cont'd from old thread.

Time to start the thread over. And what better way to start a thread than with the end of two long running battles over building height:

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/14748922.htm

URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Commission ends two high-rise building disputes
Miami commissioners settled two Biscayne Boulevard high-rise battles, but new fights may loom as a proposed zoning overhaul comes under scrutiny and a new historic district is set for a vote today.

BY ANDRES VIGLUCCI
aviglucci@MiamiHerald.com

After more than a year of legal challenges and contentious public hearings, Miami city commissioners have settled a pair of high-profile high-rise battles on Biscayne Boulevard: Score it one for developers, one for residents.

But the dust-ups over building heights seem far from over along the rapidly resuscitating upper Biscayne corridor. Residents of its gentrifying neighborhoods have clashed with developers who want to build multistory towers -- buildings now allowed under antiquated rules city leaders are about to scrap.

The developers of Kubik, the edgy 14-story condo-and-retail complex on the boulevard's west side, are set to begin building after the commission gave the project the green light -- for the second time -- by unanimously rejecting an appeal by the Morningside Civic Association.

Morningside residents won an unexpected victory on another project, however, when Commissioner Johnny Winton, who represents the district, persuaded his colleagues to shrink a pair of proposed 10-story towers abutting the historic neighborhood down to 35 feet.

Looming now are two major initiatives that could affect the area's landscape for years -- a proposed Miami Modern, or MiMo, historic district on the boulevard, and the Miami 21 zoning overhaul.

The MiMo district would protect what proponents say is the largest collection of funky, neon-lit 1950s motels in South Florida, as well as older Mediterranean Revival and Art Deco buildings, from 50th Street north to the Little River.

Some property owners fear the MiMo district -- up for historic preservation board approval on Tuesday -- could in combination with Miami 21 penalize them by protecting small existing buildings and reducing the allowable height and bulk of new construction.

The proposed Miami 21 zoning map for the boulevard would generally restrict new building heights to three to five stories, lower than the 120-foot top now permitted.

The Miami 21 map for surrounding areas is also prompting concern from some.

DESIGN DISTRICT

It would densify certain locales -- including the intersection of Biscayne and 79th Street and the low-scale Design District west of Biscayne, which could see buildings as tall as 36 stories in some areas, according to neighborhood activists.

Design District-area residents fear Miami 21, which they hoped would restrict instrusive development, may actually spur more.

''The Design District has such a funky feel, and to destroy that by building a lot of boxy, glass high-rises would be a shame,'' said Brenda Kuhns Neuman, a board member of the adjacent Buena Vista East Historic Neighborhood Association.

Few of the high-rise battles along Biscayne have been as contentious as that over Kubik, which has spanned more than 50 hearings and neighborhood meetings and multiple redesigns.

Commissioners and some residents embraced the project, which has a sleek modern design to fit with neighboring MiMo buildings, and would incorporate and renovate the existing Andiamo pizza store, regarded as a MiMo gem.

The Morningside association sued, saying Kubik is out of scale with nearby historic homes. A court overturned the commission's approval, and the association rejected a developers' offer of $500,000 to drop the challenge.

In a May 25 rehearing, though, Kubik was unanimously approved after Winton argued it fit the Boulevard's MiMo architecture and noted most of the single-family homes sit well away from it. The association will not appeal, but some homeowners said they may individually.

''We feel like we've won,'' said Paul Murphy, project co-developer, contending legal grounds for an appeal now are few. ``There are only a handful of people who are vocal and oppose the project.''

10-STORY TOWERS

The commission decided differently on a pair of 10-story towers at 5301 and 5501 Biscayne. While the towers complied with existing zoning, Winton and opponents noted they would result in 40-foot blank garage walls just feet from Morningside back yards. The commission unanimously approved the condos, but at no more than 35 feet in height.

An attorney for the developers said they will appeal.

One thing is clear: Miami 21 and the MiMo district would likely bar another Kubik.

Both sets of rules would permit property owners along the boulevard to make additions and renovations as well as construct entirely new buildings on vacant lots. But new structures would have to adhere to new height limits and respect the boulevard's low-scale look and feel.

Those new rules, supporters say, would encourage new investment in the boulevard while barring outscaled development.

''There will be cohesion, there will be stability,'' said Morningside activist Elvis Cruz. ``I will know that if I fix up this building, it won't be marginalized by someone doing something inappropriate next door.''

The Park Lane property is on sale which is pretty much to be expected. That was a nice looking building though.

http://www.loopnet.com/xNet/MainSite/Listing/Profile/ProfileSE.aspx?LID=14604526&linkcode=1070&sourcecode=1lww2t006a00001

The Chelsea project can be yours for $37million

http://www.loopnet.com/xNet/MainSite/Listing/Profile/ProfileSE.aspx?LID=14604121&linkcode=1070&sourcecode=1lww2t006a00001

Tiziano II goes before the planning board today at 6PM. Looking at the plans it has some interesting features. Some floors have a "common balcony" accessed from the hallway on the back side, some floors are made up of just 3 one-bedroom units, and it has a rooftop terrace for the residents.

http://egov.ci.miami.fl.us/meetings/2006/6/1287_A_Planning_Advisory_Board_06-06-07_Agenda_Short.pdf

Posted on Wed, Jun. 07, 2006

MIAMI
Development threatens to devour historic diner
The S&S Diner, a Miami icon, is feeling the squeeze of development following the Historic Preservation Board's approval of a partial demolition of the restaurant.
BY TRENTON DANIEL
tdaniel@MiamiHerald.com

The future of the S&S Diner -- a downtown staple for almost seven decades where you can still get a blue plate meatloaf special for $6.95 -- is being threatened by the booming development around it.

Owner Simon Elbaz now has a choice: Move the kitchen or close up shop.

That's because Fullerton Diaz Architects plan to build a mixed-use project there called Urbana Tower that would combine office, retail and residential space and loom some 50 stories on top of the tiny diner that has been at 1757 NE Second Ave. since 1938.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/14760840.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp

The electras (I and II) were downsized due to neighbor complaints. Electra I was to be 430 feet but now it will be 240 feet tall. Electra II was to be 266 feet tall but now will be 120 feet tall.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/states/florida/counties/miami-dade/cities_neighborhoods/northeast/14730651.htm

BUENA VISTA EAST/DESIGN DISTRICT
Planned condos' height cut in half

Developers and Buena Vista East residents reached an agreement that will reduce the height of two controversial condos proposed for the Design District.

BY TRENTON DANIEL
tdaniel@MiamiHerald.com

The Electra condo saga in Miami's Design District has come to an end.

At the May 25 meeting of the Miami City Commission, developers and residents from Buena Vista East reached an agreement over two controversial condos proposed in the neighboring Design District, resulting in significantly lower buildings.

''That was so egregiously wrong, and I'm really glad we stood up,'' said Wendy Stephan, president of the Buena Vista East Historic Neighborhood Association. ``It shows the city is serious about putting some limits in place.''

For months, developers from the Forkosh Development Group and residents from Buena Vista East disagreed over the height limits of a pair of condos proposed for the Design District -- one named Electra One, the other Electra Two.

An attorney representing the developer could not be reached for comment.

Through the fight, Buena Vista East residents argued that the planned condos would loom over their historically designated neighborhood as well as the low-lying Design District, where buildings are no more than four stories.

Developers said the Julia Tuttle Causeway would serve as a buffer between one of the two condos and residents' homes, which are more than 1,200 feet from the property.

But the buildings will still be built -- at close to half the initially proposed height.

Electra One, proposed at 36th Street and North Miami Avenue, will now stand 240 feet, as opposed to 430. A Design District Gateway feature -- meant to instill a sense of identity to the area -- will be included, as well as a second driveway onto North Miami Avenue.

Electra Two, a condo proposed at Northeast 38th Street and Northeast First Avenue, will now stand 120 feet, as opposed to 266.

The concessions in turn set an example, one Buena Vista East resident said.

''I think it sets a precedent for telling residents to stand up for what they want,'' said Brenda Kuhns, who fought the case as a law student at Florida International University. ``I would love the buildings to be smaller, but I'm happy with the outcome.''

While some applauded the results, others were more critical.

One development observer said he thought the condos' rise will contribute to the Design District's decline, one of few Miami neighborhoods to enjoy a pedestrian feel.

''Electra will begin the decimation of the Design District, one of the few areas in Miami that already has a New Urbanism or Main Street USA feel,'' said Elvis Cruz, an activist who lives in nearby Morningside. ``What do high-rise condos have to do with a design district? And only a block away from beautiful, historic Buena Vista. High-rises belong downtown, where we spent billions on infrastructure for high-rise living.''

wow that sucks, ^

Details on the 1770 N Bayshore proposal: 47 stories, 491-feet. 648 residences, 859 parking places, 9400 sqft of retail space. To be designed by Arquitectonica.

Urbana tower effects historic restaurant:

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

S&S Diner Blues
Developer Wants to Raze Kitchen of Landmark Eatery

http://www.miamisunpost.com/images/j2_s&s%20diner%201.JPG

“It’s like if you take the Café de la Paix in Paris and destroy the kitchen. It just doesn’t work.” — Simon Elbaz, owner of S&S Diner

By Omar Sommereyns

Simon Elbaz is facing quite a troublesome dilemma. Only a few days ago, the mild-mannered owner of the S&S Diner, a small 1938 Art Deco eatery in downtown Miami, found out that that Urbana Development Associates, the owner of the property, is planning on developing a huge mixed-use project around his business.

Problem is, Urbana wants to demolish the diner’s back storage shed and its kitchen, which is located directly adjacent to the U-shaped counter in the dining room and has contributed to the charm of the place for several decades.

On Tuesday, the Historic and Environmental Preservation Board (HEPB) unanimously approved Urbana’s request for partial demolition and new construction for a tower that is approximately 50 stories tall. Fullerton Diaz Architects, the firm designing the Urbana project, promised that it will work with Elbaz to find an appropriate alternative for the kitchen, although Frank Paredes, the firm’s project manager, could not pinpoint an exact site, only stating that it would be “very near to where it is now.”

Sitting in the S&S’ dining room on a recent afternoon, Elbaz talked about how people from all over town come here to enjoy its traditional daily specialties – from roasted turkey and meatloaf to stuffed cabbage and crab cakes.

“People come because the food is excellent, the prices are very good and the service is fast,” he says. “Now all my customers are in shock – they can’t believe that the city’s historic preservation department is allowing this…It’s like if you take the Café de la Paix in Paris and destroy the kitchen. It just doesn’t work.

“They said they’re going to work with me and all, but what kitchen’s going to function well if it’s not placed right next to the dining room?” Elbaz asks. “How will people have the food fresh, served directly to them? It’s impossible. I don’t know what other location there would be.”

Moreover, Elbaz thinks the developers were careless for not taking into consideration the historically-designated diner in their original plans and not informing him about the project. (He only found out a day before the HEPB hearing when a Herald reporter called in to inquire about the agenda item.) In fact, Urbana was going to convert the dining area into a “kiosk” or showroom, but changed its plans after discovering that it was a significant historic property. At the HEPB hearing, Lucia Dougherty, the attorney representing Urbana, claimed that her client was not aware of the importance of the restaurant.

The S&S Diner, located at 1757 NE Second Ave., was entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 and was also designated historic locally in 2003. It is one of the few remaining 1930s Art Deco gems in the city of Miami.

According to the city’s staff report, “This property will become a much smaller component within a very large-scale project. The massing of the proposed tower will be a dramatic change from the scale of the architecture currently around the restaurant. However, the developer instructed the architects to completely redesign the portion of the tower where the diner stands, in order to save the historic diner and its Art Deco elements.

“The tower’s first floor arcade is restructured as to go around the historic portion of the restaurant, and leave it as a separate building. It will remain in its current location, close to the street, and the new building will be set back to comply with current zoning regulations.”

When told about the project, regulars at the S&S weren’t too happy about the kitchen demolition.

“It just won’t be the same place. It existed here like this for 70 years, so if anything changes, it’s going to be completely different,” says Fred Matthews, who lives in Fort Lauderdale, but has been going to eat at the S&S for about 10 years.

Eddie Farrell, who first ate at the diner in 1951, compared the Urbana Tower to the Terra Group’s massive project that will dwarf the Freedom Tower, another historic icon in Miami, and will also demolish a portion of that building.

When informed about the Urbana project, Corky Irick, who co-directed, with Mel Kiser, the 1987 documentary Last Night at the S&S Diner, said he hopes it won’t jeopardize the future of the restaurant: “The developers should understand the importance of the last great diner in Dade County. They have a responsibility to continue its legacy.”

Urbana still needs to go before the Miami Commission for a “Major Use Special Permit” (MUSP). Elbaz, for his part, is going to do whatever he can to protect the integrity of the S&S.

“First, I need to talk to my attorney, and then I want to talk to the city, and maybe do a big petition,” Elbaz says. “I think the architect can work with us to keep the kitchen – it’s only 450 square feet and it will cost so much money and inconvenience to build a new one. They don’t need that and we don’t either.”

Comments? E-mail omar@miamisunpost.com.

Details on the 1770 N Bayshore proposal: 47 stories, 491-feet. 648 residences, 859 parking places, 9400 sqft of retail space. To be designed by Arquitectonica.

So given recent trends, I guess we can expect this project to be cut down to a 12-foot high aluminum toolshed?

(with rooftop garden, of course :) )

Understanding recent trends do you think that these projects will happen eventually, just a lot slower than the past few years. Park Lane Tower was to be so amazing. I hope that it will happen eventually

Another interesting character for Miami. Turns out the developer behind City Square may have been a drug runner/trafficker in the late 70's.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/14857002.htm

Developer brings big plans, colorful past
A developer from Indiana is bringing fresh ideas, lots of money, and a quirky résumé to a landmark project abutting the new Miami Performing Arts Center -- along with some questions about his past.

BY LARRY LEBOWITZ, MATTHEW HAGGMAN AND ANDRES VIGLUCCI
aviglucci@MiamiHerald.com

Armed with one simple notion, plus the hundreds of millions of dollars his backers can deliver, Mark Siffin aims to alter downtown Miami's future -- if his own complicated past doesn't get in the way.

His notion: Downtown Miami has plenty of new condos. What it needs now is a sprawling, $370 million urban mall where the condo people can shop.

Situated, happily, steps from the front door of the new Miami Performing Arts Center, Siffin's Citisquare would be the centerpiece of a big new development on one of the biggest undeveloped tracts in downtown Miami, a critical piece of the district's revitalization.

Mark Alfred Siffin -- college dropout, struggling artist, failed farmer, and now rich developer -- didn't schlep all the way here from Indiana for a bit role. He came to occupy center stage.

And what a long, strange trip it's been.

Siffin, 55, tells of a life spent hopscotching the world, from early childhood in Thailand and Hawaii to fortuitous stops in Paris and Florence, and then on to Chicago and Los Angeles and, always, always, back to his native Bloomington.

The résumé he outlines: In succession, an impoverished artist, a dealer in gemstones brassily secured in up-country Burma; a surfer, a farmer-turned-derivatives trader; and, finally, a successful Midwestern real-estate developer, with $3 billion tied up in several commercial projects across the country.

But that's not all.

According to old Drug Enforcement Administration intelligence files, court testimony and documents that surfaced about six years ago in a Nevada murder case, a DEA agent who was part of a federal drug task force suspected Siffin was for the first decade of his adult life a drug trafficker of some consequence -- with the requisite penchant for unsavory associates, firearms and chartered jets.

ONLY ONE CONVICTION

In spite of three indictments and surveillance by federal drug agents in the late 1970s, Siffin has only one known conviction -- for possession of heroin with intent to distribute in New Jersey in 1973, when he was 23. He received probation. Today, his lawyer says it was a small amount for personal use and Siffin never dealt drugs. He notes Siffin was not convicted of anything else, and says the DEA's reports, which date back more than 20 years, never amounted to more than innuendo and guilt by association.

Siffin won't directly address the trafficking allegations.

''It's a matter of public record that I used drugs,'' he said during a meandering three-hour interview at his rented bayfront Venetian Islands home, his base of operations in Miami while a nearby house he purchased last year for $2.6 million is renovated. ``It is nothing that I am proud of.''

His backers and business associates say they are untroubled by Siffin's past.

''He has consistently performed on every loan we have made to him,'' said one of his principal bankers, Gwyneth Colburn of Brea, Calif.-based Fremont Investment & Loan, which has some $200 million on loan to Siffin's company, Maefield Development, and wants to finance more, including the Miami project.

Miami city leaders said the allegations about Siffin's drug past would not likely affect his ability to get development and building permits for his project, but could become an issue if he seeks public money or tax breaks.

The proposed Citisquare center, rising some 100 feet, would occupy two city blocks, now The Miami Herald parking lots, across North Bayshore Drive from the MPAC. The newspaper's parent company, Knight-Ridder, has agreed to sell the lots and two other adjacent parcels -- 10 acres in all -- to local developer Terra Group and its partners for $190 million.

Terra, which plans to build at least three condo towers on the property, brought in Maefield as a partner on the retail project. Terra's David Martin said Siffin pitched the idea to his group, which had set out to build eight towers and no major retail.

The Knight-Ridder executive handling the sale, Larry Marbert, said he was unaware of the past allegations against Siffin until Martin phoned him last month, after The Miami Herald began gathering information for this article.

Because Knight-Ridder is not selling directly to Siffin, Marbert said the revelations would not affect the sale. But he called them ``an unwelcome development.''

Siffin pushed to replace some of the contemplated condos with more than half a million square feet of stores and restaurants, said land broker Edie Laquer, who represents Knight-Ridder in the sale. Given the current slowdown in condo sales, Siffin's idea was prescient, she said.

''The best thing that ever happened to us and residents of Miami was Mark Siffin and his vision,'' Laquer said.

Business associates describe him as precise, tireless, intensely focused, and sharply disciplined.

A vegan, he says he has not had drugs or a drop of alcohol or a bite of animal flesh since that arrest at age 23, except for two beers when his first wife left him for another man -- a Pilsener, no formaldehyde.

''Nothing philosophical,'' Siffin said about his diet. ``I just felt better.''

His house is all sleek minimalist surfaces, not a pencil out of place.

On the eve of the interview, he said, he wrote 50 memos before bed, and would probably write 50 more before turning in that night.

''I don't think he sleeps very many hours,'' said Colburn, the banker.

He compares himself to his hero, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and 16th century ruler of Spain, who Siffin says ran his far-flung empire from a ledger book at his desk.

He calls himself ``a dork.''

He tells a story about how he persuaded a bank in Indiana to finance a novice's first housing development.

''I told them I have probably made every mistake known to man, that I think I have gotten to know myself extraordinarily well and I think I understand other human beings,'' he says. ``The essence of being successful is knowing what actually works in the hearts of other men. By understanding what people are actually up to you can make sure the outcome is that which you desire.''

That kind of talk has flummoxed some in Miami. But city officials seem willing to accept him at face value.

''You can't argue the success,'' said Frank Rollason, director of the city's Community Redevelopment Agency, which is guiding the MPAC district revival.

In public hearings or business meetings, Siffin is ''cordial, lucid,'' Rollason said. But in private conversation, he added, ``it's like he has open-mike night.''

Siffin pours out his life story in long, winding sentences that veer from Cézanne to the Medicis of Renaissance Florence, from the price-driven theory of derivatives trading to the writings of Catholic monk Thomas Merton. His eyes are often squeezed shut as he follows the skein of his thinking, his lanky frame hunched over a steel-and-glass dinner table.

SIFFIN'S STORY

This is his tale:

He was born in Bloomington, one of three kids. His father, a double Ph.D. from Harvard University who specialized in Southeast Asian economics and political science, was a noted professor at Indiana University. According to an investigator's notes that were made part of a court record, the younger Siffin told friends that his father worked with the CIA.

After two years at Indiana, Siffin spent a year in art school in Philadelphia. Then he followed a girlfriend to Paris.

''All I ever wanted to be was a famous artist,'' he said.

Siffin said he has always come by his money -- and lost it -- legitimately.

Several years of poor artistic living persuaded him to try something new -- gem trading. He hooked up with family friends, missionaries in Burma. With $1,500 borrowed from a schoolteacher friend, he traveled into perilous countryside in search of gems to buy from the local tribes. On his way home, he just happened to make a deal with a well-known trader in Geneva.

Siffin said he prospered enough to buy property in Hawaii and a farm outside Bloomington, settling down with his wife and two daughters to a life of growing corn in the late 1970s. Instead, he tried trading crop futures, and went bust.

But his interest piqued by the then-novel art of derivatives trading -- such as futures contracts or options -- he moved in 1985 to Florence, where he learned the business. There he painted by day and traded by night.

He returned to the Midwest around 1989, taking a spot on the floor of the Chicago mercantile exchange. When his wife left him, a colleague said he should try real estate development because he was good at reading interest-rate trends.

With a $5,000 stake from a friend, he tied down a 300-acre farm property outside Bloomington, then begged for financing from nine banks before finding one that would back him. That led to the formation of Maefield Development in 1993, with one partner -- a trader named Alec Petro he had met on the mercantile floor.

The successful housing development led to another and then another, but soon Siffin found greater reward in commercial development.

DEA reports dating back to the late 1970s tell a divergent tale.

''Mark Siffin is suspected of being a major cocaine trafficker,'' an Indianapolis DEA agent wrote in 1978. ``Siffin is a partner in the Mae Company, through which he appears to be funneling large amounts of money, in order to reinvest the funds in legitimate business areas.''

Petro, his partner, said he doesn't believe any of it.

''All I can tell you is that I have been partners with Mark for 15 years, and I couldn't have asked for anything more from a partner,'' Petro said.

There is no question Siffin has emerged as an accomplished developer. Maefield Development -- named after his daughter Mae, who is vice president for development -- holds a broad portfolio of projects on each coast and the Midwest. He has a large-mixed use project in Southern California, shopping centers in Kansas City and Indianapolis, along with condos in South Florida.

''He can be in my office on a Saturday afternoon and reach the CEO of, say, Borders on his cellphone on the golf course, and talk for half an hour,'' said Bernardo Fort-Brescia a principal in the Miami firm Arquitectonica, which is designing Siffin's Citisquare mall.

But the old allegations have haunted Siffin in recent years.

They first surfaced publicly in the late 1990s during a Nevada murder case.

Siffin was never charged, but reams of DEA memos, indictments, testimony and police reports about his alleged drug activities in the 1970s and 1980s were filed in court.

They followed him to Los Angeles in 2000, when his old legal problems resurfaced in news reports as he attempted a big, controversial hotel and office project on the famed Sunset Strip -- a project that soured.

The West Hollywood city council rescinded some permits for the project amid accusations that Siffin had given money to politicians and neighbors to support the deal. His partners cut him out of the project. Siffin acknowledges making the payments, but says they were legal contributions and contends he was the ''naive'' victim of a political vendetta, influential competitors and the economic fallout from 9/11.

Bankers brought Siffin to Miami to clean up distressed properties on South Beach. Siffin took control of The Strand on Ocean Drive and The Capri.

Now his business partners worry about what might happen to their new project if his story is again publicly aired.

Siffin said he won't worry about what he can't control. He has big plans, even bigger than Citisquare. He is buying land west of the MPAC, including the old Willard Hotel, where he envisions a medical center to provide jobs for area residents, he said.

Ultimately, Siffin said, he expects to be judged by his works. Not paintings, as he had once hoped, but buildings.

''I could care less about me, me, me or anything about me. Because it is not about me,'' he said. ``Insofar as how quickly time passes, I won't be here. The only thing that will be here is the proof of the way in which I conducted myself. Hopefully, some thing will remain to be proud of. That's what matters.''

The project looks dead as the land and plans are up for sale but here is what Vista Biscayne would have looked like:

http://www.loopnet.com/Attachments/2/6/0/260821F5-F9C3-4229-8A01-ECCC555C1B4E_or.jpg

DAVE :bowtie: , my friend :righton: , any project that looks like that Vista Biscyne tower, I believe won't make it, take a look at all that " AIR " space, what a waste, just like ICE 1 :bash: and ICE 2 :bash: , Aria :bash: tower in the Arts center section, all those lofts are doomed :runaway: ,
:speech: :gaah: The Interest rates are going up fast now, and the FEDS said today they'll raise rates at least two more times this year, Also that means the PRIME rate will also be at 9 % :gaah: and climbing :llama: ,
Does anyone watch the Stock Market channel, its sad , and only getting worst :bash: .
Its Too late for any LOFT tower to get started now, More will dissapear soon :soon: ,
I see a down hill trend coming up soon :badnews: .
Only the Projects starting now will get completed :cheers: ,
:eek2: The Element condo tower will also never get started IMO !!! :down:

So basically most of the truly distinctive projects are going belly-up.

WHATS SAD IS MET 3

Met3 is pathetic, I have serious doubts for it.

I have to believe that most people knew all along that a lot of projects would never rise. It's the nature of the beast, and even a year ago you could sense some of the air leaking from the balloon.

Was there a big demand for condo space--you bet--but it was NEVER the kind of crazed demand that would make so many towers a reality. Never. Half of it was hyperbole without financing and deposits to back it up.

Met3? I just don't know anymore. For all the assurances I've heard about it being a "go," it's hard to stay convinced of that. What I AM sure of is that if there weren't any financial issues going on, it would already be rising.

The worst thing, of course, would be seeing it erected as a downsized project. If that happens, one of the few sites where Miami can actually go tall will be erased for decades (like Met1).

I'd rather see the project cancelled and hope for a future office tower under that scenario.

City24 seems to have woken up:

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/classifieds/real_estate/14888389.htm

CITY 24 SELLING
SIX PENTHOUSE UNITS

Financing has been completed at City 24, a 15-story tower at Biscayne Boulevard and Northeast 24th Street in Miami. The remaining six penthouse units range from 1,922 to 2,280 square feet, priced from the mid $600,000s to the low $700,000s.

The stepped, L-shaped building will have 119 one- and two-bedroom condos and 19,000 square feet of retail/office space on two levels. The project is scheduled for completion in early 2007.

The architect is Bert Leon of Revuelta Vega Leon. Financing is being provided by Bank of America.

City 24's sales center is at the Carson Realty Group office, 2010 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Info: Shayna Hanson, sales director, 786-288-6161 or 305-415-8134; www.city24 miami.com.

I have a friend that bought at City 24, good news for him. His unit will be on the pool level.

I have a friend that bought at City 24, good news for him. His unit will be on the pool level.
Havok :hi: , my friend :righton: , The City 24 condo tower is beautiful and coming along great :okay: ,

:omg: I thought at first this tower would never break ground, But i was wrong, and just like the STAR LOFTS :cheer: condo tower, these two towers :applause: will be completed early next year 2007 and ready to move in :cheers: ,

Go Cranes :banana: :cheer: :pepper: on both wonderful towers :happy: .

Opera tower pic taken today.

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/7494/dsc038104ou.png

Sweet picture U thanks

On Rail 72 and others:

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

Preserving Industrial
Two Proposals for Live/Work Projects Rejected by Miami City Commission

“I’ve tried very hard to find a way to see if it would work but I kept coming back to the same thing.” — Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones

By Tiffany Rainey

With Miami’s warehouse district still in a gray area pending results of an economic study set forth by Miami 21, two developers appeared before the City Commission once again to request a change in zoning that would allow live/work projects in what is currently an industrial-zoned region.

Both applications seeking a redesignation to commercial zoning drew opposition from community groups in the Wynwood, Little River and Lemon City/Little Haiti areas and were ultimately denied approval by city commissioners.

“I’ve been crowned lately as the ‘industrial queen’ and I want you to know that that’s not the case,” Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones told developer Selig Sacks, owner of land dubbed Rail 72 at approximately 7205 NE Fourth Ave., located within the area she represents, District 5. “My concern is the people that elected me.”

The lot, which lies at a cross-section of FEC rail lines, is currently occupied by several tenants. Sacks told commissioners he wanted to retain his current tenants but also add a residential component, only permitted through commercial zoning, to make the area safer for employees.

“Our goal is not to create fences but create a neighborhood,” Sacks said. “We can preserve the industrial nature of our district if we allow this type of use in our area.”

Ben Pumo of Pumo Properties argued that Sacks’ current tenants — including Van Teal Lighting and Slim & Soft Bread — would not be allowed on a commercially zoned property.

“The work/live they are proposing is very nice but their [current tenants] could never go in C-1. They need industrial,” Pumo said. “Nothing against Mr. Sacks’ project, but downzoning by spot zoning is not the way.”

Leroy Jones of the Neighbors and Neighbors Association agreed with Pumo.

“I don’t think the use should be changed,” he told commissioners. “I represent small businesses and I don’t see small businesses in this area benefiting from this project.”

Others in the area claimed that allowing live/work would boost the neighborhood.

“It improves the community in and around this area,” said one resident. “It offers a wide variety of better-paying jobs without eliminating the neighborhood’s affordable housing.”

Business owner Sylvia Wong, citing the city’s investment in Little Haiti Park, also favored changing the zoning designation of the property.

“This area needs more residents and more housing to keep the homeless and drug addicts from taking over the new $30 million park,” Wong said. “It’s unrealistic to believe the theory that one size fits all in the Little River/Lemon City area.”

Spence-Jones, who moved to defer the application twice last fall, citing concerns that a domino effect could eliminate the city’s last industrial area, voted against the project with other commissioners following her lead.

“I’ve tried very hard to find a way to see if it would work but I kept coming back to the same thing,” Spence-Jones said. “If I make a decision to change zoning in the area, I’ll be opening a can of worms.”

The commissioner called on the city to take responsibility for the clean-up of the area that proponents claimed would come with new residents allowed by live/work space.

“I hope after today that we can focus our energy to do what the city needs to be doing,” she said. “If [the area] is not as clean as it should be, that’s the city’s responsibility.”

Also seeking a change from industrial to commercial zoning was an application put forth by Junction Partners for property located at approximately 7251 NE Second Ave.

“Although this is similar to the application you heard awhile ago, it is different because it is on the fringe,” attorney Ben Fernandez told commissioners. “This property is surrounded by residential uses on three sides.”

Fernandez went on to point out that the building has been used as commercial space in recent years despite its industrial zoning. Under Miami’s current pyramid zoning, designations encompass all less-intensive zoning categories, said Lourdes Slazyk of the city’s Planning Department.

“[The property was] unfortunately being illegally used as live/work when we bought it,” said owner Steven Perricone, who claims his wife will maintain a flower shop in the building. “This is an area to bring life and vibrancy to. I wasn’t trying to displace anyone.”

Still, Spence-Jones was once again wary as residents urged the commission to “stay the course” and not approve the application on first reading.

“I do understand you have a vision and the great things you’re trying to do,” she said. “My concern is the people in my district that feel this is the next step from them being pushed out.”

Fernandez argued that the property’s location on the edge of the industrial district would keep it from setting a precedent in the area.

“There won’t be a precedent [established] or domino effect,” he promised commissioners. “This is different from other projects because it’s not surrounded by industrial.”

Resident and activist Georgia Ayers, however, pledged to personally stop any zoning changes in the industrial region.

“I will get out there and publicly picket anyone that tries to change that area from what it is. I’m not keeping quiet anymore,” she warned. “If you come in there and try to change anything you’ll have problems from Georgia Ayers.”

City Attorney Jorge Fernandez cautioned commissioners against making any zoning changes that could result in unwanted development if the property ever changed hands.

“Land use changes go with the land. They are asking for a huge change in land use,” he told commissioners. “Hopefully Miami 21 will rise up to these issues.”

Commissioners voted against approving the applicant’s request.

Comments? E-mail tiffany@miamisunpost.com.

Going before the planning board today at 7PM is the new Urbana Tower and the City Square developments (the mall and the tower).

http://egov.ci.miami.fl.us/meetings/2006/7/1309_A_Planning_Advisory_Board_06-07-05_Agenda_Short.pdf

Going before the planning board today at 7PM is the new Urbana Tower and the City Square developments (the mall and the tower).

http://egov.ci.miami.fl.us/meetings/2006/7/1309_A_Planning_Advisory_Board_06-07-05_Agenda_Short.pdf

Anyone know what the outcome of this was?

Everyone :grouphug: , I believe I said this before somewhere back in our other threads awhile back, that Tibor Hollo :applause: 's Opera Tower would top off first before any of the " Quantum's :happy: " condo twin's towers already started way before Opera Tower broke ground. :cheers:

P.S. , to add, :cheer: He's the Man :righton: !!! :cheer: ,, Tower One at " Villa Magna " Next !!!

Anyone know what the outcome of this was?

Urbana got approved (don't know about City Square yet):

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/14980187.htm

Developer clears key hurdle to build at site of historic Miami diner

BY TRENTON DANIEL
tdaniel@MiamiHerald.com

The owner of the iconic S&S Diner in Miami's Performing Arts District says he'll work with developers who are planning to build a 37-story tower where the diner now stands -- and they have now agreed to build him a state-of-the art kitchen.

On Wednesday, developers of the Urbana Tower project moved closer to city approval by receiving unanimous approval for a special construction permit from the city's Planning Advisory Board. There was no opposition from the public.

Project architects not only promised to replace the demolished kitchen, but also agreed to maintain the S&S building as a restaurant, following a recommendation by planning staff.

The S&S Diner, located at 1757 NE Second Ave., has been a downtown area staple since 1938, serving home-style meals from a horseshoe counter.

Last month, The city's Historic and Environmental Preservation Board approved a request to demolish the kitchen and a storage shed, prompting owner Simon Elbaz and longtime patrons to worry if the diner's demise would soon follow.

The Miami City Commission must still approve the project.

Well, good for the owner of the S&S Diner.

Obviously, he's gonna make some serious money off the property.

But I still think it's kind of sad, when all is said and done.

New York somehow managed to build a great skyline without bulldozing away every single reminder of the past, y'know?

so wats up with city square? did it get approved?

Taken 7/08/06
Opera Tower
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/894/dsc038273dp.png
http://img213.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc038302rw.png
City 24
http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/5571/dsc038587ai.png
1800 Club
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/6973/dsc038597db.png
Quantum
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/9662/dsc038282tp.png

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/7659/dsc038609fk.png

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/6884/dsc038648xs.png
Biscayne Park
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/7383/dsc038341et.png
Midtown Miami
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/8804/dsc038354ik.png

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/6834/dsc038367df.png

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/5073/dsc038383un.png

Paramount Bay Site
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/3060/dsc038302rw.png

http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/060713/fyi.shtml

MIDTOWN FIVE STANDSTILL: Midtown Group, developer of the 18-square-block Midtown Miami, has delayed submitting a building permit application to the Miami Planning and Zoning Department for Midtown Five, a 392-unit residential tower. High-rise developer Colin Carby said planners are fine-tuning floor layouts and aesthetics to address concerns of residents and city officials. He said there's no timetable for the permitting phase and developers have not spoken to city officials in months.

A new bayfront tower called "On the Bay" which will be located on Pace Park between the 1800 Club and the Bay Parc Plaza apartment building goes before the planning board on July 19th. Its to be 47 stories and 499 feet tall (why not just add 1 foot and make it an even 500??). Its a pretty dense building considering it will have 648 condos (and 859 parking spaces) in just 47 stories.

Here is a pdf of the building:
http://egov.ci.miami.fl.us/Legistarweb/Attachments/26622.pdf

Also the 300 Grove Bay Residences thing at Mercy Hospital (at 417 feet tall no less) will be going before the planning board as well so expect fireworks at the meeting.

For a comparison 300 Grove Bay will have 300 units total in its 3 buildings while On the Bay will have 658 units in its one building which isn't all the much taller.

The agenda:
http://egov.ci.miami.fl.us/meetings/2006/7/1318_A_Planning_Advisory_Board_06-07-19_Agenda_Short.pdf

Midtown 6
http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/7420/midtown67cb.th.png

A new bayfront tower called "On the Bay" which will be located on Pace Park between the 1800 Club and the Bay Parc Plaza apartment building goes before the planning board on July 19th. Its to be 47 stories and 499 feet tall (why not just add 1 foot and make it an even 500??). Its a pretty dense building considering it will have 648 condos (and 859 parking spaces) in just 47 stories.

Here is a pdf of the building:
http://egov.ci.miami.fl.us/Legistarweb/Attachments/26622.pdf

Also the 300 Grove Bay Residences thing at Mercy Hospital (at 417 feet tall no less) will be going before the planning board as well so expect fireworks at the meeting.

For a comparison 300 Grove Bay will have 300 units total in its 3 buildings while On the Bay will have 658 units in its one building which isn't all the much taller.

The agenda:
http://egov.ci.miami.fl.us/meetings/2006/7/1318_A_Planning_Advisory_Board_06-07-19_Agenda_Short.pdf

An image of the pdf:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/dave8721/onthebay.jpg

Am I the only one who finds this design revolting!!! Come on, can't they do better than that? :shocked: :puke: :mad2: :evil: :mad: :no: :eek:

I just do not know about this one. Maybe the Anti-VILLAMAGNA crowd will like this one!

i actually like it(only because there is alot of glass).

I agree. The designs are getting to be too much of the cookie cutter design. Why is it that in other places around the world they are coming up with inovative designs for housing condos (Turning Torso, Q1...) but here we get boxes with balconies. I don't think all the designs we have are bad but there are quite a few that just make me go.. hmm... couldn't do something a bit more original.

I will say this; though I don't mind this at all, I don't think anything will ever top the Q1. Why even try? I think that is the most stunning structure on the globe. Followed by Esprito Santo and Met 2. (Hometown bias? I think not!)

=D

I Just saw this ad for a project in dumpy Sacramento California. Sacramento is the armpit of the west coast. Now why in the heck can't they build something nice like this instead of that mess shown above. www.sactowers.com . The Sacramento project is not a masterpiece but its a nice project. I am worried that Miami is loosing its architectual edginess.

What is Q1????

900 Biscayne Guy :) , you have to check out the Recent picture of the 900 Biscayne Bay condo in James is Good :) Picture Model pictures from the air thread in the Miami forum, :cheers: ,

:) Chuck, I did see the photo James took of 900. Great Photo!!!! 900 is really coming along. :) :runaway:

here we get boxes with balconies.
Because that's what buyers want and what sells. Nobody in their right mind is going to spend $600k+ for a condo without balconies. Big ones, at that. It's the expected market norm for this area, and it would be suicidal for a developer to omit them just to make an architectural statement.

Just to give an anecdote... Le Corbusier's residential buildings have been admired, studied, and debated for decades by architects... but one fact is beyond dispute: absolutely, positively, nobody wants to live in them. Look at them from afar, maybe. But actually live in them? No way in hell.

^ Ditto Frank Lloyd Wright. His Bartlesville Tower is a marvel and, at the same time, chipmunk hell inside.

I dunno, I think I'd live in one of FLW's ranch style homes like the Robie house. That is assuming that the concrete isn't falling apart. As for the balconies and ugly architecture, at least we can argue that Miami has a very unique skyline with all our concrete and balconies. You'd have to go to South America to see anything similar.

What is Q1????


Google it. It is beautiful.

I am worried that Miami is loosing its architectual edginess. What is Q1????Don't worry...everything is going to be fine. If we can reconcile our $40Million budget and the cost of a Frank Gehry Soundscape, there will be some more edgy in South Beach. Did I mention that the Gerhry project is only 10 blocks from Flamingo? :) :) :runaway:

Google it. It is beautiful.
MIAMI as in PerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrFect :wave: , and ROARK :hi: , and everyone else :grouphug: , Please check out this picture from Q1, its beautiful :cool: .

http://joshgow.com/images/q1/q1-small5.JPG

Now Name that CITY :dunno: !!! Anyone ??? :applause:

Gold Coast, Australia

The best thing Q1 has going for it is the kind of height that Miami may never get.

Other than that it's okay, nothing truly spectacular.

Think anyone will buy?

Posted on Tue, Jul. 18, 2006

Miami condo project up for sale
The developers of Midtown Miami, which aims to bring condominiums, shops and offices to a formerly neglected part of the city, are attempting to unload a majority stake in the project.

BY MATTHEW HAGGMAN
mhaggman@MiamiHerald.com

Midtown Miami, the massive mixed-use residential development planned for the former Buena Vista rail yard north of downtown Miami, is up for sale.

The asking price: $375 million.

Developer Joe Cayre said Monday he is selling up to 80 percent of the project for tax reasons but hopes to remain in control of it. Real estate broker Edie Laquer, who is selling the property, said they always planned to sell after construction started.

But market watchers immediately questioned whether this is another example of a residential developer trying to limit risk at a time when the housing market has cooled. While real estate sectors such as office, hotel and retail remain strong, residential developers ranging from home builder Lennar Homes to condominium builder Leviev Boymelgreen have recently shed property they don't plan to build on in the near term.

''This is another sign of where this market might be headed,'' said Jay Massirman, vice chairman with real estate brokerage CB Richard Ellis in Miami. ``It says to me that they're worried about the market . . . The challenge will be finding someone to take over their risk position and bet on the market.''

MIDTOWN CATALYST

City officials view Midtown Miami as a key part of the city's revitalization and an important catalyst in bringing people, development and investment into the Wynwood, Edgewater and Design District neighborhoods, among others.

Sitting on roughly half of a 56-acre former railroad yard just south of I-195, the project is to ultimately include more than 3,000 condo units, shops, offices and an entertainment center, said commercial real estate broker Vincent J. Pastore, who is selling the project with Laquer.

To date, one of 11 planned towers is topped off while two others are under construction.

The proposed sale would not include the Shops at Midtown Miami, which sits on the western half of the property. That project, being built by Cleveland-based Developers Diversified Realty, is under construction and slated to bring big-box retailers back to Miami's urban core.

For years, Miami shoppers have had to trek north to Aventura or south to Kendall for large retailers. Anchor tenants at the 645,000 square foot Shops at Midtown Miami are to include the likes of Target, Circuit City and Linens `N Things.

In 2002 Cayre bought the entire former railroad yard site for just $34.5 million, in a remarkable illustration of how much cheaper land was at the time. The chairman of New York-based Midtown Equities then sold half the property to Developers Diversified Realty for the Shops at Midtown, fetching roughly the same price he paid for the entire parcel.

Cayre then formed a development team including Miami Beach-based builder Michael Samuel to build the large mixed-use condo project on the eastern half of the triangular-shaped property.

COOLING RUMORS

In an interview Monday, Cayre dismissed the idea he is selling the property due to fears of a cooling housing market.

He said because he bought the land so cheaply, he can hold with little worry. But by selling raw land instead of finished condo units, he will not be taxed as heavily, he said.

''I almost make the same money building it after taxes then I do selling it now,'' said Cayre, who acknowledged it may be hard to find a buyer willing to buy 80 percent of the project without being granted full control. ``My CFO tells me we have to sell it now.''

Still, some observers remained unconvinced.

''I find it surprising that a developer who took it this far does not see it through, with a controlling interest, until the end,'' said real estate analyst Michael Cannon. ``Typically you don't cash out the general partner until it is all done. The real profits come at the end.''
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/15060561.htm

Purchased for $34.5 million, on sale for $375 million

Purchased for $34.5 million, on sale for $375 millionOh, it's much better than that. He bought the entire parcel for $34.5 Million, sold half of the 54 acres for around $33 Million, and is now selling 80% for and asking price of $375M.
I'm still amazed that the project has done as well as it has. 11 proposed residential towers, one topped off, two under construction.

Time to start getting worried? The last thing i want to see is a 20 acre or so empty half done project....

Yeah, and this isnt in the high high rise zone so its not like were saving it for future mamoth buildings.

Does anyone know if Midtown Three began construction yet? It's listed as UC on emporis.

Does anyone know if Midtown Three began construction yet? It's listed as UC on emporis.

Kazpmk :cheer: , Yes :righton: , I drove by there the other day, and Yes MIDTOWN Three :) has started, and will soon be rising with cranes for the foundation . :cheers:

Kazpmk :cheer: , Yes :righton: , I drove by there the other day, and Yes MIDTOWN Three :) has started, and will soon be rising with cranes for the foundation . :cheers:

Chuck how close to completion are the other buildings at midtown?

Midtown Two has topped off and the others are still low

The City Square towers and retail mall go before the commission for final approval on 7/27 along with Tiziano II, Brickell View Terrace, Renaissance Pointe, Miami River Rapids, and a whole bunch of overtown properties that Royal Palm is trying to upzone.

http://egov.ci.miami.fl.us/meetings/2006/7/1323_A_City_Commission_06-07-27_Meeting_Agenda_(Long).pdf

Midtown 3 has no started, its being used as the staging ground for midtown 4, which is at about level 3.

midtown3 is expected to start later this year.

The attempted sale could also be a move to try and reduce their taxes if they end up having to hold on to it. If it sits on the market for two years at a price comparable to its tax-assessment "fair market value" without being sold, they'd have a strong case to make that it was over-valued and should have its taxable value reduced. But I think their main reason has already been stated... they've already won the jackpot at the casino. There's still plenty of money to be made there, but now there's risk involved and lower potential rewards going forward. They'd be better off taking the money now, and using it to buy ~10 big chunks of America's next blighted, future expensive neighborhoods (like big chunks of southeastern Chicago, or maybe even New Orleans), in the hope that they can repeat the same achievement there.

The investors' biggest strength is the fact that they have enough money to buy huge contiguous areas. The fact is, if the area's big enough and accessible via freeway, even the worst, most dangerous inner city slum can be turned into gold if you can raze it to the bare earth and metaphorically reboot it. If the surrounding area stays bad, you can just fortify the perimeter... if it's a large area, people more than a block from the edge won't know the difference anyway. To the investors, Midtown was a direct gift from god... a huge area right next to a freeway with NO pre-existing poor residents to bitch about eviction or historically-protected buildings to worry about.

I believe that Chad Oppenheim designed Casa (formerly aria) broke ground, you can see them driving pilings from 195

http://www.4projectsmiami.com/

Don't know if its been posted or not but new offices for Biscayne Blvd. area.http://www.globest.com/news/642_642/miami/147572-1.html

Don't know if its been posted or not but new offices for Biscayne Blvd. area.http://www.globest.com/news/642_642/miami/147572-1.html

Not a very good location for such a large office building. They better hope that the street car gets built or no one will be able to get to their office at this building because of all the traffic on Biscayne.

http://www.2222biscayne.com/

I am very upset at the jokers at midtown miami. They have been running their entire project on a delayed note, and in turn lying to evryone with their completion dates. Every building is delayed over a year and a half, and I find it difficult to undertsand how they are going to force people to sign when they limited themselves to a two year obligation by the ILSA. Midtown 3, which needs to be completed by June of 2007 to not break federal and interstate law, has not even been prepared to be finished. The jokers at Midtown Miami knowing this sent out two months ago replacement contracts promising a quick start and fix to the delays so that they wouldnt be in breach of contract. I know a friend who bought there nd refused to sign the contract knowing it would force him to wait two more years from signing, and receiving no guarantees in return that it wouldnt be delayed again. He even received a wrtten promise that the project would start in 60 days, and guess what the 60 days passed.
I think these developers should be held accountable for their lies. Nirvana number 1, and now this premature sale of a project which has continually used its infuence to push everyone around. I dont see anywhere in any article where Mr Cayre says he was going to intend to sell the project 1/3 of the way through, and now he says he planned it all along. If anything I see articles from the last few years saying this is his dream, he will work at it evry day, blah, blah, blah....
Midtown 2, which still has a year to go, should have been completed in April of this year according to contractual obligations, and I have a feeling this is just the beginning of a painful realization that this jokers problems are just slowly starting to unfold. I think they have been covering lies with more lies, but eventally the whole house comes down. I think they want to sell to get out before they get caught, or maybe they hope someone can come in and clean up the mess they made.
I called probably 8-10 times in the last year and a half and have heard midtown 3 is about to start every time. I dont know why they blatantly lie to people, as if we are idiots. It reminds me of my travels to Morrocco, and the blatant lying that was just a part of every day life. I especially remember the one moment at the beach when this Morroccon dude just straight out lied to my face, and my friend looked at me in true wonder and asked "Why is he lying to us when he knows, he knows, we are going to find out in 2 minutes". I just dont understand scumbags like that.

what do you guys think of citisquare having big billboards all around it looking like time square?
http://www.miami.com/images/miami/miamiherald/15136/229111466552.jpg
http://www.miami.com/images/miami/miamiherald/15136/229111375736.jpg
http://www.miami.com/images/miami/miamiherald/15136/229111390872.jpg

Looks great to me!!!. Somthing different to look at!!! Great renderings BTW. Did the project get approval? :) :) :) :)

FINALLY!!!

I don't think it will detract from the PAC at all, on the contrary it will add to the lackluster building...

I love the crowds they have in front of it. Its supposed to basically be a clone of Dadeland Station right? With a target and a best buy? The crowds make it look like there is a line to get in.

Looks a little Asian.

I love it.

i found these renderings on todays herald and apparently everyone on this article are against the big billboards:
The prospect of giant commercial signs facing the Carnival center, which opens in October, is making some people queasy. Activists, city planners and at least some arts-center supporters say they're too big or too garish for the site -- and probably illegal under current zoning laws.

''To have all that big glitz in the middle of that area is totally inappropriate,'' said Nancy Liebman, president of the Urban Environment League and a member of a Performing Arts Center Trust committee that examines the impact on the Carnival center of nearby development.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/15131061.htm

LOVE IT!!! Downtown Miami needs something to attract nightlife and inject some flare, this is definetly a step in the right direction.

Times Square is so beautiful, Im so jealous.
http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/9164/timesquarepd6.png
source: The PhantoM

I like the billboard idea around the PAC just look at the Times Square theatre area in New York.

It seems like the light from electronic billboards would help the liveliness of the PAC like there is always an extraordinary event taking place. That is what happens in Times Sq. Light equals over the top vitality in an urban setting. Did this pass yesterday? The herald writes a big article about the vote, with a online opinion poll and everything and then the next day doesn't follow up with the result???

I like the billboard idea around the PAC just look at the Times Square theatre area in New York.

I agree, Bob. And it really never occured to me that Miami could, in effect, create a sort of Times Square for itself. But this would be a beginning.

I think it's a great idea and it's a trend that other cities are also latching onto.

Let's not confuse it with Times Square, though! Not even in the same galaxy.

miami herald did write a follow up to that article, i can't find it tho but it said that they postponed this for september 7 :ohno:

Thanks, I can only read it online and they don't have all articles there.

Dave :wave: , Dale :rock: :rock: , Bro :) , Arch :okay: , anyone :grouphug: :dance: , WAS City Square approved ??? Thursday by the City of MIAMI, I really believe this project will be up in the year 2015, If Approved ??? :cheers:

Chuck,

None of Citisquare was approved on Thursday. The first items discussed were the condos on the existing Herald office site, and the commisioners opted to defer to Sept 7th.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/15150006.htm

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/15150004.htm

-James.

Chuck,

None of Citisquare was approved on Thursday. The first items discussed were the condos on the existing Herald office site, and the commisioners opted to defer to Sept 7th.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/15150006.htm

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/15150004.htm

-James.

Thanks JAMES is Good :bowtie: , I got this feeling , its the city commissioners are thinking its too many condo towers in the same area, and the traffic would clogged up the already :runaway: congested Venetian causeway historic Can't touch or demolish old 90 year old :ancient: bridge. :bash:

I love it, sorry but the pac area is and will be kind of cold and sterile, while citisquare is more of a place for everyone not only art lovers. In my opinion in a city you need many different buildings with different uses and architectural styles. Of course I can already see the people lining up to say, oh my, they ruined the architectural marvel and new miami icon that is the performing arts center which is untrue and quite the contrary. So this will look perfect, The pac on one side of biscayne, citisquare on another, museum park and american airlines arena a bit further down and bayfront a few more blocks down. What great street biscayne shall be....

I love it, sorry but the pac area is and will be kind of cold and sterile, while citisquare is more of a place for everyone not only art lovers. In my opinion in a city you need many different buildings with different uses and architectural styles. Of course I can already see the people lining up to say, oh my, they ruined the architectural marvel and new miami icon that is the performing arts center which is untrue and quite the contrary. So this will look perfect, The pac on one side of biscayne, citisquare on another, museum park and american airlines arena a bit further down and bayfront a few more blocks down. What great street biscayne shall be....

Wow !!!, Mad Uptown Hatter, :bowtie: it would be great to see all these planned projects GO !!! :cheers: ,
the Omni - Uptown ARTS Center Area :cheer: is changing everyDAY, with the Ever growing " SkyScraperCity :righton: " Opera Towers :cool: , ( including 1800 Club :cool: tower, two tower Quantum :cool: condo towers, the already starting Vertical Paramount on the BAY :cool: tower, and the getting ready to build " Hotel La de Opera " :cool: 35 floor tower by Tibor Hollo :) soon.

Its what Tibor Hollo :rock: said in a statement in the Miami Herald in late 1977, " I'm Building a " City within a City :speech: " here in the Omni area ".
Well 30 years later its a REALITY !!! :dance:

I love the crowds they have in front of it. Its supposed to basically be a clone of Dadeland Station right? With a target and a best buy? The crowds make it look like there is a line to get in.Crowds are good!! .The shops next to the MPAC will be upscale shopping...probably Merrick Park lite...you might be thinking of the center on 5th and Alton in South Beach, the is the same Dadeland Station deveoloper (Berkowitz).

actually roark i think he's right, in a recent article i read on sunpost i found this
“The pedestrian promenade will capture all of the folks coming from the nearby Miami Performing Arts Center,” she said. In the retail area, patrons can have a cup of coffee, buy DVDs or roam the numerous proposed large retail shops such as Bed Bath and Beyond, Best Buy and Target, before retiring for the night, Gutierrez said.

the rest of the article can be found here:
http://www.miamisunpost.com/eightstoryfrontpage.htm

Yep! More big box retailers...that's cool. They should have enough space that there are some smaller shops to compliment the larger ones. Love the activity there. Makes me long for a channel cut to put 395 below grade and big green space to connect this area to Museum park...and while dreaming, they outta have a lane to turn from the channel cut south under Biscayne Blvd for 3 levels of city parking to serve the parks and museums!

More bad news for Midtown, but we all saw this coming. :)

Oh, I budgeted for some bad news. But not for as much bad news as all this.

I like the idea of the big box shopping center. That means Best Buy, Ikea, that sort of thing, right?

Not sure on the big bill boards though, and what will this do to Bayside? Will it be bad for Bayside?

-James.

More bad news for Midtown, but we all saw this coming. :)

Midtown has always seemed like a Leap Of Faith project...which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

I drove all around it a couple of weeks ago when I was back in town, and to be honest the surrounding neighborhood STILL looks pretty bleak---at least for anyone walking. I'm sure that's having an impact on sales.

Plus, the name itself is kinda false advertising. You can't just create a "Midtown" when it doesn't exist in the first place. Some buyers were probably hoodwinked by that phrase.

Still, it remains a VERY good spot for development, with incredibly easy access to so much of Miami. They should forget about Venezuelan Financiers and focus on Urban Yuppies. THOSE are the people who might just buy into "Midtown" even if it's misnamed.

im kinda of worried about citysquare... i love the idea of the billboard and creating this great urban feel with crowds but the truth of the matter is best buy, bed bath and beyond, and target arent gonna draw crowds at night, or during the day for that matter cause as much as we love to think that is a great urban city, people are just gonna drive there, park, buy, and then bitch about the traffic as they leave... and nothing else around here is going to bring that many people besides the pac... i sure hope theres alot or restaurant developement, maybe some clubs, or even another theatre or two to compliment the pac, cause theres just not gonna b enough people to make this site into what it could be

alot of the downtown destinations are just to far for people to really walk between and i fear that will mean car commuting between them... miamians refuse to walk more than a block between things (hopefully im just being a pessimist and that will change in the future)... i cant think of a miamian that will walk between mary brickell, met square, the clubs in park west, and the pac... especially with the way downtown is now, even if it gets alot better, it is still gonna take many years for the western border to become nice enough for yuppies to really feel comfortable... i hope some more projects happen or just development thatll bring crowds and entertainment downtown that links all these projects... and metropolis doesnt count, shottings every month or so are a very bad thing

ACTUALLY THAT IS MIDTOWN
JUST LIKE 79 STREET IS THE UPPER EAST SIDE
MIAMI AREAS ALWAYS HAD NAMES SIMILIAR TO NYC
THEY HAVE JUST GONE UNUSED FOR WAY TO LONG...

ACTUALLY THAT IS MIDTOWN
JUST LIKE 79 STREET IS THE UPPER EAST SIDE
MIAMI AREAS ALWAYS HAD NAMES SIMILIAR TO NYC
THEY HAVE JUST GONE UNUSED FOR WAY TO LONG...

To me, those names are just borrowed from NYC and always have a kind of "wannabe" sound to them (Miami is certainly not alone in doing that).

Works better when it's really dense and has subway access, imo.

Miami just isn't that kind of city---nor should it try to be. It has it's own unique pleasures, such as a beautiful waterfront and it's own dynamic style.

But "Midtown" in Manhattan means the area around Rockefeller Center/Grand Central Station/Times Square, etc....all of it connected by subways and commerce to the rest of the city. Not a housing and retail development.

Miami is assuredly big...but it's not THAT kind of big.

Terms like "Midtown" and "Upper Eastside" aren't reflective of Miami's true geography and (imo) are a little insulting to the actual layout and traditional names used in Miami for those places.

I mean, c'mon...does ANYBODY consider 79th Street part of a greater downtown Miami? You know better. It's Little River.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/classifieds/real_estate/15145343.htm

GALLERY ART CONDO

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

The developer of Gallery Art Condominium, formerly known as Mondrian, has secured a construction loan for the project at 333 NE 24th St., Miami.

The project broke ground in May and completion is scheduled for fall 2008. The 18-story building, designed by Fullerton Diaz Architects, will have 176 units and 10,000 square feet of office and retail space. The avant-garde design, inspired by the work of artist Piet Mondrian, will feature a white facade with a series of geometric shapes and a palette of bold colors.

One- and two-bedroom units and lofts range from 738 to 1,350 square feet and are priced from the $200,000s to the $500,000s.

For more information: 305-576-7711 or www.galleryartcondos.com.

FIRST OF ALL MIAMI IS 110 YEARS OLD COMPARING IT TO A CITY LIKE NYC AT THIS AGE JUST DOESNT FIT, BUT MIAMI WILL BECOME A GREAT CITY IN LESS THEN HALF THE TIME IT TOOK NYC TO BECOME A GREAT POWERHOUSE...

AS FOR THE NAMES FITTING INTO THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS
LETS SEE ITS SHORECREST ON THE EAST AND LITTLE RIVER ON THE WEST
AND UPPER EAST SIDE ON BISCAYNE YOU WOULD BE SURPRISED HOW MIAMI AVENUE BECOMES THE DECIDING FACTOR IN ALOT OF THESE COMMUNITY NAMES.

MIAMI WAS BUILT BY NEWYORKERS REMEMBER! SO THAT IS WHY IT HAS THE NAMES IT DOES I WOULD SAY MIDTOWN WILL RESEMBLE THE VILLAGE ONCE ITS DONE...

AND IT IS MIDTOWN CONSIDERING DOWNTOWN MIAMI STARTS ON NW 1ST
UPPER EST SIDE ENDS ON 79TH AND MIDTOWN IS EXACLTY ON 36-30TH WHICH IS ABOUT HALF OR MIDDLE OF THE CITY (CBD)

even if the names go back... id prefer to use names that arent the same as some other city that thinks its better than us and alot of miamians think they are inferior to... i really hope that midtown will always just refer to this development but the neighborhood will retain its older name... the one unique to miami

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/3857/newbacardiforumxf8.jpg

Some old Miami to go with the new

http://img379.imageshack.us/img379/9184/newbacardiforumlr5.jpg

Arch, all I can say is wow.

got to love the Bacardi building...nothing says Miami like it!...great pic Arch!

even if the names go back... id prefer to use names that arent the same as some other city that thinks its better than us and alot of miamians think they are inferior to... i really hope that midtown will always just refer to this development but the neighborhood will retain its older name... the one unique to miami

I agree with that, nimbyhater.

Frankly, I grew up in Miami and can't recall ANY usage of names like "Midtown" or "Upper Eastside" in reference to places in Miami until VERY recently...perhaps only the past 5 or 6 years (at most).

They are simply borrowed from New York, which is why it strikes me as a little disingenous and "wannabe" in nature.

It's like all the variations of "SoHo," which must number in the hundreds across the U.S. at this point (but none worse that "LoDo" in Denver, lol).

Anyway, maybe it's not a big deal but I don't see why Miami has to invent neighborhoods that ALREADY have a name or try to pretend it's Manhattan and "take" names from NYC.

"Midtown" is Buena Vista. The "Upper East Side" is Little River. Miami should be proud of it's historical place names and not bury them in made up advertising hype.

got to love the Bacardi building...nothing says Miami like it!...great pic Arch!

What a jewel it is.

And what a freakin' GREAT shot, Arch. Thanks!

Here is the oddly located 2222 Biscayne office building proposal with its Bacardi Building looking facade:

http://www.loopnet.com/Attachments/8/D/E/8DECFD52-A8C4-4BBB-B92F-8A1CE2E5579B_or.jpg

That is pretty far north isnt it. But on the other hand its not a bad looking building and I do like the facade.

I like that building also, but check out the picture.

Biscayne Boulevard seems to have magically moved west of the "Miami Wall" and a leafy office park from Miami Lakes seems to have appeared just to the right of the building. :)

I like that building also, but check out the picture.

Biscayne Boulevard seems to have magically moved west of the "Miami Wall" and a leafy office park from Miami Lakes seems to have appeared just to the right of the building. :)

Thats not the Miami Wall (Biscayne) its the Pace Park Wall (1800 Club, Quantum...etc). You can see the Miami wall in the far background just to the left of 2222, or at least you can see Marquis.

Also look at the size of that parking pedestal. The developer was bragging about how they have twice the required parking but thats just huge.

thats way to much parking come on, parking per 1000sqft is only about 1.5 cars, yet there parking lot is way over that. Anyways nice to see another developer try to stick a bunch of cars in his building like if it were a drive in theater, and who cares about the streetcar which is passing on the back side of the project.

I've got to say I think the building in that rendering is pretty grim. Its heavy and clunky, and I don't think you can blame it on the pedestal. There is nothing wrong with a well designed pedestal, but there is no detailing to it, nothing to move you around it or through it. Cutout bands don't cut it. The same problem follows right up to the top of the building. They built about 300 of these in NY in the 90's, yes, 16 years ago, like some watered down, utterly irrelevant post modernism. Then everyone stood with there jaws dropped as 100's of buildable sites in NYC became architecturally insignificant. This is what Miami has the chance to avoid and is doing a really good job. All of Miami's new buildings may not be GREAT, but they are almost all GOOD. NYC, 100's of BAD buildings. Great ones happening too. Back to Biscayne Blvd. So then they took this big new fangled washing machine and wrapped it like a Xmas present, except that... the wrapping paper was see through, and they ran out of paper before they could finish wrapping it, but they just put it under the tree anyway, and got some magic markers and drew ribbons on it to make it pretty. I think they should look at www.2121biscayne.com beautiful 21st century office building. Blvd. good pedestal, Premiere Towers good pedestal, because Miami insists on pedestals the big boys have done a pretty good job of solving that problem.

On Oppenheim's Cube:

http://www.multi-housingnews.com/multihousing/images/left_covers.gif

AUGUST 01, 2006 -- Miami—This 22-story tower is based on a steel exoskeleton that would result in design flexibility, as well as cost and time savings for the developer. The concept, designed by Miami-based architect Chad Oppenheim, would redefine the Miami condominium with innovative architecture and interiors. "A steel exoskeleton would allow tremendous freedom and possibilities and also save money in terms of erection of structure," adds Oppenheim, who works closely with New York-based structural engineer Ysrael Seinuk P.C.

Instead of placing the support structure of the building on the inside, this concept pushes the weight-bearing elements to the building facade. It eliminates the need for sheer walls, opens up the interior space and, according to Oppenheim, allows for "complete freedom" in the design of the interiors without weight-bearing columns or walls. This innovation would allow buyers to design walls where they please. And instead of conventional one-, two- or three-bedrooms, it would offer the choice of 625-sq.-ft. modules that buyers would select for vertical, horizontal or diagonal placement. Some could be cantilevered outside the building allowing for gardens.

The use of a steel skeleton, rather than concrete, would result in a lighter building with less foundation work and greater savings, according to Oppenheim. Development time and cost would also be conserved by utilizing precast concrete—with slabs put into place by cranes—as opposed to pour-in-place concrete. Using precast concrete two floors can be completed per week compared to the average of one floor per week, Oppenheim said. Overall, he added, using a structural shell can decrease construction costs by five percent.

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Copyright 2005 Multi-Housing News

Thats not the Miami Wall (Biscayne) its the Pace Park Wall (1800 Club, Quantum...etc). You can see the Miami wall in the far background just to the left of 2222, or at least you can see Marquis.

Also look at the size of that parking pedestal. The developer was bragging about how they have twice the required parking but thats just huge.

Ah, indeed you are correct. My bad.

However, the leafy, suburban office park inexplicably remains...as do the mysteriously traffic-free streets.

(I prefer the pic of that project on 79th Street that had people fleeing in terror from Starbucks)

Avenue One denied because residents fear it may raise prices in the neighborhood and with unit prices starting in the high 100s be priced out of the reach of Overtowns current residents:

http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/060803/story7.shtml

Miami rejects 16-story mixed-use project slated for Overtown

By Deserae del Campo
A proposed 16-story, 349-unit residential development in Overtown that met with strong citizen opposition failed to gain City Commission approval last week.
The $68 million Avenue One was to be built at 1950 NW First Ave., but residents said they feared the project would push them out of the neighborhood. Avenue One was to include 8,563 square feet of retail and 633 parking spaces.
A decision on the developer's request of a land-use and zoning change was deferred in May and June before its reading last week at city hall.
"We should make a decision about what comes in and what comes out of our neighborhood," said Overtown resident Darrel Roberts. "I was born and raised in Overtown for 33 years, and I say let's not be blind and let's not sell out."
Developer A-1 Management Corp. asked commissioners for a land-use change from general commercial and industrial to restricted commercial and a change in zoning from liberal commercial to restricted commercial.
A major-use special permit was slated to go before commissioners in September before they unanimously denied the land-use and zoning changes.
"I don't want to convert industrial land into commercial land, whatever the case may be," said Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones.
Avenue One is in Commissioner Linda Haskins' district.
Land-use attorney Lucia Dougherty said unit prices would begin at $180,000.
That "may not seem like a lot of money, but it is for these residents in Overtown," said Ms. Spence-Jones. "The biggest problem is that people stop believing and stop having hope. Change is happening around us, and we have to be prepared for the future growth. We need to push hard to put people back into the neighborhoods."
"This is a very complex issue," said Commissioner TÚmas Regalado. "The residents of Overtown have been bombarded with promises for years and years about some affordable housing planned for the future. This area has a very deep sense of culture, and when you corner it and build and build projects not for the people, it is difficult to have hope."
Resident Karen Cartwright said growth should be accomplished with current residents in mind. "I have lived in Overtown for 13 years, and I would also like Overtown to change and grow. But I also want it to grow and include the people that live there."
Avenue One architect Dean Lewis of DB Lewis Architecture + Design said the project should be seen as an opportunity for Overtown. "This project is about urban revitalization and bringing in mixed-use revitalization of commercial and retail space. This is not high-end living."

Thats not the Miami Wall (Biscayne) its the Pace Park Wall (1800 Club, Quantum...etc). You can see the Miami wall in the far background just to the left of 2222, or at least you can see Marquis.

Also look at the size of that parking pedestal. The developer was bragging about how they have twice the required parking but thats just huge.


Yeah I almost Puked when I read about the excessive parking, then almost did again when I saw the size of the pedestal...I'm against this project on the grounds that it is planned terribly...The rendering is awful, I love how they neglected the traffic their building is going to cause on the streets below...Isn't the streetcar going to be running next to this monstrosity soon? You'd think that would encourage them to create less parking...!

Yeah I almost Puked when I read about the excessive parking, then almost did again when I saw the size of the pedestal...I'm against this project on the grounds that it is planned terribly...The rendering is awful, I love how they neglected the traffic their building is going to cause on the streets below...Isn't the streetcar going to be running next to this monstrosity soon? You'd think that would encourage them to create less parking...!

You can even see how they included the streetcar stopped right outside the building on the lower left.

Avenue One denied because residents fear it may raise prices in the neighborhood and with unit prices starting in the high 100s be priced out of the reach of Overtowns current residents:Thanks for the post...This is an example of the things that bug me. As I sit on the Affordable Housing Taskforce, we are bombarded by this sentiment that people get priced out of neighborhoods. Renters get priced out, the owners increase their net worth, owners in West Grove got priced out...priced out of poverty!!! More emphasis should be placed on home ownership. Today, more minorities own homes than at any time in America's history, but it still isn't enough. Check out this guy...
"We should make a decision about what comes in and what comes out of our neighborhood," said Overtown resident Darrel Roberts. "I was born and raised in Overtown for 33 years, and I say let's not be blind and let's not sell out." 33 yearsand he never thought about buying something? Blind? Sell out?? Wow.
3 years ago, this cat would have paid off a 30 year fixed mortgage and homesteaded his value at about $45k or so. People shouldn't wait on politicians...
"This is a very complex issue," said Commissioner TÚmas Regalado. "The residents of Overtown have been bombarded with promises for years and years about some affordable housing planned for the future.Guess what? Overtown was affordable 33 years ago when Darrel Roberts had a chance.
Real estate is always either affordable or not affordable depending how you look at it.

Update of Star (& a bit of Onyx) & New Wave from the Kobi Karp site:

Star in the foreground & Onyx in the background getting its glass:
http://www.kobikarp.com/images/staruc003.jpg

http://www.kobikarp.com/images/staruc001.jpg

New Wave just about done (are those private roof decks I see?):
http://www.kobikarp.com/images/New%20WaveUC1.jpg

http://www.kobikarp.com/images/New%20WaveUC2.jpg

i really like the roof

nice

Dave :) , thanks for the Picture Update, Great completions coming up,

and Go Cranes !!! :cheers:

Yeah I almost Puked when I read about the excessive parking, then almost did again when I saw the size of the pedestal...I'm against this project on the grounds that it is planned terribly...The rendering is awful, I love how they neglected the traffic their building is going to cause on the streets below...Isn't the streetcar going to be running next to this monstrosity soon? You'd think that would encourage them to create less parking...!

Come on guys, you are being too rough, Am I the only one here who is excited to have this building in this area? This would be the first 35+ story on second avenue, second avenue is not the most beautiful area right now I challenge anyone to go and stand across this site on the west side of 2nd ave and honestly tell me this would not be the best looking thing around! (ok the back of the bacardy bldg excluded). My point is this was and mostly still is a guetto and the fact that some developers are trying to bridge the gentrification gap between midtown and omni area redevelopment can only be judged (in my humble opinion) as a very good thing! :nocrook:

Besides we need this more now that they killed Avenue One... the people who fought that project are mega retards :bash: :weirdo:

On a positive note, did anyone notice they finally got The Filling Station into gear, I drove by today and saw lots of activity and rebar frames, :cucumber: :rock: :cheer: :carrot:

i love this building and cannot wait to see it done: fillingstationmiami.com :check out the website tool where you get to expand your loft space, I think two side by side is ideal but if I had the money for 3 I would just to see peoples jaw drop when they walked in. :eek2:

No. They are not being to rough. Avenue One was really nice, this is AWFUL,

I saw a new rendering on Kobi Karp website called Aqua Vista, does anyone know where the site is. Also American Prime on his web site looks kind of nice, anyone know the site for that one?

No. They are not being to rough. Avenue One was really nice, this is AWFUL,

I saw a new rendering on Kobi Karp website called Aqua Vista, does anyone know where the site is. Also American Prime on his web site looks kind of nice, anyone know the site for that one?

American Prime is a developer and they are planning a development called 'Prime' which is to be in North Bay Village. This is probably it.
http://www.americanprimegroup.com/new_developments.htm

Aqua Vista also has a "North Bay Village" feel to it to me but I'm not sure where that one is going.

Another one bites the dust....

The Portico land and plans are up for sale for $19 million.

http://listing.loopnet.com/14325605

It was to be a cute building, but wouldn't it have just butted up against Quantum? It seems if any of these buildings won't happen it would be the ones with no views. Won't all those waterfront sites like Onyx 2 and Element and Lyghte and Platinum on the Bay get built before ones whose views are blocked? What do people think?

Quantum and 1800 Club are practically touching. I drove by the other day on the street that borders the park there, and realized they might have 6 inches between them if that.

And i think Portico was to have been behind them is that correct?

Im not familiar with Portico, however, If it was to be in that area it would have to be infront because becasue Quantum and 1800 back up to Bayshore Dr then you have a park and the bay.

Depends what you mean by infront of and behing. When viewed from the water, Portico was to be behind (abutting) Quantum (i.e. between Biscayne Blvd and Quantum).

portico was a rental property so doesnt affect sales on condos
just developer is wanting to make a profit without building anything
which is smart

A recent proposal that I dont think has been posted before:

Ego (411-415 NE 24th Street): 28 stories, 299 feet tall with 224 units and 236 parking spaces to be designed by Kobi Karp.

there gettting shorter..hmmm. Dont like that trend. BUILD TO THE SKY!!

THATS ABOUT THE HIEGHT LIMIT WHICH IS CURRENTLY IN THAT AREA
IT WILL FILL IN NICELY

midtown is setting the heights rule in that area it seems since they have 8 towers going to be buid up they are setting the standard and no one wants to see too much of a diverse set up...

Any news on when the Shops at Midtown will open and when Midtown 6 is going for sales I called the sales office they re not letting too much info out I don't know if they re kept in touch with what is going on in "the Big Mens world"...they seem pretty junior overall,

Did you get any more news on those 4 towers and the status of the parking for midtown shops?

Hope everything gets built cause renderings ideas and architects are great...

The 3 "Electras" (Electra One, Electra II & Aja on the Bay) are currently up for sale land, plans and all.

Also, I hadn't realized Cynergi had started yet but it looks like it. From the Kobi Karp site:

http://www.kobikarp.com/images/cynerginew001.jpg

Renderings of Enrique Norten's Midtown Lofts to go on the opposite side of North Miami Ave from the Midtown development (if it gets passed the Buena Vista HA):

http://www.kobikarp.com/images/midtownloft001.jpg

http://www.kobikarp.com/images/midtownloft002.jpg

I like the looks of that building dave. Its not overly tall or overpowering to the surrounding area.
As for the cynergi picture..I would hate to live in that house next to the crane..scarey. How tall is that going to be?

What will cynergi look like?

What will cynergi look like?

Its 10/11 stories tall (10th floor is double height).

http://www.kobikarp.com/images/Perspective%2001a.jpg

looks perdy

It appears that Marquis had a tower crane installed today. Also, check out this tour of the interiors and views of (the unfinished) Ten Museum Park: http://www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=758914

Is Miami really this dead ?

NO MIAMI ISNT THIS DEAD

thing is majority of the projects are under construction
so we need them to hit the market so the others can start
and what we are seeing now is the supporting "actors" projects
making way...

Island Gardens, Metrozoo, Museum Park, Port Tunnel, and
Office Buildings and Retail BigBox are all in the news now.

Lets just go over a list of projects that havent started yet....

Is Miami really this dead ?

No but SSC sure has been with all their database problems. It lost 2 posts I made earlier today. I guess I'll try to repost them (they were about 2 more office towers).

I hear you about SSC. The speed, or rather lack of it, is a huge disincentive for posting. At least it's improving a bit.

anyone has pictures of midtown 2 finished tower...what do you think of design and construction quality?

Just FYI, the Target at Midtown Miami had its grand opening today.

Enrique Norten is amazing. His buildings are so beautifully restrained and enormously dynamic at the same time.

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2775/img1718yt8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/9263/img1964vc8.jpg

(http://imageshack.us)http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/7763/img1960nf0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/3567/img1947jd9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

A little flat from Biscayne, but nice from the shops at Midtown. I went to Target, and from the shops, Midtown is going to look incredible, you will really get the skewed axis point of view and its separate neighborhood feel.

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/7231/img1951lh0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

3Midtown will be the stroke to put this project into the stratosphere as far as hot architecture goes. I hope they don't minimize Chad's design which is stunning from every angle. Midblock is coming out quite nice too.

heres some updates on projects in the midtown area!
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/9774/img0925uk2.jpg

cynergi lofts
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/8464/img0923gq6.jpg
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/6601/img0928ev6.jpg

'midtown'
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/705/img0936tz1.jpg

Star lofts?
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/1015/img0945nq8.jpg

24
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5716/img0947lz8.jpg

Quantum
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/4880/img0962nr4.jpg

1800 Club
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/9388/img0979zs2.jpg

Opera Tower
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/7434/img0984ez4.jpg
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/462/img0986rx0.jpg

http://img454.imageshack.us/img454/1140/img1714iq9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)



AHHHH THE PENTHOUSE. MY LUST AND ENVY MAKE ME BLUE

Has three midtown started construction yet? If not, what is the likelyhood of it being built?

SUPPOSEDLY 3Midtown WAS SOLD OUT WITHIN ABOUT A MONTH! If developers don't build buildings that are sold out they should be imprisoned. Well maybe that is a little harsh, But seriously if a developer can back out of a sold out project then something is very wrong, and I think there needs to be a re-writing of contracts that gives buyers some protection for their money, and the lost interest. Actually though I have not heard anything to suggest that 3Midtown would not be built. I think it is a go coming up soon. I can't say that 5 and 6 will be coming up any time soon.

saw renderings of midtown 6 comng up on their website. I talked to sales office who were far from ready to start selling on this tower...they seem a little confused with the future plans of the development with Joe cayre decision to sell 80% oof the land. I have to agree with arch photographer on the sold out in a month from midtown 3...midtown 4 was also sold out in a week...and 90 % SOLD IN A DAY,,the mid block is still not sold out in the web site which is surprising since it is very small building...I have to say that selling practices are a bit drastic in miami in general and require more information for end users maybe they were overwhelmed by the success of the develoment,,maybe the majestic properties marketing put them on a road they did not expect or maybe they just are trying to sell as much as they can...For what i can say and know, I would say the development is beautiful, location is the best you can find and all architects used are the best there is around..the inner city concept is perfect...everything seems right for a successful completion and even prices keep rising at a good clip for each tower...4 to go ...

DDR who bought the retail part are one of the best real estate REITS there is in the market..there stock is still trading at the top of its range for the last 5 years even though there was a downturn in the industry,,,and the commercial part seems successfull with major retailers in line to rent out space.

check out midtown,,,target and starbucks openings in midtown miami...

http://www.miamibeach411.com/news/index.php?/news/comments/target-miami-opening/

http://www.miamibeach411.com/news/in...miami-opening/

I tripped over the Midtown Super Target while driving by on Saturday & went in. It rocks.

Some more good news... it looks like at least the first hour of parking there will be free once the rest of the shops open (for now, it appears to be free, period).

location is the best you can find.Well, in Miami, it maybe second best to the 6,000 or so waterfront apartments that are coming on line within steps of the MetroMover at the same price. Of course some might argue that ocean front or bayfront locations are better than rail road yard locations, but I'm still rooting for Midtown's success.

you are not looking at miami as a whole ..I agee it is nice to be on the waterfront if the waterfront has anything great to offer...more than freeway...we are talking about a whole city created in midtown now which is a whole different concept...downtown will take a few more years to reach its peak because of the retail and business develoment to fill the space there..and because it still doesnt feel like a neighboorhood...midtown is what people will go for just because it was designed properly in terms of city limits and balance between retail /residential...and don't forget that for now nothing is blocking magnificient views towards biscayne bay- indeed, soleil won't be built out ...

The October 26th Commission meeting looks like its going to be a fiesty one. One the agenda for final approval is Urbana, Herald Square (the little piece between the current building and the causeway), the zoning changes for On the Park, another massive zoning change for the parcels just to the west of the Pace Park Wall (called V Downtown), the zoning changes needed for Avenue One, plus Crosswinds (now known as Sawyers Walk) will be going for its final approval.

Herald Square, Avenue One & Crosswinds all face strong opposition. Herald Square for blocking Venetia's views, Avenue One & Crosswinds for not being geared enough towards those in abject poverty.

http://egov.ci.miami.fl.us/meetings/2006/10/1360_A_City_Commission_06-10-26_Meeting_Agenda_(Long).pdf

sorry if someone can attach those pictures i couldnt find how...it had to make the news...this is gonna be massive/good taste/ and in the center..couldn't miss on that one...

http://www.miamibeach411.com/news/in...miami-opening/

http://www.miamibeach411.com/news/in...miami-opening/

downtown buildings are fighting for views nowadays u have to buy bayfront it will keep and rise nicely...
midtown fells hot smells hot and i m waiting to see what they come up with next...it s exciting,...and there there are views and it s inner city neighborhood feeling...

Do we have a Metrorail station near or around Midtown?

Do we have a Metrorail station near or around Midtown?

No, but we have the old FECR tracks that borders the entire eastside of the Midtown project. Miami is trying to get some kind of street car running on these tracks. Will see if the city can get its act together in a timely fashion.

To my knowledge this project is approved and looking for 2010 target..at that time i expect most of the towers to be completed and retail part to be at full force ..that is why the street car becomes a crucial part of the plan...a lot of people to service...

location is the best you can findMost people would take the City of Miami Beach anyday. But it's a matter of personal preference. I don't like driving around in traffic. There are plenty of options in South Beach where you can walk 3 blocks to the 20 or so Clay Tennis Courts or the Soccer Fields in Flamingo Park. If not that 4 blocks to the movie theater or the Sunday Farmer's market on Lincoln Road. 11 Blocks walk to the Delano or the art collection at Sagamore is appealing to. It's only a couple of doors down from the Ritz Carlton. It's also interesting that the Ritz is accross the street from a Burger King and the main South Beach Bus Depot. Pretty flavorful and dynamic location. Sometimes I forget about the sandy beach 10 blocks away, but that makes for a good location.
I'm not knocking the railroad yard, people that live there will only have to drive in traffic about 40 blocks to get to the best jobs. That is fine for a lot of people. People that live anywhere from the Miami River to 18th Street can have anything that Midtown has (except for the Target and other Big Box retailers) with the benefit of an existing Metromover to get to work/play/eat/drink/Heat Game/Carnival Center/Gusman Theatre/Knight Center/Government offices/Banks/Law Offices/Museums/etc.
The Midtown Sales Pitch was great, and all the things that they said are going to happen, I hope they do. I hope to drive over there once or twice a year to visit the Target, because now I have to buy picture frames, candles, and kitchen towels at Ross or Marshall's in the Central Business District (you know, the ones within a block of the Metromover on Flagler/SE 1st St) Of course, the Marshalls/Ross are closer to South Beach than Midtown, I'll go out of my way to give it a try.
As for living in the best location you can find? That was the part of the sales pitch I'm still not buying. The only people that I know that bought there are looking to sell and make a quick profit.

Most people would take the City of Miami Beach anyday. But it's a matter of personal preference. I don't like driving around in traffic. There are plenty of options in South Beach where you can walk 3 blocks to the 20 or so Clay Tennis Courts or the Soccer Fields in Flamingo Park. If not that 4 blocks to the movie theater or the Sunday Farmer's market on Lincoln Road. 11 Blocks walk to the Delano or the art collection at Sagamore is appealing to. It's only a couple of doors down from the Ritz Carlton. It's also interesting that the Ritz is accross the street from a Burger King and the main South Beach Bus Depot. Pretty flavorful and dynamic location. Sometimes I forget about the sandy beach 10 blocks away, but that makes for a good location.
I'm not knocking the railroad yard, people that live there will only have to drive in traffic about 40 blocks to get to the best jobs. That is fine for a lot of people. People that live anywhere from the Miami River to 18th Street can have anything that Midtown has (except for the Target and other Big Box retailers) with the benefit of an existing Metromover to get to work/play/eat/drink/Heat Game/Carnival Center/Gusman Theatre/Knight Center/Government offices/Banks/Law Offices/Museums/etc.
The Midtown Sales Pitch was great, and all the things that they said are going to happen, I hope they do. I hope to drive over there once or twice a year to visit the Target, because now I have to buy picture frames, candles, and kitchen towels at Ross or Marshall's in the Central Business District (you know, the ones within a block of the Metromover on Flagler/SE 1st St) Of course, the Marshalls/Ross are closer to South Beach than Midtown, I'll go out of my way to give it a try.
As for living in the best location you can find? That was the part of the sales pitch I'm still not buying. The only people that I know that bought there are looking to sell and make a quick profit.

You should try to keep paradise a secret. When everyone moves there paradise is gone :)

You should try to keep paradise a secret. When everyone moves there paradise is gone :)That's true! Nobody lives in South Beach, it's too crowded!

Do we have a Metrorail station near or around Midtown?

Sadly, no. Not even on the radar. Only in our fantasies:

http://www.devnullfoo.com/metrorail/metrorail2.gif

Just FYI, the Target at Midtown Miami had its grand opening today.

MAH:) , my friend, I was by there today before the heavy rain moved in this afternoon,

FREE PARKING !!!, enter at the N.W. 36th Street entrance and go up the parking garage and Yes the TARGET and Pharmacy is OPEN:scouserd: .

but very dusty>( , and the outside of the Mall is still way UNDONE, No sidewalks open outside along 36th street, very dangerous>( , should have waited for another two months:dunno: ,
Very sad about the looks so far:doh: .

Sadly, no. Not even on the radar. Only in our fantasies:

http://www.devnullfoo.com/metrorail/metrorail2.gif

There is no metrorail near midtown.

However There will hopefully soon be a light rail Street Car project that is already approved and should be going from downtown/business district up along NE 2nd ave and go into midtown itself along midtown blvd and across 36st into the design district. Search for street car in the dade county website for the projected route.

heard they had a meeting on the streetcar any news?

West elm coming in midtown ...hope they kee this image going in terms of branding...trendy/design but not posh and snob...that s the idea...

Don't know if this has been posted yet:

http://www.3333biscayne.com/

The builders over at Marquis must be baking cakes. They are taking forever to get this building past the 1st floor. Did Epic not start after Marquis yet it's going on its 3rd floor already?

Epic is going up already?? Which building?

I see Midtown 3 has not started yet, as the rest of the site continues. I purchased a unit to live in at Midtown 3, and they are 6 months away from the completion date, and nothing has been done. They are jokers and completely unprofessional, it almost seems as if the project is being run by a bunch of amateurs. They have lied to me reapetedly about construction, given multiple written and oral guarantees, blatantly at times, and now I want my money back as they have broken their agreement. They even tried to get me to sign a new contract giving them two more years without telling me thats what the contract was for, even when I was telling them I coudlnt afford an extension, this was not an investment, it was my future home. They have an ILSA requirement that is two years, and the date cannot be moved without breaking the contract. Those two years run out June 2007, and not even a piece of rebar has been placed. I find it wi3red that the whole project is rising around it, late also of course. I feel like they have let many opportunities fly by them. I am so upset at the games, that I could never trust a product from them. Just look at the mess in Nirvana, which is still ongoing after many years. Is anybody else having problems dealing with them and their games?

ATTENTION.

Sorry to post this here, but I think this is of interest to all people who want to see downtown Miami blossom.

There is a petition to get the Marlins Baseball Stadium in downtown Miami. Go put you name on the petition.

www.marlinspark.com

You need to realize there are four phases to preconstruction purchasing. First, you have the reservation agreement. The project developer has preliminary floor plans, amenities and pricing. You can reserve one or more units with an initial deposit of 10% of the purchase price. The deposit goes into an escrow account. It stays there untouched until you decide to go forward with the purchase or get your money back. You have no risk at this point.

Next, is the right of recision period. It's also as the time you review the condo documents. The docs list the rules and regulations for the condominium. This recision period lasts 15 days to decide whether to go forward and purchase or get the deposit back.

After the recision period you will enter into the Contract for Sale. You will make an additional deposit bringing the total up to 20%. This is typical of most preconstruction projects. Some may require less. The contract then becomes binding on both the buyer and seller. Construction can take from six months to two years. The contract will have an expiration date upon which you are entitled to a refund of any deposits if the developer has not completed construction.

Usually what happens during the construction phase you'll see additional price increases as the project nears completion. If the developer allows it, you can assign the contract prior to closing. That means if you went to contract for $400,000 and during construction prices go up to $450,000, you can sell the contract to another buyer who will be the end user. You made a $50,000 profit. Remember, you made a 20% deposit ($80,000) and you realized a 60% on that $80,000 investment. On top of that, your money wasn't in the volatile Stock Market it was secured by real estate.

If you decide not to assign the contract, you'll be expected to close when the project is complete. So, once you have passed the recision period, it's advisable that you secure your financing with a lender so you can be ready to close. If you don't close, you'll lose your deposit. There really isn't anything different from closing on new construction property. You'll have closing costs, loan origination fees, condo association fees, etc. However, by reserving your unit during preconstruction, you are now in position to reap the benefits. Again, if you secured a unit for $400,000 and it appraises eighteen months later for $500,000** at closing, the lender will loan 80% of the value or in this example, $400,000. You owe $320,000 (400-80 deposit), plus your closing costs, say around $7,000. Now, you've earned $73,000 on your $80,000 initial investment. That's just over a 90% return. Again, the investment was in real estate, an old fashioned tangible asset.

Now that you know, treat yourself to the returns savvy investors have been enjoying for years. Dust off that CD, equity line or money market account and take advantage of the preconstruction projects. Real estate appreciation will continue with you or without you. It's more profitable to be with it.

They have lied to me reapetedly about construction, given multiple written and oral guarantees, blatantly at times, and now I want my money back as they have broken their agreement.There are no oral garuantees in real estate. Usually the first line on your purchase agreement is the name of the devleopment, and the second line, in all capital letters and bold face type, reads something to the effect of ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS AN ACCURATE REPRESENTATION OF THE SELLER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS CONSULT THIS PURCHASE AGREEMENT OR FLORIDA STATUTES 718.503.
They even tried to get me to sign a new contract giving them two more years without telling me thats what the contract was for, even when I was telling them I coudlnt afford an extension, this was not an investment, it was my future home. This is your out, if you want it....when there is a material change in the project, you are required to sign an acknowlegment of the change. At this point, you are given an addition 15 day rescission period where you can cancel your purchase by providing notice in writing.
I would be very surprised if Midtown 3 allows for assignment of the contract. But if you have the opporunity, and you think you can get a buyer, resell it!

Looks like the Omni mall may finally get demolished:

http://southflorida.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2006/10/23/story2.html

Omni Mall may be demolished
South Florida Business Journal - October 20, 2006
by Susan Stabley

Owners of the former Omni International Mall in downtown Miami expect to go before the City Commission early next month with demolition plans.

More than 4,200 units, 350,000 square feet of retail and 6,154 parking units would be built at an estimated construction cost of $1.29 billion, according to the application filed with the city.

could an implosion be possible =D!?!?

The builders over at Marquis must be baking cakes. They are taking forever to get this building past the 1st floor. Did Epic not start after Marquis yet it's going on its 3rd floor already?

TRUE U Miami:rock: , My friend:dj: , The Marquis Condo tower Did start before EPIC Hotel and Residence Tower, and Marquis with its Multi Million dollar Foundation project to hold 65 floors has barely gotten off the First floor, and YES Epic is now past the third floor, Its Developer UGO COLUMBO:righton: is Just as fast as Developer Jorge Perez:righton: , " Build Fast , Finish Fast ", they both have the Same " MOTTO ", Get it done Quick and Fast Move In !!!:applause:

Epic is going up already?? Which building?

Rider of ROHAN:dj: , my friend, The 48 floor, 500 Foot " Epic Hotel and residence Tower " is the first of two towers by developer UGO COLUMBO on the same site originally as the Old Dupont Plaza Hotel,

Tower 2 at over 600 feet at 609 , lol. Will go up after EPIC is completed in Late 2007, early 2008, the 60 floor Dupont Residences Tower will go up during 2008 and 2009.:|

...the 60 floor Dupont Residences Tower will go up during 2008 and 2009.:|

I can't wait for this project to get built and for Met 1 to be forever hidden behind it.

Looks like the Omni mall may finally get demolished:

http://southflorida.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2006/10/23/story2.html

Sure that all sounds fine and well, but that only happens if they actually build something there. Its pretty worthless to tear it down unless they have plans to build something at this time.

now that the pac is open and looking stunning and that restaurants are opening up in the area the spotlight is on that area.

come next year there will be 4 towers with residents in them about 4000 people needing to shop and eat in thier neighborhood and these towers will add another 8000 people to that area.

any commercial space will make tons of cash any restaurant will have tables filled and with the crowd that citysquare and the performing arts center brings in its more then enough excuse to build these 6 towers

i believe they will start on the north side first depends how long the school has a lease at the omni. starting on the north side will be a little harder to sell units and the middle towers will be just as hard but the south side leaving it last will guarantee that the views of the bay go for bigger profits but then again if the towers right across on the herald parking lot get built it will be hard to sell those towers also overall just the neighborhood alone is worth a condo in these towers.

I have asked for my money repeatedly. I sent a letter thhough certified mail 3 times, they never even answered me. That alone breaks the contract, because it says in the contreact that if I have a complaint they have toi answer in 10 days. Furthermore, unlike most contracts in Miami, the one they have has ILSA requirements, meaning they have to build the building in two years, without the possibility to extend. This is because Midtown does not mail property reports to the purchasers, so in order to not have to do that (costly and timely), they have a two year completion obligation. The building is supposed to be done in 7 months according to my contract, but there is 0 progress. Furthermore, I know that ORAL guarantees are not binding, but written letters and the contract ARE. I am just saying that these people are scumbags. Midtown 2 according to its contractual obligations should be finished in April of 2006. But they have at least 6 more months to go, and Midtown 2 started 6 months after contract. Midtown 3 hasnt even started and its been 1.5 years. At this rate, they wont be done, even if they start today until winter of 2008, 2 years late.
What I am really upset about is the horrible constumer service, plus the constant lying. I was told mulptiple times that the building had started, and every time I went and took a picture, they wouyld say two more weeks. Furthermore, when they tried to get me to sign a new contract in which the only difference was two more years from the date I signed, I asked for my money back and they told me no. They promised me in a written email that the building would start within 60 days (this was 6 months ago) but that I had to sign the contract. I said no way, if I want to give you more time, I will, I dont need to commit with a signature. Fore the last two months they have just be running me in circles, ignoring messages and emails. Its pretty bad, I bough a condo somewhere else, and that have treated me like a king. FURTHERMORE, rather than build Midtown 3 which was sold out prior to Midblock, they built Midblock first. When I called to find out about it they pitched me Midblock as (It will be completed first, move in soon, the advantage of thisd building is that it will be completed first). They divereted resources as a marketing promotion to help them sell, rather than stick to their contractual obligations. You should have heard the total line of bull they told me when I bought the condo that never came true.

I just wanted to add that I wanted to move to Midtown, I purchased the unit as a home. The two year contractual obliugation and promise, is the main reason I bought there, as I wanted to move into downtown area newxt summer (Horray), and the fact they havent even started means I wont be able to. I DIDNT BREAK ANY CONTRACT, they did, and they know it. Thats why they are trying to get people to sign the replacement contract with a new deadline. The bank wont lend them the money without that(Thats what they told me), they bank knows this deadline is not movable. I looked it up in a bunch of courtcases. What kills me is I just want my money so I can put my deposit unto a home I will be able to move in. At this point, after the tons of lies I have heard from beginning to end, I really dont trust any product from them. Furthermore, the fact that Cayre, the big lying developer at the top, is trying TO SELL THE PROJECT, when there is tons of articles quoting him as saying its his dream project, he will see it through to the end, blah blah blah. I dont really know if the project will ever get fully built, and half a midtown Miami is going to be a broken dream. I dont know how anyone can trust people who continually lie.

Given the experiences of people at both Nirvana and Midtown, it increasingly looks like the Midtown folks are GREAT at buying huge depressed brownfields for a pittance, generating lots of excitement & buzz, marketing them to eager buyers, and turning blighted ghetto into gold... but suck at actually building and delivering finished properties. Kind of like multi-level marketing firms that accidentally end up with a useful product to sell... but ultimately make more money from signing up new marketers than they do from fulfilling real orders.

The City of Miami now puts out this spreadsheet to let people track Class II Special Permit progress, and I took a look at it and is it just me or does that really say that Element filed permits for construction last week??? Are they actually going to try to build it or are they just trying to make it more attractive to a potential buyer?

http://egov.ci.miami.fl.us/class2/2006CIILOG.pdf

YES THIS PROJECT WAS AQUIRED AND THEY ARE STARTING TO DO MARKTING ONCE AGAIN AND ARE GOING AHEAD AND BUILDING THE DAMN THING NOW THAT MIDTOWN SHOPS ARE OPENING.

THE WAY THINGS ARE GOING IS THAT WE ARE SEEING DEVELOPMENT FUELED BY A CATALYST OF CONSTRUCTION IN NEARBY AREAS.

I RAN ACROSS THE COMPANY YESTERDAY I HAVE IT BOOKMARKED AS SOON AS A I PULL IT UP I WILL POST IT.

Quantum wants $25,000 for an extra parking space, I imagine other condos inthe area will want about the same $. I know parking in the area is going to be tight. The space could probably be rented for $100 a month, on the other hand $25,000 in the bank at 5 % is $1250 a year. What do you think? As an investment, would you buy an extra parking space in the area? I not sure if there would there be addional property taxes involved.

depends do you plan on having a roommate then yes you will need the space
if you have a spouse then perhaps you dont need the extra space if you plan on dating then dont worry they are supposed to provide visitors parking and overnight usually range 5 dollars... a parking space a few years back was 15k i was thinking it was more like 40k for a parking space these days either way they have to build all those spaces they applied for with the city so there will be extra parking spaces not bought that will be available for use through your valet guy which ones you get to know the staff you pretty much can get away with using 10 spots if you wanted with no problem whatsoever.

i say if you need the space rent it from someone else... dont buy unless you are a family of two looking to expand.

Given the experiences of people at both Nirvana and Midtown, it increasingly looks like the Midtown folks are GREAT at buying huge depressed brownfields for a pittance, generating lots of excitement & buzz, marketing them to eager buyers, and turning blighted ghetto into gold... but suck at actually building and delivering finished properties. Kind of like multi-level marketing firms that accidentally end up with a useful product to sell... but ultimately make more money from signing up new marketers than they do from fulfilling real orders.Very interesting take MC...I'd have to agree. For years, I've been dubious of that project and it's ability to even be built in the first place, and now I'm pleasantly surprised that it's attained the level of success that it has obtained up to now.
Having said that, I feel for Exploratus and the others that have gotten hoodwinked and or burned. Shady behaviour doesn't help the good people in the Real Estate development profession.

I NEVER LIKED THE MAJESTIC REALTY GROUP OVERALL I HAD ONE FRIEND WHO WAS JEFF'S ASSISTANT AND THAT WAS MY ONLY TIE TO MAJESTIC OTHER THEN THAT I NEVER BOUGHT ANYTHING FROM THEM OR WENT TO THERE CIRCUIT PARTIES....

I LOVE THE MIDTOWN CONCEPT I JUST THOUGHT IT WOULD BE DEVELOPED AS THEY HAD SAID FROM THE START "THEY WHERE GOING TO SELL OFF A FEW ACRES AND HAVE OTHERS DEVELOPE THE TOWERS" HAD HE DONE THIS ALL OF THEM WOULD HAVE BEEN UP BY NOW... OVERALL THE ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE WAS 2012 SO STILL ON TIME

Think about it like incubators...it is true that they re outsiders from the real estate world but they put their money on the right idea like all the investors that followed them and they used the best architect firms in town. The strong retail part of the project is done by DDR which are very good at what they re doing. Maybe using Majestic wasnt the right choice at the beginning but they did a strong marketing job and brought a lot of people in.

I believe all will be fine and more will be accomplished over time. I also believe that when a idea is right and more profesionals recognise it it will all come together by them coming on board to suppot it financially. The City believes strongly in the project: you can't go wrong with that.

I think Midtown will eventually get buit, but treating costumers and acting in good faith is priority number one. I almost think Midtown should selll the project because I think that although its going well, they have done some rather large tactical mistakes. They came in at the end of the residential boom, and now that they have some offices to sell they are going to come in at the end of that. The way they have developed the site, anyone who bought up till now is going to be sitting with a construction zone right in fron of there window for 3-4 years at least. They should have built the office buildings and entertainment area which are right in the middle of every building currently under construction, which means when they do build it its going to get very loud and dirty. Furthermore, the level of arrogance they showed I think is going to turn a lot of costumers away. They havent built anything according to the original schedule, and as they go they seem to be falling further and further behind. But saying all that the project is big and imprtant enough that eventually, it will all get built. I just dont want to be there when they are trying to figure it out. I need a home to move into.

plenty of houses listed in that area for under 400k the design district is just blocks away

The Multi Listing Service has Midtown 3 apartments for sale at $500 per square foot.
That is about the same price as South Beach waterfront at Flamingo, or waterfront waterview apartments in Brickell on the River or any of a host of other Central Business District/Brickell Choices.
I firmly believe for professionals to take to Midtown, there has to be a significant cost benefit to moving 30 blocks north of the professional jobs, especially with the currently limited amenities of Midtown.
For kicks, go to Google Earth and type in 31 SE 5th Street, 33131 and check the boxes that would show you bars/restaurants. Then do the same with Midtown. If you like Skyscrapers, and you like density, and you are a professional that works in one of the many big law firms or banks, why would you live in Midtown for the same price as walking distance from your office?

I'll keep my fingers crossed for Midtown, and someday, might even visit the Target!

roark remember the design district is kicking with activity
it reminds me of southbeach in alot of ways midtown will offer a village type setting for those wanting to live on this side of the bay while southbeach has alot of good things to it midtown doesnt have an evacuation policy when hurricanes are concern while southbeach and anything west of biscayne blvd is considered a flood zone.

as for the price yes i agree there are alot better deals anywhere else
although midtown is more central to alot more things overall i would push towards buying at the flamingo before midtown...why? because pricing is better at flamingo, amenities, and location it is south beach after all...

for a professional i would rule against it and suggest that they stay on the mainland i would suggest brickell as a first choice just for dining alone, midtown second for centralized location easy access to roads and shopping and schools and downtown miami for those wanting to avoid having a car and being in the middle of brickell and midtown while being being close to any office job in the brickell-downtown-performing art center-midtown area....

overall i think midtown will be a great place to live 5 years from now...

If they don't value engineer the hell out 3Midtown I think it will be one of the most important new building designs in the country if not the world. Chad really stepped up. It is tropical modernism at its most rational and resolved, and yet spectacularly dynamic, original even. With all the appreciation of great design I think 3Midtown could make Chad a starchitect. So sometimes pricing is not the point. A client at 40 Bond St in NYC, a Herzog and Demueron residential building (which are almost unheard of) a client requested combining two of the units and offered 22 million. Their offer was declined.

http://img161.imageshack.us/img161/8307/hoteldeloperamv5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/253/hoteldelopera03cbd8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/4258/hoteldelopera02ccf4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img161.imageshack.us/img161/874/hoteldelopera05czw9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/2672/hoteldelopera01cme7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/8793/hoteldelopera06ciz6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img161.imageshack.us/img161/6836/hoteldelopera04ckq3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

RX, thanks for those Great Renderings !!!
I believe Tibor Hollo will break ground on his hotel Very soon, after The Opera Tower Condo is almost completed early next spring.

I do see this Hotel completed and opened in my dreams of 2012 !!!

Go Cranes !!!

I agree with Rx ont his one Midtown will be the place to be in the 3 to 5 years..Roark as far as dining experience don't worry for midtown it will come quickly and remember this is a village, next to the design district...it will hence be an up town entertainment district with restaurants and lounges to come..and cool shops all around for people to walk around...give it time...

As far as architecture goes i also love midtown 3 really up there in charts in miami panorama.. which definetly will drive prices at the 500$ /sqfeet bar right now..

Remember midtown 2 and 4 are going to the market you can still get things in the 400 to 450 $ range in buildings by renowned architects in a very cool place to be away from the tourist crowd and close to where it happens..both for professionals and soho style foreigners..
I already know people from around 6 to 8 nationalities who decided to make this place their neighbourghound their home and their work and entertainment place..being so close to any office job in the brickell-downtown-performing art center-midtown area....

I Liiike it ....

Again, I love the architecture and do think that the adaptive re-use of a railroad yard into a residential/retail village is excellent.
I won't, however, goes as far as to say that Midtown is the best location or even an excellent location. I'd agree that it will be better in 5 years from now, but it is priced the same as if it were as developed as South Beach or Brickell. It simply isn't there yet, nor will it ever be...unless they plunk down a Historic District, a million square foot convention center, an ocean, and about 1,000 times more density.
Yesterday, I went to the design district to buy some furniture for my new condo and lo and behold, all the stores were closed on Sunday and there weren't any people around except for the rent a cops that were patrolling the streets in front of the closed shops. The design district was absolutely dead.
In contrast, I went to Lincoln Road where I had to wait to get a seat at Segafredo (not so bad, becuase there was lots of eye candy to pass the time). Most of the stores/sidewalks and movie theatres were packed.

Again, it will be better in 5 years. But no more than Sunset Place is the place to be now 5 years after it was built, Midtown will not be the place to be.

YOU CANNOT COMPARE MIDTOWN TO SUNSET PLACE. THAT IS JUST RIDICULOUS. SUNSET PLACE IS DECIDELY SUBURBAN, AND MIDTOWN IS URBAN, OR AT LEAST IT WILL BE WHEN IT HAPPENS.

YOU CANNOT COMPARE MIDTOWN TO SUNSET PLACE. THAT IS JUST RIDICULOUS. SUNSET PLACE IS DECIDELY SUBURBAN, AND MIDTOWN IS URBAN, OR AT LEAST IT WILL BE WHEN IT HAPPENS.Exaggeration to make a point, but ridiculous?
For the sake playing Devil's Advocate...there are plenty of applicable comparisons, here's a couple that aren't so ridiculous.
Sunset Place is 72 blocks from downtown on US-1.
Midtown is 30 blocks from downtown on US-1.
The Devil's Advocate would even say that a Virgin Records anchor is more Urban than a Target Anchor. Next to WalMart, Target is about as suburban as it gets.
The Devil's Advocate might also point out that Sunset Place is directly accross US-1 from a Metrorail Station.

But that was never my point. My point is that it is going to take way more than 5 years for that area to command the same pricing as Brickell, the CBD, or Miami Beach. Currently, Midtown is priced the same as those three places.

Just to note, Virgin Records did close down... and now currently houses the Bodies exhibit.

I think that's the main problem with Wynwood in particular. Property values have gotten so crazy there that it's basically impossible to buy anything within 8 blocks of Midtown in a normal bank-financed real estate transaction unless you can afford to put down half the purchase price of a nominally-95% LTV loan in cash. As far as banks are concerned, right now... this instant... NOTHING in that area is worth even half what property owners are demanding.

Like Roark said, stuff in that area is priced as though it were already the most insanely cool, hip, convenient, and fun place in Miami to live. It might be 5 years from now (and in fact, I'll be hating life badly if it isn't...), but it's nowhere near being like that now. At night on weekends, the design district is downright creepy to drive through... it's like driving through a floodlit movie set in the backlot at Universal Studios (security guards and all).

It is true the area is still strange, I love it in a DEXTER kind of way. What about Parc Lofts and the Filling Station will the future of Midtown, or the Performing Arts district reach that far?

I believe this area has been bought out by the people who seethemselves living in this kind of environment in a few years... Prices are up there cause they want this place to be theirs... They believed in it being the village of Miami...the place to be, even though you don't agree Roark. I know it might take a few years and those persons have a few years to let this neighbourghood grow according to their perceptions and guidance.

Hopefully we will all love it in a few years and Miami will be an ever better place to be.

And for those who missed the boat on this area? what can i say...whatch it grow and come buy it later...

Midtown Miami was definetely sold at a premium, especially considering that the whole project is years off from being developed. I would be upset if I paid 450-500 sq ft and I had cranes in every direction for the next 4-5 years. The whole place is dead, and it doesnt matter how much you plan, the true culture and spirit of a neighborhood takes years to develop as the right mix of people, retail, and public services take shape. I dont see how Midtown Miami needs to be charging those prices considering they got a lot of money from the government, and the land was basically free. Bad management and high prices.

Surprised to listen to you speaking that way Exploratus since i thought you bought in midtown 3(also around 450$ per sqfeet for high floor). I agree that the management team should be replaced and start communicating better with their investors but I disagree with the price range that you believe it should fetch..

Are you looking to buy more? Tower 6 will go in the market probably in the summer i reckon...we will see what price they are looking to sell for...I don't expect it to be lower than the 450$...looking for 600$ actually

To tell you the truth if you have something in midtown3 at this price range let me know i might have someone looking

(I agree with arch photograher on the work of Chad in Midtown..) It s good, very good...and the size of the building are human size...

Midtown 4 will definetly be high quality. NBWW, as I shall refer to Nichols Brosh Wurst Wolf and Associates, formerly (Nichols Brosch Sandoval and Assoc.) is a uniquely Floridian architectural firm that specializes in hotel architecture, although has delved quite deeply, as of late, into high density residential projects and dabbled in commercial as wel. include the Ritz-Carlton South Beach and Coconut Grove, The Loews Hotel South Beach, Westin Diplomat Towers in Hallandale, and Regent Bal Harbour. Their tallest condominium design has been the Metropolitan project with its 76 floor Met 3 tower,Fontainebleau II and III residential towers.

Buyers in NBWW-designed buildings will probably feel like they’re living in a world class resort. The level of experience in designing them will undoubtedly leave an imprint on all their designs, consider it a valuable atmosphere of leisurely luxury, which is what we are all looking for in Europe .

Have been reading this thread and made me wonder what all your thoughts are on the prospects of a nearby building, Blue... It's about a block away from Midtown complex but to the east... i.e. on the water. What prices should one expect to pay per sq. ft. for Blue... now and in 5 years... especially if Midtown grows to even half the expectations.

Thanks.

Are you looking to buy more? Tower 6 will go in the market probably in the summer i reckon...we will see what price they are looking to sell for...I don't expect it to be lower than the 450$...looking for 600$ actually
(I agree with arch photograher on the work of Chad in Midtown..) It s good, very good...and the size of the building are human size...
I agree....Chad Oppenheim's work is very good.
But if it is Chad Oppenheim that is the attraction, why not do what this guy did...buy a Chad Oppenheim building on South Beach for $372 per square foot.
It's Chad, it's one block from the Biscayne Bay, 9 blocks to the beach, 2 blocks to Lincoln Road, and it's completed!! For those with access to MLS it is M937815.
Midtown 2 is offered for $498 (MLS# M1028387) or 33% More expensive than Sobe Bay (formerly known as Ilona Bay, named after Chad's wife).
Is this starting to sink in yet?
Or if you like Chad Oppenheim, how about buying at 10 Museum Park starting at $443 per square ft. That is for a 26th floor apartment, MLS #M1060596. 10 Museum is completed and located 3 blocks from the Carnival Center, accross from a waterfront park and one block from the Metrorail station.
Midtown 2 is offered at 10% More expensive than 10 Museum.

Of the 7 people that I know that bought in Midtown, only one bought to live there, and now she's changed her mind.

Simple fact right now mixed used condos are the one performing best ... Don't forget that all this crowd will bring density..what people looking for ...Also I know many who expect to rent at high prices to lawyers or doctors looking to have their offices there..

Roark this midtown project gives jobs and hope to the city you should realise that and understand why it is so important for many that this project ends up being successfull. It cannot fail and people realise that and invest on the project accordingly in big numbers which drive prices higher...It is the perfect example of a community being created out of common goals ideas and way of life..all the more that it has got multi national exposure all over America, Europe, South America and, yes sir, Israel..people see themselves live in miami in a few years without being in a touristic area like south beach...people who want to work downtown or midtown without being ..too much downtown...

Relaxed and centered...Midtown opens its doors to you...

Blue was an interesting design concept and a beautiful building on the water i expect its price range to start poping slowly u can still find prices around 380$ /sqfoot there ..but it s got a major drawback to be all alone on the border of the road..so prices will rise but more slowly than in midtown..It needs the area to fill up a little...but i do like it a lot....

Have been reading this thread and made me wonder what all your thoughts are on the prospects of a nearby building, Blue... It's about a block away from Midtown complex but to the east... i.e. on the water. What prices should one expect to pay per sq. ft. for Blue... now and in 5 years... especially if Midtown grows to even half the expectations.Currently, 28% of the apartments in Blue are for sale. That is about 2x's higher that what is healthy.
There are 101 apartments for sale and, sadly, there has been only 1 closed sale in the last 3 months. It was a 2 bedroom on the on the 10th floor for $383 per square foot.
There are 6 Pending Sales at an average or $358 per square foot and an average or 101 days on the market from the time they were listed until the time they were pending.
4 out of the 6 of the pending sales have gone beyond their estimated closing date, one of the apartments by almost 4 months.
That is the current reality, as for 5 years from now...the Central Business District/Miami River/and housing stock with the Metromover loop will still be more desireable at the same price. If however, professionals could save enough money by moving 30 or 40 blocks north of Flagler, they will.

You might have skipped over the last post, but I'll ask again. If it isn't location, location, location, and it isn't neccessarily Chad Oppenheim, then why would someone possibly spend 10% more to live 25 blocks north of Ten Museum Park (a building that exists)?
Simple fact right now mixed used condos are the one performing best Is that a fact? Curious to know your sources.
Regardless, and I'll except your premise for talking purposes, Ten Museum is a mixed use building, why is it MORE AFFORDABLE then Midtown?
I suggest that it has more to do with a flashy sales center. More style than substance. And buyers that bought into a dream without considering the realities of competing choices and submarkets. ... Don't forget that all this crowd will bring density..what people looking for Okay, I'll buy that.
The most dense city in Florida is Miami Beach. That is what people are looking for.
The next most dense city in Florida is Miami, and the most dense part of Miami is Brickell/Miami River/CBD. That is what people are looking for.
I appreciate the talk of the future...and I'm sure you EXPECT to rent at high prices to lawyers. But right NOW lawyers live in Brickell on the River and take the Metromover one stop over the river the Bank of America building. I met another one on Saturday. Her colleagues are envious. This is happening now for $450 per sq ft., maybe she should sell and move 30 blocks north for only $50,000 more. But then she'd have to use her car, and it'd take her 30 minutes to get to work.
I don't think it is prudent for anyone to expect to make much money from rentals or price appreciation by buying up there when there are so many more appealing options, that is what I tell friends and clients, and I wouldn't buy there myself.
Relaxed and centered...Midtown opens its doors to you...:) Now thats a great marketing slogan!!!:)
That wasn't Majestic's marketing tagline! Their's was, buy here we're booming, this will be the new South Beach! Hurry before it's to late to jump on the bandwagon.
It cannot fail and people realise that and invest on the project accordingly in big numbers which drive prices higher It cannot fail? Oh, okay. You've convinced me. So all I have to do is find someone else to buy after me for even more money and well all make money?
Wow, I'm starting to rethink everything that I learned about real estate in the last decade. Cannot fail....great.
HOLD UP!!! I just thought of something! Can I buy at Ten Museum Park and do the same thing? I mean the density is already there, the transportation is already there, the Carnival Center is already there probably closer than a Target in Midtown, the jobs and the density already exist AND it's more affordable. Sorry Frenchy, taking the Metromover from Ten Museum to the Financial District is much more appealing than waiting for 5 years.

Just to keep it interesting, a couple of months ago there were over 200 units for sale in Blue, when I saw that there were only 100 or so left I thought wow people are unloading those units but now I think they just took them off the market for now. I went to a friends house on the 32nd floor and the particulars of every view are big factors for me. If I have a spectacular view, I'll walk the 30 blocks to work, and I think there is a big difference between a really good view and a spectacular view. Blue below the 23 floor are ok views, but above, out your kitchen window you see over those 2 buildings on the water just south of Blue, and you see every single new building in our future Miami, plus all the islands in the bay, a soon to be very cool view of Island Gardens etc. etc. It is stunning. and with each new top off it gets even better. If Element gets built it is just a few blocks south far enough not to inhibit the view, but to enhance the amazing urbanity. I'd like to go all the way and say that looking at a view of Element will be like having a perfect Donald Judd sculpture as your view. Oppenheim's work is inspired by the sculpture of Donald Judd. A ten foot Judd sculpture can go for as much as $800,000, I wonder how much one could value a 500 ft tall Donald Judd sculpture at. Of course the other side, the balcony side of BLUE everyone has great views. I am less interested in living in a building with outstanding design, I'll make that happen, than having a view of many many buildings with cutting edge fascinating design. One of the coolest elements of Brickell on the River views is the people mover crossing the river to the station across. It is very Blade Runner. A river bisecting the city is one of the most dynamic elements of any great city. The Seine, the Thames, etc. The Miami River is beginning to become everything it should be. I think all of these particular distinctions are HUGE and a matter of taste. If you are gonna live there as opposed to just buying it for investment.

In response, there is no reason why Midtown should be worth the same as every other high end buidling in Downtown or SObe. The place is a 10 construction zone, and every building for the next 5 years will be sitting right in fron of one. The dream of a completed midtown, which is whne people whill actually enjoy it and walk around is years away. EVERY BUILDING currently under construction in Midtown will be sitting in front of a construction zone for the next few years. The fact that the office complex in the middle with the entertainment area hasnt even been put for approval will leave a nasty, loud, dirty site for every 450-500 sq ft apartment currently under construction. Just look at Midtown 6 which is about to go for sale, even that one will be in a construction zone since 5 will be built afterwars. Midtown 4 in this scenario will have Midtown 5 to the south and the office buildings to the north west, and Midtown 3 to the north, what a wonderful place to live this will be will construction in every possible direction. (Sarcasticly) Furthermore, lest assume you can put up with the dirt and sound by walking of site to enjoy your pedestrian environment, everything surrounding it is dead also. Design district has at least 5 years to go, Wynwood is justr abunch of homes, and biscayne deveopment is stalled as of now with the slowdown. MIDTOWN IS AN EXPERIMENT, a higher risk than other areas, and should be priced as such. Furthermore, it should have been built with the residents in consideration. I originally bought a unit at Midtown 2, and returned it when I realized I could get one at Everglades on the Bay, in a much better location, for the same price per sq ft. (And I did) There I am in one of the best location in Miami, Bayside, Arena, Metrorail, and bayfront park concerts from the pool area. PLEASE, Midtown is a project done by deveopers who constantly get into legal trouble. Look at there project in baltimore online, and at Nirvana. No respect for the little guy, just a bunch of power brokers trying to make a quick buck. CAYRE even wants to sell after he promised this was his dream project and would see it through to the end. Tell me, how can you trust someone like that. Furthermore, Midtown 2, which started 6 months after contract is going to be 1 year late contractually. Midtown 4, which is 1.5 years past the contract start date hasnt even started, meaning it will be at least 2 years late. They are falling further and further and further behind and they lie to everyone stringing them along. Midtown Miami is a great idea, but the people that are running it are scumbags who once they got you signed, will ignore you, not answer your calls, and string you along.

I don't expect to wait for 5 years ...and I actually like Ten Museum Park building I just don't like the area that they have created there..I expect more from Midtown ...I dream maybe about more...but world belongs to those who have ideas and those who bought there will make sure everything happens in an orderly fashion..I guarantee you that because that is where they are gonna live and where they believe the potential can unfold.

I know you wouldn't push your client to buy there I personnally push my investors and fund managers to buy blocks of apartments there so they ll be in for the next wave of towers coming. I am in as you know and a lot of my friends and family are in and i am doing my best to push more people in this project whcih i believe is the best thing that happened to Miami in many years it serves as a connection a link and enters perfectly in the masterplan of the city. Trust me i know you are speaking with your heart but you are wrong on this one.

Everything you said is right a lot of things are there in downtown in a certain way without much more to expect from (its gonna be the way it is...) what you don't know is what is going to be in midtown ...that is what makes it valuable ...

Price should prove me wrong but right now it doesnt and prices are high and rising...I just got confirmation that tower 6 prices will come in the beginning of 2007 at around 550$/sqfeet ...that s 100-120 $ higher than where we are at right now in the area...I m not saying it is reasonable..it is just real estate...I know there will be some flipping from investors...but those are a buy at those prices.

GO check it out Tickets available only through AIA Miami Chapter, www.aiamiami.com or (305) 448-7488

Wynwood: Warehouse to Art House
Saturday, November 11; 2-5PM
With an introduction by innovative developer Tony Goldman, this tour visits the art galleries and spaces that exemplify the neighborhood’s transformation from industrial warehouse area into vibrant arts center. Champagne reception follows at MOCA at Goldman Warehouse. $50

Miami Design Night Party
Saturday, November 11; 6PM
Celebrate local design at this AIA Miami Chapter annual event, hosted this year by Craig Robins of DACRA Development at the famed Moore Building in the heart of Miami's Design District.


South Florida Urbanism, Yesterday & Today
Sunday, November 12; 10AM-4PM
Learn how the exquisite 1920s Coral Gables Villages applied urbanism to an empty canvas while today the 56-acre Midtown Miami project infuses livability and humanity into Miami’s urban core. Box lunch included; Champagne reception at the Kreiss showroom in Coral Gables follows. $80

Urbana approved:

http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/061102/fyi.shtml

URBANA GETS THUMBS UP: The $184 million Urbana Tower is to rise at 1741, 1753 and 1773 NE Second Ave., 221 and 231 NE 17th Terrace and 1768 NE Second Court. Miami city commissioners gave the OK for Urbana Development Associates to build the 37-story, 100-unit structure with 120,102 square feet of offices and 9,846 square feet of retail with 592 parking spaces. The structure will share space with the S&S Diner, the 1938 Art Deco eatery, at the ground level. The developers promised restaurant owner Simon Elbaz a new state-of-the-art kitchen along with outdoor dining space.

I did buy at Midtown 3, and in other places. I bought the Midtown 3 though to live in. Nevertheless, lured by many false promises, let me tell you that from all the real estate I have bought the Midtown people are the most unprofessional people I have ever dealt with. I am not saying that just to sound dramatic. I sent letters of complain through certified mail which never got answered (3 of them). I called and got no call backs, sent emails which never got answered, and got told lie after lie about construction start dates, and them returning my deposit. They even tried to get me to sign the replacement contract which they need ot get the loan because they took so long, even after I told them I wanted my money back. The nerve of the sales guy, I call to get my money back, and he in return sends me an email promising to that it will be a fix to everything, and walla, all it is is a replacement contract in which the only difference is a two year extension. This is after I tell him I bought with an intention of moving in by the two year contractual obligation. I wonder if anyone out there is having problems with them, considering that they are about to break the contract for Midtown 3 with whoever didnt resign.

Nevertheless, I think Midtown in the long run will be great and is a great boost for the city of Miami. I just dont think I need to be in the middle of it all whicle they figure it out.

I understand your point Exploratus and agree on all you said about the sales office there..I am really surprised it ended up that way..Did you have a problem getting back your deposits on midtown 2 and 3 ? was it after the 15 days ? Did you have to go through a lawyer?

I am a strong believer that this MIDTOWN area is going to be a major vehicule of growth for economics in the city of Miami..residential in this area will end up being very pricey..i m convinced of that..

Truth is you need to hold your investment a bit longer than we all thoughts because of their activity being slowed down..but this is true in all miami where things have slowed down...at least they went forward with building their units and DDR will be very successfull with everythng they re doing on the commercial side.

I agree, I am all about the long term. On Midtown 2 I got my money the next day, because I got caught up on the 1 day sale of Midtown 2. After the dst cleared, and I realized how much more I had paid than I wanted I got my money back especially after seeing comparables in much more exciting areas, so I bought at Everglades on the Bay as investment which I believe is in a prime location. I went back to Midtown after I saw the awesome design for Midtown 3. As someone in the architecture field, I was very impressed byt everything happening in Midtown, So I purchased a loft for myself, not as an investment, but as a residence. I need to move to downtown by next summer (2007). Thats when the problems started. I was told the building would be starting construction in 1 month (aug 2005). Also told a bunch of lies like there would be no more lofts at Midtown Miami after Midtown 3 (Lied to me so I would buy a loft at Midtown 3). Also, he told me prices at Midblock, the next building would be 600-650 a sqft. Therefore, I bought at Midtown 3. Then to my surprise Midblock started to be built first, and when I called a salesman he used the sales pitch that Midblock would be built first to sell it. All this while they already had previous commitments to Midtown 4 and Midtown 3. Then when I relaized 6 months later they never started, I called and they told me it started. I went and checkend and nothing. I called again, they told me 2 weeks. I waited, went to check and nothing. Then they told me it started in feb, I went and checke dand it was Midtown 4 not 3. And so on and so on. Then as I told you guys I sent certified letters asking for my money, that didnt even get answered. Nothing. I called, emailed, and up till now, 8 months later they keep stringing me along so they can get their loan from the bank. They tried to get me to sign a replacement contract and the sales manager even sent me an email syaing in big bold letters construction will start in 60 days, so sign it, this was in April. Just a bunch of lies. I know its because they are still trying to close on the loan, but the level of profesiionalism is silly, its almost liek dealing with kids in elemntary school. They know that I dont want a lawyer cuz it consts money, but if they make me wait until the two year deadline I will have nothing to loose at that point, and I know the courts will side with me.

I just wanted to add that my intention in investbng has always been long term, to own for many years. Real estate is and should be like that, this flipping thing is a temprary phenomenon, and I am glad things will settle back to more sustainable growth. I just want my money from Midtown so I can purchase another unit to move downtown. I know they will give it back to me , they have no option, unless they go bankrupt, but I dont like theg games they play with the smaller people. They could have easily turned this whole thing around, given me my money knwoing full well they would stick to the Interstate Land Sales Act 2 year contractual obligatiom, and in turn sold me a unit in either mIdblock or Midtown 2, which will be ready by the summer. But their unpropfessionalism leads me to doubt any product they offer. Especiialy after the horrible, horrible, horrible, horrible way they have acted at Nirvana, their only other project in Miami. I might be jumping the gun, but I can only go by the evidence in front of me, and I trully dont trust any product built by these scumbags. If the buildings are built with the same kind of attitude, then I feel sorry for any resident of Midtown. I mean, just look at the poor craftmanship of Nirvana, the multiple complaints. Sorry for all you Midtown lovers, but no one can tell me that they can guarantee that the buildings will be built to the best of specifications. History in this case states otherwise. I might be wrong, but the evidence sways in my direction just a tad.

Our intentions are long term too and we believe in Midtown group delivering best specifications. Too many great architects are involved in the project for them to allow low construction quality..also contractors selected are among the best in the country so i don't forecast too much of a problem there.

I don't expect to wait for 5 years ...and I actually like Ten Museum Park building I just don't like the area that they have created there Wait a minute! You said people like density...are you changing your mind? You can of course. Ten Museum is within 6 blocks of 6 40+ story towers, a $500M Performing Arts Center, a Metromover (I thought you wanted transportation to come to Midtown), the American Airlines Arena, and Gold Rush (need I say more?). And you don't like it. Okay.
I expect more from Midtown ...I dream maybe about more...but world belongs to those who have ideas Just because you can drive a car with your feet doesn't make it good idea.The world doesn't belong to those with ideas...it belongs to those with good ideas.

^^^That's not true. You've forgotten about politicians. Anyhow, I can't wait until midtown and downtown are completely connected by one sea of buildings. BTW, any word on who the architect is going to be on Midtown 7? And for that matter, if there even will be a Midtown 7?

^^^That's not true. You've forgotten about politicians. Anyhow, I can't wait until midtown and downtown are completely connected by one sea of buildings. BTW, any word on who the architect is going to be on Midtown 7? And for that matter, if there even will be a Midtown 7?

YES !!!:lol: , DGM:) , in a timetable made about three years ago, The developers of Midtown said it would take about 12 years to complete all the Towers of Midtown , including Midtown 7:banana: and Midtown 8:banana: by 2016.
Believe me DGM:) , IMO:ohno: , these Midtown towers will be completed by then,
All 8 of them planned !!!:cheers:

And with any luck construction on the streetcar will have begun by then.

Another interesting article from Bob

in Park West, there are six world class high rise projects going up. But, right now, barely anyone lives in the area, except homeless people. In the Central Business District, for example, there are currently no residents. Almost the whole area closes after 6pm. Yet here again, there are numerous new residential high rise projects going up. The burgeoning Uptown area, composed of formerly derelict communities, in recent history drew little attention from developers, except Tibor Hollo, or affluent buyers. Now, there are celebrities buying multi-million dollar units in proposed sleek ultra-luxury high rises. What’s wrong with this picture? It’s all unprecedented! Here, historically, there is nothing to fall back on when it comes to determining what your building’s neighborhood will be like. This poses a problem, because since no one can accurately imagine what a certain neighborhood will be like, it may very well end up being quite different from what the buyer first thought. This poses a problem that is common everywhere, but more complicated in Miami‘s urban market.

If you buy in Park West, hopefully you’ve realized that there is growing media and entertainment district just to your west. This might sound all nice and dandy, but this translates into a neighborhood packed with nightclub, bars, lounges, traffic, and pedestrians. Yes, visibly drunk people will be part of fold. So will drug use. A strip club is near by. This area is going to be bumping and grinding all night long, rain or shine. As a Park West resident, you will not be able to avoid the traffic. Hopefully you will avoid the pedestrians. The neighborhood will be noisy and energetic. People are going to converge there from everywhere for a goodtime and some culture. The Museum Park development will balance the energy of the neighborhood with some world-class culture and likely make it one of the most unique urban communities in the country. Tourists will flock to the area, and generally that result is a good indicator of high neighborhood value. Fortunately, if you live in one of the new residential skyscrapers of Park West, then you can take shelter from the crowds, noise, and traffic, up in your private sky home. It is doubtful that you will hear the noise from the streets below. In the case that you do hear distant yells or honks, the luxury of your home will help you forget the madness below.

Buyers in the Central Business District aren’t living in downtown, they are downtown, so say‘s the new ad for the Metropolitan Miami project, located in financial district of the CBD. For now, at least, that ad is accurate. However, this translates into heavier traffic than anywhere else in the area. It is situated between Brickell and Uptown–two major areas of activity. Consequently, rivers of cars will be going in and out of the area constantly. After a while, driving there may seem like a punishment. Especially when you’ve been staring at your building from your car in traffic on your way home for 20 minutes. Presumably, buyers in the area have not just taken this into consideration but are happy with it. Maybe they don’t intend to drive all that much. Maybe being in the heart of a city like Miami is enjoyable enough to compensate for the traffic and noise. The area’s drama and fast pace will certainly compliment visually stunning appearance and will draw plenty of visitors. There will not be much of a night life there. It is a center of activity, of movement between places. Everyone and everything converges there. The Jewelry District of the CBD is going to benefit from the new influx of residents. The masses will come to realize that the area is home to the best jewelry shopping in the region. Currently, there isn’t a base of permanent residents, so the area shuts down after dark. Although this will likely remain the same, as residents move in to the area, the beefed up security will translate into more flexible hours of operation and a more appealing shopping experience. Overtown is still mostly undeveloped and under-utilized. This will not drastically change for at least 5 years or so. The homelessness that is so heavily concentrated there now will have been mitigated by all the surrounding new developments and the relocating of Camillus House. This will be welcomed by the CBD residents. Still, there may not be much to prevent them from walking or transporting themselves back into the area. Although reduced, homelessness will still remain a conspicuous problem.

Brickell is the most established urban neighborhood in Miami. There aren’t too many surprises there. Over 50 new projects are approved for development in the area. Therefore, what you see now is not necessarily what you will get in two or three years. Brickell has been accustomed to a lower kind of high density. Let me explain this further. One building has always a lot more space than it needs. The buildings there are high density, but for years have stood on spacious plots of land with ample drive ways entering the buildings. Guard houses are common there. They will not exist in most buildings in Uptown, for example, where the density will be higher. Currently, the area is becoming much more densely populated. New projects are seeing two and three phases. Driveway entrances are no longer as ample as they used to be. This is all to be expected. But, what Brickell lacks is a community niche. There are banks and residential buildings. There are a few night spots and certainly many nice restaurants. But what is the over all character of the area? Well, as of right now, it doesn’t seem to have a community identity. You know the CBD is where all the big business is at. Park West has the nigh clubs, media facilities, and museums. Uptown caters to the Arts Community with the Performing Arts Center, Anderson Opera House, galleries, and Design District. But what does Brickell offer. The answer is: a little bit of everything. Sure it won’t have museums, or numerous nightclubs, but it does have the potential for becoming downtown’s shopping district. Mark Brickell Village is an indicator that such a shopping experience could work in Brickell. The whole area is very pedestrian friendly, and traffic isn’t as bad as other areas of downtown. Over all, Brickell will define a more quiet version of urban living, where you will find street joggers, bike riders, dog walkers, flirting couples, pedestrians in suits, and café drinkers.

The Uptown Area, north of the 836, east of I-95 and South of Little Haiti, is too large to consider all at once. There are at least 77 new high density residential projects approved for development in the area. On the southern part, near the Performing Arts Center, it’ll be safe to assume that you will find an area catering to the performing arts. Already there are plans for the Anderson opera house, which will be home to the Florida Grand Opera. Interestingly, to the west of the PAC, there is an area of under utilized commercial structures. They are old, ugly, and unfit to remain standing. Yet, there are no real plans to do anything with the area. Will it remain a magnet for homelessness and drug dealings? It is doubtful. What would make sense, is if the city were to do a study that took into consideration the viability of turning the area into a theatre district. Being in the performing arts district would be convenient enough I suppose. We currently have no such district. Of course what I mention now would be similar to the theatre district running along Broadway in Manhattan, except that it’s simply an idea, and even if it were to become a reality, then it would take years for it to fully develop. Nevertheless, the presence of the PAC alone will add class and culture to the area and draw visitors by the thousands. Traffic, as will be the case for most of the area in and around downtown, will be especially bad around Biscayne Blvd.

Moving north and west up into the Uptown area you currently find plenty of vacant lots, under utilized buildings, and a lower income neighborhood called Wynwood. Recently, the neighborhood has been labeled the Wynwood Arts District. This is because the area has become the home to several small art galleries and artist studios. This trend has continued and will continue into the future. The area seems to be developing a bohemian character, but the new ultra luxury high rises being built along the Edgewater side of Uptown will offset the bohemian character for a more exclusive one with its affluent demographic. Importantly, as you move west away from the bay, you will find that a majority of the new developments are mid-rises, which means that this neighborhood will develop an urbanity that is different from the neighborhoods to the south. However, the combination of art, culture, and money will certainly serve Uptown well, but there still is the problem of homelessness and drugs, which will hopefully be mitigated by gentrification and a growing police presence accompanying the infill of new projects and residents coming to the area.

The Midtown Miami project will anchor all the new high density development in the northern side of the Uptown area and push new developments west as well as south and north of it. Brickell, in its hey day, did not see westward development at all. Only recently has Brickell seen high density development west of Brickell Avenue. Uptown will be different. High density development will occur more rapidly here than it has in Brickell in the past. Keep in mind, Uptown is anchored by the PAC district in the south, Midtown Miami in the center, and the Design District in the north. This means that the area will have a lot of help with its progress and a general sandwich effect will fill-in the numerous vacant lots. It is interesting to note that the highest concentration of vacant urban lots and small commercial structures is in the Uptown area, which means that the area is more ready to absorb new development activity with much less demolition. Still, it is too soon to feel out what the neighborhood’s identity is shaping out to be. I say the West Village like in NY and I believe its potential of growth is tremendous.

Progress photo of Los Suenos, now just about completed. An affordable housing building along 36th Street a few blocks west of Midtown next to I-95:

http://www.kobikarp.com/images/lossuenos001.jpg

bob is the man... thanks frenchy...

as for that development, ive been watching it go up right off 95 and i hope we see more developments like it soon... its wat we need more of and what will make this city great, not just a bunch of high class, somewhat empty, rich yuppy condos... although those are great and we need em, we need mid level housing as well... perhaps with a little more architectural character, this building kinda sucks, but the idea of it is good

I'm glad you mentioned the architectural character. That looks like a PRISON. I've seen better looking prisons. It doesn't cost anymore to build a design, massing and negative spaces, that create some kind of interest in the facade. The only thing it costs is a little thought. Using three different colors of paint is a 2 dimensional choice, architecture is a 3 dimensional medium and should be considered as one. Yes we need lots more affordable housing, but the city should not approve bunkers like this. Everyone driving by on 95 must cringe and think, 'I thought Miami was supposed to be getting great?!'

I think we do need affordable housing ..I disagree though to put anything up like this. It isn't the right way to go to exclude people but I believe that in between time the whole area gets filled up it s good we get density there thanks to affordable housing.

A town does not only live on empty buildings..It s the people that live in it. Those people will eventually move to nicer develoment in the same area...no doubt.

Orange Bowl pregame festivities will be held in Pace Park this year:

http://www.miamigov.com/cms/comm/1724_3519.asp

Orange Bowl Committee Announces Plans to Bring Signature Event to Downtown Miami



MIAMI (October 31, 2006) – In conjunction with the City of Miami, the Miami Downtown Development Authority, and the Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agency, the Orange Bowl Committee has announced the relocation of one of South Florida’s most popular events to the Downtown Miami area. Top recording artists, marching bands, cheerleaders and coaches from the two teams invited to play in the 2007 FedEx Orange Bowl will entertain thousands at the Washington Mutual (WaMu) Orange Bowl Fan Fest on New Year’s Day.

The WaMu Orange Bowl Fan Fest, presented by the City of Miami, is the official pep rally of the FedEx Orange Bowl. The event, formerly known as Beach Bash, will be held at Margaret Pace Park in the heart of beautiful Downtown Miami. Fan Fest is annually one of the most popular Orange Bowl festivities with well over 15,000 tickets sold last year. The New Year’s Day spectacle will begin at 1 p.m. and conclude at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased immediately on the OBC’s official website - http://www.orangebowl.org/.

Past performers have included Ciara, Jessica Simpson, Trace Adkins, Juanes, Big Boi from Outkast, Nick Lachey, Chante Moore, Roselyn Sanchez, Ashlee Simpson, Shaggy, Ruben Studdard, Chris Cagle, Jermaine Dupri, Lee Ann Womack and Bow Wow. OBC organizers feel that this year’s group of artists, which will be announced within the next 30 days, combined with the new location will make this the most memorable Fan Fest yet.

“The Orange Bowl Committee is very excited to bring Fan Fest to Downtown Miami,” said Albert E. Dotson, Jr., President & Chairman of the Orange Bowl Committee. “The 73-year Orange Bowl tradition is closely tied with the city of Miami and we are pleased to work with city officials to organize this special event.”

Visitors and South Floridians at this year’s Fan Fest will have the chance to enjoy the pep rally in one of the city’s most unique parks, overlooking Biscayne Bay on one side and surrounded by the growing city skyline on the other. Participants who wish to stay in the area throughout the holiday weekend will have a variety of hotels and restaurants to delight in, including top-notch establishments in Brickell, downtown, and within the Omni area.

“I encourage families that live near and far to come to our beautiful downtown and spend their New Year’s Day enjoying the Orange Bowl festivities,” said City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz. “With the excitement of our city’s renaissance as the backdrop, I can think of no better place for this celebration to take place.”

The Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA), founded in 1965, is a public-private non-profit business organization that strives to develop Miami's downtown area as the most livable urban center in America, making it the preferred international destination for commerce, culture, tourism, and urban living.

“We are extremely pleased that the Orange Bowl brand is once again making Downtown Miami its home. Downtown Miami is well on its way to becoming a world-class city and well recognized national events such as the Orange Bowl Fan Fest complement our vision of Downtown Miami’s future,” said Dana A. Nottingham, Executive Director of the Miami Downtown Development Authority.

The Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) was created in 1986 to facilitate the revitalization of the area bounded by Biscayne Bay on the east, I-395 on the south, the FEC railroad right-of–way on the west, and Northeast 20th Street on the north. Margaret Pace Park was completely renovated and improved by the CRA in 2002 and has become a focal point for activities in the area.

“The CRA’s Board of Commissioners welcomes this event to Margaret Pace Park, and has expressed overwhelming support for bringing the Orange Bowl festivities back home to the City of Miami.” James Villacorta, CRA Interim Executive Director.

Another interesting article from Bob
in Park West, there are six world class high rise projects going up. But, right now, barely anyone lives in the area, except homeless people. In the Central Business District, for example, there are currently no residents. Almost the whole area closes after 6pm.This was either written last year, or Bob doesn't get out much. If written recently, Bob is dead wrong!
As a matter of FACT, I drove North on Biscayne Boulevard TODAY at 6:44pm. Lot's of pedestrian traffic coming out of One Miami and the Citibank Building. Bayside was jumping and there was clearly lot's of traffic ahead for the MiamHeat -v- Sonics game. I turned west...more people!!! That pesky Miami Dade College (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami-Dade_College)! With 164,000 students and an upcoming International Book Fair it the CBD. Anyone else in the car with me would say that Bob is mischaracterizing the area as dead.
Continuing with my drive I turned north and had to drive past the Carnival Center...as you may guess...it was all lit up and very lively. People were walking from the Grand, exiting the Metromover and heading to tonights show. Maybe they were coming from the half dozen or so restuarants in the Grand...who knows. What I know for sure is that the CBD isn't dead today, and it's very unlikely that it'll be dead tomorrow.
The 6 skyscrapers aren't occupied yet, and the road construction/sidewalk isn't even finished and it's anything but dead.
I'll stop right there. I don't have the stamina to debunk all of Bob's rant.

:) DAVE, :) Bob, :) Frenchy, :) Roark, :) ARCH, :) NIMBY, :) DGM and
Everyone:banana: Else in our Great family of the Miami Forum:cheers: ,
You Men Rock this place:cheers: !!!,
Thanks for all the INFO and Great PICS here,

And I have to say it Again:nuts: ,

Go Cranes !!!:banana: :cheers:

Indeed Chuck and here is some more of what I was thinking of a drastic new trend in Miami.

Retail goes urban

BY ELAINE WALKER
ewalker@MiamiHerald.com

Ada Portillo is tired of trekking 45 minutes from her West Miami-Dade County neighborhood just to eat a nice dinner. After she moves into her downtown condo next summer at Met Miami, she won't have to. The restaurants, a movie theater and a grocery will be right there.

Portillo is part of a growing group of South Floridians buying into a lifestyle that allows them to live, work and play in the same area. It's a concept that new urbanists have preached for years but has been slow to catch on here, where suburban sprawl and strip shopping centers have long ruled.

''Where I live, it's very pretty,'' said Portillo, 46. ``But there's no life at all.''

Not anymore. The way we shop is undergoing a huge transformation. Mixed-use development -- combining stores, restaurants, condos and offices -- is all the rage. The trend is most obvious in the eastern corridor, an area once largely avoided by many national retailers but now in an unprecedented building boom. Instead of building out, developers are going up, as in New York and Chicago.

You see it everywhere from The Shops at Midtown Miami to Young Circle in Hollywood, Mary Brickell Village in Miami to Las Olas Riverfront in Fort Lauderdale. In the city of Miami alone, there's almost 1.5 million square feet of retail space under construction and 5.7 million square feet proposed, despite a slowdown in the condo market. If all eventually gets built and filled with tenants, that would be more than 26 times Miami's existing retail space.

''It's going to be like living in Midtown Manhattan,'' said Marcos Campuzano, 39, who is buying a condo at one of the area's biggest urban developments, Midtown Miami, where Target has its grand opening today. ``It's just so convenient.''

In many ways, we're coming full circle after decades of building out to the Everglades. Now, we're re-creating the type of urban environments that developed naturally in major metropolitan areas.

`IDENTITY OF THE CITY'

''It's about creating places that people want to be a part of, that become a destination,'' said William Voegele, a regional director of development for Forest City, which is building the Village at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach. ``It's the place where the mayor gives the State of the City address or they hold the local art festival. It becomes the identity of the city.''

Industry experts say it's a trend that had to happen. With land prices spiraling out of control and very little vacant undeveloped land available, developers have to make the best use of limited space. Combining residential, office and retail on one site helps make projects financially viable.

''You need the residential interaction to get the quality retailers,'' said Don Hall, attorney for Boca Developers, which seeks to convert the Las Olas Riverfront into a mixed-use project.

Like Las Olas, many mixed-use projects will come from renovating existing retail centers that have struggled or whose prime real estate can handle more development.

Others involve changing the way property is used. Developer Jeff Berkowitz plans to turn the former Ford of Coral Gables auto lot into Gables Station, eight stories of retail and offices. One of Coral Gables' first completed projects, the Village of Merrick Park, stands on a former city equipment yard.

START OF A TREND

''We're just at the beginning of a trend that's going to go on for a long time,'' said Michael Beyard, senior resident fellow for retail and entertainment with the Urban Land Institute. ``It reflects the maturing of our cities. We're really seeing a generational shift in retail that's as important as the introduction of the suburban shopping mall.''

Society is also fueling this shift. Baby boomers are empty-nesters now, so they are willing to trade the big house in the suburbs for convenience. The lifestyle also appeals to time-strapped young professional who can't stand the daily traffic jams.

For years, Lisa Schiller lived on Brickell Avenue and worked just a stone's throw away in downtown Miami. But that all changed a year ago, when her law firm, Rice Pugatch Robinson & Schiller, consolidated its employees in its Fort Lauderdale office.

The single 42-year-old woman has curtailed her workouts and social activities to make up for the hours each day spent behind the wheel of her Porsche 911, a car she used to love and has grown to despise. Schiller has had enough. She put her Brickell condo up for sale, and she's shopping for a place to rent on Las Olas Boulevard.

Schiller can't wait for the day when she can walk to her office, the courthouse and her favorite dining spots. ``I cannot take it anymore. It's affecting my life. Now I understand why people have road rage.''

Planners argue that these urban living environments are getting people off the roads because they can find all the amenities they want in their own neighborhood. A selling point for projects like Downtown Dadeland and Met Miami is accessibility to Metrorail.

''This is what everyone my age really wants,'' said Dean Friedland, 23, who is buying a loft at Met Miami and expects to take Metrorail when he starts law school next year at the University of Miami. ``We were raised in the suburbs, and that's why we want to get out of there.''

Integrating public transportation and creating environments that encourage walking will be key to the success of mixed-use developments, said University of Miami architecture dean Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk.

''For years, everyone said that nobody will walk in South Florida,'' Plater-Zyberk said. ``But that's changing.''

LATENT DEMAND

Even before the recent condo boom created the opportunity for new retail in Miami-Dade's urban core, the market void was already there. Thousands of residents from Miami Beach to Morningside and Brickell Avenue have long been starved for convenient access to many large national, big-box stores.

Count lawyer Jonathan Neuman in that group. Since moving to the Design District in 1999, he and his wife have had to trek to Aventura just to visit a Bed Bath & Beyond.

That's all about to change with this week's opening in Midtown Miami. Target will be joined by Circuit City, Linens 'N Things and Marshalls, all scheduled to open by next month.

Also coming soon: Ross Dress for Less, Loehmann's and West Elm.

''A lot of people are going to be really happy to have that stuff close by,'' said Neuman, 36. ``Frequently, we just go without stuff because we don't want to make the trip. It's an all-day hike to go to Aventura, especially with all the construction on Biscayne Boulevard.''

Two other proposed big-box developments in the downtown area -- City Square and Bayview Market -- could move the market from void to glut. Bayview announced last week that it secured Lowe's, and competition for retail tenants is sure to begin heating up.

Also, in South Beach, Berkowitz is moving forward with Fifth & Alton, a three-level development with six levels of parking. Tenants are expected to include Best Buy, Staples and Publix.

Building these projects in urban settings is more time-consuming and expensive, particularly because of soaring construction and land costs. Parking garages alone can add as much as $30,000 or $40,000 per space to a mixed-use development.

Dan Herman, senior vice president of development for Developers Diversified, says cost is one reason the Midtown Miami project wouldn't have happened if not for about $170 million in government subsidies.

''It was too much of an economic burden,'' Herman said. ``Tenants have a threshold of how much they can pay. Just because it costs more to develop doesn't mean they can afford to pay it.''

While retailers and restaurants are buying into ''true mixed-use projects,'' like Midtown Miami and Mary Brickell Village, experts say the prospects are not too encouraging for the ground-floor retail that is part of almost every condominium.

Much of that space is poorly designed to accommodate the needs of national retailers, and comes with potential parking problems and little walk-by traffic, retail brokers say. That's why local, service-oriented retailers are likely to fill those spaces.

`AN AFTERTHOUGHT'

''It's not working,'' said Jeremy Larkin, president of NAI Miami, a local retail brokerage firm. ``They're being driven by the residential component, and the retail is an afterthought.''

To make more small streetfront retail successful, one industry expert suggests that property owners need to coordinate efforts.

''If we're ever going to be a great city, then all the developers need to hold hands and have a commitment to a merchandising plan,'' said Lyle Stern, whose Miami Beach firm, Koniver Stern Group, has been doing the leasing in many of Miami's urban projects. ``No higher-caliber restaurant or clothing store wants to jump in without knowing who their neighbors are going to be.''

Some retailers also still need assurance that there is enough of a market to support them. With the recent housing slowdown in South Florida, retail brokers say that luring tenants has started to become more difficult. Potential tenants are waiting to see who is going to be living in those condos before they commit to a project.

`LET'S HOLD OUT'

''When a market is very hot, sometimes a retailer will compromise a little on the basic criteria,'' said Mickey Finkle, managing director for Koniver Stern Group. ``But if the market cools down, they step back and say let's hold out for what we want best.''

That is likely to mean that not every proposal will end up with tenants -- at least right away. And mixed-use projects not yet out of the ground are likely to be delayed until the condo market regains strength.

But for shoppers like Portillo, a single mother, more mixed-use development can't come soon enough. Once she moves in to her Brickell condo, her 12-year-old son can do the shopping at Whole Foods -- without leaving the complex.

Portillo certainly won't miss the couple of hours she spends daily dropping Christian off at school and driving to work at an adult living facility she owns in Miami. ``This is going to be so much better for me.''

Part of the problem is that condo developers only want upscale, trendy boutiques that, by some direct miracle of god, have zero parking needs because they somehow manage to sustain themselves entirely from the residents. Some people even believe that such businesses actually exist.

Look at the stunning success of the condo on 37th with a Publix and full-sized normal parking lot. To the neighbors, it's a normal Publix. To the residents, it's a gift from god. That's the kind of mixed-use retail+condo that actually works. The moment a developer tries to skimp on the parking (or worse, tries to charge for it, or hassles shoppers by making them jump through hoops to get tickets validated), the whole thing goes down in flames and fails. We need more condos like that one... with Walgreens, Winn Dixie (eek), Sedanos (faints), or even things like TGI Friday's, Flannigan's, etc. McDonald's, BK, and Taco Bell would be great, but unlikely to happen because NOBODY wants to live in "the Taco Bell condo", or spend $600k on a luxury unit in a building whose driveway is flanked by rotating neon golden arches.

ideally the areas where these trendy condos are being built with no parking will continue to develop to the point that they dont need parking... id rather have this development than condos with huge parking lots in front of them... they might be nice for a few more years, but we keep smartly and we wont need them... theyre what were trying to work against...

My idea of it is that those development are done for the inner city resident...no parking needed unless they are private...metrorail and public transportation should hence develop around it...

As for one believe condos and mixed use develoment complement each other...The people who want free parking to go with it aren't buying into those development...they just want free goodies...sorry guys I ve learnt for a long time there is no free lunch in this world...

I just believe in a self contained village in a great location...with mixed culture and upscale dining and shopping experience...that will do for me and all the people who want to live there.:cheers:

Some people even believe that such businesses actually exist.
With all respect Canes...I'm not sure why parking is your hot button. Such businesses DO exist. Simply go to the Bal Harobur Shops. Buy some $275 Frank Ghery cuff links at Tiffany & Co. and you will get a $3 discount on parking. You still have to pay the parking girl a couple of bucks.
Bal Harbour Shops CHARGE top dollar for parking. And Bal Harbour Shops have the most sales per square foot of any shopping center in Miami Dade. Actually, the best in Florida, and the best sales per square foot of ANY shopping center in the United States of America.
Yes....luxury living exists...Bal Harbour Shops proves it.

I just believe in a self contained village in a great location...with mixed culture and upscale dining and shopping experience...that will do for me and all the people who want to live there.:cheers:Yeah...like Mary Brickell Village. Or anywhere on South Beach.

Okay...how about William's Island? That was a self contained village in a "great location". Lot's of people believed in it...the salespeople told them is would be great.
The buyers didn't research or realize that the area of little hotels on the beach would become a CITY of Sunny Isles Beach and high rises would be built there. Better location at the same price lured buyers away from William's Island.
Williams Island real estate stagnated for about 10+ years.

Is there a possiblity that Midtown is another "great location" that is self contained? And is it possible that the salespeople sold the dream and investors didn't consider the competition or other options?
And is it possible that Midtown real estate might possibly stagnate?

Hmmmmm....let's call the agent that sold the Midtown dream.
What? You mean he isn't there anymore? Isn't that peculiar....why wouldn't they stay there until the end?

I will not convince you that i know of Roark. You are right for the sales team and the "agent of the midtown team"....But this MIdtown develoment sells by itself...its location...its Retail component...they don't need any hard selling maybe that s why they got rid of Majestic when they could do without.

I am gonna sit tight and wait for tower 6 to go off the ground and see how it sells at around 550$/sqfeet,,

You have to remember they are still selling midblock at around 450$ and midblock is far less impressive than midtown4 /midtown 3..and seems also far from midtown6.
Remember south beach isn't for every kind of people...Mary Brickwell Village is close to it but is downtown....

Midtown will be all that they aren't..

You have to remember they are still selling midblock at around 450$ and midblock is far less impressive than midtown4 /midtown 3..and seems also far from midtown6.
Remember south beach isn't for every kind of people...Mary Brickwell Village is close to it but is downtown....
Midtown will be all that they aren't..
It will be a lot of things that the CBD isn't.
You take Midblock for $450 per square foot. I'll take apartment #2605 in Ten Museum Park for $443 per square foot (that's the asking price).