Miami=South Beach Art Deco District

[streetscapeer]

looks different...I don't understand what it's supposed to be...can't be residential

[arch photographer]

I love that they are making the most daring piece of architecture in the city...a parking garage. It's outrageous. I went yesterday to see the sales centre for Herzog and Demeuron/Ian Schrager building 40 Bond st. there first in NY. It was beautiful, much more tame than this. I wish they had shown the rooftop garden and restaurant, because that is the final point of the exercise. H&DM said they wanted to create a Mulholland Drive type experience for Miami. It helps for those of us who can't live in the Continuum. I am surprised however that one little part of the Suntrust building is still taller than the new structure. There was such outrage about getting a height variance for starchitects and it is still shorter than what already exists. H&DM also said they wanted to force the Suntrust (they called it a bunker) into submission. I think they have done that. I like the 70's brutalist bunker as well.

[dave8721]

I love that they are making the most daring piece of architecture in the city...a parking garage. It's outrageous. I went yesterday to see the sales centre for Herzog and Demeuron/Ian Schrager building 40 Bond st. there first in NY. It was beautiful, much more tame than this. I wish they had shown the rooftop garden and restaurant, because that is the final point of the exercise. H&DM said they wanted to create a Mulholland Drive type experience for Miami. It helps for those of us who can't live in the Continuum. I am surprised however that one little part of the Suntrust building is still taller than the new structure. There was such outrage about getting a height variance for starchitects and it is still shorter than what already exists. H&DM also said they wanted to force the Suntrust (they called it a bunker) into submission. I think they have done that. I like the 70's brutalist bunker as well.

The ground floor and the middle floor (!?!) will be retail as well plus it says it will contain a "high end residence"

[mileageman]

It says estimated completion is 2009... Is that true?

[LCB]

May be old news, but the impact could be really interesting. I think that when Vitri and 5th and Alton shops and now a Mondrian Hotel are all happening in that neighborhood the very last remnants of Miami Beach seedy will no longer be visible. I just mean that those high profile projects will seal the deal and everyone coming into South Beach will have the beautiful shocking visual experience of urban tropical paradise. It makes you wonder what will be next for lower Alton Rd. or all of Alton Rd. for that matter. Does anyone know when the shops at 5th and Alton are gpoing to happen? Those empty lots there are not a good calling card.

What does everyone really think about Vitri? It looks like half the units will have a bull's eye view of the Alton Road flyover. The others will be fortunate enough to only hear the noise driving by. Anyone know how well their sales are doing?

[Roark]

For those of you that speak French, here is an 8 minute segment from French Primetime TV featuring South Beach properties.
Enjoy the juene fils a la plage de Flamingo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Nf8MZ3_Uzg)

[dave8721]

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/15305051.htm

Miami Beach voters may get chance to nix changes to building heights

BY SUSAN ANASAGASTI
sanasagasti@MiamiHerald.com

Several Miami Beach commissioners want to send a stern message to developers: Don't plan on building anything that exceeds the city's height limits.

At a special Land Use Committee meeting earlier this week, commissioners authorized the city attorney to draft a charter amendment question that, if approved, would prevent new buildings from exceeding the city's height limits by more than three feet.

Commissioner Matti Bower raised concerns at the July 12 Commission meeting, after learning that an addition to the SunTrust Building on Lincoln Road had been granted a 50-foot height variance from the city's Board of Adjustment. The addition, a 124-foot structure, will include parking, ground-floor retail, other commercial uses and one residential unit.

''Here we have a lot of residents who believe we have height limitations, but the board grants variances, which I think are incorrect,'' she said. ``A 50-foot variance is five stories more than what they're supposed to build. I'm concerned it will set a precedent.''

Since 2000, the city has granted about 17 different height variances that range from six inches to 60 feet, Planning Director Jorge Gomez said.

Though commissioners Richard Steinberg and Saul Gross also view the initiative as a necessary step to eliminate any loopholes, Gross had some concerns.

''My issue is density more than anything,'' he said. ``And you're going to depress a certain amount of architectural creativity. But if that's what you want, I'm OK with it.''

[arch photographer]

:bash: WHAT THE. WHAT kind of an answer is that. What an IDIOT! "You're going to depress a certain ammount of architectural creativity. But if that's what you want, I'm OK with it." Who is this guy? Way to make a stand for greatness! I can't believe that's the measure of someone's commitment, is that guy a commissioner? Was it Saul Gross who said that? I weep for the future of anything this guy is involved in. With this guy in any position of power it sounds like Miami Beach will be heading to looking like any middle America suburban mall town. THANKS BUDDY?!?! Thanks for all your concern.

[LCB]

This kind of stuff does nothing but halt development. I understand not allowing 400' towers, but allowing 2-3 extra floors harms no one, and allows a developer to build. There are several areas of miami beach still living in the "crack house" era of the 80's, and they will stay that way unless more dense living is allowed.

[mileageman]

Fortune International was recently hired to represent the Flamingo South Beach, a condominium conversion located at 1500 Bay Rd. Gary Koenig has been named sales director of the project, and Marie Charlotte Piro and David Restainer have been named sales managers.

The Flamingo is undergoing a $30 million renovation and features studios through three bedroom units priced from $300,000s to the $800,000s. For more information, visit flamingomiami.com or call 305-531-2922.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/states/florida/counties/miami-dade/cities_neighborhoods/northeast/15302750.htm

[dave8721]

To be reviewed at the Sept 5th Design Review Board meeting:

-A 7-story mixed use residential/retail building planned for 49-53 Collins Ave.
-A 6-story multifamily building planned for 1255 West Ave.
-A 5-story mixed use building for 929 Alton Rd.

http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/newcity/drb/agenda_design.pdf

[Roark]

"You're going to depress a certain ammount of architectural creativity. But if that's what you want, I'm OK with it." Who is this guy?Oooooof. What a quote. :ohno:
Saul Gross is the Founder and President of Streamline Properties, a Miami Beach Real Estate firm.

[umiami305]

South Beach condo seeks OK to close bay walk access
BY SUSAN ANASAGASTI

Owners at a fashionable waterfront condominium on Miami Beach's West Avenue are seeking approval to permanently close off the public bay walk.

Owners at the Waverly, located at 1330 West. Ave., want the west side of the property to remain off limits for public use, and have already fenced off access.

In exchange, the Waverly condominium association is offering land and improvements to a nearby park.

The loudest objection to the request comes from South Beach residents, who argue that the bay walk, a place to stroll the waterfront, should be open to the public.

''There is no compelling reason why this shouldn't be public,'' said Arthur Marcus, of the Lincoln West Neighborhood. ``I think it's a violation of public trust. Every other major development on Miami Beach has a wonderful bay walk that interconnects.''

When the Waverly development was approved by the Design Review Board in 1997, developers vowed to provide a public bay walk as part of the negotiations, said Thomas Mooney, the city's design and preservation manager.

On Tuesday, the Waverly at South Beach Condominium Association will ask the Design Review Board to eliminate that condition from the final order.

Perry Adair, the attorney representing the condo association, said the Waverly would donate a six-foot easement on the waterfront facing Biscayne Bay for the 14th Street park, which is adjacent to the property.

''We would make significant improvements to the [14th Street] park and would add landscaping,'' he said. ``What is more useful? To have a bigger park that is more user-friendly or to have a bay walk that dead ends on our property? We think it's the latter.''

The Waverly was originally a rental property when it opened in the late 1990s. In 2002, it was converted into condominiums.

The Design Review Board meets at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in Commission Chambers at City Hall.

[umiami305]

^Its sh*t like this that make people weary of developers and there proposals and makes it that much harder to get approved. Not to mention it adds fuel and numbers to the anti development movement that fight these projects.

[Roark]

It's reporting like this that makes me weary of the Miami Herald!!South Beach condo seeks OK to close bay walk access
BY SUSAN ANASAGASTI
Owners at a fashionable waterfront condominium on Miami Beach's West Avenue are seeking approval to permanently close off the public bay walk.If you didn't know any better, you'd think from that there is this big bay walk and the greedy developers want to block it off impeding all the pedestrian traffic that use it. The Waverly has about 200ft on the bay...not that much.
Not so. There is no baywalk to the north of the property and no baywalk to the south of the property. http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n215/restainer/waverly_baywalk.jpg
In fact, there isn't much of a baywalk at all north of 5th Street. The green is public access, the red is private property.
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n215/restainer/waverly_baywalk2.jpg
Not that it wouldn't be nice, but don't fret too much...there is a monster of an beach and an Ocean Walk that is a 10 block walk due East of the Waverly. Of course, 4 blocks of that walk is through public parks. All in all, it isn't an area devoid of public spaces as the Herald would try to suggest.

[BornInTheGrove]

If that's the case... then sweet... let them hook up the park and they can have their private bay walk. I feel like the city of Miami Beach will be getting the better end of the deal.

[hello345]

any updates on apogee and carribean?

[skyscraperhighrise]

I Always did love south beach.

[Roark]

Three of the best amenities a condo can offer!!!!! Two palm trees the right distance apart and a sunset view!!!!
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n215/restainer/Flamingosunsets.jpg

[hello345]

how has the deomliton to make way for the w south beach prgressed?

[Roark]

Average closed price per square foot...
The sky isn't falling in South Beach.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n215/restainer/2006-09_CondosSoldPricePerSqFt.png

[arch photographer]

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/259/forum18nudefinishedqn9.jpg

Do you think it is safe to say that sales agents at sales centers always say that sales are moving along briskly...at an amazing rate etc. Is it just part of their jobs to say so? I was at The Saxony sales center a few weeks after it opened and the agent told me that sales were going great. There are a whole lot of units that need to be sold between the classic Saxony and the new Saxony Tower. Just asking because you hear that, although condo sales have slipped off, the ultra luxury market is steaming along well. The 2-10 million dollar market. That means that maybe we will still get all of those ultra luxe buildings like the Saxony, Rivage, MEI, Carribean, etc . (I think Carribean may be under construction). I do know that the house on the cover of HOME Miami just sold for what I guess is 4 million plus, down from the 5.6 asking price but still at considerable profit. I'm NOT trying to say the sky is falling but doesn't this tip the price per square ft chart. I am just learning all this, so I was looking for an experienced point of view...Roark? Etc.?

[Roark]

Do you think it is safe to say that sales agents at sales centers always say that sales are moving along briskly...at an amazing rate etc. Is it just part of their jobs to say so? Yes, I'd say that is very safe to say!
It was couple of years ago that I posted my decision to buy Brickell on the River instaed of ICE. I used to work for Majestic, and left amicably. I went for a visit to Majestic, and the owner said, "Why are you buying BotR when you can buy ICE" for only slightly more money. Look, he was selling ICE...I was a bit intimidated...he is the President/Founder of Majestic Properties...I was a relatively new pre-construction buyer.
Supporting your intuition, this guy was a great salesperson. No doubt. I knew that development is best with transportion and jobs. I was uncomfortable, but stuck with the principles that I believe in.
Despite what the salesperson says, you've got to be smart and decide. Some salespeople lie. Some don't. Some salespeople have something in their lives that is more important than money...find them and seek their consul!!!!!

Also, it's true that one luxury building that hits the market can skew figures significantly.
Real Estate professionals understand this. The Miami Herald can't be bothered with analysis.
One Miami has nearly 900 units. When the building closes, about 100 units may have come on the market. That is a lot. The guy that talks about bubbles in the media will likely reference the "number of units" on the market, and when they do, they will talk about the 100 units...and forget about the other 800 units.
Savvy real estate investors are still buying real estate.
The most vocal non-buyers, never bought in the first place...and they are praying that the market falls back to two years ago so that their whining will eventually be justified.
If you are buying in South Beach, the CBD, or Brickell...that isn't going to happen.

[Roark]

although condo sales have slipped off, the ultra luxury market is steaming along well. The 2-10 million dollar market. I'm NOT trying to say the sky is falling but doesn't this tip the price per square ft chart. I am just learning all this, so I was looking for an experienced point of view...Roark? Etc.? You are right on with that assessment about the price per square foot. When buildings like Setai start closings, they jack the price per square up because they are priced upwards of $1,500 per square ft.
In South Beach, the expensive ones are still selling, but the most affordable are selling just as well. Last week 75 apartments closed in Flamingo, this is a big deal because over the past 3 years, 33139 averages about 142 closed condo sales per month, so one building closed about half of the average in a week where the whole month in 33139 will be slightly over 100. This week will see another 30 or so closings at Flamingo, and another 300 closing next month. With average prices per square foot of these closings around $475 per sq, when these hit the county records, it will definitely pull the average price per square foot down. By the way...love that picture!

[FrenchyMiami]

Flamingo is a nice project where you re almost getting this 30m$ renovation for free in a good area.

Nonetheless remember it is just a conversion and prices shouldnt be compared with new projects prices...

it s like an old car with a new paint job..You won't get new models unless u pay new model prices...Then you ll get smiles full treatment and new design...

Untill next round comes in and new ideas are generated..

[Roark]

Nonetheless remember it is just a conversion and prices shouldnt be compared with new projects prices...Well for starters...in real estate, that is exactly what you should do. Real Estate appraisers do "comps" or comparables. You compare buildings for different factors, location, time purchased, view, amenities, improvements etc. And adjust accordingly. People that have been in Flamingo south in the last couple of weeks realize that there are such significant improvements, the those adjustments are minimal. There isn't any functional obsolescence in Flamingo.
Secondly, the building next door to Flamingo, The Waverly, is "just a condo conversion".
Just a condo conversion that has been selling around $600 per square foot for some great views.
it s like an old car with a new paint job..Not even close Frenchy, real estate is not like a car. Not at all. Cars depreciate, land appreciates.
What has better value, a Nantucket house on Main Street built in 1800A.D. or a shiny new 2006 Kendall McMansion?? Nantucket $10M, Kendall $800,000.
That's exaggeration to make a point. More realistically, I'd rather have "just a condo conversion" in 33139 on the Biscayne Bay than any landlocked new building on Miami's mainland without a view.
The boat slips are better in the former, and the walk to the beach is shorter as well!

[DGM]

I'm no expert on real estate, but to me it seems that condo and home value appreciation behave differently. With old homes you are paying for the 'look' and style of an old home as well as the ability to personally own a historical artifact. With condos there isn't this same idea of ownership (you own only a portion of the whole), nor does the outside appearance make much of a difference. If I was buying a condo I would look for one that seems low maintenance. The Flamingo has been renovated so it doesn't have the problems normally associated with old apartment/condo buildings. But the general stereotype is that with time most condo/apartment buildings become outdated and rundown. Anyhow, my point is that I would not expect to see the same value/age correlation in condos as in homes. I'd say that the general value appreciation of condos can been attributed to urban development and increasing density. BTW, where can you find a McMansion for only 800 grand in Kendall? I suppose the everglades.

[Roark]

condo and home value appreciation behave differently. With old homes you are paying for the 'look' and style of an old home as well as the ability to personally own a historical artifact. With condos there isn't this same idea of ownership (you own only a portion of the whole), nor does the outside appearance make much of a difference. If I was buying a condo I would look for one that seems low maintenance. The Flamingo has been renovated so it doesn't have the problems normally associated with old apartment/condo buildings. But the general stereotype is that with time most condo/apartment buildings become outdated and rundown.Both homes and condos trade according to the rules of supply and demand, and both are more expensive in the most demanded areas. Condition has a lot less to do with price than location. Take a 3,000 sq ft tear down with a leaky roof on Palm or Hibiscus Island and compare it to a shiny new 3,000 sq ft home in Goulds, it really is location, not age, that people seem to demand, and when they demand an area where there is little supply, prices increase.
Both Condos and Homes get run down if they aren't maintained.
In a 100 unit condo, there are 100 owners chipping in for roof maintenance, even though the roof may only cover the surface area of 10 of the living areas. In a single family residence, there's one owner maintaining a roof. SFR owners don't usually have to maintain elevators. There are pros and cons to each form of ownership and it usually comes down to personal preference.

[dave8721]

The MB Design Review Board rejected the Waverly's bid to legalize their fence that blocks off access to the waterfront, and also the Planning Dept said the Flamingo's fence is illegal as well.

Here's the full long article:
http://www.miamisunpost.com/fifthststoryfrontpage.htm

Some quotes:
Waverly residents packed the commission chambers to beg the DRB to allow the fence to remain. They claimed they would not feel secure going to the pool area without the fence. The pool deck is located near a paved path to the public bay access — access now blocked by the fence.

Design and Preservation Manager Tom Mooney said an agreement was worked out between the Waverly’s original developer and the DRB back in 1997. In exchange for approval of plans for two towers 30 and 36 stories tall, the developer promised public access to the bay.

However, the project would change hands three times. Developer Bahia Vista Corp. Norte Inc., owned by Beach property owners Abe and James Resnick, was sold to Orlando-based Zom Development. When the Arquitectonica building was completed in 2001, the Waverly was sold to Athena Karlton Sobe, LLC based in New York, which converted it to condominiums.

DRB members, though, said the condo association was hoodwinked by the developer. “I think you should be looking at the developer,” said board member Mike Steffens, who added that “your building would not be here today if not [for the promise of bay access].”

Good point by the Waverly:
Meanwhile, attorney Perry Adair argued for the Waverly condo association that the development agreement called for a continuous bay walk. The bay walk, however, only goes as far north as Seventh Street.

And although a paved pedestrian path was present at the cul-de-sac, the way north and south were blocked by steel fences. According to the city’s Planning Department, the fences for both the Flamingo and the Waverly are illegal. The pathway to the south continues along the Waverly’s property line as far as the SunPost could see, but the way is then obstructed by other fences and even what appear to be parking garages or utility rooms. The same held true for the path north.

Redfern also mentioned that projects such as the future Apogee don’t have metal gates blocking the path of bay walks behind their property. “Miami Beach is not a gated community,” she said.

Greeff countered that newer buildings such as Apogee placed their pool decks on higher floors, far from the bay walk. The pool decks of Flamingo and Waverly are on the bottom floor.

[arch photographer]

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/932/img1633dd1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


ANYONE KNOW WHERE A PHOTOGRAPHER CAN GET A JOB SO HE CAN MOVE TO MIAMI............? LOVE IT!

[Rx727sfl2002]

MIAMI HERALD PAYS IMAGING DEPT ABOUT 14 DOLLARS THE HOUR
BASICALLY MAKING IMAGES INTO BW FOR PRINT AND LABELING THEM AND ADDING CAPTIONS

ALSO YOU MIGHT WANT TO TRY CRAIGSLIST OR CHECK FOR JOB LISTINGS IN DORAL SOME PHOTOGRAPHERS GET HIRED FOR STAFF OF CARRIBEAN HOME BUILDERS BASED HERE SALARY IS ABOUT 60K

[logybogy]

Check out the modeling agencies around South Beach as well. I'd rather take pictures of beautiful women than dead buildings....but that's just me.

[Roark]

Check out the modeling agencies around South Beach as well. I'd rather take pictures of beautiful women than dead buildings....but that's just me.That might be a toss up...these days the buildings are just as interesting and a lot smarter.

[FrenchyMiami]

agreed with Roark on the latter...If you can try to get both though your life will make your head spin 360 degrees,

As far as condo conversion I m still on the point of view that a whole neighbourghood can spring in the center of Miami around art&design district and midtown... And that density will bring growth whereas the coast south beach is more bound to be stuck in a "all rich-above 40's motion"..too expensive to develop new clubs discos bars, entertainment, art gallery...these are the elements that will brng this new area to life...and will catch the attention of the crowd...for a 24h life-style...We still have a long way to go..but i m a believer..I prefer to bet on new ideas than old ones..

[Rx727sfl2002]

I DONT SEE WHAT THE ISSUE IS

SOUTHBEACH IS A GREAT DESTINATION AND WILL SOON HOUSE MORE ART LOCALS AND MUSEUMS IN THE YEARS TO COME...

DOWNTOWN WILL BECOME A 24 HOUR DESTINATION AND WILL ALSO HAVE ITS FLAVOR

OMNI DISTRICT WILL CATER TO MORE PERFORMANCES AND WILL BE KNOWN FOR ITS ENTERTAINMENT AND PLENTY OF SHOPPING WILL BE ESTABLISHED SOON...

AND MIDTOWN HAS ITS OWN FLAVOR AND WILL BE A MORE VILLAGE SETTING BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE SHOPS WHERE BUILT BUT IT WILL ALSO
BE JUST AS DESIRABLE AND EFFECTIVE...

BEFORE THE ONLY PLACE TO GO WAS SOUTHBEACH BUT NOW WE HAVE OPTIONS AND THEY WILL ONLY CONTINUE TO INCREASE AS TIME GOES BY...

[DGM]

Not to mention the Grove, the Gables, South Miami and Kendall. If only our transportation system adequately connected all of these urban centers. We'd be golden. The urban growth would be out of control (in a good way).

[dach2k5]

Brickell is my favorite... it's not as rundown as Downtown, the Design District or Midtown and it has the earliest buildings of this boom in the form of the 4 seasons, espiritu santo, jade, the club, the vue, brickell on the river and neovertika, so it has a big head start. It was already an excellent employment center so there are a lot more dining and shopping options. It'll have a steady stream of condos finishing including Emerald, Solaris, the Sail, BotR2, lattitude, 500 brickell, brickell plaza, axis, infinity, and 1060 brickell, and brickell mary village is almost done too boot to create even more retail.

There are already a bunch of decent night spots in the area as well... and i'm sure more will pop up in the coming years as this area is filled with young professionals.

[Roark]

Yeah...I'm with you guys about the connectivity of the distinct neighborhoods. For any of you that have taken a summer trip to Chicago (those that haven't NEED to!) you can see a glimmer of how Miami might evolve. Make sure to spend some time in waterfront Millenium Park, and definitely take a tour of the Chicago River Architectural tour...it's nice to see the skyscrapers that adorn the river. When you take the El (elevated train) you can go to Wrigley Field for a ball game, or to the airport.
"Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will not die, but long after we are gone be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistence." -Daniel Burnham (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Burnham), 1910

[MIAballinboi]

true roark, i was there last year and used their great train systems, which took me from the airport to a college on the north side of chi-town, then with the train u can go anywhere, toured downtown and big john, very walkable, and i remember passing by wrigley field.

we gotta have a system like that down here, hopefully if metrorail evolves...:)

[ChuckScraperMiami#1]

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/932/img1633dd1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


ANYONE KNOW WHERE A PHOTOGRAPHER CAN GET A JOB SO HE CAN MOVE TO MIAMI............? LOVE IT!

ARCH :) !!!, I second that, LOVE IT !

The BEST South Beach Picture I have ever seen YET:) ,
all the towers are there in South Beach,
Its PerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrFect !!!:scouserd:

WE Have SOUTH BEACH !!!,, Fantastic,
We are really lucky to live here in South Florida !!!

[Roark]

As far as condo conversion I m still on the point of view that a whole neighbourghood can spring in the center of Miami around art&design district and midtownprobably true that a neighborhood will grow, but probably not spring up out of nowhere. It's been 20 years since South Beach was derelict and grew to what it is now. I've lived here for almost 15 of them. South Beach hasn't been stuck in anything but more growth, and new clubs, bars, restaurants, art galleries, and hotels open every year. The success didn't happen in the amount of time it took to sell and build a mid-rise. Anyone that believes the salesperson that said the neighborhood is going to be great in 3-5 years is sadly mistaken.
One thing that has changed significantly in the last decade in South Beach is that the average age of Miami Beach resident has plummeted. You see more baby strollers on Lincoln Road than drag queens or even guys holding hands these days. The lifestyle is good, the property taxes to city services is great, the elementry and middle schools have been A schools for several years running.
... And that density will bring growth whereas the coast south beach is more bound to be stuck in a "all rich-above 40's motion"..too expensive to develop new clubs discos bars, entertainment, art gallery...these are the elements that will brng this new area to life...and will catch the attention of the crowd...for a 24h life-style...We still have a long way to go..but i m a believer..I prefer to bet on new ideas than old ones..Yeah, you've got to believe the sales pitch to bet on the new ones. I'll bet on the oldies but goodies like "old" Manhattan NYC, and I'll bet on good "old" South Beach, FL.

[FrenchyMiami]

I do believe in the sales pitch and all the young community of artist and designers that are trying to make this neighbourhood stand out. Nonetheless i didnt want to rub any district the wrong way i just wanted to say that it feels nice to have a city full of life and a new soho/village area in Miami..

It s refreshing...and leaves room for growth both in density, design ideas, architecture and new crowds(ps roark u need to admit that south beach new construction are prohibitive for many even though offering good luxuary details)

PS watch for the meeting tonight on the Miami Streetcar...let us know how it goes..

[dave8721]

Another twist in the Jackie Gleason Theater saga:

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/15789444.htm

Gleason Theater vote could be delayed

BY DOUGLAS HANKS
dhanks@MiamiHerald.com

A new memo from Miami Beach's top administrator raises the possibility of a two-week delay for tonight's scheduled vote on the future of the Jackie Gleason Theater.

City Manager Jorge Gonzalez wrote city commissioners that a delay of one or two weeks ''is not unreasonable,'' given that ``clearly a significant amount of data and information has been provided to you in the past few days. . . .''

Some residents and the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce have criticized the city for scheduling the Gleason vote only days after releasing the three proposals for the venue. One public hearing on the topic was held Monday night, and commissioners are slated to vote on the matter at 5 tonight at City Hall.

Cirque du Soleil has been in talks with the city to take over the Gleason for nearly two years and had wanted a decision by this summer. When two national concert promoters, AEG Live and Live Nation, joined the contest in July, commissioners decided to allow more time for negotiations.

Gonzalez's memo, the three proposals and other documents are available at www.miaimbeachfl.gov. Click on the ''Shaping the Future of the Jackie Gleason Theater'' box.

In the 37-page memo dated today, Gonzalez does not recommend a winner among the three candidates. But he does say Live Nation would be a better choice than AEG Live if commissioners decide they want a variety of entertainment in the Gleason, rather than a year-round Cirque show.

Live Nation offered the city a 15-year deal with $1 million annual rent and limited bonuses for higher ticket sales. AEG Live offered a 10-year deal with $250,000 base rent and more aggressive incentives. AEG Live also could cancel the contract after two years if annual losses at the Gleason exceeded $500,000. Live Nation did not request an exit clause.

Both of the Los Angeles companies want to bring concerts and comedy to the Gleason, but AEG also emphasized it would bring in televised awards shows and theatrical productions. Live Nation, the country's top live-act promoter, used to book the Gleason for its Broadway series, but that has now moved to Miami's new Carnival Center for the Performing Arts.

Gonzalez recommended commissioners not have the Gleason compete with the Carnival center.

Cirque wants $55 million from Miami Beach for a $100 million redo of the Gleason, including construction of a restaurant and nightclub there. It promises to spend $30 million designing a Brazilian-themed Cirque show, with more than 400 performances a year. Cirque's deal would last 50 years, and Miami Beach would get about 4 percent of gross ticket sales and 6 percent of other revenue.

Cirque's proposed contract includes a number of exit clauses, and Gonzalez said his staff would negotiate more details of those provisions should commissioners pick Cirque as the winner. The draft proposals are not binding, and all three contenders would still need to negotiate formal agreements with the city.

Gonzalez recommended commissioners designate Live Nation a back-up choice should they decide to hand the Gleason vote to Cirque.

[Roark]

xxx

[Roark]

(ps roark u need to admit that south beach new construction are prohibitive for many even though offering good luxuary details)Oh, no...don't take it the wrong way. I'm not rubbed the wrong way or even slightly offended.
It's true that it is more expensive to build construction on the waterfront, the beachfront and in areas where there are tight infill situations. In the Buena Vista Railyards there is a blank canvass and you can run wild. The same could be said for areas where the supply of land isn't as limited.
South Beach has a massive historic district (in relation to its 7 square mile area) and new towers cant exceed 22 stories.
However, there is such strong demand for residents and retail to be here, there is as much creativity as you can find anywhere out west.
For a few examples:
Publix Sunset Harbour is an urban Publix with all parking on the rooftop and conveyor belts and elevators to transport shoppers up and down. It's a phenomenal success.
Capri South Beach 3 levels of parking below grade. Not only below grade, but next to a seawall and the Biscayne Bay.
Montclair Lofts Readaptive use of historic apartment building. A historic building straddled by two parking lots has become the centerpiece and entry way to luxury condos one block from Lincoln Road. The swimming pool and amenities deck are placed on the rooftop of the old Montclair.
Ocean Drive Moving the original street 50 ft to the east effectively changed the way historic buidlings are used. Before: Hotels with little resturants in the lobby. After: the sidewalks expanded, Resturants with little hotels on top. This same principle is now happening on Biscayne Blvd near Museum Park where the whole Boulevard shifts east to make way for much larger sidewalks.
5th Street StationPublic Private partnership to bring stacked big box retail, a grocery store, excess parking and a transportation hub in one facility.
12th and West Avenue Parking Structure A parking structure totally clad with grade level townhomes and no curb cuts on the main pedestrian thoroughfare.
And the list of innovations and creativity with architecture goes on and on...
As for the young creatives...starving artists do make a community interesting. The artists on South Beach make a living and liven up the community. The headquarters for MTV Latin America, Sony Music, Time/Warner Music Int'l, Universal Music, Nickelodeon, Ford Models, Elite Models, CBS Int'l, Columbia TriStar, New World Symphony, etc. etc.
In fact, TV/Music/Film/Print business represents a $255M economic impact to the 7 sq mi city. In comparison, the hotel/lodging brings $429M. Source (http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/newcity/depts/econdev/Economic%20Snapshot.pdf)

[FrenchyMiami]

Anyone knows about this project called "Lincoln East" ... any details?

I like the design was wondering if you had renderings or more info...

[arch photographer]

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/3444/2016viewofbeachdeskcr9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


SOMEDAY>>>Soon I Hope

[Roark]

Lincoln East is on the 400 block of 16th Street, 7 blocks due East of Flamingo
Lincoln East (http://www.lincolneast.com/) Another great pic Arch! What are you waiting for!!!!

[hello345]

Does anybody have any pic of the progres fo apogee and continuum 2? I would love to see how those two projects are coming along!

thanks in advance
Hello345 :)

[Paul305]

If anyone is up to the challenge, this thread needs to move on to Part II in order to minimize its use of bandwidth. I would do it myself but I don’t know anything about Miami Beach developments and don’t want to disappoint the more knowledgeable Miami forumers (and I’m also a lazy-ass). So if there are any takers, please make sure that you link to the first thread and use the proper naming convention (Miami=South Beach Art Deco District II) and especially remember to start the thread with a summary of the developments in South Beach. This part is important because we need to maintain our high standards in order to keep this forum alive and inform all of our guests. So let me just thank whoever decided to do this arduous task in advance. Way to take one for the team. :bow:

[Rx727sfl2002]

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/4461/lincolneast01ly8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/3753/lincolneast02ui8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/5428/lincolneast03ma1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/2637/lincolneast04kt0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/9919/lincolneast05us5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/5426/lincolneast06yz1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[dave8721]

Article that subscribers to South Florida Business Journal can read on how while the rest of South Florida has seen real estate prices become pretty much flat over the last year, prices have been up 41% in South Beach:

http://southflorida.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2006/11/20/story2.html

South Beach sizzles
Price appreciation of 41 percent last year surprises analyst

[FrenchyMiami]

can u put the article on the site..thx

[Roark]

I'm not surprised!!!! Miami Beach is a very special place.

But like Frenchy says, "It isn't for everyone".

[Theme park nut]

http://www.zilbert.com/oview/oview.asp

[Roark]

I hope this doesn't reinvigorate the LogyBogy with the "Miami Market peaked in July 1995 business"...but here is the latest on condo closings in Miami Beach.
Still going up, and the best in the history. Real Estate is still local, and they aren't making any more of it.
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n215/restainer/2006-10_SoldPriceperSquarefoot.png

[dave8721]

The gating off of the bay controversy goes on with the Flamingo now in Miami Beach's crosshairs. Would it be possible instead of placing a fence across the sidewalk to just place the fence between the sidewalk and the pool deck? I'm sure it would actually be illegal to leave the pool deck area completely unfenced off.

http://www.miamisunpost.com/thirdstoryfrontpage.htm

http://www.miamisunpost.com/images/d1_waverly%20park10.JPG

What Public Baywalk?
Flamingo Developers Scoff at Notion That Baywalk Is Public

“We don’t believe you can imply a waiver of a constitutional right.”

By Randy Abraham

Lawyers for the city of Miami Beach and the developers of a South Beach condo complex failed to agree whether or not a public baywalk is required behind the building.

Until the matter is resolved, the public will not have access to a bayfront walkway behind the Flamingo at 1500 Bay Road.

City officials told the Miami Beach Design Review Board on Tuesday that when the Flamingo was approved in 1997, it was with the following condition: A baywalk extension, from the south side of the property north into the future park area, shall be required.



The bayfront was included in the plans, but gates were installed at the north and south ends of the walk to keep non-Flamingo residents out. City planners said the gates must come down, allowing the public to stroll along the walkway during daytime hours; the developers say the gates are necessary to provide security for residents.



Attorney Cliff Schulman, representing the Flamingo developers, MCZ/Centrum, said his client met the requirements of the order because the baywalk was built, and argued that the condition did not specify that the city demanded that a “public” baywalk be created. He said plans for the project submitted to the city clearly indicated a gated community was being built, and that city officials did not object.

Schulman said the city is now trying to impose a condition nine years after the fact.



“This does not constitute a clarification, but a modification of what was done in 1997,” said Schulman. “The right to exclude people from your property is a fundamental constitutional right,” he said, adding that he would object to a continuance. “We don’t believe you can imply a waiver of a constitutional right.”

Schulman said the developers would not have agreed to demands for a public baywalk because their design placed resident amenities on the ground floor and public access to them would have compromised security.

Bernard Zyscovich, who prepared the designs approved by the Design Review Board in 1997, said he would never have designed the project the way he did had the city required a public baywalk. “If it was required for the public to access this edge, we would never have proceeded with the development of open spaces” where they currently are located because of security and liability issues, said Zyscovich. If the city indeed had demanded a public bayfront, Zyscovich said, he would have redesigned the project to put amenities on an upper floor and possibly a parking structure on the ground floor. “The baywalk is really designed for the residents. It was never intended that we would allow the public to walk through.”



However, Thomas R. Mooney of the city’s Planning Department said tapes of the 1997 hearing indicate the city did require a public baywalk.

Schulman argued that previous relevant court decisions have upheld property owners’ right to maintain security, and required governments to acquire properties they wish to be open to the public.



The issue brought several residents to the hearing. Former DRB member Arthur Marcus said of the 1997 decision, “When we said ‘baywalk,’ it always meant, ‘public baywalk.’”



Ruth Remington, a resident of the nearby Murano complex, said the units in her building that face a public bayfront walk have become popular with buyers. “We feel it gives our building incredible value,” she said.

Yacht Club resident Marilyn Freundlich said residents have not been concerned over security with a baywalk running out back. “Everyone enjoys it,” she said.



Former city Commissioner Nancy Liebman told board members that “water access is a public right, not a gift.” Afterward she countered Schulman’s defense of property rights with “the public’s right to bayfront access.” Although not involved in the board’s 1997 decision, Liebman said, “Everyone assumed that was going to be a public baywalk.”



The DRB deferred a decision on the fence until its next meeting in February.

In other business, DRB members approved revised plans for the Residences at Biscayne Beach, a proposed four-story townhome development at 845 82nd St. and 8225 Hawthorne Ave. Last month, board members asked architect Les Beilinson to address residents’ objections about the proposed building’s size. After meeting with neighbors, he removed a few stairwell bulkheads and redesigned architectural elements to differentiate the six dwelling units while providing a less-institutional and dominating presence. The changes, he said, “will make the building look a floor shorter.” Biscayne Beach Single Family Homeowners Association President Leonor Hernandez said, “We’re pretty happy with the overall look.” Last month, she expressed objections to the project and noted she had formed the association to combat what she felt was overdevelopment in the area of waterfront homes.



Comments? E-mail letters@miamisunpost.com.

[rider_of_rohan]

Well Dave I can tell you that in Minnesota the law says you have to have a 6 foot fence around a pool (actually it states a privacy fence so that people who dont know its there wont wonder in). Its really something you need with a pool because anyone can climb in and drowned and you get hauled into court. I agree they can move it to leave the walkway open. Oh, and on our bike trails were not allowed to have motorized vehicles like the one in the picture either.

[Rx727sfl2002]

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/3378/nickyocb1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[MAH45462]

The block of Lincoln Road between Alton and Lenox, which currently allows vehicular traffic, will become pedestrian only soon:

West end of Lincoln Road closing to accommodate new plaza
By Charlotte Libov
The west end of Lincoln Road is to be closed to traffic, extending the pedestrian mall to make way for a plaza that proponents contend will enhance what has become one of the nation's best-known shopping avenues. The Miami Beach City Commission made its decision last week over objections of some property owners who protested that they weren't given adequate time to air concerns.
The issue involved the stretch of Lincoln Road between Alton Road and Lenox Avenue, adjacent to the Regal Cinema megaplex movie theater. Originally closed in 1960 to create the pedestrian mall, it was reopened to vehicular traffic in the early 1990s as part of the city's more recent renovation project.
Proponents say they want the closure in order to create a plaza with a lush tropical garden that will be more in keeping with famed MiMo architect Morris Lapidus' design.
At the hearing, Robert Wennett, who is redeveloping the SunTrust building at 1111 Lincoln Road, brought a letter of support from the owners of the movie theater, who he said favor the plan.
Several Lincoln Road merchants spoke in favor, including Mitchell Kaplan, owner of Books & Books at 933 Lincoln Road. "It's been about 20 years since I addressed the commission on the same subject," Mr. Kaplan said. "Back then, the topic was getting more business, but now we don't have to worry about it. Lincoln Road is now one of the great streets anywhere, and this design will only add to that."
Commissioner Matti Bower said she was concerned that closing off the traffic would result in congestion. However, Mr. Wennett said the plans call for creating two drop-off points, one each on Alton Road and Lenox Avenue.
Because of a scheduling error, the public hearing was divided into a morning and a later afternoon session and the vote was taken at 5 p.m., when it had been advertised. But a few minutes after the vote, a group of opponents led by Sherna Brody, who, with her husband, owns two buildings in the 1000 block of Lincoln Road, arrived and learned that the vote had been taken. But after conferring with Mrs. Brody, Mayor David Dermer agreed to let her testify and outline an alternative plan that would still allow a restricted amount of traffic. The commission, however, declined to reopen the issue.
Mrs. Brody told the board, "Thousands of people have used that entrance. You had a chance to make a compromise plan, but this was rushed through." She left a drawing of the alternative plan she presented, telling the panel, "You never know, you may have to redo it."

Awesome news! I'm very excited to see what they do with the plaza. Lincoln Road is arguably the foremost pedestrian mall in the United States (only the 4th Street Promenade in Santa Monica can give it a run for its money), and this is just going to make it better.

http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/061214/story4.shtml

[dave8721]

Article in the Sun Post on Capri South Beach & its underground parking garage:

http://www.miamisunpost.com/groundwork.htm

http://www.miamisunpost.com/images/d2_Capri%20%200044_LR.jpg

Park the car under water

An interesting solution to finding parking space in Miami Beach — go down beneath the bay for the garage. That’s why 700 cement trucks started lining up at 3 a.m. last Saturday for a 30-hour pour of 7,000 cubic yards of concrete to create the underwater foundation for a single-level underground structure. The garage will serve residents of Capri South Beach, a luxury condominium project with three distinct towers — Marina Piccola, Marina Grande and Ana Capri — overlooking Biscayne Bay and the downtown skyline. The 72 “La Dolce Vita” residences will boast all things Italian and top of the line, including Boffi cabinetry and closets, Porro kitchens and Roman travertine flooring throughout. Developers are Maefield Development, the architect is Kobi Karp and interiors are by Rene Gonzalez. Next up, vertical construction begins early 2007, with completion set for Spring 2008. Prices start in the $600,000s.

[mileageman]

Does anybody have any pic of the progres fo apogee and continuum 2? I would love to see how those two projects are coming along!

thanks in advance
Hello345 :)

Apogee just removed the first crane.

[mileageman]

1111 Lincoln Road (Herzog & de Meuron) website/video:
www.elevenelevenlincolnroad.com


The Lincoln Road project proposes closing the west end of Lincoln Road off to vehicular traffic and creating a garden area designed by Raymond Jungles, a Miami-based landscape architect. Plans for 1111 — set to break ground next spring — include 50,000 square feet of retail on Lincoln Road, a 300-car parking garage, 110,000 square feet of office space, new bank facilities for SunTrust Bank and five high-end residences.

[FrenchyMiami]

December 17, 2006
BY MARLENE GELFOND Staff Reporter
MIAMI -- It is "boom over Miami." We arrive in the early part of November eager to hear Cuban music and instead discover a condo craze. Tall, colored glass buildings soar into the clear blue Miami sky. Aqua-tinted glass, navy blue, royal blue and pale purple appear everywhere you turn on the 6300 block of Collins Avenue.

We are Chicagoans, where new buildings seem to rise each day, but this amount of development astounds us. Cranes reach out in every direction, and according to the manager of our hotel, it is now the largest real estate expansion in the nation. The world of Cristina Garcia's novels is forever changing.

IF YOU GO: MIAMI
The Hotel of South Beach
801 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, Fla. 33139
(800) 346-8357 www.thehotelofsouthbeach. com
Miami Beach Chamber-Commerce
(305) 672-1270
www.miamibeachchamber.com
We always stay in a boutique hotel on South Beach, where the Art Deco buildings were constructed in the early 1900s. Developers started the renaissance in the late 1970s and have fought to maintain integrity of design, color and charm. It's these aesthetics that appeal to us.

A symphony of flavors
South Beach is music, merengue, marvelous meals and colorful architecture. But more important, South Beach is flavor.

Flavor -- could it be the crispy skinned red snapper on top of jasmine rice, grilled shrimp and Chinese sausage with Vietnamese tea foam at the award-winning restaurant, Wish, located in our hotel? Or the warm chocolate cake sitting on chocolate sauce filled with four jams and a dollop of pistachio ice cream, each created by chef Michael Bloise?

Even the hotels have spice.

On the corner of Eighth and Collins, The Hotel of South Beach, where we stayed, is a charming 53-room Art Deco hotel renovated by designer Todd Oldham about eight years ago. Rows of frosted blue and green fixtures drop from the bar's ceiling. Lively blue and green hand-painted bathroom floor tiles are a welcome departure from neutral bathrooms. The hotel's architects designed the Spire Bar and Lounge for the rooftop, keeping the old Tiffany neon sign that rises from the bar. Hotel guests can look out across the city, visit and relax.

Playful, colorful, arty and lighthearted, South Beach has come alive during this recent rebirth.

Cuban music wafts in the air in front of Lario's restaurant on Ocean Drive, a cruise ship begins its voyage and a German tour group follows its guide along the beach. Seven years ago we could not walk past Fifth Street, now a quiet residential area with condos rising in every direction. We pass the historic Jewish Museum, formerly the first orthodox Jewish congregation in Miami built in 1936.

Once a playground to the world, Miami is returning to its old status. To attract the convention crowd, the new Loews Miami Beach Hotel was built on Collins Avenue, and the new Ritz-Carlton (formerly the Art Deco Del Lido Hotel) along with the Delano, the Sagamore and the National are all walking distance to Lincoln Road, redesigned into a lively promenade with shops, restaurants and the World Symphony Theatre.


Viva South Beach!
Ralph Lauren's South Beach store is a departure from his leathery elegance in major cities. A "lofty Lauren" sports a whitewashed store at 740 Collins Ave., where white painted steel steps lead up to a second floor defined by glass amidst palm plants and nautical couches. Lauren's lace and denim combinations and white beach pants and shirts are luscious choices for this playground.

We recall the movie "Auntie Mame," and rejoice in Auntie's advice to her young nephew: "Live!" says Auntie Mame. We will always return to South Beach. "Vive!"

[Roark]

Thanks for the post Frenchy...not sure what publication that was, but they mucked up a few things. Most notably, it's the New World Symphony in the Lincoln Theatre. The NWS is America's only teaching academy and fellows are selected by auditions throughout the world. The acceptance rate at NWS is more selective than Harvard.
Speaking of the New World Symphony...here are a couple of pictures from Flamingo South Beach. The Friends of the New World Symphony had an event for 500+ people on the south pool Saturday night (Dec 16th)

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n215/restainer/Pool2.jpg
The program included Jazz Standards reworked for Symphony, and this last picture was the surprise Verve "Bittersweet Symphony". Another great South Beach night!!
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n215/restainer/BittersweetSymphony.jpg

[rider_of_rohan]

^^ love that song :)

[mileageman]

W South Beach Hotel & Residences Closes $370 Million Construction Loan to Build in the Heart of The Magic City
Tuesday December 19, 9:00 am ET

MIAMI, Dec. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- RFR Holding and Tristar Capital announced the closing of $370 million in construction financing to build the new W South Beach Hotel & Residences in the cultural heart of Miami Beach. Hypo Real Estate Capital Corporation is providing financing for construction of the 750,000 square foot, 20-story luxury condo-hotel. The financing of the building is the third loan that RFR Holding has received from Hypo Real Estate Capital and is the single-largest project loan in the Company's history.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/061219/nytu010.html?.v=66

[hello345]

hi everyone! ^ great news about the w!
Are all three towers of canyon ranch miami beach new or is the middle one a renovation?
thanks in advance,
hello 345

[mileageman]

..

[Roark]

I highly reccomend this program to residents of the City of Miami Beach.
It gives great insight to how government provides services to the customer, and is one of the many reasons that Miami Beach won the Great American City award a couple of years ago. You have access to most department heads, the City Manager, Commissioners, etc.
Here is the press realease:

Join over 200 Miami Beach Residents and Business Owners. Enrollment opens for Spring 2007 Neighborhood Leadership Academy Applications will be accepted until March 5, 2007 or until the class is full. Enrollment to the academy is limited. The free Neighborhood Leadership Academy is one semester including 13 weekly, two-hour evening sessions. The first class begins Monday, March 12, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, in the Commission Chambers, third floor, 1700 Convention Center Drive.
More Information (http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/newcity/neighborhoods/leadership_academy.asp)
Registration (http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/newcity/neighborhoods/register_leadership.asp)
The good news and the bad news....it's free!!!!!

[arch photographer]

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/6260/ilonaai0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[hello345]

So have they completed the demolition of the holiday inn where the W will be? if not when will they?

[arch photographer]

Not completed, but definitely started. 1/2 the garage is down and and a big chunk of one corner of the main structure is gone. It's a happy destruction.

[Bryan-Sereny]

it will be done in a few weeks.

So have they completed the demolition of the holiday inn where the W will be? if not when will they?

[Bryan-Sereny]

hi everyone! ^ great news about the w!
Are all three towers of canyon ranch miami beach new or is the middle one a renovation?
thanks in advance,
hello 345

the center was a historic, so the developer had to renovate. the other 2 are new construction.

[Bryan-Sereny]

Apogee just removed the first crane.

Both photos were taken 12/2006 :banana:

Apogee
http://www.bryansereny.com/articleimages/apogee-2006.jpg

Continuum2
http://www.bryansereny.com/articleimages/continuum-ii-south-beach-12-2006.jpg

[hello345]

Why is it that apogee has that gigantic floor near the top of the building? also , how come there are those big blocks seperating the balconies on some floors? in the rendering it showed those as evan and thin!

[dave8721]

On the 5th and Alton project:

http://www.miamisunpost.com/fifthststoryfrontpage.htm

http://www.miamisunpost.com/images/j2_PICTURE%202.JPG

A Little More Time …
Developers Have Yet to Break Ground on South Beach Retail Project

By Ryan Brown

The properties at Fifth Street and Alton Road on Miami Beach are currently little more than fenced-in empty lots covered with rubble. However, the development planned for this land just might change South Beach entirely.

Jeff Berkowitz and Alan and Robert Potamkin are the private developers who own the property. Their plan is to build 175,000 square feet of parking, supermarket and retail facilities, including a Best Buy and numerous restaurants.

According to Wayne Pathman, a longtime resident of Miami Beach and the developers’ attorney, this project has the potential not only to create much-needed parking on South Beach, but to ease traffic throughout the area.

“MacArthur Causeway is the most used portal into Miami Beach. Fifth and Alton is a great place to capture those cars,” says Pathman.

If the influx of cars from the causeway is fed into parking lots at Fifth and Alton, Pathman argues, South Beach streets will become less congested and more pedestrian- friendly.

Seeing these possible benefits, the city of Miami Beach entered into a deal with the developers in 2005 and earmarked $9.5 million to purchase parking for public use.

The problem is that the project has still not begun. Pathman says getting approvals from the city has been a slow process. Since cost estimates were first calculated in 2003, the company hired to do estimates, Moss Construction, has raised the price tag from $32 million to $54.8 million.

“There are three reasons for this,” says Pathman. “First, the Chinese government has been buying large amounts of steel and concrete, so the price has shot through the roof. Second, hurricanes made building more expensive. Third, the huge increase in development means everyone has plenty of work, so it’s more expensive to hire people.”

“So now we have to use a company called ABM – Anybody But Moss,” says one of the project developers, Jeff Berkowitz, referring to Moss Construction.

The Miami Beach Finance Committee has agreed to back the extension of its agreement with the developers to Feb. 17. The extension has to be agreed to by the full Miami Beach City Commission. The next meeting is on Jan. 17.

[Roark]

Capri South Beach started the foundation pour yesterday!!! South Beach continues to lead the way with cutting edge design, architecture, and some engineering! This is the second SoBe building with underground parking.
Check out this crude movie (http://s113.photobucket.com/albums/n215/restainer/?action=view&current=vid_panofromDowntown.flv)for the idea of the location, Capri is directly north of Flamingo and about 3 buildings south of the Venetian Causeway. (This movie is 21mb), so please be patient.
From grade, you can see the men about 18 ft below the seawall.
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n215/restainer/thfoundationfromgrade.jpg
From the Flamingo Gym (8th floor), you can get a feel for how much surface area has to be covered.
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n215/restainer/LookingNorthtotheVenetian.jpg
From a Flamingo apartment, you can see the foundation and the 24+ Rinker concrete trucks lined up for blocks!! They started pouring in the afternoon, and when I came home last night at 2am, they were still lined up and still pouring. My buddy tells me that they were pouring until sunrise.
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n215/restainer/RinkerTrucksfor4blocks.jpg
Check out this movie from the corner of 16th Street and Bay Road (http://s113.photobucket.com/albums/n215/restainer/?action=view&current=vid_cornerof16th-Bay.flv).
A construction manager tells me that they were pouring 3,800 yards of concrete.
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n215/restainer/FromBayRdtoAltonon16th.jpg
Here is a photo from 2am.
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n215/restainer/Andintothenight.jpg
Enjoy! :cheers:

[hello345]

Awsome pics :)!Will Capri be built in phases or will everything be built together?

[DGM]

I couldn't think off the top of my head what Capri looks like so I googled it and came up with the following (BTW, it consists of three very different buildings):
EDIT: I didn't think I'd bump the thread onto the next page. I suggest you check out the last page for some photos taken by Roark of Capri's construction.
http://www.floridarealtyfinder.com/images/CapriSobePictrue2.jpg

http://www.uscondex.com/buildingImages/178/images/dt_1151062547.jpg

[Roark]

Awsome pics :)!Will Capri be built in phases or will everything be built together?The northern most building is an art deco rehab. From those photos, you can see the massive base that covers about a block and a half. The two new buildings will be constructed on top of the parking at the same time.

[rider_of_rohan]

Dont you have any noise ordinances in MB? That kind of thing couldnt happen here like that in a residential area.

[hello345]

I suppose there will only be one floor of parking spanning across the site where the new buildings are to be built. Correct?

[Roark]

That kind of thing couldnt happen here like that in a residential area.....true...for many reasons!!!! This is a place where things happen!

Isn't it amazing how some people will look at things differently?
Some people see an amazing feat of engineering where 100's of people are employed, fantasitic amounts of concrete trucks are orchstrated and coordinated to create things on negligible property to make it useful.
And another person will look at the same exact images and focus on the noise that occurs for those few hours of progress!!!
Wow...

[Roark]

I suppose there will only be one floor of parking spanning across the site where the new buildings are to be built. Correct? Uh uh...I belive that the first pour was the base, then there will be two floors of parking above that, for a total of three parking levels. The two building footprints and greenspace will cover the top of that massive expanse.
Pretty hot when you think about how much space is underground and how from grade it just looks like three small buildings.

[ChuckScraperMiami#1]

ROARK, my friend,
I know this is the wrong thread for the " Canyon Ranch Living " , Towers.
But seeing the towers rise from a Clear day yesterday on I-95 on top of the Flyover.
Please get a picture of this Great Last Highrise condo project with the old Carrillon Hotel tower redone into Condos,

Very Impressive Indeed !!!

[Bryan-Sereny]

Hey Chuck, these are a few days old. :banana: :banana:

Canyon Ranch North
http://www.bryansereny.com/construction-photography/canyon-ranch-n.jpg
South
http://www.bryansereny.com/construction-photography/canyon-ranch-s.jpg

[ChuckScraperMiami#1]

Thanks Bryan:) ,
Your Fast:runaway: ,
Wow:cheers1: , Just fantastic the way this Project is completing,
I had a feeling three years back, this project wouldn't get off the ground,

They did it:applause: and built it ALL:cheers:
Very Impressive saving of the old Carillon Hotel:rock: , too:banana:

[hello345]

http://www.zilbert.com/anglers_resort/images/p2.jpg
what is the status of the anglers south beach boutique resort? does anyone have a pic of the construction( if it is U/C )

[havok100]

It is under construction and should finally make that area of Washington Ave more successful. For many years clubs and restaurants in that area always failed. The older buildings have een restored and the tallest is topped off.

[hello345]

^ Is the project looking nice?

[arch photographer]

What is up with LINCOLN EAST by Enrique Norten??

[mileageman]

OK Roark, was this contest rigged?



February 03, 2007 06:12 PM Eastern Time
Actress Scarlett Johansson Wins One-Year Lease on $2.2 Million Condo at Flamingo South Beach
Miami Beach Condo Give-Away the Highlight of Sprint Style Villa During Super Bowl XLI


MIAMI BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Golden Globe nominated actress, Scarlett Johansson, came away with the “Super Bowl” of prizes today at the Sprint Style Villa on Ocean Drive Village, winning a one-year lease on a $2.2 million Bayfront condo at Flamingo South Beach. As part of the “Find Your Fortune at Flamingo” Super Bowl promotion, sponsored by developer MCZ/Centrum and real estate agency Fortune International, Johansson drew the lucky key that unlocked a specially designed “glass” house which encased a Lucite replica of the Flamingo building, thereby winning the one-year lease.
Other celebrities and sports stars vying to win the Flamingo South Beach condo, included actor Robert Downey, Jr.; singer Ashanti; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart; “All My Children’s” Natalia Cigliuti; Terry Crews from "Everybody Hates Chris," Cari Dee, this year’s winner on "America's Top Model;" rapper Kevin Federline; “7th Heaven’s” Geoff Stults; Amaury Nolasco from “Prison Break;” wrestler-turned-actress-and-dancer Stacy Keibler; Adam Rodriguez from “CSI: Miami,” former N’SYNC-er Joey Fatone; and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young. Each were “locked out” of the condo prize but came away with specially designed Flamingo “swag” commemorating the Super Bowl.
Johansson’s new South Beach crash pad is a direct Bayfront lanai unit at Flamingo South Beach. The three-bedroom, three bath condo has recently undergone a complete renovation and features a stunning contemporary design with a mix of sleek cabinetry and countertops, stylish kitchen and bath fixtures, exotic wood floors and natural stone surfaces. Johansson’s condo is located in the South Tower of the 1,688-unit community; sales in the North Tower go on the market in the next few weeks.
The Sprint Style Villa on Ocean Drive Village, produced by Ocean Drive magazine and Miami Marketing Group, is an interactive experience inside a two-story, crystalline glass house built right on South Beach for Super Bowl XLI. The Style Villa creates a “greenhouse” appearance with premium furnishings, exclusive sponsor suites, a DJ, lounge areas, and more, making it the ultimate South Beach destination for athletes, celebrities and VIPs.

Scarlett Johansson wins a year lease on a $2.2 million Flamingo South Beach condominium by drawing the winning key that unlocked the Lucite-encased rendering of the condominium. Congratulating Johansson are David Restainer, Fortune International's sales director for Flamingo South Beach, and Claudia Gonzales, Fortune's sales manager for Flamingo South Beach. (Photo Credit: MagicalPhotos.com/Mitchell Zachs)
http://blogs.herald.com/photos/uncategorized/scarlettjohanssonwinsflamingocondolowres.jpg

[Roark]

February 03, 2007 06:12 PM Eastern Time
Actress Scarlett Johansson Wins One-Year Lease on $2.2 Million Condo at Flamingo South Beach
Miami Beach Condo Give-Away the Highlight of Sprint Style Villa During Super Bowl XLI
MIAMI BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Golden Globe nominated actress, Scarlett Johansson, came away with the “Super Bowl” of prizes today at the Sprint Style Villa on Ocean Drive Village, winning a one-year lease on a $2.2 million Bayfront condo at Flamingo South Beach. As part of the “Find Your Fortune at Flamingo” Super Bowl promotion, sponsored by developer MCZ/Centrum and real estate agency Fortune International, Johansson drew the lucky key that unlocked a specially designed “glass” house which encased a Lucite replica of the Flamingo building, thereby winning the one-year lease. Johansson’s condo is located in the South Tower of the 1,688-unit community; sales in the North Tower go on the market in the next few weeks. Congratulating Johansson are David Restainer, Fortune International's sales director for Flamingo South Beach, and Claudia Gonzales, Fortune's sales manager for Flamingo South Beach. (Photo Credit: MagicalPhotos.com/Mitchell Zachs)
Hmm...interesting...whose that clown with the surprised look on his face?

[hello345]

The holiday inn at the site of the W SOUTH BEACH is almost completly gone from what i saw from the wachovia webcam yesterday! :D . Does anyone have any new pics of Continuum 2?

[spellbound]

February 03, 2007 06:12 PM Eastern Time
Actress Scarlett Johansson Wins One-Year Lease on $2.2 Million Condo at Flamingo South Beach
Miami Beach Condo Give-Away the Highlight of Sprint Style Villa During Super Bowl XLI



So this was a contest between multi-millionaires who already can afford to live wherever they want? You gotta be kidding. Glad to hear that poor Scarlett can finally escape the homeless shelter she's been sleeping in.

Sure, I understand the promotional angle...but this is about as "heartwarming" as Donald Trump hitting the MegaMillions jackpot. I wish a janitor or a lettuce picker had won the lease.

[BornInTheGrove]

knowing that scarlett has a place over at Flamingo, makes me want a place over there even more.

[spellbound]

knowing that scarlett has a place over at Flamingo, makes me want a place over there even more.

If she was actually going to be living there, sure, but this is just a promotional gimmick. They use her name in ads...she pops in two or three times over the course of the year...and that's that. Pretty good bet Scarlett isn't in need of comfortable digs.

She IS hot, though...:cheers:

[brickell]

Here's some shots from South of Fifth (SoFi if you will)

http://miamiprogress.com/super/DSC_0170.JPG

http://miamiprogress.com/super/DSC_0159.JPG

http://miamiprogress.com/super/DSC_0168.JPG

http://miamiprogress.com/super/DSC_0163.JPG

[BornInTheGrove]

If she was actually going to be living there, sure, but this is just a promotional gimmick. They use her name in ads...she pops in two or three times over the course of the year...and that's that. Pretty good bet Scarlett isn't in need of comfortable digs.

She IS hot, though...:cheers:
who's to say she won't. does anyone know if she has a place down here? probably not. she could use her place at flamingo as her winter home. :banana:

[dave8721]

PDF with every project approved in Miami Beach since 1999 (through Sept 2006) from the MB Planning page:

http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/newcity/depts/planning/project_matrix.cat.pdf

[mileageman]

Actress To Donate Miami Condo To Children's Charity

POSTED: 1:19 am EST February 7, 2007
MIAMI -- Actress Scarlett Johansson is making plans to pass her recent good fortune on to others.

http://www.nbc6.net/entertainment/10948631/detail.html

[hello345]

Hi everyone! Artecity has a construction update section with photos:
http://artecitymiami.com/updates/

[spellbound]

Actress To Donate Miami Condo To Children's Charity

POSTED: 1:19 am EST February 7, 2007
MIAMI -- Actress Scarlett Johansson is making plans to pass her recent good fortune on to others.

http://www.nbc6.net/entertainment/10948631/detail.html

Good for her. She wouldn't have been living there anyway and this is a classy, generous move on her part.

[Roark]

So true. This Scarlett Johansson story ran on ABC Nightly News on Monday....very nice. Remember when that one Realtor guy said that Flamingo is like living in a dorm?
I don't know what college his parents paid for, but look at that video!!!!! That $1.5Million place is like no dormatory that I've ever seen.
There is a different real estate guy that bought 2 doors over from the Scarlet Johansson's place about 3 months ago and is thrilled with his new neighbors!!!
:cheers:

[dave8721]

The new Saxony tower to be called "Cipriani" has started advertising:

http://img.travidia.com/ss-ad/759052

[arch photographer]

There is, IMO, an ABSOLUTELY spectacular new project to be seen at savoycasa.com It is located south of fifth and consists of three new buildings behind an existing art deco structure. It's killer. check it out.

[hello345]

Wow that is a cool project, hope it gets built :)!Does anyone know if VITRI has started to rise yet?

[Bryan-Sereny]

^^
Vitri is about to go up. I will post some photos when it starts.

[BornInTheGrove]

what about 5th and Alton Mall? Is it going to happen? I remember seeing renderings for it some time ago. haven't heard much from it since.

[Roark]

Flamingo South Beach is selling phase II in the North Tower (614 apartments). There is a $40 Million dollar renovation underway... and prices start at $192,900 for studios in a waterfront building...not bad.
Sales in the South Tower were phenomenal, 480 apartments in 8 months. As skyscraper efficianados, we can appreciate how many units that is.

[arch photographer]

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/1223/ls2nz3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img465.imageshack.us/img465/1108/ls3an7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/2581/ls1wg6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I have to laugh when I think of people saying Miami condos are boring and all look the same. Check out this hot little project on west ave. This with Herzog and De parking garage and Norten's Lincoln east and Gehry's NWS South Beach is gonna be untouchable as to level of design.

[Roark]

I have to laugh when I think of people saying Miami condos are boring and all look the same. Check out this hot little project on west ave. This with Herzog and De parking garage and Norten's Lincoln east and Gehry's NWS South Beach is gonna be untouchable as to level of design. Agreed!! Most people that say that, don't know about Miami Beaches architectural past or future! Morris Lapidus was as cutting edge as H&D or Enrique Norten, and we are blessed to have all of them to have created and to be creating in the 33139.

[dave8721]

More construction pics from Kobi Karp site, these showing the new Carribean tower:

http://www.kobikarp.com/images/carib01.jpg

http://www.kobikarp.com/images/carib02.jpg

[intresant]

VITRI

Taken today, Thursday March 08.

It's going to be weird for the residents to be exposed directly to the causway lol.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i102/stratoshpere/DSC00273.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i102/stratoshpere/DSC00274.jpg

[hello345]

Has the W south beach started real construction yet?

[quefueuno]

yes the W has started construction. They already demolished the holiday inn and cleaned it up. Now they are pilling!!!

[BornInTheGrove]

dude, did they knock down the 7-11 too??

[arch photographer]

They did not knock down the Vitri 7 11. I guess like the gas station between 900 and Ten Museum they are planning on leaving hideous little remnants of the old Miami so we can be thankful of how far we've come.

[Roark]

dude, did they knock down the 7-11 too?? Oh no....Thank Heaven...

[BornInTheGrove]

Oh no....Thank Heaven...
sarcasm?

[ChuckScraperMiami#1]

dude, did they knock down the 7-11 too??
^^ ^^

I'm LOST:nuts: :ohno: , lol.
Dude, Did they knock down the 7-11 yet,
Born In the Grove:) , My friend,
Is the 7-11 Closed ???:nuts:

[BornInTheGrove]

it's not like i'm for or against the 7-11, just that, i have some fond, though vague and hazy memories of that 7-11.

but if it does get knocked down, i suppose i could just go to the one thats on alton closer to lincoln road

[arch photographer]

At the sales center i was told it would remain. The restaurant that is 3 or 4 stories on Alton and 6th?, part of Vitri, will go next to it.

[mileageman]

It appears that Suffolk Construction has started work at 1111 lincoln road (Herzog & DeMeuron), it is fenced off and their sign is up. Also, it seems they are finally driving piles at Fifth and alton.

[Rx727sfl2002]

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/696/fontainebleauff7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[dave8721]

I love how they pretend the Eden Roc is just a patch of grass.

[spellbound]

I love how they pretend the Eden Roc is just a patch of grass.

LOL...true. Of course, those two properties have a long history of enmity towards each other...most famously by the Fontainebleu building a "spite wall" to block sunlight from reaching the Eden Roc's pool area back in the 50s or early 60s.

Renders can be pretty hilarious sometimes. The weather's always perfect...never any traffic or homeless people...and everybody is young, fit, and happy. Kinda like art on Xanax...:cheers:

[dave8721]

Newer rendering of Capri showing the rooftop pool on the taller building (from Kobi Karp site):

http://www.kobikarp.com/images/caprirend.jpg

[hello345]

Wow, Capri will be great when finished!

[Paul305]

^^Yeah, especially once all of those trees grow in...

[Toucano]

What, you didn't know Miami Beach was a jungle?

[logybogy]

Wasn't there a big to do about the Fountainbleau and Eden Roc hiring the same architect and getting rid of the spite wall after 50 years? They were both going to build 20 story towers within inches of each other.

Is that project dead?

[dave8721]

What, you didn't know Miami Beach was a jungle?

I'm sure Roark would be sad to learn the Flamingo got demolished as well...

[Roark]

I'm sure Roark would be sad to learn the Flamingo got demolished as well... nahh....i loved the old Flamingo Hotel, and it's pretty impressive to think that the President of the United States of America stayed there in the 30's and all the great movie stars of the 1950's stayed there. But I love the evolution! The new tower at Flamingo, architect Zyscovich, has the light on top to mimick Henry Flagler's original Flamingo hotel. Just as Flagler wanted a beacon of light on the top so that you could see the Flamingo from miles around, so does the new tower.
At night, it's the first South Beach skyscraper you see as you cross the MacArthur Causway eastbound.

[dave8721]

nahh....i loved the old Flamingo Hotel, and it's pretty impressive to think that the President of the United States of America stayed there in the 30's and all the great movie stars of the 1950's stayed there. But I love the evolution! The new tower at Flamingo, architect Zyscovich, has the light on top to mimick Henry Flagler's original Flamingo hotel. Just as Flagler wanted a beacon of light on the top so that you could see the Flamingo from miles around, so does the new tower.
At night, it's the first South Beach skyscraper you see as you cross the MacArthur Causway eastbound.

I was refering to the Capri rendering where the Flamingo parcel is just a bunch of trees.

[mileageman]

The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, South Beach Expands


2007-03-29 17:50:01 -

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., March 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, South Beach announced plans to develop an additional tower of wholly-owned residences on the west side of Collins Avenue and 29th Street. This 55-residence expansion marks a rare occurrence for a residential development on Miami Beach spanning from the Atlantic Ocean to Indian Creek. Three other residential towers, also part of the development, are being constructed along the ocean, including the historically preserved Seville Beach Hotel.

Citing the sales success of the 86 private Ritz-Carlton Residences located beachside on Collins Avenue, the developers expect demand to be strong for the new eight-story tower. Reservations of the new offering will launch this week.

"The design of the new tower offers a majority of smaller floor plans, which creates opportunities for a new segment of buyers such as singles and second-home owners," said Edgardo Defortuna, president of Fortune International, co-developer of the project. Added co-developer and Lionstone Development CEO Diego Lowenstein, "Sales for one-bedroom residences in our first phase were overwhelmingly successful, prompting us to embark on this strategy."

The new tower, designed by Miami-based architect, Luis Revuelta of Revuelta Vega Leon, will feature 36 one-bedroom, 17 two-bedroom and two three- bedroom residences along with a full-service fitness center, swimming pool, whirlpool and owners' lounge. Additionally, owners will have access to the development's full-service spa, swimming pools, a fine dining restaurant and beachfront experience on the east side of Collins Avenue. Ranging in size from 900 to over 2,400 square feet, residences will feature magnificent city and ocean views from expansive terraces, kitchens with the finest appliances and beautifully-appointed finishes. Prices for the new offering begin in the $700,000s.

In addition to private Residences, the community will feature 45 fractional Ritz-Carlton Club residences, all located in the restored Seville Beach Hotel building. These one-twelfth, deeded interests provide a new and compelling option for those who seek maintenance-free second home ownership, complemented by the legendary, personalized services and amenities of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

Construction for The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, South Beach is slated to begin in mid 2007, and scheduled for completion in late 2009. For information, visit http://www.rcr-southbeach.com/.

[Beach Bum]

I love the Capri's roof top pool. I know 401 Blu has one. Is there a listing somewhere of Miami Beach or Miami Roof top pools? they're so much better than those parking pedestal ones. Why aren't more built? is it a construction cost or liability issue? It seems like it would be a real selling point.

[arch photographer]

roof top pools-----Cielo Space 01 Blue Bay Tower Loft 3 I have heard that the wind all the way up there can be a problem.

[Rx727sfl2002]

in nyc winds can be a problem with gust up to 220 miles on a normal day when you get that high...not sure how it will be here on some of those towers.

[spellbound]

They must have to close that outdoor observation deck on the Empire State Building a lot with 220 mph gusts.

[Rx727sfl2002]

most decks are fenced in, to avoid having people swept up by winds and blown off the rooftops...

[arch photographer]

I only brought up the wind on roof top pools because I have discussed with some people that the level of wind can diminsh your level of enjoyment poolside, not that there is a threat of being blown off of the roof. I personally like lots of breeziness to stay cool.

[dave8721]

Emerald at Brickell has one too, you can look down on it from the Four Seasons Webcam. The Coral Sea View on Coral Way in the Roads doesn't have a rooftop pool but it has a roof top gym with an outdoor common area for its residents on the roof. The 12-story David William Hotel Condo in Coral Gables has a rooftop pool as well. I think the Loft 3 one will be the highest outdoor rooftop pool that I can think of in the area (not counting the pools on the terraces of each unit in the new Chi tower in Sunny Isles). Anyone know of any higher? I know the 500+ foot Santa Maria tower has a rooftop common area/gym but it is enclosed.

[brickell]

in nyc winds can be a problem with gust up to 220 miles on a normal day when you get that high...not sure how it will be here on some of those towers.

I"d realy love to see any evidence of this.
The worlds highest winds (straight line) ever recorded is only 231mph at Mount Washinton, NH and that's 6000+ feet.

So where is it?

[dave8721]

funding for another Fisher Island building:

http://southflorida.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2007/03/26/daily45.html?surround=lfn

Palazzo Del Sol planned for Fisher Island
South Florida Business Journal - 10:19 AM EDT Friday, March 30, 2007

A luxury island enclave just south of Miami Beach is getting a $300 million injection of equity to build Palazzo Del Sol, 47 condominiums ranging from 3,700 square feet to 25,000 square feet.

The investor, Somerset Partners LLC of New York City, said it has entered into an equity partnership with developer Fisher Island Holdings LLC on the 216-acre island that was once the home of William K. Vanderbilt and more recently connected to celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey. The Vanderbilt mansion is used as the island's clubhouse.


The upcoming project will include a lagoon pool surrounded by cabanas, fountains, a waterfall, valet parking and concierge services.

The Nichols Consortium also has been retained to prepare a master plan for the whole island, which is separated from Miami Beach by Government Cut, the channel that leads to the Port of Miami. The plan envisions a spa, hotel renovations, a new beach club and improved restaurants.

Fisher Island has no bridge connecting it with Miami Beach or the mainland, but has a ferry service that provides transportation. It has two-deep water marinas with a total of 131 slips, 18 tennis course, a nine-hold P.B. Dye golf course, eight restaurants, a 62-room hotel, a retail center, a polo field and a day school, according to its Web site.

The exclusive island has among the highest prices in South Florida. A Web site listing shows a 774-square foot condo priced at $1.25 million; a 1,500-square foot, two-bedroom, two-bath unit for $2.55 million; three-bedroom units for more than $2.85 million and several five-bedroom condos selling from $8 million to $10 million.

The island was created by a dredging project in the early 1900s and is named after Carl Fisher, who was one of Miami Beach's original developers.

[arch photographer]

www.elevenelevenlincolnroad.com Has updated, and it seems completed their website. It calls for completeion in the fall of 2008 which will be a date to mark on the calendars. Chuck has dreams of 2012, well I can't wait that long, and luckily, I won't have to. I think that Xmas 2008 will have Miamians living in the coolest city in the nation. with all of the party it has always been known for and design and cultural features no one ever dreamed possible for FL 10 years ago.

[dave8721]

The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, South Beach Expands


2007-03-29 17:50:01 -

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., March 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, South Beach announced plans to develop an additional tower of wholly-owned residences on the west side of Collins Avenue and 29th Street. This 55-residence expansion marks a rare occurrence for a residential development on Miami Beach spanning from the Atlantic Ocean to Indian Creek. Three other residential towers, also part of the development, are being constructed along the ocean, including the historically preserved Seville Beach Hotel.

Citing the sales success of the 86 private Ritz-Carlton Residences located beachside on Collins Avenue, the developers expect demand to be strong for the new eight-story tower. Reservations of the new offering will launch this week.

"The design of the new tower offers a majority of smaller floor plans, which creates opportunities for a new segment of buyers such as singles and second-home owners," said Edgardo Defortuna, president of Fortune International, co-developer of the project. Added co-developer and Lionstone Development CEO Diego Lowenstein, "Sales for one-bedroom residences in our first phase were overwhelmingly successful, prompting us to embark on this strategy."

The new tower, designed by Miami-based architect, Luis Revuelta of Revuelta Vega Leon, will feature 36 one-bedroom, 17 two-bedroom and two three- bedroom residences along with a full-service fitness center, swimming pool, whirlpool and owners' lounge. Additionally, owners will have access to the development's full-service spa, swimming pools, a fine dining restaurant and beachfront experience on the east side of Collins Avenue. Ranging in size from 900 to over 2,400 square feet, residences will feature magnificent city and ocean views from expansive terraces, kitchens with the finest appliances and beautifully-appointed finishes. Prices for the new offering begin in the $700,000s.

In addition to private Residences, the community will feature 45 fractional Ritz-Carlton Club residences, all located in the restored Seville Beach Hotel building. These one-twelfth, deeded interests provide a new and compelling option for those who seek maintenance-free second home ownership, complemented by the legendary, personalized services and amenities of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

Construction for The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, South Beach is slated to begin in mid 2007, and scheduled for completion in late 2009. For information, visit http://www.rcr-southbeach.com/.

A rendering of the new building:
http://www.globest.com/news/875_875/miami/159367-1.html

http://www.globest.com/newspics/mia_ritzcarltonclubwesttowe.jpg

[arch photographer]

WOW! That's a hot little building, looks different for Revuelta, If the beautiful classic FL Deco and Mimo buildings are honored and preserved, then there will be a great architectural legacy moving forward. Will my friends property at Triton Towers across the street gain value because of having a Ritz next door??

[brickell]

in nyc winds can be a problem with gust up to 220 miles on a normal day when you get that high...not sure how it will be here on some of those towers.

I hate to go off topic but this assinine comment should be either deleted or retraced.

Rx, when are you going to admit that you just don't have a clue what you're talking about?

[hello345]

Does anyone have a pic of the progress being made on the W south beach? Any ideas on when it will go vertical?

[SoBe99]

Does anyone have a pic of the progress being made on the W south beach? Any ideas on when it will go vertical?

Still lots of dirt, but they have two cranes on site as of today. Looked like they are ready to pour concrete.

[hello345]

Are they two permanent cranes or "portable" cranes?

[MIAballinboi]

nice on the gyms on top of rooftops, wow that would be a hell of a workout and motivator!

[SoBe99]

Are they two permanent cranes or "portable" cranes?

Honestly, I didnt get that good a look as i was in my car I would assume portable because there is no foundation in the ground yet with only a few vertical columns going up.

[dave8721]

The Savoy to break ground:

http://www.globest.com/news/877_877/miami/159455-1.html

http://www.zilbert.com/savoy_south_beach/images/p1.jpg

Last updated: April 3, 2007 02:31pm
$130M Project To Break Ground by Year’s End
By Natalie Keith

MIAMI BEACH-Locally based CMA Development Group is planning to begin construction by the end of the year on the $130-million Savoy. The 111-unit condominium hotel project will rise in South Beach.
The project, to be constructed along 200 feet of private beachfront, will have 87 residences, including 30 ocean residences and 57 hotel/condominium suites in three seven-story towers. The towers will contain studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans ranging in size from 563 sf to 3,700 sf. A block away at Fourth Street and Collins Avenue, the seven-story Savoy Lofts will include 24 loft units. Owners of the lofts will have access to Beach Club and amenities at the Savoy.

CMA Development Group partner Gary Cohen tells GlobeSt.com that the facade of the existing Savoy Hotel building, which was acquired in 2005, will remain intact. The developer acquired the Savoy Hotel at 455 Ocean Dr., along with a 19,500-sf parking lot parcel around the corner, for $33 million. The project is expected to be completed two years after groundbreaking.

The architect on the project is Allan Shulman and the interior designer is Charles Allem. Fendi Casa, the home design wing of the fashion brand, will provide furnishings, furniture and hand-crafted Italian linens. The developer acquired the Savoy Hotel at 455 Ocean Dr., along with a 19,500-sf parking lot parcel around the corner, for $33 million.
“The location for this project is perfect,” Cohen says. “The project is 100 yards away from Ocean Drive and a few blocks away from Joe’s Stone Crab.”

Cohen says sales efforts on the units began about a week ago. The condo hotel units are selling for $700,000 to $1.2 million, the ocean residences for $1.5 million to $6.5 million and the loft units from $500,000 to $1.5 million.

[SoBe99]

Nice to see some development between 5th and 3rd Street on Ocean Drive. There are several old buildings through there that need some dire repair. Once those two blocks are cleaned up, the circle from 5th at Ocean all the way around South Pointe and back to Alton at 5th, will be beautiful stuff.

It will be interesting to watch the savoy sales...those seem quite aggressive for low rise/boutique construction.

[arch photographer]

The Savoy is exquisite, I see Alan Shulman receiving the unbuilt awards for sure. The Viceroy South Beach has three very nice little buildings, Vitri, LincolnSquare, Lincoln East, Rivage, NWS, Artecity, Twelth on West, S5, Bijou, touzetstudios Townhouses on First, Hotel built behind Fairwinds, W South Beach, and of course this gem. UnBELIEVABLE design progress in South Beach, all of these little infill boutique buildings will do for South Beach what was done for Beverly Hills in the 60's and 70's making it the most aesthetically pleasing destination in the country.

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/2427/11112xp0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)



http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/3677/11111eb2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[arch photographer]

I love that staircase leading to the rooftop dining, and the best views in South Beach for those who aren't Millionaires. Lets hope the food and parking is reasonably priced

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/8775/11113il6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/4982/11114gy8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Maxim98]

^Amazing project.

[hello345]

has vitri made any progress since the last update?

[havok100]

I went by vitri today and it looks the same.

[SoBe99]

I went by vitri today and it looks the same.


I noticed the same thing. I drive by there every day, but I haven't seen anyone working out there in a long time. All you can see is the first rebar columns sticking out of the ground.

I wonder why for the delay, because the weather has been extremely dry and perfect for laying concrete.

[havok100]

I think they ran into problems with the adjacent property owners.

[arch photographer]

OH NO!! What does that mean??

[SoBe99]

Isn't Vitri going to stare right into the back of "5th at Alton"? The 5th at Alton developer stated last month that they wil break ground before summer. Its a multi-story 1000+ parking garage, supermarket, plus 170,000sf of retail. The City is buying back 500 spaces for public use. They have a commission reading Wed to up the parking buyout from $20k per space to $35k per space, because of how much construction prices have increased.

I wonder if the increased construction costs has bitten Vitri as well? Problems with neighbors rarely can stop construction once you have permits.

[SoBe99]

5th at Alton Shopping Center and Parking Garage

http://www.berkowitzdevelopment.com/img/5altonf2gde.jpg

http://www.berkowitzdevelopment.com/img/5altonf9gde.jpg

http://www.berkowitzdevelopment.com/img/5th-overpass-big.jpg

[arch photographer]

I would really like to hear peoples opinion about Britto. Is striped and polka dotted palm trees really what passes for public art? I can't believe that building at 95 and 195 has a Britto clamped onto the side of it, is she shopping?! If that is what she is supposed to be doing running around carrying a purse I think I'm going to pewk. :bash:


It's no wonder that the world refuses to take Miami serious as it relates to a center for art. And now in the most VISIBLE spot in all of South Beach, literally, striped and dotted palm trees 3 stories tall. I find it mind bogglingly STUPID and ugly,
:ohno:
but I am 100% open to having my views changed if anyone has some insight for me. THANK GOD for 'DRIFT' in south pointe Park.:)

[Rx727sfl2002]

ART IS EXPRESSED IN MANY FORMS

PERSONALLY I HATE HIS WORK BUT ALOT OF OTHERS SEEM TO LOVE IT

EVERGLADES ON THE BAY WILL HAVE ABOUT 2-3 MILLION DOLLARS OF HIS ART.

[arch photographer]

I understand that art is expressed in many forms. I was hoping that someone who finds value in the work of Britto, somebody who likes it, could tell me why, what they like about it.

[BornInTheGrove]

you know, the same was said of Picasso when he first came out...

[arch photographer]

Only by Philistines.

[Roark]

It's no wonder that the world refuses to take Miami serious as it relates to a center for art.
WHAAAAA??? Bite cho tongue! Britto has long overstayed his welcome, but I'm not so sure you could say that the "world refuses to take Miami seriously" as it relates to a center for art.
When I was at Art Week in NYC at the end of Feburary, all the International exhibitors at the GenArt/Scope Gallery could talk about was how great Miami's Art Basel was....
Then again, there wasn't much Britto there....

[thetallerthebetter]

brito is so tired ... LEBO is the new brito, and even he's getting old

[arch photographer]

Your absolutely right Roark, it just is so maddening when all the progress around Miami as an art center is sabotaged by things like the sculpture planned for 5th and Alton, i really think it has a serious negative impact. It makes Miami look like a joke.

[Rx727sfl2002]

APPRECIATE THAT THERE IS PUBLIC ART FOR OTHERS TO ENJOY REGARDLESS OF HOW YOU PERSONALLY FEEL ABOUT IT NOT EVERYONE THINKS HIS ART IS A JOKE...

SO THE STATEMENT THAT MIAMI WILL BE PERCIEVED AS A JOKE IS ONLY YOUR PERSONAL OPINION...

BRITO'S ART IS LIKED BY MANY AND HATED BY MANY BUT IT DOESNT AFFECT MIAMI...

[arch photographer]

Well PUT RX.

[dave8721]

It helps that the developer (Berkowitz Development) of 5th and Alton seems to be a big fan of Brito. He's included a bunch of his monstrosities at all of his projects such as the big happy thing at Dadeland Station, a bunch of little kid statue things at the Kendall Village mall at Kendall & 122nd Ave. I wonder if he'll be able to get any Britto crap passed Coral Gables' strict design standards for their Gables Station development?

I dont think I've ever met anyone who likes his work but it sure is everywhere.

[arch photographer]

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/8295/5th2ka7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/4568/5thzp0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I think that this project is MAJOR, so I am really happy to see a bus stop integrated into it and that the parking entrance is on the almost unused block of Lenox. I think this building will fulfill the expectation of the good life that one feels as they traverse the causeway and see all of the great bayside skyline with buildings both classic mid century and new towers. Vitri, then 5th and Collins delivres the goods instead of empty delapidated lots. My passion over the other issues is just because I think to a certain extent this will be one of the tipping points that will have the whole country realizing Miami and Miami Beach is amazing.

[dave8721]

Companion project to the Savoy in the works:

http://www.miamisunpost.com/groundwork041207.htm

A block away, at Fourth Street and Collins Avenue, Savoy Lofts will offer 24 lofts in a mixed-use complex of commercial, retail and residential spaces, which essentially form a wrapper to conceal a 150-car parking garage. The garage, which will serve the nearby Savoy, also serves as a pedestal for the six penthouse townhouses that occupy its roof. Groundbreaking is planned for mid-2007 with completion slated for the end of 2008.

[arch photographer]

So I just clicked on lincolneast.com to check up and see if they have updated the website beyond COMING SOON, and now, even that is gone. Does anyone have any info about this amazing cantilevered building? I hope we don't hear it is scratched altogether.??

[Rx727sfl2002]

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/2186/savoybeachclub01sj0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/4802/savoybeachclub02na2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Rx727sfl2002]

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/1620/744lincoln01cf8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/6339/744lincoln02el2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/282/744lincoln03nz1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[SoBe99]

FYI:

Fifth at Alton announced last week to the commission they will break ground in May. Tenants include Publix, Sports Authority, Staples, and Best Buy. Still negotiating with other tenants like a home store.

[arch photographer]

I know that requests for construction updates can get a little exhausting, so I try to keep them at a minimum...but...any progress on Vitri and/or Herzog and DeMeuron 1111 Lincoln Rd. One month ago they were both underway, but then Vitri seemed to stop.

[SoBe99]

Vitri looks the same and no one has been on-site for several weeks. I wouldn't be surprised if they cancelled the project. Hard to sell units where the top floors stare directly into a future Best Buy on one side, the other side stares directly into the Bentley Bay parking deck, and half of the building is surrounded by a fly-over bridge a few feet from the balconies. Imagine the noise.

[arch photographer]

The architect who designed the Filling Station and Premiere Towers said that his 1st choice of places to live is Vitri BECAUSE of all the reasons you just stated against it. Because of the compression and the urbanism and dynamism of ever flowing traffic. etc etc. Architects don't make enough money for him to live there unfortunately. Well Bermello and Ajamil do....So you never know.

[arch photographer]

Anyone know anything about LINCOLN EAST??

[hello345]

How is the W south beach progressing? Any pics? Have they started the glass on mei?

[dave8721]

June 7th ground breaking for 5th & Alton:

http://www.miamiherald.com/488/story/88893.html

MIAMI BEACH
Construction to begin on vertical center

With ceremonial shovels at a June 7 groundbreaking, work on a long-planned South Beach shopping center and supermarket will finally get under way.

BY ELINOR J. BRECHER
ebrecher@MiamiHerald.com
E
nvision three stories of retail shops and a giant grocery store in a futuristic white-and-glass complex at the east end of the MacArthur Causeway.

If all goes according to plan, the vision will become reality in less than two years.

Groundbreaking for Fifth & Alton South Beach -- a 179,000-square-foot ''vertical retail center'' and 1,100-space parking garage -- is set for June 7.

It's bounded by Fifth Street on the south, Sixth Street on the north, Alton Road on the west and Lenox Avenue on the east.

The city of Miami Beach is contributing $14.4 million, most of it to buy 500 parking spaces at $27,000 apiece.

The development is supposed to include a 45,000-square-foot Publix supermarket. Jeff Berkowitz -- co-developer with Alan and Robert Potamkin -- told the City Commission on Wednesday that the chain is expected to sign a lease in the next few weeks.

At Wednesday's meeting, the commission gave Fifth & Alton final approval.

The promise of a supermarket in walking distance prompted area residents to support the project, according to neighborhood activist and landlord Gilbert Zriny, who admits he'll remain skeptical until there's a signed lease.

''That was the one hook that they gave the community for our political support, that we were going to get our grocery store back,'' he said. ``If they take that aspect out of it, a lot of people are going to be angry and upset.''

The Hyde Park market at Fifth Street and Collins Avenue closed in 2000 and was later demolished as part of a redevelopment plan for the site. City officials insisted that developers replace it.

They've also incorporated a 1920 historic building -- the old Causeway Pharmacy -- into the facade.

The retail center is a long time in the making.

The city designated the site a ''brownfield'' in 2000 because is was contaminated by ''petroleum-based pollutants that had to be remediated, and arsenic that's naturally occurring,'' Berkowitz said.

Then the Miami Beach Design Review and Historic Preservation boards rejected two designs before accepting the current one.

''The first was Art Deco,'' Berkowitz said. 'They rejected that because they said they wanted a `world-class' design at the entrance to Miami Beach.

'The next one, they said, `That's too world class.' ''

He estimated construction would take 18 to 20 months.

To see architects' renderings of Fifth & Alton South Beach, go to berkowitz development.com. Click on ``Our Shopping Centers.''

[Rx727sfl2002]

YOU CANT EVEN TELL THAT THE 1920'S STRUCTURE IS OUT OF PLACE IN THE CORNER OF THIS STRUCTURE/PICTURE

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/8075/1920ue7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[arch photographer]

Great NEWS! Does anybody have renderings of what the MB Cpommission thought was TOO world class. The second design??

[dave8721]

Redesigned Rivage (2360 Collins Ave) from Kobi Karp site:

http://www.kobikarp.com/images/rivagenew01.jpg

http://www.kobikarp.com/images/rivagenew02.jpg

http://www.kobikarp.com/images/rivagenew03.jpg

http://www.kobikarp.com/images/rivagenew04.jpg

[arch photographer]

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/1795/rivagenew002km6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Here's one more that shows the view from Collins

[dave8721]

Progress on Capri, now above ground (from Kobi Karp site):
http://www.kobikarp.com/images/caprinewest01.jpg

http://www.kobikarp.com/images/caprinewest02.jpg



Progress on the new Caribbean tower (from Kobi Karp site):
http://www.kobikarp.com/images/caribnewer03.jpg

http://www.kobikarp.com/images/caribnewer02.jpg

[hello345]

How is construction going on the W south beach? Have they started concrete yet? Any ideas on when it will go vertical?

[hello345]

Anyone?

[arch photographer]

Am I understanding correctly that the long postponed redo of South Pointe Park will be postponed even longer because the company that was not selected to do it is suing the city??

Is that not the equivalent of I'm taking my ball and going home.

I wish the city would award them some other contract so Miami Beach can get on with its rise to greatness, OR, never allow them to submit a bid for city work again.

[arch photographer]

I wonder how the back of Capri will look? It would be nice if South Beach had a a beautiful facade to look at. Kobi Karp is not heralded for having beautiful back sides of buildings, witness, New Wave, Star Lofts. Not bad, but like seeing old women who don't comb the back of their hair with the reasoning, if I can see it nobody else can either??:nuts:

[SoBe99]

Continuum from today.

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/4792/dsc00058rt2.jpg

[SoBe99]

Apogee from today.

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/6628/dsc00060vx4.jpg

[SoBe99]

South of Five under construction. They've tore down one building. This ones going to be a tight fit.

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/6769/dsc00052ve0.jpg

[arch photographer]

I think I will probably be EATING MY WORDS. Continuum II is looking cool at the top. I like the way that those arches don't meet in the center and the way that they seem to make a restrained reference to gothic cathedral windows but are in truth a crisp new form.

[hello345]

Great pics! Does anyone know how the historic art deco hotel at the bottom of the new fountainebleau III (ocean club) tower looks? Does it fit in well with the new building?

[hello345]

Will they burry the power lines right next to apogee?

[hello345]

Does anyone know what the new eden roc tower will look like?

[Rx727sfl2002]

yes the powerlines will be buried...



eden roc


http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/2995/ed01ci0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/9749/ed02md2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[hello345]

^cool! thnaks for the renderings RX ! How is construction progressing on the W south beach?

[arch photographer]

Did someone say recently that you really can't count on a building being a sure thing until it's going vertical...that pilings poured is no guarantee of a finished building...I'm getting concerned about Vitri...and CASA in the design district for that matter.

[Roark]

Did someone say recently that you really can't count on a building being a sure thing until it's going vertical... Not even then...White Diamond went up about 8 stories and halted. Paco Rabanne topped off and then the developer bombed. It's good to choose great locations, good developers with experienced teams, and the buildings get done.

[dave8721]

Anyone know anything about LINCOLN EAST??

Item #2
http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/newcity/drb/agenda_zoning.pdf

"The applicant is requesting a one (1) year extension of time to obtain a full building permit by April 7,2008 and a modification on the completion date to complete the project by April 7, 2010"

(The original dates required it be completed by Oct 7,2007)

[hello345]

Can someone please give me an update on the W south beach?

[BornInTheGrove]

drove by it the other night... it looked... dark. coud;ve been the fact i was driving at night

[Roark]

Can someone please give me an update on the W south beach? I heard that the Outback that used to be in the building that is going to be the W, opened in the building that is where the 5th Street gym used to be.
But seriously folks...I'm sure it is moving forward, second deposits are in and real estate agents have bben paid their second commissions...that means the developer's have access to their bank draws, the next time the developers get money is at the TCO. You can bet they will push to get there!

[dave8721]

For 1681 West Ave here is Lincoln Square:
http://lincolnsquaremiami.com/home.htm
http://lincolnsquaremiami.com/images/g_night.jpg

http://lincolnsquaremiami.com/images/front.jpg

http://lincolnsquaremiami.com/images/g_day.jpg

[arch photographer]

I heard that the Outback that used to be in the building that is going to be the W, opened in the building that is where the 5th Street gym used to be.
But seriously folks...I'm sure it is moving forward, second deposits are in and real estate agents have bben paid their second commissions...that means the developer's have access to their bank draws, the next time the developers get money is at the TCO. You can bet they will push to get there!

Hey Roark, do you have any such info about Vitri?

I LOVE LincolnSquare, within eyesight of 1111 Lincoln Road.

[SoBe99]

I drove by the W yesterday and they have lots of construction equipment on site. Not going vertical yet, but just doing foundation work.

Vitri still looks abandoned.

[arch photographer]

It's only 8 stories! :rant:

Just build the damn thing already?! :ohno: :nuts:

:hilarious

[SoBe99]

The W site from today.

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/4648/dsc00407kj8.jpg

[noland123]

Has anything been built where the old Wolfie's site on 21st street.

[arch photographer]

I'm sorry to be a pain in the ass about this, but does anyone know what is the story with Vitri?? Or where one can find out what is the story with Vitri??

Is there anyone that is held accountable for the city looking like a dump?

Are there fines for delays, is there any enforcement??

[noland123]

I'm sorry to be a pain in the ass about this, but does anyone know what is the story with Vitri?? Or where one can find out what is the story with Vitri??

Is there anyone that is held accountable for the city looking like a dump?

Are there fines for delays, is there any enforcement??
South Beach Real-estate blog- InmanWiki-Kevin Tomlinson-It is rumored that Vitri is returning all of it's deposits and looking at turning it into a hotel.The penthouses just weren't selling.

[arch photographer]

Oooooggggghhhhhhh! What a crime.

[thetallerthebetter]

can't say it's a surprise... looking around town for moribund sites i fear Kubik and/or capital might be next

[SoBe99]

Like I posted a few weeks ago, that was just a horrible site for a luxury, low rise condo. Units would have been a few feet away from a noisy wrap around bridge, all the east views would have been directly into the wall of Best Buy/Publix, and all the west views directly into the Bentley Bay parking deck. And the developers thought people would be eager to pay $1000/sf for that?

Hotel is also a bad idea for the same reasons above. The only thing that would work is a retail or office development to compliment the Best Buy/Publix retail development going up next door.

[SoBe99]

Kevin Tomlinson also reported that the Savoy condo's and hotel expansion is dead.

[noland123]

Like I posted a few weeks ago, that was just a horrible site for a luxury, low rise condo. Units would have been a few feet away from a noisy wrap around bridge, all the east views would have been directly into the wall of Best Buy/Publix, and all the west views directly into the Bentley Bay parking deck. And the developers thought people would be eager to pay $1000/sf for that?

Hotel is also a bad idea for the same reasons above. The only thing that would work is a retail or office development to compliment the Best Buy/Publix retail development going up next door.Location,location,location.

[Roark]

Is there anyone that is held accountable for the city looking like a dump? At ease soldier!
You post a picture of a dump...
I'll post a picture of South Beach...
What is with the irrational hyperbole?

[spellbound]

Kevin Tomlinson also reported that the Savoy condo's and hotel expansion is dead.

Would you (or anyone else here) happen to know if Kevin Tomlinson might be related to John Tomlinson---also a Miami real-estate guy?

I'm guessing the obvious answer would be "yes" but just wondering if anybody can confirm that.

Only asking because I grew up in the same neighborhood as John and he was a pretty good friend when we were both VERY little kids in North Miami.

(we're talking "Skipper Chuck" days for you couple of old heads here)

[Rx727sfl2002]

could be his son the guy is about mid-late twenties right now...

http://www.kevintomlinson.com/

[arch photographer]

Like I posted a few weeks ago, that was just a horrible site for a luxury, low rise condo. Units would have been a few feet away from a noisy wrap around bridge, all the east views would have been directly into the wall of Best Buy/Publix, and all the west views directly into the Bentley Bay parking deck. And the developers thought people would be eager to pay $1000/sf for that?

Hotel is also a bad idea for the same reasons above. The only thing that would work is a retail or office development to compliment the Best Buy/Publix retail development going up next door.

The sight lines you are stating are inaccurate. If you look at the site on Google earth, and the siting of the building, only a couple of east facing units are blocked by the Bentley Bay garage.

The garage is four stories. Vitri is eight stories. The first floor is retail, and only the three northern most, and 1 1/2 bottom units face the garage. The best buy publix is at least 70 ft away from Vitri, much farther away than many buildings that have another building next to them.

Cars are only five feet tall and you make it sound like the flyover will block all the views of an 80ft tall building. And it is visually stimulating besides. The visual cue of the constant influx of humanity to complement the vibrant South Beach lifestyle. I understand that some will not find this desirable, but some can find it to be an urbanism that is desirable.

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/176/causewayvitriviewyb7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Shot with unknown (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=unknown&make=unknown) at 1969-12-31

Look at the entire north and south facades of all the buildings up and down west ave for example, where the neighboring buildings are only 20-50 ft away.

This may be why they can't sell the building, misrepresentation.

Roark, you're right, it was a frustrated exaggeration. I do think that the gateway to Miami Beach as an abandoned construction site is not putting the best foot forward. South Beach is an absolute jewel, not a dump, but she still needs a little polishing in a few spots. It's just my ABSOLUTE LOVE of the place that makes me go a little crazy when she is even just a little less than her sparkling best.

[SoBe99]

Arch,
The Best Buy/Publix is going to be 75 feet tall for the lowest level, With cars, barriers, and building equipment on top...it will have a wall of about 85 feet or so net.

The Vitri units (highest at level 7) facing east are staring right into this barrier. I know its across the street, but where else are you going to look from your balcony? Up Alton? Thats not good.

Additionally, many of the units facing south face right into the Icon deck until the top 6th level of Vitri. (the 7th level is the upstairs of units on level 6).

You are right that most of the West units are not facing into Bentley Bay's deck, but from the site plan you can see that the last 2-3 lines of units propably are.

I also can't stress enough how noisy that flyover highway will be. Its just a few 30-40 feet from the balconies. The constant drone of loud harley davidson's, booming radios, cement trucks, etc driving by 24/7 would drive anyone insane. :nuts:

There are only 66 units, so having a few bad lines with limited views really hurt. :shocked:

http://www.berkowitzdevelopment.com/img/5altonf91.jpg

[SoBe99]

At ease soldier!
You post a picture of a dump...
I'll post a picture of South Beach...
What is with the irrational hyperbole?

Unfortunately I would have to agree. There are several dumpy abandoned lots all over south beach and about 50% of the existing buildings havent been maintained or renovated since the 80's. :cheers:

[arch photographer]

I hear you SOBE 99. I was just hoping that enough people would be into a gritty urban landscape as a counterpoint to their sublime minimalist home. I just think that the building will be/was to have been absolutely stunning. Maybe not such a treat for the residents, but really an architectural icon fitting the entrance to beautiful South Beach. Icon and Bentley Bay are nice...but Vitri is really exquisite. the materials, the form, the elegant rigid grid, softened by the curve. I wanted it for all of us!

[Roark]

Unfortunately I would have to agree. There are several dumpy abandoned lots all over south beach and about 50% of the existing buildings havent been maintained or renovated since the 80's. I respectfully think you are nuts. Of course there are several vacant lots, be realistic. Look at Google Earth again, there are far more unvacant lots than vacant lots BY FAR.
For every vacant lot you can find, I will match you with a Delano, a Tides, a Tribeca, etc etc. By law, all apartment buildings must have 10 and 40 year certifications.
To post here that 50% of existing buidings haven't been maintained or renovated since the 1980's is absolutely untrue.

Some people read this forum for factual information, try to keep your facts straight.

If 50% hadn't been mainted in 27 years as you posted, the City of Miami Beach would have those buildings condemned. The real number is much less than 5%.

[arch photographer]

Oh SH#t I didn't mean to start something. I just Love Miami Beach and want the best for her.

[Roark]

Me too!!!! By the way...I love vacant lots...they mean infill opportunities.

[noland123]

South Beach today looks like Las Vegas compared to the year 1976 when I visiting down here from north Florida.There weren't even nearly the amount of buildings that there are today.There were quite a few condominiums on the bayfront then but paled in comparison to the quality of what there is today. What is now the Art Deco area was an abhorrence back then. It look very drab and resembled a slum area.The sidewalks were a faded red and the buildings look grimy.Lummus Park was the only positive aspect of Sobe.I had to get past 21st and Collins to gain a positive perspective of Miami Beach.So if someone were to say that this area today is 1000 percent better than 1976 would not be an understatement This area and the rest of Miami Beach up to Sunny Isles will still keep going in a positive direction for many years to come.

[Roark]

What a difference a year makes. The Flamingo South Tower is mostly sold out. Over 500 homes in less than a year in a market that many profess to be dead. Sales of the 614 apartment North Tower is underway.
Here is the latest Virtual Reality Tour (http://www.flamingomiami.com/video)
In the South Tower, the residents are much more appreciative of the new surrroundings. 24/7 Concierge and key fob entry to all the doors and elevators keeps the building much more secure and respectable than the other towers. We can expect the North Tower to be like the South in about a year's time.

[ChuckScraperMiami#1]

Arch,
The Best Buy/Publix is going to be 75 feet tall for the lowest level, With cars, barriers, and building equipment on top...it will have a wall of about 85 feet or so net.

The Vitri units (highest at level 7)

There are only 66 units, so having a few bad lines with limited views really hurt. :shocked:

http://www.berkowitzdevelopment.com/img/5altonf91.jpg

SO Be:) , my friend,
please explain what's going in the Red marked square
Remember VITRI:) , 7 floor condo is going to rise in the empty lot WEST of the Flyover at 5th street, Closer to the bay then the marked red square, As I already know this, Right ???, anyone, ROARK :cheers:

and there's someone saying, The 7 - 11 food store " Stays " where it's at ???

[SoBe99]

SO Be:) , my friend,
please explain what's going in the Red marked square
Remember VITRI:) , 7 floor condo is going to rise in the empty lot WEST of the Flyover at 5th street, Closer to the bay then the marked red square, As I already know this, Right ???, anyone, ROARK :cheers:

and there's someone saying, The 7 - 11 food store " Stays " where it's at ???


Chuck
The red square is where the 7-story parking garage, publix, best buy, etc is going to be built. Its been delayed for years, but recently broke ground.

http://www.berkowitzdevelopment.com/southbeach.htm#

Vitri to the west has been cancelled.

[dave8721]

South Florida's most expensive non-waterfront condo sale? The most expensive I could find was a $4.75 million sale at the Four Seasons. I wonder how many non-waterfront houses have sold for $5.5 million down here?

http://www.miamisunpost.com/0628groundwork.htm

at SoBe Bay, 1577 Bay Road, not far from Lincoln Road, a spectacular three-story penthouse is for sale at $5.5 million ($384 per square foot). The minimalist but luxurious mid-rise built in 2006 has only nine city lofts. The penthouse was designed by Miami architect Chad Oppenheim as a mansion in the sky with 6,800-square-feet of living space configured into five bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths. Ceilings are 14 feet high, views are forever and a 7,500 square foot rooftop terrace features its own private pool.

[SoBe99]

Wow, that must be a really nice unit, even though the price is driven by the large square footage - 6,800 sf! Great place to hold a party! :cheers:

http://www.majesticproperties.com/images/listings/14710.jpg
http://www.majesticproperties.com/images/listings/14711.jpg
http://www.majesticproperties.com/images/listings/14712.jpg
http://www.majesticproperties.com/images/listings/14714.jpg
http://www.majesticproperties.com/images/listings/14715.jpg

But for $5.5M I would walk over and buy the two story Il Villaggio townhome on the ocean.

[MiamiMike]

Vitri has been cancelled? Wow thats a bummer.

[ChuckScraperMiami#1]

Vitri has been cancelled? Wow thats a bummer.

WOW Miami MIKE:) , my friend,
this is b.s., I really can't believe this one.
I never thought Vitri would be cancelled,
it was the last masterpiece to go up on South Beach,
After Continnum 2, It's Over !!!:bash:
I didn't hear the " Fat lady singing ":ohno: , Yet ???

ROARK, Help !!!,
We need to hear this is really true from the " Miami Beach Man " Himself, ROARK, " God " please tell us this isn't SO !!!:nuts:

[arch photographer]

I second that Chuck. It would be a terrible loss for the gateway to spectacular Miami BEach

[thetallerthebetter]

Vitri isn't going to be built, you have two developers basically fighting and ending their relationship because they are not making money like they planned in the Miami market.

1001 Brickell (cancelled)
Soleil (cancelled)
Marquis (nowhere near sold out and sales stalled)
Vitri (site abandoned)

is not so hard to believe if you just believe your eyes

[SoBe99]

it was the last masterpiece to go up on South Beach,
After Continnum 2, It's Over !!!:bash:


Apogee will be finished in a few months. South of Five next year.

Then 120 Ocean Drive next to Prime 112 will be going up.

20-Stories.
Only 10 large condo units.



http://www.wai.com/portfolio_images/120Ocean04w.jpg

[arch photographer]

Where did you find that beautiful model? Is there a website for 120 Ocean Drive?