road runs along the west side. The bourgeoning SoFi area sizzles to the south. Interestingly, the area has no major residential or commercial development anchors, but that will soon change with the shops at 5th and Alton, which is currently planned but not yet seeing any construction activity. The anchor will hold down the area’s south west corner. Other developments that are sure to influence the district are Vitri, also to the south west, and the Mondrian to the north west.
Continue Reading June 11, 2007
Developed by Robert Wennett, The proposed 1111 Lincoln Road mixed use development, located across the street from the Zyscovich-designed Lincoln Road Cinema (1100 Lincoln Rd.), is sharply designed and unorthodoxly thought-out. The project combines the architectural brilliance of two preeminent firms: Zyscovich, and Herzog & De Meuron (designing the planned Miami Art Museum and designers of the Allianz Arena in Munich and Beijing Olympic Stadium).
Image: Raymond Jungle courtyard landscaping and unit interior rendering
The project will have 50,000 square feet of curated street-level retail space with 18-30ft
high ceilings and a 300 space parking garage. Located at the west entrance to Lincoln Road, the site offers optimal visibility for its future tenants. The project will include residences that are surrounded by Raymond Jungle landscaped courtyards. This standout project further solidifies Zyscovich’s leading role in innovative design in Miami Beach, introduces a world-class international architectural firm to the Beach, adds Class A commercial space to South Beach, and compliments the westward expansion of Lincoln road.
May 31, 2007
New York-based Morgans Hotel Group, best known locally for the Delano and Shore Club hotels, is expanding its presence in South Beach. This time around, the venture is joint, involving local real estate development firm Sanctuary West Ave LLC. Mondrian South Beach will have a hotel component operated by MHG. The interior design is coming from the creative genius of Marcel Wanders who has conceived the hotel as being a “sleeping beauty castle” where guests will step into a “magical world”. Pretty intensely imaginative stuff. The website’s interior renderings are unprecedented in terms of design: possibly comparable to ICON South Beach in abstract and stark design.
Continue Reading May 31, 2007
Since 2000, Collins Avenue, from 5th street to about 10th street, has gradually evolved into a one-of-a-kind shopping district. What makes this shopping district special, other than the world class beach one block away, numerous restaurants, trendy boutique hotels, lounges, and bars, is that many of the stores occupy entire Art Deco boutique hotels and apartment complexes. As shoppers walk the Collins Avenue Shopping District, which the City of Miami Beach considers part of the Fashion District, they are, in effect, walking through an architectural showcase.
Continue Reading May 17, 2007
Image: Setai
The Collins Cultural Center and Park will be comprised of the Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach Library, Miami City Ballet, as well as a new beach front park. It sits at the north east edge of Miami Beach’s CANDO District (Cultural Arts Overlay District). The site of the CPCC is surrounded by new development: Parc Place, Rivage, The Residences at the W, Paradiso, and the Setai. Already, there is a Walgreens planned across from Paradiso. The CPCC falls into the City’s plans for the incorporation of art in public places by having outdoor art and sculptures on display:
Investing in affordable housing on Miami Beach is a tricky business. Although present throughout the beach, older and more affordable condominiums are predominately located from 40th street to about 70th street. This includes the Carriage House, Castle Beach Club, Alexander, Corinthian (1967), Casablanca (1948), Pavilion, All Seasons, Tower 41, Marlborough House (1963), and Maison Grande, to name a few. From 40th up towards 70th street, the area is filled with these types of condominiums.
Continue Reading May 16, 2007
Image: Delano Hotel
There is little doubt that Miami Beach’s waters are among the clearest and warmest in the U.S. It’s set in a cosmopolitan and culturally rich city at the edge of the continent. It has a vibrant history with diverse architecture to match. Miami Beach is a thick blend of life, energy, money, endless ways to spend it, and a strikingly beautiful beach. The City is a Rolling Stone, a shooting star, and just about every major international resort brand is pushing for a presence on the “Billion Dollar Sandbar.”
Continue Reading May 15, 2007
Image: Cipriani North View
In 1931, Giuseppe Cipriani and Harry Pickering opened Harry’s Bar near St. Marks Square in Venice, Italy. The waterfront establishment near the picturesque plaza became a sensation with Venetians, visitors, and celebrities. With the success of Harry’s Bar, Giuseppe opened the now world renown Hotel Cipriani in Venice.
The Cipriani’s were so successful that John D. Rockefeller brought them in to operate the famous Rainbow Room in NYC. In 2001, the Italian Ministry for Cultural Affairs declared the Harry’s Bar a national landmark. Today, Harry’s Bar is considered one of the finest restaurants in the world, having expanded into London, Hong Kong, New York City, and now, Miami.
Miami Beach’s version of the Cirpiani Tradition, however, will involve transforming the historic Saxony Hotel into a luxurious resort condo on the beach at 32nd street and Collins Avenue. The team heading the project includes New York based Patrinely Group, Giuseppe Cipriani (grandson of founder), internationally renown formula one star and entrepreneur Flavio Briatore, and the widely respected Ugo Colombo.
This project brings a little bit of Venetian Cipriani tradition, Rainbow Room class, and Ugo Colombo luxury to Miami Beach the American Riviera. The development team, led by Ugo, is sound, the building historic, the location world class, and the lifestyle concept singular.
Amenities include:
- A “signature world famous” Cipriani Restaurant
- 600 feet of beach
- Grand ballroom
- Spa
- Fitness center
- Three swimming pools
- Business Lounge
- Cipriani International 24 Hour Conceirge
- Valet and Limousine Service
- Cirpriani-trained Housekeeping Service
- Butler Service
May 10, 2007
Construction for phase II of Continuum has been efficient. In less than a year the tower has topped off. The crown is elegant and less stylistic than its Phase I counterpart.
May 7, 2007
South Beach’s 5th street flyover is studied by the FDOT in order to best determine what future course of action to take with the overpass in relation to the proposed plans for the voter-approved Baylink.
This is encouraging news since not much has been said about the Baylink in recent months. The City of Miami Beach initially opposed the Baylink proposition. The 5th street/Alton Rd. flyover currently runs through Boymelgreen’s Vitri project parcel and the proposed 5th and Alton big box project to the east.
April 30, 2007
Jorge Perez and his company, the Related Group, have dominated the southern tip of South Beach for years (Yacht Club at Portofino, Murano, Portofino Tower, Murano Grande, Apogee, ICON South Beach–many of them designed by Sieger Suarez). Now, they are moving ahead with plans for Viceroy South Beach, an ultra luxury resort and residences complex. Viceroy South Beach, which is situated directly across from both the Portofino Tower and Apogee, will further cement SoFi as one of Florida’s most elite communities. Considering that the area was a blight spot in the city landscape as early as 1995, it is a marvel of urban development to consider its drastic evolution in 12 short years.
Resident “privileges” include:
- Event and menu planning by Viceroy South Beach catering professionals
- Fresh flower delivery and arrangement
- Personal chef services and in-residence catering available through Viceroy signature restaurant
- Personal fitness trainers and outdoor running companions
- Preferred pricing at Kor Hotel Group online shopping collection
- Priority Status for Viceroy resort and restaurant reservations
- Signing privileges and direct billing for all resort services at Viceroy South Beach Resort
- Spa and massage services available in Viceroy South Beach spa, in-residence or poolside
- Wine sommelier consulting services through exclusive local wine boutique; professionals for hire
Resident Services include:
- 24-hour security
- One-year membership to Equinox Fitness Center
- Cable television and high-speed Internet access
- Car wash and detailing services
- DVD, video game and music rental and delivery
- Housekeeping service
- Interactive resident information system panel and smart building technology
- Landscaping services for exterior common areas, courtyards, pools, and pathways
- Laundry and dry cleaning services
- Life and fire safety (including sprinkler system)
- Lifestyle and residence management services: Residence oversight, supervision, administration, management and care
- Lobby attendant/doorman
- Pest control and refuse services
- Pool services and amenities (including towel services, umbrellas, magazines, water and on-site staff)
- Shoe shine and repair services
- Sports recreation instruction and equipment rental (including tennis, golf and water sports)
April 19, 2007
Continue Reading to view the South Pointe Park vantage point.
Continue Reading March 15, 2007
If you’ve lost something valuable on the sands of South Beach, rest assured that it was probably found by this well-equipped gentleman. He’s a bonafide treasure hunter. Specializing in finding lost jewelry and watches, this dude will make sure that your lost Rolex doesn’t go unnoticed.
February 18, 2007
Soon the lush vines of this garage at One Broadway in Brickell Village will cover the entire garage facade. In case you don’t already know, I appreciate bushy garages.
February 12, 2007
The far west end of Lincoln Road will now be shut to traffic and redesigned. This articles addresses issues concerning the dropping off of theatre goers, typically kids by their parents, and whether or not this will create a problem in terms of traffic flow on Alton Road. Regardless, the initiative seems like a good idea and only natural. It is interesting to note the Lincolnd Road’s design is classified as Mimo. Continue Reading for details.
Continue Reading November 21, 2006
Sunny Isles:
Acqualina 51 floors 550ft Residential/Hotel—Completed 2005
Jade Beach 53 floors 550ft Residential—Approved
Jade Beach 2 51 floors 550ft Residential—Approved
Regalia 42 floors 485ft Residential—Approved
Paramount Beach 45 floors Residential—Approved
Trump Palace 44 floors 551ft Residential—Construction
Trump Royale 44 floors 550ft Residential—Construction
Trump Sonesta 32 floors Hotel—Completed 2004
Trump Towers 1 45 floors Residential—Proposed
Trump Towers 2 45 floors Residential—Proposed
Trump Towers 3 45 floors Residential—Proposed
La Perla 42 floors Residential—Construction
Ocean 4 40 floors Residential—Approved
Turnberry Ocean Colony 1 37 floors Residential—Construction
Turnberry Ocean Colony 2 37 floors Residential—Approved
Sayan 30 floors Residential/Hotel—Construction
Le Meridien 27 floors Hotel—Completed 2005
Sole 24 floors Residential/Hotel—Construction
Fantasy of the Ocean 21 floors Residential—Approved
St.Tropez I 19 floors Residential—Approved
St.Tropez II 19 floors Residential—Approved
St.Tropez III 19 floors Residential—Approved
King David 14 floors Residential—Construction
Mansiana 51 floors Hotel/Residential—Proposed
Aventura:
Atlantic One 31 floors 295ft Residential—Completed 2005
BellaMare 30 floors Residential—Construction
Pennisula I 30 floors Residential—Completed 2004
Pennisula II 30 floors Residential—Construction
Hamptons South 28 floors Residential—Completed 2005
LaVogue 24 floors Residential—Approved
Parc Tower 1 22 floors Residential—Construction
Parc Tower 2 22 floors Residential—Construction
Turnberry Place 20 floors Residential—Proposed
Aventura Marina 19 floors Residential—Construction
Terzetto 18 floors Residential—Approved
Aventura Landings II 18 floors Residential—Proposed
Aventura Hosp. 11 floors 146ft Office—Completed 2005
Atrium I 11 floors 135ft Residential—Construction
Atrium II 11 floors 135ft Residential—Construction
Uptown Marina 11 floors 129ft Residential—Construction
Turnberry Village 14 floors Residential—Construction
Turnberry Village 14 floors Residential—Construction
Terzetto Lofts 13 floors Residential—Approved
Aventura Landings I 13 floors Residential—Proposed
Aventura Landings II 13 floors Residential—Proposed
Venture 11 floors Residential—Construction
Country Club Center 10 floors Office—Completed 2005
21420 Biscayne 10 floors Office—Approved
Artech 9 floors Residential—Approved
North Beach:
Akoya 47 floors 492ft Residential—Completed 2005
Canyon Ranch 42 floors 397ft Residential—Construction
Canyon Ranch 26 floors 257ft Residential—Construction
6000 Indian Creek 25 floors Residential—Construction
Mei 22 floors Residential—Proposed
Monte Carlo 20 floors Residential—Proposed
Ocean Sound 19 floors Residential—Approved
Bel Aire 18 floors Residential—Completed 2005
Ocean Blue 11 floors 122ft Residential—Completed 2005
Nobe Bay 15 floors Residential—Proposed
Belaire Bay 14 floors Residential—Approved
Gorlin Acqua 12 floors Residential—Construction
Morris Acqua 11 floors Residential—Construction
Spear Acqua 11 floors Residential—Constructnio
Azure 12 floors Residential—Construction
Beach House 12 floors Residential—Proposed
Mid Beach:
Fountanebleau 2 36 floors Hotel—Completed 2005
Fontainebleau 3 18 floors Hotel—Approved
Mosaic 20 floors Residential—Construction
Bath Club 19 floors Residential—Construction
3737 Collins 19 floors Residential—Proposed
Saxony 18 floors Residential—Proposed
South Beach:
ICON South Beach 42 floors 423ft Residential—Completed 2005
Murano Grande 37 floors 407ft Residential—Completed 2004
Setai 38 floors 386ft Residential/Hotel—Completed 2004
Continuum 2 37 floors Residential—Approved
Bentley Bay 26 floors 259ft Residential—Completed 2005
Bentley Bay II 24 floors 243ft Residential—Completed 2005
Apogee 22 floors Residential—Approved
W Miami 19 floors Hotel—Proposed
W Miami 19 floors Hotel—Proposed
Lincoln Bay 15 floors Residential—Approved
Bal Harbour:
One Bal Harbour 26 floors Residential—Construction
Bellini 24 floors Residential—Completed 2005
Regent Bal Harbour 17 floors Hotel—Construction
St.Regis 25 floors 322ft Hotel—Approved
St.Regis 25 floors 322ft Hotel—Approved
St.Regis 25 floors 322ft Hotel—Approved
North Miami Beach:
Biscayne Landing 25 floors Residential—Approved
Biscayne Landing 25 floors Residential—Approved
Maule Lake 24 floors Residential—Approved
Maule Lake 24 floors Residential—Approved
North Bay Village:
Bridgewater 20 floors Residential—Construction
360 Condo 15 floors Residential—Construction
Lexi 20 floors Residential—Approved
8000 West Dr 21 floors 213ft Residential—Approved
8000 West Dr 21 floors 213ft Residential—Approved
7922 East DR 17 floors 170ft Residential—Proposed
Cielo 16 floors 170ft Residential—Approved
Sunset Bay 15 floors 170ft Residential—Approved
Space 01 16 floors Residential—Construction
Prisma 16 floors Residential—Approved
Indigo Bay 12 floors Residential—Construction (Bay Harbor)
360 Condo B 12 floors Residential—Construction
Blue Bay 16 floors Residential—Construction
Sky 15 floors Residential—Approved
Bay Harbor 101 16 floors Residential—Construction
Carroll Walk 15 floors Residential—Completed 2004
Bay Treasure 12 floors Residential—Approved
October 22, 2006
