Ok, so I've been doing lots of driving around the little Havana Area lately and am taken aback by the amount of midrises going up in this area. I personally think its great and is going to create a good vibrant hispanic neighborhood if this all done properly. In any case, I started this thread so we can track the construction of these buildings, eventhough most of these smaller low profile projects will not have websites.

Here is one of my favorites:
Altos De Miami
Its on its way up and is on the second floor already.
http://resionline.com/megatemplate2/uploads/preconstruction/462004816325178.jpg

Mediterranea
Also rising quickly, I think it too is on the second or Third floor already...
http://www.condofinds.com/listing_images/MEDITERRANEA1.jpg

San Lorenzo
http://www.preconstruccion.com/images/san_lorenzo_condo.jpg
http://www.preconstruccion.com/images/san_lorenzo_condo_back.jpg

Latin Quarter Specialty Center
http://eastlittlehavanacdc.com/images/LQ%20Arch%20Rendering.jpg
http://eastlittlehavanacdc.com/photogallery/photo21586/LQ%20Jan2003-8st%20view%202.jpg

There are many buildings being developed along Lejeune, Douglas, 27th ave, 22nd ave, etc...

I`ll start driving around with my camera to get some pics of the progress and some of the unknown projects.

across from mediterreanea there is the keystone condos going up on 2nd or 3rd floor total of 16 floors

That city of Miami spreadsheet had a whole bunch going up on 8th street between 7th and 22nd avenues also.

I'm really impressed by Altos de Miami....there's alot more going on in Little Havana, especially the areas bordering Coral Gables!

TOUCANO :) , Great pics, Yes, I work also in this Little Havana, and I love the Red , White , and Blue Tower construction crane on the site of the Altos de Miami tower. Its great,
But Toucano :) , the Latin Quarters Specialty Center has been a Dead Stop from opening, Why ???, its been completed over 6 months, and closed off to the public, Its like a sitting Duck on S.W. 8th street and about 14th ave.Accorss form the Latin Quarters Mc Donalds. :cheers:

I'm really impressed by Altos de Miami....there's alot more going on in Little Havana, especially the areas bordering Coral Gables!
STREET :) , bro, when are you coming down, its changing here in Miami everyday that goes by, Another Tower construction crane is rising !!!, I'm starting a new thread with Go Cranes !!!, we really have to start counting the cranes now in the City of Miami limits, its at 30 Cranes now, and Guess what, there's two new Yellow tower construction cranes going up now at the Opera Tower site by Tibor Hollo. and Wait a second , Yes !!!, two more Yellow tower construction cranes going up right now at the MIDTOWN Two Site . Go Cranes !!! :cheers:

Great news Chuck...can't wait to get down there and see things for myself...and take pics of course...I should be back in August for a month:)

Can't get over that 2252 units...Thats a lot of condos, too bad its in such an awful location. Surrounded by industrial lots, car rental facilities and junk yards. River Rapids is in the upper River area to the East of the airport.

http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/050526/fyi.shtml

SEVEN TOWERS ADVANCE: Miami's Historic and Environmental Preservation Board has recommended that the city commission approve two projects with almost 3,000 housing units in the Flagami area. Five 20-story buildings in Miami River Rapids at 1851 Delaware Parkway include 2,252 residences, 38,960 square feet of retail and 3,527 parking spaces. The second project, Coastal on the River, is two 11-story buildings at 2215 NW 14th St. with 645 residences, 1,080 parking spaces and 632,658 total square feet. Luciana L. Gonzalez, special-projects coordinator for the city planning department, said all applications for certificates of appropriateness "for ground-disturbing activity pursuant to the archaeological management plans" have been approved

I wonder how much these condos are going for...they're prob cheaper/more affordable than the condos in the downtown/uptown area ......which equals more end users, more permanenet residents, and possibly more amenities in the area.


The Flagami area around the river might turn into a more affordable, but still vibrant neighborhhood for the middle class:)

It's a different target consumer...I Like it:D

About that name "Miami River Rapids". It turns out the name might make sense afterall. It looks like the side used to have actual rapids and maybe even some small waterfalls before the Miami River was transformed into a shipping chanel. Here is a cool link:

http://www.historicpreservationmiami.com/miamiriver.html

Miami River Rapids Archeological Zone
2810-2916 NW South River Drive
Dates of Site: Tequesta Camp,A.D. 1400-1500; Ferguson Mill and Homestead, ca. 1845-1852
Date Designated: 1990


http://www.historicpreservationmiami.com/images/zones/photos/miamiriver.gif
a. Historic Sketch Map of the Falls of the Miami River drawn by F. H. Gerdes, 1849.

This archeological zone contains the remains of a pre-Columbian Tequesta camp or village and, on top of this, the ruins of the nineteenth-century Ferguson starch mill and homestead. These two settlements were located at the original rapids of the North Fork of the Miami River. Evidence of the Tequesta settlement at this site includes pottery sherds, stone flakes from the production of tools, and animal bones. Later, in the mid-nineteenth century, George Washington Ferguson and Thomas Jefferson Ferguson established their mill and homestead at this location. The mill employed 25 people and was the largest commercial site in Dade County prior to the Civil War. “Ferguson's Florida Arrow Root” was sold throughout the United States until the mill was abandoned due to hostilities resulting from the Third Seminole War.

Yeah, the Miami River once had a Waterfall about 10 feet high. I read that a long time ago somewhere...

Good Find Dave...

Havana Plaza, affordable townhouses for Little Havana (1421 SW 3rd St), starting at $185,000

http://www.carsonrealtygroup.com/ProdImages/HavanaPlaza(250).jpg

Here's a deceptive name: Miami River Place, 11-stories and its not that close to the river. Its on 22nd AVE and NW 7th Street which is south of the 836 and half a mile from the River (reminds me of the "Biscayne Beach Club"...in West Kendall).

http://www.MiamiRiverPlace.com

http://www.miamiriverplace.com/art/home/home_02.jpg

^lol biscayne beach club in west kendal??

Altos Plaza (not to be confused with Altos de Miami a few blocks away): 18 floors, 208 feet for the corner of Flagler and 22nd Ave.

http://egov.ci.miami.fl.us/Legistarweb/Attachments/19509.PDF?bcsi_scan_7FC3C74FD9762EFF=0&bcsi_scan_filename=19509.PDF

Is the area around the Orange Bowl gentrifying to some degree ?

Nice! A lot of great projects going up in Little Havana. The area has a lot of potential to become a destination in itself. I hope some of the major hispanic businesses based in Miami build offices or headquarters there...

Havana Lofts (SW 8th St and SW 18th Ave)

http://www.havanaloftsmiami.com/

http://newspaperads.miami.com/imagehandler/ss-ad/457435

Altos Plaza (not to be confused with Altos de Miami a few blocks away): 18 floors, 208 feet for the corner of Flagler and 22nd Ave.

http://egov.ci.miami.fl.us/Legistarweb/Attachments/19509.PDF?bcsi_scan_7FC3C74FD9762EFF=0&bcsi_scan_filename=19509.PDF

i likey... nice and dense and urban... and the parkings pretty well hidden...

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/6180/19xo.jpg
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/2263/26ha.jpg
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/3666/34qx.jpg

wow...these are all pretty tight...Little Havana's stepping up:)

07/05
http://www.guardianfire.com/tools/jobmanager/constructionImages/altosdemiami7-1-05.jpg

http://www.guardianfire.com/tools/jobmanager/constructionImages/altos.JPG

Wow, cool. Youve been a very busy guy Renner. Thanks for the updates.

wow rennar, great updates, gotta love those cranes

I love altos!:)

Nice! A lot of great projects going up in Little Havana. The area has a lot of potential to become a destination in itself. I hope some of the major hispanic businesses based in Miami build offices or headquarters there...
That wouldn't be such a bad idea since Spanish greatly dominates English there.

Sprawling Calle Ocho condo hits opposition
Miami's Planning Advisory Board dealt a setback Wednesday night to a 14-story condo project planned by Ralph Velocci, a business partner of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz.
The 356-unit project, dubbed Renaissance Pointe, would take up nearly an entire city block along Calle Ocho. Some nearby residents have opposed the condo, saying it would overwhelm the surrounding area.
City commissioners are expected to vote on the condo in the coming months.

Rendering of Coastal on the River. Goes before the Commission on the 26th for final approval. Located at 2215 NW 14th Street on the River just North of the 836.

http://egov.ci.miami.fl.us/Legistarweb/Attachments/17446.PDF

thats some nice density...

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e16/elcubanorojo/coastalontheriver.jpg

Pretty nice!

There was an ad for this building in today's Herald. Its called "Crystal Plaza". I looked in the City's development report and the only mention of "Crystal" I found was "World Crystal Tower" at 845 SW 8th St. which is listed at 12 stories and 150 feet. This building looks taller than 12 stories. There are 12 residential stories plus however many parking floors that is. Anyone know if this is the same building? or is this something new?

Webpage (its the 3rd one down)
http://www.villasalescenter.com/

http://specialsections.miami.com/imagehandler/rop-ad/2658930

I like that a building one mile inland can put some chick in a bikini (smelling the air?) chilling outside by the water. Sorry I dont know anything about this project. But, you are right, it looks like it is much taller than 150 feet.

^ Well if its done by minimal height/cost standards (super common in Miami condos ps) it would give each floor a ceiling height of either 8' or 8'8" (8'8" or 9'4" floor to floor respectively) and i counted 12 residential floors, 4 garage and 1 lobby/garage that would be 17 floors. the ground floor is almost always about 10' so either 148' 8" or 159'4" though the garages coulld be lower than 9'4" to give the 150' estimate listed.

just a lil archi-nerd FYI.

Everyone, check out this Site, its the new condo tower going up by the N.W. 12 ave bridge north side where the old Travel Hotel still is but empty and ready to come down for this 27 story condo high-rise, The River Garden, will change ugly area forever. http://www.rivergardencondos.com/

Good news, more affordable housing and 200 ft towers...

Magic Johnson's team heads to city hall for building permit

By Deserae del Campo
Basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson's effort to funnel money into East Little Havana via the $171 million Intown Village condo development is to go before Miami city commission April 27 in quest of a major use special building permit.
Intown Village is to be a two-tower, 202-foot-tall, 19-story development with 395 condos, 33,000 square feet of retail and 34,000 square feet of additional commercial space.
It's to rise at 45 SW Eighth Ave., 715, 717, 727 and 735 SW First St. and 702 and 720 W. Flagler St.
"I think it's a positive project," said Pablo Canton, neighborhood enhancement team administrator for East Little Havana. "From what I have seen this is a very nice project. We need more housing like this in the area. I have not heard any negative feedback on this project."
Developers of Intown Village are Miami-based mFm Construction along with equity partner the Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund.
The urban fund was created after Mr. Johnson and his investment partners Canyon Capital Reality Advisors formed the company in 2001.
Principals of mFm Construction are Mauricio Martinez and Jose Malabet.
Intown Village is also asking the city commission for a floor area ratio bonus from 1.75 to 2.0, which would increase the floor space available within the towers to twice the size of the parcel of land.
"This will allow more workable and livable units," said Simon Ferro, attorney representing developers.
Condos are to range from $200,000 to $400,000.
In January, Miami's zoning board approved the request to increase the floor area ratio with a 5-3 vote. One month later, the planning department and planning advisory board approved the building permit request by a 4-1 vote.
Mr. Johnson played 13 years for the Los Angeles Lakers as the tallest point guard in league history, 6 feet, 9 inches. He retired in 1991.

Here is one that is currently U/C on Flagler and Le Jeune (190 NW 42nd Ave to be exact) that i saw on my way to the Airport the other day. Looks to be twin 15-story towers. Its funny how these things can go up with no one noticing:

http://www.ewm.com/photolib/wyld/D1108182_000.jpg

Another building is U/C accross the street and this building was just completed a couple blocks to the South on Le Jeune:
http://www.ewm.com/photolib/wyld/D1066302_000.jpg

^ i did i said it when don pancho had his aerials over the area, but nobody listens when i post !!! thats keystone park, phase I is almost done.

I used to work for that architect, and the second tower just got approval so the construction wont start for a while.

thats some nice density...

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e16/elcubanorojo/coastalontheriver.jpg
NIMBY !!!,

I believe this one was approved,

Polease correct me, or put me in jail, lol

Speaking of density, the huge 2,394-unit condo "Miami River Rapids" will try to get its needed zoning changes and height limit exemptions (its area only allows 10-stories, they want to have 5 20-story buidings) from the zoning board on May 8th.

http://egov.ci.miami.fl.us/meetings/2006/5/1275_A_Zoning_Board_06-05-08_Agenda_Short.pdf

good luck to them... hope they get it...

Very nice!

Another groundbreaking:

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/classifieds/real_estate/14564150.htm

Towers for Miami village breaking ground

Terrazas International Group announces the groundbreaking of Terrazas River Park Village at 1861 NW South River Dr., in Miami.

The 27-story river tower and the 21-story park tower will house 324 one-, two- and three-bedroom residences. Prices start at $300,000. Completion is expected for late 2007.

A new mixed use project for the Blue Lagoon area just to the South of the airport. 757 Red Rd is a 14-story building on NW 57th Ave and NW 7th St that will contain 11,659 sqft of retail, 53,231 sqft of office space and 78 condos.

For a rendering:
http://thegrandrealty.com/757_redroad.html

The sister project of Altos de Miami, Altos Plaza has a website out:

http://www.altosplaza.com/

A new mixed use project for the Blue Lagoon area just to the South of the airport. 757 Red Rd is a 14-story building on NW 57th Ave and NW 7th St that will contain 11,659 sqft of retail, 53,231 sqft of office space and 78 condos.

For a rendering:
http://thegrandrealty.com/757_redroad.html


Yup, I was wondering what was going to rise where they are currently demolishing an old Hotel....

Civic center rather than Little Havana but close enough:

From today's Herald:
http://www.rivergrandmiami.com/
http://img.travidia.com/ss-ad/579483

wow. neither modern nor grand.
we've been adding a fair share of commie blocks during this boom.

wow. neither modern nor grand.
we've been adding a fair share of commie blocks during this boom.

True but with the rareness of glass these days, featureless white buildings are the only ones that can get built cheaply and sold as "affordable".

they may not be the prettiest but i like their affordability. miami needs more NEW median market rate housing.

I think it looks fine. We need more stuff like this, both for the density and affordability. Hopefully it will have some good street interaction.

The balconies have a nice design.

http://img422.imageshack.us/img422/2202/rivergrand9ao.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The balconies are pretty hostile, though. They're not quite as bad as most of the 1970s-era hotels in Bal Harbour (where the balconies were literally just thin slabs projecting naked out into the air beyond the building, with flimsy aluminum rails screwed into the edge), but unlikely to ever get used for anything besides smoking.

GOOD balconies have both a semi-private realm that's set into the building itself a bit and surrounded on three sides AND a public outer portion that projects beyond the walls. And at least enough space to put a table and 4 chairs... preferably big enough for at least half of the table to fit in either realm (if not ENTIRELY in either), depending on the desired privacy gradient at that moment.

But then again, most of the new 'scrapers in Miami fail the "balcony quality" test, even the expensive ones with microscopic 1BR units costing $360k, because it's cheaper to have the balcony entirely cantilevered from the wall than to use more concrete to form a sheltered inset area, and it's not something most people ever really think about until they've lived in a building like that, and realized why it was that some balconies "feel right" and get used all the time, while others never get used for anything besides storing ice chests and beach toys.

update: after looking at the floorplans, it looks like the corner units have tolerable balconies... with the "06" units coming the closest to realizing the ideal. But the middle units almost all have balconies that are totally exposed along at least one side. In the image above, the "06" balconies are the ones along the right side that are mostly set into the building. The "10" units (leftmost non-corner units in the pic above) have the right general idea, but have too blurred of a privacy gradient for comfort... they're mostly sheltered from adjacent units' views, but so wide at the door that there's no sense of shelter and transition.)

Another groundbreaking:

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/classifieds/real_estate/14564150.htm


Oh DAVE :hi: , this Project is soooooo Gooood for that down graded area west of 17th Ave , south of the Miami River, the " SEWER " Park :bash: there is so scary at night :baeh3: , people in that area are afraid of walking their dogs or walking by that park next to these great already started Cleared and under construction two towers,

Its Great news :okay: , I drove by there with my RAM ( Riding Around Miami ) supercab pick-up Truck with Now only two illegal mexicans in the backbed :omg: .
It was nice to see they , the construction group are saving the 100 year old Trees next to the Towers. :rock: :applause: :bow:
:speech:
4 more to go to make My 2000th Post here Tonight !!!! :cheers:

True but with the rareness of glass these days, featureless white buildings are the only ones that can get built cheaply and sold as "affordable".


I don't disagree. I see the need for it, but I don't have to like the buildings themselves. I just fear these buildings will age quickly.

You know, i was in NYC May 24th - 27th, and i never noticed before how many reddish bricked buildings they have up there. reminded me of all the plain concrete buildings we have down here.

Those white buildings are going to age quickly and soon we'll hate them with a passion just like i hate those buildings in south brickell or the four ambassadors.

Another River/Civic Center area project. Here's The Residences at Highland Park. Its to be 12 stories and priced from $200k to $350k. Like one would expect for an "affordable" building, its pretty cheap looking.

(select "Residences at Highland Park" from "Building Name" dropdown menu)
http://www.vistasinternational.com/newCons2.asp

Also here is Wagner's Court (priced from the $260's). A 15-story condo to go in the same area. Rendering of Wagners Court and Residences at Highland Park from the Herald:

http://img.travidia.com/rop-ad/3233728

A website of a developer of a bunch of Little Havana area projects:

Click on the project names for the buildings:
http://www.mfmcorp.com/developments.htm

I like the picture of a view that they posted:
http://www.mfmcorp.com/img/foto_ipanema_full.jpg

A new project for Little Havana (to go a block or so west of Neo Lofts at 751 SW 1st Street): Morrison Condos

website:
http://www.morrisoncondos.com/welcome.html

flyer with renderings:
http://www.loopnet.com/Attachments/9/4/C/94C97DAF-C283-44F2-89B9-7E763DEC978A.pdf

Does anyone know why construction has stopped on Altos de Miami? I can see it from my building and it has been a topped-off cement skeleton since May.

I like the picture of a view that they posted:
http://www.mfmcorp.com/img/foto_ipanema_full.jpg

*shudder* DSLR sensor dust spots... :bash:

ALTOS DE MIAMI IS PROBABLY WAITING ON GLASS DELIVERY

THE BANK LOFTS ON BISCAYNE PUT UP PLYWOOD UNTIL 3 WEEKS LATER WHEN ITS GLASS CAME IN CUSTOM GLASS CAN TAKE 3 MONTHS UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS WHEN ITS A LARGE ORDER AND AFFECTED BY HURRICANES BACKING UP ORDERS OR OVERWHELMING THEM THEN IT CAN EASILY TAKE UP TO A YEAR.

Here's Breeze on the River. Its to be 14 stories and its U/C near NW 7th Ave.

(click on "amenities" for rendering)
http://breezeontheriver.com/home.html

That's cute!

Here's Miami Rio. A 2-tower development of about 25 stories each to go on NW 7th Street and about 11th Ave 4 to 5 blocks east of the Orange Bowl.

http://www.miamirio.com/home.html

http://www.radevelopers.com/images/imgAbouts.jpg

Magic Johnson investing in the Morrison in Little Havana:

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/15727842.htm

REAL ESTATE
Magic Johnson invests in Little Havana

Former NBA great Earvin 'Magic' Johnson is coming to Little Havana. The reason -- to back a condo project aimed at middle-income buyers.

BY MATTHEW HAGGMAN
mhaggman@MiamiHerald.com

An investment fund headed by former NBA star Earvin ''Magic'' Johnson is taking a majority stake in the biggest condominium project ever proposed for Little Havana, in a bet that midpriced units close to downtown will draw buyers.

Canyon-Johnson Urban Funds, which is led by Johnson and business partner Bobby Turner, is investing in a 395-unit condo development with two 19-story towers called Morrison. The builder for the $120 million project is Miami developer mFm Construction.

The deal comes as the housing market has gone cold. But some developers think there remains a vast pool of prospective home buyers who were long ago priced out and are still looking to buy -- particularly near where they work.

Developer Jorge Perez, who became the country's biggest condo developer in recent years mostly by building luxury condos, launched an attainable housing division this year. Perez, CEO of The Related Group in Miami, this week announced Loft III, a 32-story, 495-unit condo in downtown Miami where 70 percent of the units are priced below $300,000.

Real estate analyst Michael Cannon expressed reservations about the height of the planned buildings in the Morrison project, saying eight to 10 floors may be more compatible in low-rise Little Havana. But the veteran industry watcher agreed that denser redevelopment is the way forward in Miami.

''In my opinion there is a tremendous depth of untapped demand in the workforce housing and affordable housing market,'' said Cannon, managing director of Integra Realty Resources in Miami. ``But many developers who have been in other types of housing don't understand that market or it is not glamorous enough for them.''

Most of Morrison's units will cost between $250,000 and $350,000 with 5 percent down payment, as opposed to the typical 20 percent.

''The target universe we are looking for is still underserved,'' said Canyon-Johnson's Turner.

Johnson, who won five NBA World Championships with the Los Angeles Lakers during an illustrious playing career, formed Canyon-Johnson Urban Funds with Turner in 1999. The fund's strategy is to partner with local developers and take large financial positions in projects in neglected urban areas poised for revitalization.

Canyon-Johnson's local investments include Downtown Dadeland, a condo and retail project going up in Kendall's rapidly emerging downtown. It partnered there with developer Gulfside Development. Johnson has also invested in Starbucks and Burger King franchises in once-downtrodden parts of Miami.

In an interview Johnson said he has long felt real estate developers and investors were ignoring urban America despite enormous opportunities.

''It is not just in housing but in retail and office development as well,'' Johnson said. He added that the investment strategy is aimed at enhancing a neighborhood for those living there, not displacing them.

Many urban areas are poised for growth because local leaders hoping to increase their property tax base are taking a pro-growth posture, as opposed to suburban areas seeking to put a lid on development, Turner said. And although the populations in urban areas are expected to rise, there is still a lack of capital flowing in.

To date, Turner said, the strategy has worked well. The first Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund, in which it raised some $300 million invested in projects across the country, had returns of more than 20 percent annually. The pair raised money for a second fund, called Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund II, that has $600 million and is now being invested.

Morrison is slated to go up on Flagler Street and Southwest 7th Avenue in Little Havana, a working class neighborhood west of downtown Miami. The project is to include 30,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and 34,000 square feet of office condo space. The project, which is slated for groundbreaking next year, is supposed to be completed in mid-2009.

Another one for Little Havana: Here is Loftika. A nice urban building to go at decidedly un-urban NW 32nd Ave and NW 7th Street.

http://www.loftika.com/
http://img.travidia.com/ss-ad/676704

What a Terrible name...

I THINK THAT LOFTIKA IS PART 2 OF UNIKA EXPLAINS IT... SOMEWHAT

Another one for Little Havana: Here is Loftika. A nice urban building to go at decidedly un-urban NW 32nd Ave and NW 7th Street.

http://www.loftika.com/
http://img.travidia.com/ss-ad/676704

DAVE, my friend, Great Input here, nice rendering, But, this is in the way of the Oncoming Runway 12 / 30 Angle Runway at the Miami International Airport,
IT won't go up because the FAA will say no, Just too close for such a high height.

NOT SURE CHUCK

I BELIEVE THE HIEGHT LIMIT IS ABOUT 12-15 FLOORS IN THAT AREA UP TO 32 AVENUE

THEN I BELIEVE THE TALLEST STRUCTURE ALLOWED IS 8 FLOORS FROM THERE TO 42ND AVENUE.

What a Terrible name...

I just wonder if someone actually got PAID to come up with that!

On Altos Plaza set to break ground in June. Interesting quote:

B Developments will not pre-sell units to avoid investors or speculators buying units and selling or renting them at a higher price.

I guess they plan on waiting to sell the 335 units until after the building is completed....

http://www.globest.com/news/819_819/miami/151979-1.html

I just wonder if someone actually got PAID to come up with that! Yep. Loftika...an all new low.

Another Little Havana development. This one starting in the 100's: 1800 ParcView

From todays Herald:
http://img.travidia.com/rop-ad/4076762

Another Little Havana development. This one starting in the 100's: 1800 ParcView

From todays Herald:
http://img.travidia.com/rop-ad/4076762

Hmm too bad its not taller then you could watch the UofM play from you patio. But at least you dont have to worry about parking if you go.

AGAIN WHY DO YOU QUOTE THE PICTURE WHEN ITS RIGHT ABOVE YOUR POST YOU ARE TAKING UP BANDWITH... SOMEONE TEACH THESE KIDS HOW TO POST....

AGAIN WHY DO YOU QUOTE THE PICTURE WHEN ITS RIGHT ABOVE YOUR POST YOU ARE TAKING UP BANDWITH... SOMEONE TEACH THESE KIDS HOW TO POST....

Your browser caches the image when you first see it. No bandwidth involved.

Still, there is no reason to quote a picture when nobody has posted anything after it. The thread just looks more clean and is easier for other users to read when things are not being over-quoted. Instead you could use ^^ to indicate that you are talking about the previous post and you still get your point across. Also, who would want to watch UM play anyways? :baeh3:

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

Believe It or Not…

… there are some new condo developments priced well below the stratosphere, maybe not in trendy Miami Beach neighborhoods but in the Little Havana area, conveniently located for “workforce” buyers. URBANICE, a joint venture between national development firm Wood Partners and long-time South Florida builder ARKS LLC, is launching three new projects in Miami:

Aqua Briza will be a nine-story mid-rise with 57 one-bedroom condominiums at 637 NW First St., close to the Miami River. Each unit will offer ample living space, European-style kitchens and decorative features. Residents will have a multipurpose clubhouse on site. Prices start at $195,000.

Puerto Nuevo, at 1144 NW S. River Drive, is also close to the Miami River. The nine-story building of 98 one- and two-bedroom units will feature European-style kitchens with energy-efficient appliances and large balconies. Amenities include a meditation garden and a rooftop entertainment sundeck with a barbecue area. Condo prices start at $194,000.

El Colonial, a Mediterranean-style building at 833 SW 13th Court, will have 45 one- and two-bedroom homes that include a large multipurpose room, European-style kitchen, his and hers bathroom vanities, personal storage facility and a terrace. Preconstruction prices start at $205,000. The sales center is at 2550 SW 27th Ave., #101, Miami, 305-444-0708.

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

Another project for the area on the just across the river from Downtown:

http://www.globest.com/news/850_850/miami/158327-1.html

Last updated: February 24, 2007 10:50am
Summer Start Set for 57-Unit Condo Project

MIAMI-Urbanice Modern Life Developers is developing Aqua Briza, a 57-unit, nine-story condominium tower at 637 NW 1st St. Urbanice is a joint venture partnership between locally based builder ARKS LLC and Atlanta-based Wood Partners.

The project will feature one- and one-bedroom with den units ranging in size from 600 to 820 sf with balconies ranging from 120 to 150 sf. Locally based Fortune International is handling sales for the project. Prices for the units start from $195,000. The project is expected to break ground within six months with completion anticipated for the first quarter 2009. The estimated sell-out of the project is $13 million, ARKS development principal Arnaud Karsenti tells GlobeSt.com.

The project will be located two blocks from the Miami River in east Little Havana. It is in close proximity to Downtown Miami and the Government Civic Center. It is also within easy access to Miami’s medical facilities, including Jackson Memorial Hospital, Cedars Sinai, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and the University of Miami Campus and its School of Medicine.

“The project is located in the culturally rich area of Little Havana and caters to the employment centers in the city, such as Brickell and the Financial District,” Karsenti says. “It will cater to young professionals seeking affordable housing.”

Another project for the densifying area to the west of the River. Here is River's Edge which will be 21 stories and 221 feet tall with 300 condos and 11,000 sqft of ground floor retail in the main tower on the west side of North River Dr. On the East side there will be 8000 sqft of restaurants in 2 buildings right on the river. The project goes before the commission for approval next Thursday.

Here are the plans submitted:
http://egov.ci.miami.fl.us/Legistarweb/Attachments/34069.PDF

Another project for the densifying area to the west of the River. Here is River's Edge which will be 21 stories and 221 feet tall with 300 condos and 11,000 sqft of ground floor retail in the main tower on the west side of North River Dr. On the East side there will be 8000 sqft of restaurants in 2 buildings right on the river. The project goes before the commission for approval next Thursday.

Here are the plans submitted:
http://egov.ci.miami.fl.us/Legistarweb/Attachments/34069.PDFThey have made major improvements in Little Havana.I like all the new mid-rise and low-rise condiminiums that have been built.This area has transformed into an exciting and beautiful part of Miami,however there are more improvements to be made.

http://www.carrfour.org/images/VA%20Drawing.JPG

http://www.miamiherald.com/492/story/156365.html

LITTLE HAVANA
Nonprofit building new, cheap housing
A nonprofit development company has begun work on its eighth housing Miami-Dade project designed to provide homes for the homeless and elderly.

BY ANA RHODES
Special to The Miami Herald

At a time when affordable housing has seemingly become an afterthought among builders of high-rise condos and luxury homes, Carrfour Supportive Housing is breaking new ground with Villa Aurora in Little Havana, a project geared for homeless families and the elderly.

''You have a lot of people out there one paycheck away from being homeless,'' said Miami City Commissioner Joe Sanchez, a supporter of the project. ``We want to give them an option so that they won't be on the street.''

Villa Aurora, a 12-story Mediterranean-style building with 76 apartments is scheduled to open in early 2008 at 1398 SW First St. The project will cost $29 million and will include a county library branch catering to Little Havana's elderly Hispanic population.

Thirty-nine units, from two to four bedrooms, will provide permanent housing for formerly homeless families. The remaining 37 units, mostly studios and one-bedroom apartments, will be classified as affordable housing and offered primarily to elderly residents.

Residents will be required to pay about 30 percent of their income toward rent, which works out to between $200 to $225 for the formerly homeless, and about $590 for those in affordable housing units. Those qualifying for affordable housing must earn less than 60 percent of the median income for the area, or an annual income of $28,440 for a family of two.

Homeless residents are required to be drug- and alcohol-free for six months before moving into Villa Aurora. Carrfour will provide support services, including job training and instruction in life skills such as setting up a bank account and paying bills and parenting. A permanent staff will be located on site.

''Housing for the very poor in these communities is sorely needed; it's a hole we try to fill,'' said Carrfour President Stephanie Berman. ``But offering the housing alone is not enough. For these folks to remain housed, they need a safety net of services.''

Low-income elderly residents will pay roughly half the going rent for similar apartments in the area.

''It's unfortunate that many of these elderly were renting rooms in garages to make ends meet,'' said Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Bruno Barreiro. ``This will give them a place of their own, but this is a drop in the bucket in terms of need.''

About $21 million of the funding will be provided by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, a state agency that sells tax credits to developers, who can use them later to reduce the tax bills for their own projects. In this way, Carrfour can avoid massive loan financing, allowing it to offer significantly lower rents to residents.

The balance consists of $3 million from the Miami-Dade Public Library, a $900,000 county loan, a $3 million Housing Finance Corp. loan, and $1 million from the city of Miami.

Carrfour, a nonprofit organization founded in 1993 by the Homeless Committee of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, has built a number of projects throughout Miami-Dade, including the 92-unit Harding Village in Miami Beach, Little Haiti Gateway and Del Prado Gardens.

The Royalton, a 90-unit former hotel at 131 SE First St. dating back to 1923, is being renovated.

The company's first project, Rivermont, near the Orange Bowl, opened in 1998. Company officials say fewer than 5 percent of residents had to be evicted for drug relapses or other difficulties.

''Rivermont House is beyond words,'' said Gerald White, a Rivermont tenant since it opened. ``To go from sleeping on the street to having a place of your own, it's beautiful.''

White said the Carrfour staff has helped him with a host of personal and legal problems, support that has helped him to stay clean for nearly 10 years.

Berman said residents like White are typical.

''Many of the original residents are very active,'' she said. ``The counseling and other services have created a sense of community. These are nice buildings that are well kept. Residents maintain them and take pride in them.''

Nice Dave. Hope to see more developments like that in the future.

Morrisson gets construction Loan (courtesy of bobmiami.com):

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070827005117&newsLang=en

August 27, 2007 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
$85 Million Construction Loan Advances Morrison Mixed-Use Condo in Miami
MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The development partnership of Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund and mFm Construction has secured an $85 million construction loan with Citi Community Capital for Morrison, a 395-residence mixed-use development located just five blocks from Miami’s financial district. Preliminary construction, including land clearing and site preparation, is underway, with a formal groundbreaking slated for later this year. Morrison is expected to open its doors in 2009.

According to Eli Dreszer, a partner with Miami-based mFm Construction, Morrison offers an attainable housing solution to a downtown Miami housing market that has seen escalating home prices rise beyond the means of the average middle-income employee.

“Morrison provides middle-income individuals and families, including public workers such as firefighters, police officers, nurses and teachers, with the opportunity to affordably purchase a residence near Miami’s urban core and live in the community they serve,” said Dreszer. “With more than 50 percent of the development sold, Morrison’s sales success proves there is strong demand for well-located housing at prices middle-income buyers can afford.”

Peter McDougal and Nancy Griffin of Citi Community Capital facilitated the transaction. Miami-based Greenberg Traurig, led by shareholder Joseph M. Hernandez, participated in the closing of the loan as legal counsel for Morrison.

"As a long-standing supporter of homeownership and financial education, Citi Community Capital is excited to be associated with a development that is fulfilling the demand for urban workforce housing near downtown Miami’s job centers,” said McDougal of Citi Community Capital. “Together we will continue to work towards our commitment to make communities better because we are there.”

Homes at Morrison are designed to appeal to the underserved mid-income workforce market and first-time homebuyers, who otherwise have been priced out of the Miami market. Preconstruction prices for one- and two-bedroom luxury residences range from the low $200,000s to high $300,000s. Incentive packages are also available, including the option for qualified buyers to place a five percent deposit towards their home purchase and distribute deposit payments until the start of construction.

Located at Southwest Flagler Street between Southwest 7th and 8th Avenues in Miami’s burgeoning East Little Havana neighborhood, Morrison’s two 19-story residential towers sit atop a six-story parking garage. The mixed-use development will also include more than 30,000 square feet of community-serving retail, 34,000 square feet of professional office space, and 667 parking spaces. It is anticipated that retail uses will include a bank branch, coffee houses, drug store, beauty salon, restaurants, and other neighborhood uses.

The designer-ready residences will feature modern European-style kitchen cabinetry; high-end stainless steel appliances; granite countertops in kitchens and baths; tinted, energy-efficient impact-resistant windows and sliding doors; and large, sleek balconies offering expansive views of bay, river and Downtown skylines.

Additionally, when not exploring Brickell Avenue’s and Downtown Miami’s vibrant entertainment, shopping and cuisine by easily accessible local transit, residents will be able to take advantage of a fully-equipped fitness center, yoga pavilion, two swimming pools, a spa and sauna. Other amenities include a striking club room, multi-purpose room, conference room, and business center with fax, copying and high-speed wireless Internet access. Morrison offers 24-hour concierge services and assigned covered parking with controlled access.

The Morrison Sales Center is located at 1795 SW 3rd Avenue in Miami. Visit www.MorrisonCondos.com or call (305) 860-8801.

mFm Construction is a full-service real estate construction and development firm led by a team of seasoned principals who bring a combined three decades worth of real estate market knowledge, with expertise in development, construction, banking, sales and finance. For the past decade, mFm Construction has set the benchmark for the development of middle-income housing within emerging neighborhoods throughout South Florida. Visit www.mfmcorp.com.

The Canyon-Johnson Urban Funds (www.CJUF.com) are a joint venture between Canyon Capital Realty Advisors and Earvin “Magic” Johnson, formed to identify, enhance and capture value through the development and redevelopment of real estate in densely populated, ethnically diverse urban communities. The Funds’ objectives are to seek current income and capital appreciation and, in addition to meeting investment goals, the fund is committed to providing for and fostering economic opportunities for the residents of the urban neighborhoods in which CJUF invests. With nearly $1 billion in committed equity capital, the fund is positioned to facilitate more than $4 billion in development and revitalization in major U.S. metropolitan areas.

Citi Community Capital is a member of Citi (NYSE:C), the preeminent global financial services company with some 200 million customer accounts in more than 100 countries that provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, insurance, securities brokerage, and asset management. Major brand names under Citi include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney, and Banamex. The Citi Foundation focuses its grants primarily in three areas: building communities and entrepreneurs, financial education, and educating the next generation. Including the Morrison loan, Citi Community Capital has an investment of equity and loans totaling over $460 million in the Canyon-Johnson Urban Funds. Additional information may be found at: www.citi.com.

Noridca on 8th which is to go at SW 8th St and SW 12th Ave goes before the planning board for approval on October 3rd. Its to be 13 stories and 152 feet tall with 387 condos, 4459 square feet of restaurant space, and 11,810 square feet of retail space.

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/2266/ppalr5c2ij1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/6674/ppalr7c6nl6.jpg (http://imageshack.us) http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/3048/ppalr9c2vl5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/1551/ppalr11c2qv0.jpg (http://imageshack.us) http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/2264/ppalr11c6cu9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/9904/ppalr13c2uo3.jpg (http://imageshack.us) http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/193/ppalr13c6hb4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/4601/ppalr15c2dt5.jpg (http://imageshack.us) http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/4800/ppalr15c6fh4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/6610/ppalr17c2dp5.jpg (http://imageshack.us) http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/9791/ppalr17c6mt6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Noridca on 8th which is to go at SW 8th St and SW 12th Ave goes before the planning board for approval on October 3rd. Its to be 13 stories and 152 feet tall with 387 condos, 4459 square feet of restaurant space, and 11,810 square feet of retail space.

DAVE:),
our Best Update Friend,
Did this Noridca Tower project get approved,
and What are the chances of it really getting developed at this Calle Ocho site ???, I hope it gets built, but at 13 floors, it sounds pretty high for this low building area:ohno:.

Also DAVE:),
our update friend,
The Morrison's Two tower project is in a great Location:banana:,
It's about time they torn down many old stores and old businesses in that area around 8th Ave , and S,W , 1st Street. :cheers:

Does Morrison still have a chance of getting built?

Does Morrison still have a chance of getting built?

305 Lover:),
our friend,
Of course it will start now,
with the 85 million dollar construction loan as DAVE's:) Post has it:banana:,
It's a Go here on S.W. 1st Street and S.W. 8th Ave , Northeast Cleared and a huge Hole already dug site.
They tored down everything in sight,
An old Winn Dixie was here 20 years ago, and change it's grocery food chain names many times since,
It's Cleared and Ready to go !!!:cheers:

Noridca on 8th which is to go at SW 8th St and SW 12th Ave goes before the planning board for approval on October 3rd. Its to be 13 stories and 152 feet tall with 387 condos, 4459 square feet of restaurant space, and 11,810 square feet of retail space.

Plans for Nordica On 8th. Goes before the commission for approval on Thursday:

http://egov.ci.miami.fl.us/Legistarweb/attachments/39194.pdf

Does Morrison still have a chance of getting built?

305 i pass by there today and the site dead ... no foundation done or holes ...

305 i pass by there today and the site dead ... no foundation done or holes ...


I was the proiud "owner" of a unit in the Morrison; however their lawyers sent me a letter about a month ago informing me that the project was being cancelled and that I will get my money back. About a week ago, they sent me a letter requesting that I release them from any legal obligation. Once I send the signed letter back, I will get back my deposit with interest.

I should have my check back in a couple weeks. I would have loved to own this property as a vacation home, but with the recent turn in the market, this might allow me to buy a better location at a cheaper price :banana:.

Does anyone know if they are going to actually build the Loft 3? I might be able to get a 2 bedroom on a high floor for about the same price that I was spending at the Morrison:). I still believe in Downtown Miami, and I am looking forward to retiring thier :cheers:.

condos in brickell are going for 160k for 800 sq ft
much better deal

I was the proiud "owner" of a unit in the Morrison; however their lawyers sent me a letter about a month ago informing me that the project was being cancelled and that I will get my money back. About a week ago, they sent me a letter requesting that I release them from any legal obligation. Once I send the signed letter back, I will get back my deposit with interest.

I should have my check back in a couple weeks. I would have loved to own this property as a vacation home, but with the recent turn in the market, this might allow me to buy a better location at a cheaper price :banana:.

Does anyone know if they are going to actually build the Loft 3? I might be able to get a 2 bedroom on a high floor for about the same price that I was spending at the Morrison:). I still believe in Downtown Miami, and I am looking forward to retiring thier :cheers:.

Diagnally across the street from The Morrison Site is a building that is nearing completion called The Ipanema from mFm Construction Group(same as The Morrison) which has several other buildings in the immediate area that are nearing completion..., here's thier website : mfmcorp.com/

Chuck if buildings were built on optimism Miami would look like Manhattan based on yours alone.

NOW READ THIS CAREFULLY

The cost to build a condo unit is higher now than the market driven price of that unit. No one is going to buy a pre construction unit when they can buy a bigger finished one in a better location for less! That means no more buildings going up ok.

I have a distinct feeling your favorite river is The Nile. :bash:

A new proposal for Little Havana. Its "La Quinta y La Ocho" and its to go between SW 8th and 9th Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues (one block west of I-95). Its to be 12 stories, and 146 feet high with 232 residences (192 feet tall to the "top of monument"). It goes before the city commission for approval on the 26th.

http://egov.ci.miami.fl.us/Legistarweb/Attachments/48703.pdf

A new proposal for Little Havana. Its "La Quinta y La Ocho" and its to go between SW 8th and 9th Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues (one block west of I-95). Its to be 12 stories, and 146 feet high with 232 residences (192 feet tall to the "top of monument"). It goes before the city commission for approval on the 26th.

http://egov.ci.miami.fl.us/Legistarweb/Attachments/48703.pdf

ROFL I was wondering what this project was, I've been driving past it for a while, and it topped out about a month ago. Thanks for the post four years ago Dave! I think this is a nice project for the location.

ROFL I was wondering what this project was, I've been driving past it for a while, and it topped out about a month ago. Thanks for the post four years ago Dave! I think this is a nice project for the location.

That's not what's going up at that site. Those are old plans that never got built. It was supposed to be built over the entire block getting rid of the Presidente supermarket. What's being built there now is affordable housing beside the super market.

That's not what's going up at that site. Those are old plans that never got built. It was supposed to be built over the entire block getting rid of the Presidente supermarket. What's being built there now is affordable housing beside the super market.

Thanks UMdev.