Miami=Downtown/ Central Business District III [Archive] - Page 2

FrenchyMiami

November 20th, 2006, 12:32 PM

From Bob 's miami blog http://bobmiami.wordpress.com/

Here’s what a Bob critic had to say recently on the excellent skyscrapercity.com site:
Originally Posted by FrenchyMiami View Post

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.

Roark (the critic) say’s: 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! 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 theCarnival 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.

BOB’s response: Ever taken a walk into the CBD interior at 8PM Roark? Let’s put aside that extremely pleasant walk for Heat fans to the AAA from those far away parking lots at night. I know all too well how pleasant those walks can be: the puddle hopping and mingling with homeless beggars. Between you and I Roark, Heat fans usually go from their cars straight to the game and get out. Sometimes they trickle over to Bayside. The CBD, in its current nightly state, cannot cater to them and isn’t safe. Oh, and those Miami-Dade college night students, which by the way, 164,000 students for all dozen or so MDC campuses throughout the county has little to do with the CBD. It could be that many of the MDC Wolfson campus students hang out in the CBD at night after class. Maybe they go to the shady cafe across N.E. 1st avenue to hang out with the shadowy characters there. With so many dining options, its hard to know what to eat at night when going along N.E. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Avenues.

Roark, I SEE THE REAL CBD. The one that becomes a ghost town at night. The one that’s hard to feel safe in at night. I’m refering to the majority of the area. Not the thin slither of land along the bay that you refer to in almost all your points. I’m not saying that this wont change. I’m saying that it is what it is. Bayside is an isolated shopping/dining/entertainment facility. People park in Bayside garages, go into the facility, get back in their cars and leave. They don’t go around the CBD at night. The PAC and the Grand along with Bay Parc Plaza, in Uptown, do have some residents and tourists that drift outdoors at night; and that area, as I have stated clearly in my past articles, represents huge potential, but even it gets quiet at night

dach2k5

November 22nd, 2006, 03:13 PM

kevinkagy

November 22nd, 2006, 05:41 PM

He's right. I parked just west (1.25 blocks west of Biscayne) of the metrorail for a heat game a few weeks ago. My girlfriend and I stayed a while in the arena. The 1.25 block walk was pretty scary. I've parked 2 blocks west before and left w/ the crowd and it was no big deal, but staying later (and I mean about 45 to 60 min after the end of the game), meant that we were just about the last people out of that parking lot. If you stay right on Biscayne I guess you are ok for a while longer but going west even 1 block is not comfortable for anyone.

It's completely true. When I talk to my friends about going down to downtown just to hang out, noone ever wants to go because they think it's full of bums and empty parking lots. Which I guess is kinda true. Let alone at night, it's not safe and there's nothing to do. But hopefully with the new construction, this will change. Atleast that's what I'd like to see happen.

brickell

November 22nd, 2006, 07:23 PM

I've noticed that just in the last year, there's been a huge influx of people there after hours. I think the Carnival Center is a big reason for this. I can still get my meter spot by the courhouse (free after 6pm) though. It'll take a while. It's time for the restaruants and retailers to step up with some later hours.

Roark

November 25th, 2006, 04:12 AM

Here’s what a Bob critic had to say recently on the excellent skyscrapercity.com site:
Originally Posted by FrenchyMiami View Post True. SSC is a great site!
Frenchy, you should teach Bob how to sign up with a username and password and contribute to it!
Please don't dignify Bob by saying that I'm a critic. I'm no critic of anyone's opinion. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, just not their own facts.
My post in response to Bob's "The Central Business District is Dead" was just to report FACTS and what I experienced the the night that I read his "insights". The CBD was very much alive the day that I posted, and that was a fact.

Again, Bob is missing out on some great invitations if he doesn't participate in the things that are going on in the CBD.
I'm not saying that it's as live as South Beach, but the Central Business District is certainly NOT dead.

FrenchyMiami

November 27th, 2006, 09:21 AM

Not me saying you were a critic my friend Roark my allegiance is still for skyscrapercity.com and ur guys...even though there isn't any competition here and both can survive...

Who knows it might be that, and my guess is, that Bob is already on the forum giving us is imput sometimes..

Go cranes!!

zpcsc

November 27th, 2006, 05:33 PM

We need to give our city some time. I do know it's scary out there specially the further in you go. I usually park at the loft parking lot & it's an o.k. walk, but if you go further in it is scary. I was traveling this weekend & we drove down the Tampa downtown area, it's very nice & bright. Our downtown looks gloomy but in time it will look much nicer. We need to get rid of the old shops & the gloomy roll up shutters that owners put up to keep their shops safe. We need to bring in good retailers & make the place feel lively & look pretty like every other downtown in major cities. Another good lively downtown is in Atlanta, but they have the restaurants that people enjoy visiting at all hours. We don't have anything yet. I do hope they have a good plan, if not many people will be dissappointed!!!

FrenchyMiami

November 27th, 2006, 05:43 PM

Yep that s why i always believed in midtown miami cause it is much easy to start it all over from scratch than bring people to clean up the historic mess created downtown...

Roark

November 28th, 2006, 07:02 PM

Who knows it might be that, and my guess is, that Bob is already on the forum giving us is imput sometimes..
Hmmm....does anyone notice that you never see Bob and FrenchyMiami in the same place at that same time....:dunno:

arch photographer

November 28th, 2006, 07:05 PM

ROARK !?! LOLOLOLO You're hilarious! We gotta go for beers. I don't care if fairweather friend pays.

Roark

November 28th, 2006, 07:38 PM

We need to give our city some time...... Our downtown looks gloomy but in time it will look much nicer. We need to get rid of the old shops & the gloomy roll up shutters that owners put up to keep their shops safe. Agreed, those shutters give the perception that it isn't safe, and makes things look dark and uninviting. The Downtown Partnership had a grant to pay for merchants to install those roll down gate things...you know the ones that you can see through? Great program, not sure why all the merchants didn't go for it.
There have been some excellent improvements lately and much more to come. For example, the two way Flagler and streetscape project.
Within the next few days, the Downtown Development Authority will unveil the Downtown Master Plan.
We don't have anything yet. I do hope they have a good plan, if not many people will be dissappointed!!! There is a plan. I'd disagree with we don't have ANYTHING. In the 2 blocks north and south of Flagler there is a Macy's, Ross, Marshall's, one of the biggest diamond exchages in the WORLD, the Gusman Theatre, Starbuck's, lot's more.
(Don't even count the 150 retailers at Bayside).
One of these days, I'll put together a walking tour of the CBD. But this week, I'll have to leave the beach for a Wed meeting at One Biscayne Towera and then a little dinner and drinks at La Loggia (http://www.laloggiaristorante.com/), a Heat/Pistons game on Thursday maybe Bongo's (http://www.bongoscubancafe.com/miami/home.html) for dinner, and an excellent performance (I'm sure) of UPWAKE at the Carnival Center on Friday and dinner at Karu & Y (http://www.karu-y.com/).
Would I like more options? Of course, but to say that there isn't ANYTHING now is incorrect.

Rx727sfl2002

November 29th, 2006, 04:42 AM

skip on dinner at Karu & Y. the food sucks the space is amazing but they need a better chef. i flushed 2000 dollars down the drain last week on mediocre food.

dave8721

November 29th, 2006, 07:56 PM

Article on whats been going at behind the Freedom Tower. They've been shoring up the foundation before handing it off to MDC.

http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/061130/story7.shtml

rider_of_rohan

November 29th, 2006, 11:22 PM

skip on dinner at Karu & Y. the food sucks the space is amazing but they need a better chef. i flushed 2000 dollars down the drain last week on mediocre food.

Um what on earth would you spend that much on? Hell I ate like a king the other day, and the food was fantastic, cost me $25.

doubleroll

November 29th, 2006, 11:50 PM

skip on dinner at Karu & Y. the food sucks the space is amazing but they need a better chef. i flushed 2000 dollars down the drain last week on mediocre food.

I hope that included a nice bottle of Bordeaux or Masseto :cheers:

Roark

November 30th, 2006, 01:07 AM

skip on dinner at Karu & Y. the food sucks the space is amazing but they need a better chef. i flushed 2000 dollars down the drain last week on mediocre food. I've heard the same...I've only been for the drinks. Maybe tonight after the Case D'Cor thing, I'll go to Mike's in the Venetian...now that's some good eats!

Rx727sfl2002

November 30th, 2006, 03:01 AM

it was for a bday dinner party overall the place is great and its worth it just to experience the great design aspect of it all

Roark

November 30th, 2006, 05:44 AM

Okay...It's Casa Decor...and it is really nice.
Someboday tell Bob to get off the playstation and head to the CBD/Omni area and check out the non-deadness on a Wednesday.

With some respect to the Biscayne Corridor....Michy's was packed at 9:00pm...the food and service was fantastic.
Of course, 69th Street is a far cry from Midtown, but it is worth the trip on the Metromover to check it out. :)

umiami305

November 30th, 2006, 06:08 AM

I'm not sure who suggested checking out Finnegan's On The River, but what a great place. I went there for the first time this past Friday and was very impressed! The atmosphere was awesome and the eye candy was first class. Not to mention the people partying on the back of the 2 cigarette boats docked alongside Finnegan's. What great potential Downtown has if more establishments like this pop up along the river. You could bar hop to each one.

Cincinnati has a very good riverfront alongside both sides of the Ohio river. People bar hop all the time. They even close some of the bridges off so the masses of people can use them to cross over the river and party some more. :cheers2:

Xzayvier

December 4th, 2006, 05:03 PM

Hey guys, I'm behind Boom or Bust (Bob): Miami. I don't often post here and had actually lost my password. I do regularly read SC posts posts, because I know how much of an asset all the contributions here are. My blog is just a place where i can communicate my view of what is happening in Miami in a way that I can fully control and organize. I simply want to do my part in letting the world know that Miami is making urban development history. And by the way Roark, I think you misunderstood me, because my main objective is to report on Miami's historic rise not mischaracterize the city as being dead or unsafe. I have read many of your posts and consider many of them to be good reads. I, like all of you, am extremly excited with whats going on and want nothing more than to see everything come to fruition. Now back to business, I thought I'd share my view of the CBD's Jewelry District--I've tried posting pics but have not been able to, for the full article with pics go to http://www.bobmiami.wordpress.com:

A Closer Look at the CBD: Jewelry District
http://http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/xzayvier07/DSCF1882.jpg
A Global Neighborhood
Miami’s Jewelry District is not often talked about. Considering how important a hub for jewelry it is throughout the region, it probably should. Miami-based international jewelry distributors supply jewelry stores in St. Maarten, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Mexico, North, Central and South America. Miami’s Jewelry District is one of the most important in the country due to its influence throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. In the neighborhood, you can find loose rubies, emeralds, peridots, aquamarines, and tanzanite at, for example, Ruben’s House of Stones or Royal Gems, in the Seybold Building. In the Jewelry District, Lebanese, Iranians, and Syrians do business with Jews from around the world. English, Spanish, Hebrew, Russian, Arab, Farsi, Urdu, Mandarin and Hindi are spoken by business owners. Vendors from throughout Asia fly-in and meet with existing and prospective clients. Everyday, FedEx, UPS, and DHL trucks clog up the streets due to the heavy volume of jewelry exports and imports from throughout the world.
http://http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/xzayvier07/DSCF1894.jpg
Everything Jewelry
You can find coral strands, South Sea, Tahitian, and Akoya pearls, Cartier watches, diamond tennis bracelets, natural fancy colored canary diamonds, and just about any other rare stone or material used in jewelry. A Hip-Hop producer or professional athlete can buy himself a 32-inch diamond tennis chain with 155 individual ½ carat diamonds set on platinum. Gold is prepared in labs at places like Atomic Gold in the old Foremost Building, now One Flagler. There is more silver in A.G.M. Mfg. than anywhere else in the Florida, at least. Gold chains hang from racks by the hundreds look and like cascades of gold. The entire jewelry industry is represented in the District. There are stone setters, gold mixers, diamond vendors, mold-makers, engravers, polishers, casters, gemologists, watch-makers, pearl stranders and they all do business for the jewelers. There are suppliers for neckpieces , gift boxes, jewelry trays, diamond paper, scales, tweezers, testers, loupes, and just about any piece of equipment or tool related to jewelry. The Miami Jewelry District is the primary supplier for jewelers in Florida and the Caribbean. OroGemma, Accar ltd., Nemaro, Coral and Stone, Michael’s, Ely-M, Metro Gold, Haimov, A.G.M., Diamond Club, Freddy’s Diamonds, Carrion, and Hidalgo are among the most important jewelers in the Southestern U.S. The area, although not large, is filled with activity and is commercially well-established. Not all stores sell to the public.
http://http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/xzayvier07/DSCF1881.jpg
Neighborhood Composition
The Seybold Building, built in the 1920’s, is the most popular shopping venue with over 280 jewelry businesses and serves as the center of Miami’s Jewelry District. Other establishments to note are Metromall, the International Jewelry Center, the Flagler Jewelry Center, Dupont Building, and there are jewelry stores throughout the area. The Seybold Building has valet parking. There is a garage on N.E. 3rdstreet. The neighborhood is three blocks east of Biscayne blvd. 50 Biscayne, Everglades on the Bay, the Lofts I and II and Met 3 are a short walk away. Capitol Lofts at the Security Building and Flagler First are in the center of the District and are both historic restorations being converted into condominiums. The area will probably become more upscale and retail-oriented as time passes. As it is, the neighborhood is no Fifth Avenue, but given the amount construction, diamonds, jewels and gold present in the area, the District will rapidly evolve and draw more attention than ever before.
http://http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/xzayvier07/jewelerydistrictcollage.jpg
The Ifs and Buts
If the Marlins stadium gets built north of the Stephen P. Clark Center, then it will create a hugely positive effect only a few blocks away from the Jewelry District’s heart. There are plans for City Tower on N.E. 3rdStreet. Lynx is two blocks south, but the project is up for sale. There are some Jewelry shopping facilities that were planned but never opened (The Jewelry Center at 1st and 1st) , there is a new one that was opened but is still mostly vacant (International Jewelry Center), there are several that are a bit old and under-maintained (Metromall and Commonwealth Building) . Flagler One, the old Foremost, is now selling office/condos. The new developments on the north of the Miami River (Mint, Wind, and Ivy) are about two and half blocks south. There are rumors that Jorge Perez’s Related Group has plans for the parking lot west of the Metromall on N.E. 1st street, which if proved to be true, would mark his most interior development in the CBD; a sign of major progress for the neighborhood. Currently, no Related Group acquisition has been entered into the books, but given his Loft I and II projects and the potential Marlins Stadium in the far west interior, it wouldn’t be surprising if Mr. Perez did spearhead a more westward development effort in the CBD. It is important to note that Macy’s has their largest Miami store in the Jewelry District. Although it isn’t new, it is huge with multiple floors and can be easily revamped to become its flagship Miami store by riding the neighborhood’s development wave. All the new projects within and around the Jewelry District will provide more shoppers for the District. The sidewalk and street improvements are already benefiting the area as is the new landscaping and palm tree lighting. Currently, the area has no nightlife whatsoever. Maybe that will change after buildings nearby get topped off, new residents occupy the area, and stores and restaurants stay open till later.
http://http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/xzayvier07/JD.jpg

FrenchyMiami

December 4th, 2006, 05:49 PM

Welcome around Bob...

Roark

December 4th, 2006, 05:51 PM

I'm not sure who suggested checking out Finnegan's On The River, but what a great place. I went there for the first time this past Friday and was very impressed! :cheers: That was me!! With all the great photos that you make 305, I'm guessing that you might take your camera next time! It's pretty lively on weekend days too.

Xzayvier

December 4th, 2006, 06:35 PM

I've been on SC for a couple of years. I just read more than anything else. Thanks for the welcome though Frenchy ;)

Roark

December 4th, 2006, 06:40 PM

Hey guys, I'm behind Boom or Bust (Bob): Miami.
Great post! The Jewelery District is a very overlooked component of our CBD.
And it is very true that the Macy's is very large store with MetroMover access directly into the building. That was the first Burdine's in South Florida and was just across the Miami River from Mary Brickell's first settlment.
You are absolutely correct that a new stadium will breath more life into the area.
What I think to be more crucial to enhance the life in the CBD is more housing. Viola!! They are closing and under contruction right now!
The population within one mile of the city center is 30,719 with a worker population of 110,000 and student population of 20,000 and 10,000,000 visitors per year (yes, 10 million visitors).
110,000 workers and only 30,000 people living in the same area is disjuncted. With more housing, catered to the types of jobs located in the CBD, traffic becomes LESS of a problem and services will be enhanced.
They just can't build the buildings fast enough!!!
On Saturday, I had a conference in the Miami Dade County courthouse, then walked over to Churchill's for a shave. It was packed...no way to get a hot towel shave without an appointment. I went shopping and came back hoping for a cancellation...got it! The barber told me that since the new condos have opened, it has been really busy there, and i should start making appointments. This is a great sign of things to come.
Currently, the area has no nightlife whatsoever. Maybe that will change after buildings nearby get topped off, new residents occupy the area, and stores and restaurants stay open till later.
I really take exception to this. There IS nightlife. I, like the Downtown Development Authority, consider the Central Business District to be the area north of the Miami River extending north to I-395, bordered on the east by the bay and the west by I-95.
Sidenote: With the CBD, the Related Group has developed 896 units at One Miami (that is lot!!!), 50 Biscayne, Loft I, Loft II, and is working on Loft III.
The CBD is home to the only 24 hour Entertainment District in Miami-Dade county.
The CBD is home to Bayside which has millions of visitors annually.
Several Tuesdays ago, I had dinner in the CBD, went to the Carnival Center for a play, then went to the Eric Clapton Concert at the American Airlines Arena. Some people might consider that nightlife, some might not, but there are only a hand full of cities in the US that can boast those offerings on a Tuesday.
Really..."no nightlife whatsoever" is subjective...but still, it isn't really describing the CBD accurately.

For better understanding of the ofter misunderstood CBD check out this video (http://www.miamidda.com/media/DDA-DanaVideo_WMV-363k.wmv)from our friend Dan Nottingham!

Xzayvier

December 4th, 2006, 08:20 PM

Roark, I couldn't post photos on here but on BOB: Miami I have a map where I geographically define the Jewelry District as being more or less centered around the Seybold Building. I consider One Miami to be in the Financial District, although it is a short walk away from the Jewelry District. So when I say that "the area has no nightlife whatsoever" I'm specifically referring to the area around the Seybold building and not areas along Biscayne Blvd. or Bayside, because then I would be flat out wrong. So you're right, the area does have nightlife, just not immediately surrounding the Seybold Building in the CBD interior. I, too, feel like Macy's is a critical component of the area, which can become an upscale shopping district if the cards are played right.

Paul305

December 4th, 2006, 10:25 PM

To post images that are already hosted by another source, just right-click the image and select "Copy Image Location." You can then click the "Insert Image" button in the message window toolbar and paste the image into the menu that pops up. If the image has not yet been hosted then you need to go to an independent image-hosting website like www.flickr.com or www.photobucket.com. By the way, here's the image you had mentioned:
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/xzayvier07/JD.jpg

Xzayvier

December 4th, 2006, 11:51 PM

Thanks Paul. I host my images at photobucket and tried inserting the image by copying the url to the insert image window, but nothing. I'm obviously doing something wrong. In any case, the area around the Seybold, E. Flagler, N.E. 1st, and 2nd streets along with NE 1st and 2nd avenues, in and around the Jewelry District, comprise the area that is underdeveloped in terms of having any type of nightlife (open restaurants, bars, clubs, lounges, etc). In the CBD, the nightlife currently exists along the Boulevard and in Parkwest. I want to emphasize, the word "currently" because this will likely change as Mets 1, 2, and 3, Mint, Ivy, Wind, Loft II, EOB, and 50 Biscayne, among others are built. Lynx, doesn't look like it merits too much consideration at this stage, but if the lot and plans are sold and developed, it would make a huge difference as well.

Let me try again with Congressman Tancredo:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/xzayvier07/moron.jpg

Roark

December 5th, 2006, 01:21 AM

Okay, I follow you now BOB. I've been in the habit of sticking with the boundries defined by the Downtown Develeopment Authority about a decade ago for the districts and submarkets. Everything north of the Miami River, including One Miami, and south of the inner loop (about 8th street I think) of the Metromover is the CBD. The Jewerly District is a submarket of the CBD.

The DDA is the authority that oversees the TIFF money that helps fund the improvements and incentives to business in the area. To simplify for those not working for developers or urban planners, these special districts are set up to enhance zones by "capturing" excess property tax revenue from some baseline year.
In other words, if the area gave $4 million to the county in 1999 and has generated $6 million this year, the same $4 million would go to the county, but the $2 million would stay within the boundries of the zone for enhancements and improvements.
The DDA area extends from 15th Rd in Brickell and extends to where the Metromover terminates as the North boundry. Biscayne Bay on the east and roughly I-95 to the west. Major trade missions, business incentives, and development assistance is offered by the DDA and that is one of the main reasons that 4 years ago, I suggested to clients to invest where this opportunity was available.
The four districts are the Brickell, Central Business District, Park West, and the Entertainment District.
Checking out the website offers some great information www.ddamiami.com or you can even stop in to their offices in the Wachovia Tower and they can provide you with economic development assistance. As far as I know, this is the only area in the city of Miami to have such a service.

Roark

December 5th, 2006, 01:30 AM

Here an article from a recent South Florida Business Journal....
'Trouble in Paradise' gets sequel'
South Florida Business Journal - December 1, 2006by Susan Stabley

Larger Worries about risk never seem to go away when it comes to Miami.
The city's downtown was considered a huge risk when Related Group broke ground in 2003 on twin bayfront towers at the mouth of the Miami River.
"It wasn't like buying in Brickell," said Alicia Cervera Lamadrid, the leader of One Miami's sales team.
Unlike the city's nearby financial corridor, which is recognizable as a brand name to many Latin American buyers, Miami's downtown was unproven in the residential real estate market, Cervera said. "People were afraid to walk in the downtown. There were very significant issues."
Even then, there were discussions about a bubble and daring flippers seeking quick returns without ever closing.
"I clearly remember being told: 'You are crossing into unknown territory. Remember that the pioneers take all the arrows,'" she said. "I would envision being in a stagecoach every time I crossed the Miami River."
Three years later and One Miami is finished. Last month, every one of its 896 units officially closed for a $288 million sellout, Related Cervera Realty Service (RCRS) announced.
"After all those sleepless nights, it was painless," said Cervera, who expects to see similar results in closings at other Miami projects. More... (http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2006/12/04/story4.html?t=printable)

arch photographer

December 5th, 2006, 02:16 AM

well all that being, I am happy for all involved and hope their investments take them far. It's too bad however that One Miami looks nothing like the renderings that sold the units to the buyers, and now that the less than outstanding building is complete I bet that a lot of those buyers who thought they would have an ultra cool glamorous Miami condo to sell are not happy now that they are left with the concrete block with green and, what, mauve stripes going up the side. I know they have a disclaimer about renderings, but I think the developers and architects should not be allowed to market gross misrepresentations of their projects. They really sold a bill of goods with those renderings. Light that mother f___ing thing up, would you?!

Meepy

December 5th, 2006, 03:08 AM

One Miami is another great example of a ugly rendering, then building a disgusting building, and it's taking up premium land. Every time I see it I swear I wish it would just erase it, it's so ugly I'm angered even while just typing this to see this disgusting thing taking up 1 of the CBD's best spots. I would of loved to see a steel and glass office tower in that prime land. :bash:

spellbound

December 5th, 2006, 07:21 AM

MAH45462

December 5th, 2006, 08:52 AM

Agreed, those shutters give the perception that it isn't safe, and makes things look dark and uninviting. The Downtown Partnership had a grant to pay for merchants to install those roll down gate things...you know the ones that you can see through? Great program, not sure why all the merchants didn't go for it.
There have been some excellent improvements lately and much more to come. For example, the two way Flagler and streetscape project.
Within the next few days, the Downtown Development Authority will unveil the Downtown Master Plan.

I believe all new construction/new retail stores must replace the shutters with the new-style, but I am not positive.

Xzayvier

December 5th, 2006, 08:56 PM

Even if merchants acquired the new roll down shutters, they are bound to get spray painted over anyways. Any major city you visit has the same problem in its urban core. I just wish hours of operation exceeded 6pm in the interior. I'm based out of the CBD and I can tell you that even at 9am around half of the shutters are still rolled down—especially with jewelry stores, which often times open at 10am and close at 5pm.

There is a positive with One Miami, it has a very attractive illuminated crown at night. Other than that, the design is rather disappointing and the colored horizontal streaks are downright tacky.

umiami305

December 5th, 2006, 10:23 PM

Hey, maybe they could convert to some type of bullet proof glass, that could withstand the force of various objects. Just an idea! I'm guessing the cost would be a problem.

umiami305

December 7th, 2006, 01:39 AM

Miami-Dade College downtown tract draws interest
By Dan Dolan

http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/061207/story2.shtml

umiami305

December 7th, 2006, 01:46 AM

rider_of_rohan

December 7th, 2006, 03:46 AM

I saw a banner hanging on a building in the CBD on 2nd ave near all The Loft buildings that said MIAMI CITY TOWER. Im not sure if this is old news or not? I posted the website below.

http://www.miamicitytower.com/

I remember that building coming up a long time ago also. If they havent done anything since I would be they arent going to.

Roark

December 7th, 2006, 07:43 AM

Even if merchants acquired the new roll down shutters, they are bound to get spray painted over anyways. So, you don't know what I'm talking about.
I'm not talkling about roll down "shutters". I'm talking about the fence type things. You will see them on about one half of the stores on Flagler. They can not be spray painted and you can see through them to window shop even when the store is closed.
To repeat, there was a grant to buy these for merchants and many opted not to take advantage of the program.
To anyone that says that the city is doing nothing, this is yet another example of public/private partnership taking a leadership role to enhance our quality of life.

Of course, you can't please all of the people all of the time and 2 out of 5 people will be against everything all of the time.

Great to know that you have a vested interest in the Central Business District BOB!!! We will all be counting on you to take action and be a part of the solution!

mileageman

December 8th, 2006, 05:38 PM

Mixed-use development gets $210.29M
South Florida Business Journal - 9:56 AM EST Friday

Three phases of the Riverfront West development in Miami's central business district has received $210.29 million in financing.

The Miami office of Holliday Fenoglio Fowler said it arranged the package, which includes The Mint, a to-be-built, 52-story luxury condominium tower, and two additional development parcels totaling 1.7 acres.

HFF said the borrower is Key International.

The company said Corus Bank provided a $191.8 million adjustable-rate construction loan for Mint development, while Ocean Bank provided an $18.49 million adjustable-rate land financing to refinance land parcels III and IV of the Riverfront West planned development community.

Riverfront West is a 6.92-acre, mixed-use project to have four buildings with direct access and frontage along the Miami River.

HFF said The Ivy, currently under construction, is the first phase of the project. It is to have a 504-unit residential condominium tower with 12,000 square feet of retail condominiums.

HFF said it arranged construction financing for The Ivy last year.

Due for completion in February 2009, The Mint (Phase II) is to offer 535 one-, two- and three-bedroom units averaging 1,156 square feet each, plus 12,126 square feet of retail space.

The Mint is to be at Southwest Third Street and South Miami Avenue, with 900 feet of water frontage along the Miami River.

http://southflorida.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2006/12/04/daily59.html?surround=lfn

Toucano

December 9th, 2006, 02:21 AM

There was an insert in today's herald about MET...

MET Square was redesigned and looks a heck of a lot better...More glass and a much more modern looking structure...

The Marriott Marquis is listed as a 40 story building, so it should balance out with MET 1's lack of height pretty well...

The insert also states that MET 2 has begun construction...

Meepy

December 9th, 2006, 03:14 AM

This is some of the best news I've heard come out of the MET project in a long time. Ty for this, I seriously wanted to stop reading this thread because of all of the depressing news. I want to see some pics of the Met 2 construction site :)

Alex_F

December 9th, 2006, 11:36 PM

Hey guys, looks like we've been wrong all this time about what a good thing it is for Miami's skyline to now be joining the ranks of America's other major cities. Here's a letter to the editor published in today's Miami Herald that sets us straight. Maybe we should invite him to join our forum here...

Posted on Sat, Dec. 09, 2006

Glut of condos

Fred Grimm's Dec. 8 column, The filthy rich make our home unaffordable, was right on target -- as far as it went. It is obvious to most Miamians that their city is being destroyed by out-of-control high-rise construction.

However, Grimm did not go far enough. It is all well and good to decry the destruction of Miami, but let us not forget that behind each high-rise project lies a callous disregard for the future. It makes little difference who lives in these monstrosities of architectural trash. What matters is the destruction of our quality of life.

Rich or poor, people are people. They all make trash, clog our streets with more cars and overtax our already-strained infrastructure. It's particularly disturbing that institutions such as The Miami Herald and Mercy Hospital are contributing to this disaster by providing land for developers to replace needed open space with vertical sardine cans stuffed with people.

EUGENE P. ROSSENTHAL, Miami

Roark

December 10th, 2006, 05:13 AM

What matters is the destruction of our quality of life.
EUGENE P. ROSSENTHAL, Miami Yeah...okay EUGENE.

Rx727sfl2002

December 10th, 2006, 05:14 AM

ANOTHER MORON

SO ITS SAFE TO SAY THAT WE SHOULD PAVE THE EARTH WITH SUBURBS AND ENDLESS ROADS THAT LEAD INTO THEM.... HOW MANY SEWAGE LINES WILL WE NEED THEN TO TAKE CARE OF THAT MESS? PEOPLE JUST DONT GET IT CITIES ARE THE ONLY HOPE FOR NOT PAVING OVER THE REST OF THE WORLD.

DGM

December 10th, 2006, 05:50 AM

The guy also overlooks an obvious alternative solution, building up our infrastructure. Besides he makes a few ridiculous assertions, that the trash created by residents of towers is a growing problem and that parking lots are needed open space. I have no evidence to support this statement but I would be willing to guess that downtown residents create less trash/waste than suburban residents. They also utilize public transportation which means they also probably use less energy and tax the only public infrastructure that he probably cares about, roads, much less than suburban residents. This guy needs to get with the program and accept that urban growth is everywhere and possibly the solution to many of the world's problems.

umiami305

December 11th, 2006, 11:38 PM

Has anyone noticed the white pavers they used to re-do the side walks on both sides of Flagler St. in the CBD.

Is it just me or does anyone else think that was a dumb idea?

There already filthy, and covered with stains and black gum wads. They might as well just left them the way they were.

It would have been much smarter and probably cheaper to use the red concrete sidewalks like they have all over South Beach. Not to mention more appealing.

Well anyways, just something I was thinking about.

Xzayvier

December 12th, 2006, 12:03 AM

I have to reply to that ridiculous article by Rossenthal. As far as high rise development is concerned, Miami is catching up to most other major urban centers. The difference is that Miami will surpass most of them before 2010. Still, primarily with respect to the environment, highrise development is good. In fact, vertical urban sprawl preserves nature from land consumption. I wrote this on my blog a while back http://bobmiami.wordpress.com/2006/10/25/vertical-urban-sprawl-preserves-environment/

MAH45462

December 12th, 2006, 09:31 AM

On the retail development side, downtown Miami now has it's first CVS/pharmacy. The location is on 150 Southeast 3rd Avenue, right behind were Met2 will rise. The store is open 7AM-8PM. Always nice to see national chains expand into the central business district. The store occupies 15,000 square foot of retail space on the base of a low-rise apartment building. Walgreen's has two CBD stores, so CVS/pharmacy will break their monopoly. A little dissapointed with the signage, though. I was hoping they would do something awesome like the store on Lincoln Road.

Also, a new Cingular Wireless store has opened at 250 Southeast 1st Street.

I think the next 2-3 years are going to be awesome for retail in the central business district. There is a reasonable amount of open space, and national retailers are slowly going to start coming in. The CBD needs another big name, affordable brand to open a store in the area to go with Macy*s. I think the CBD is screaming for a Zara store. Zara just opened a stand-alone store on 6th & Collins. It would be great if the CBD is next. Maybe takeover part of the old Jordan Marsh location next to Macy*s.

Rx727sfl2002

December 12th, 2006, 11:00 AM

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/2913/met1112206abv1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/1245/met1112206byu5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/2185/met1112206czt0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

FrenchyMiami

December 12th, 2006, 01:44 PM

what building is that Rx? looks alike midtown4...

miami1

December 12th, 2006, 03:58 PM

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/jcmrls1293/1164965870279396.jpg

Something is definetely going on the Met II site. From the Wachovia cam I can see construction workers and a crane moving some steel beams...its hard to tell from the angle of the cam.

miami1

December 12th, 2006, 04:08 PM

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/jcmrls1293/1164965870280127.jpg

Here is a better angle from the Four Seasons cam, I can't get it to focus right but you can see the crane, construction workers, dirt being moved...again another tower we need, lots of glass. Someone posted a few days back that construction had started, but with so many false starts in the past, oh well I guess its true!...:cheers:

MIAballinboi

December 12th, 2006, 11:03 PM

only if met 1 kept rising...

rider_of_rohan

December 12th, 2006, 11:30 PM

only if met 1 kept rising...

Yeah, no doubt. Would be nice if they would add another 10, 15, 80 stories :banana:

brickell

December 13th, 2006, 11:07 PM

Here comes more nightlife. This should lighten up the mood over at One Miami.

http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2006/12/04/daily7.html?surround=lfn

"Their flagship Prime Blue Grille is to open in the downtown area's One Miami building, at 315 S. Bayshore Drive."

Roark

December 14th, 2006, 01:04 AM

"Their flagship Prime Blue Grille is to open in the downtown area's One Miami building, at 315 S. Bayshore Drive." Nice...it just keeps getting better everyday! Another dining option 3 blocks from a MetroMover stop.

spellbound

December 14th, 2006, 02:06 AM

Yeah, no doubt. Would be nice if they would add another 10, 15, 80 stories :banana:

Maybe they could erect a 500-foot addition to Met1 that plays a video salute to the FAA? :lol:

I'm going to be down there in a week. Maybe I'll just avert my eyes when I get close to One Miami and Met1. What a waste of PRIME space...aaargh!

rider_of_rohan

December 14th, 2006, 04:53 AM

Maybe they could erect a 500-foot addition to Met1 that plays a video salute to the FAA? :lol:

I'm going to be down there in a week. Maybe I'll just avert my eyes when I get close to One Miami and Met1. What a waste of PRIME space...aaargh!

They can put a motion sensative light on one of the towers in Miami that would turn on when planes fly over and then a light will follow the plane and everyone will boo :nuts:

umiami305

December 14th, 2006, 05:48 AM

They can put a motion sensative light on one of the towers in Miami that would turn on when planes fly over and then a light will follow the plane and everyone will boo
^^
Hah! LOL, I like that! rider_of_rohan,

spellbound

December 14th, 2006, 09:41 AM

They can put a motion sensative light on one of the towers in Miami that would turn on when planes fly over and then a light will follow the plane and everyone will boo :nuts:

Either that or accordian-style tops that can compress whenever a flight is near. They could leave the upper floors vacant or lease them only to residents and/or office workers who are able to pass a rigorous physical exam proving their ability to run downstairs (and then back up) on a moment's notice.

Seriously, though, why IS the FAA so damn anal about Miami? Unless the airport was secretly relocated to approximately the intersection of Flagler St. and NW 10th Avenue, they have GOT to be kidding with these dumb height restrictions.

rider_of_rohan

December 14th, 2006, 05:08 PM

Either that or accordian-style tops that can compress whenever a flight is near. They could leave the upper floors vacant or lease them only to residents and/or office workers who are able to pass a rigorous physical exam proving their ability to run downstairs (and then back up) on a moment's notice.

Seriously, though, why IS the FAA so damn anal about Miami? Unless the airport was secretly relocated to approximately the intersection of Flagler St. and NW 10th Avenue, they have GOT to be kidding with these dumb height restrictions.

I have been thinking about that too. Why are they so worried about Miami over and above other cities. I mean its not like San Diego where you can throw a rock and hit the planes from buildings near by, or Las Vegas where the airport is just a few blocks off the strip. Why do they trouble Miami so much?

kmia

December 15th, 2006, 01:04 AM

I have been thinking about that too. Why are they so worried about Miami over and above other cities. I mean its not like San Diego where you can throw a rock and hit the planes from buildings near by, or Las Vegas where the airport is just a few blocks off the strip. Why do they trouble Miami so much?

that is a good question!!! because in the 16years I have been living here I have never seen planes going this close to the cbd
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g268/khst_2006/747.jpg
:bash: :ohno:

Roark

December 15th, 2006, 05:53 AM

that is a good question!!! because in the 16years I have been living here I have never seen planes going this close to the cbd
Flight Sim X Rocks!!!!!!!!!:banana:

arch photographer

December 15th, 2006, 06:49 AM

http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/341/img5003gx0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Well I wouldn't want them to clip this beauty

BornInTheGrove

December 15th, 2006, 07:53 AM

is the blue protective covering still on the glass and windows?

arch photographer

December 15th, 2006, 07:59 AM

Yes. I don't know what color the glass is going to be.

Rx727sfl2002

December 15th, 2006, 10:24 AM

the glass is supposed to be clear white from the original plans

FTL Beach Bum

December 16th, 2006, 12:47 AM

that is a good question!!! because in the 16years I have been living here I have never seen planes going this close to the cbd

It's not the takeoffs, but the landings...specifically to the west. Here's everything you need to know.

ILS or LOC RWY 27 Approach (http://204.108.4.16/d-tpp/0705/00257IL27.PDF)
ILS or LOC RWY 30 Approach (http://204.108.4.16/d-tpp/0705/00257IL30.PDF)

The first diagram represents both the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Localizer (LOC) approaches to MIA's runway 27 (the southernmost parallel runway when headed westbound), and the second diagram represents the ILS and LOC approaches to runway 30 (the "crosswind" runway when landing to the northwest). To understand what they're showing, take a look at the first chart. When on the full ILS approach (both horizontal and vertical guidance provided), the procedure calls for crossing the Outer Marker at 1,552 feet when perfectly centered on the glideslope. The Outer Marker is located 4.6 nautical miles from the runway threshold, and it is represented on the chart by the radio beacon labeled "KEYES" (which just so happens to be located somewhere immediately due north of the CBD).

The problem, though, is when you're not perfectly centered on the glideslope. Even though the glideslope beam is only 1.4 degrees thick (0.7 degrees from dead center to full-scale deflection of the pilot's indicator needle), when you're 4.6 nautical miles away from the transmitter, this small amount translates into an altitude difference of hundreds of feet. But exactly how much?

Well, we said that when you're 4.6nm away, immediately north of the CBD, you're only at 1,552 feet when perfectly centered on the glideslope (emitted at an angle of exactly 3.00 degrees above the horizon in the case of this approach). If you were just at the lower edge of the beam, essentially indicating a full-scale deflection of the indicator needle, this means you're 0.7 degrees below the center of the beam, and 2.3 degrees above the horizon. Using a little trigonometry, if you're 4.6 nautical miles away from the runway, and on a flight path only 2.3 degrees above the horizon, then you're only at an altitude of 1,189 feet! And that doesn't yet account for any vertical separation minima from buildings or other structures on the ground, nor taking into consideration the fact that this same deviation effect can also occur if you're at the full-scale edge of the horizontal guidance beam (the Localizer), which happens to be about three and a half times wider than the vertical beam!

If you take this possibility of an aircraft flying at worst-case scenario, IE just at the very lower edge of a full-scale Glideslope (vertical) indicator needle deflection, and just at the very outer edge of a full-scale Localizer needle (horizontal) deflection, you can see why the FAA is so restrictive to the immediate vicinity of Downtown Miami: Because with regard to either of the above two approaches into MIA, an aircraft in such a situation flying at already only approximately 1,100 - 1,200 feet above the fringe of the CBD or Brickell Financial District would be waaay too close for comfort if they were to wander just a little farther off course/altitude with anything taller than the FAA's already approved of in the vicinity.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but unless MIA is demolished and moved elsewhere with runways not pointed in that direction, our dreams of a supertall in Downtown Miami is never going to happen. It is what it is...

DGM

December 16th, 2006, 12:54 AM

So, what about Brickell? Is it in the clear?

BornInTheGrove

December 16th, 2006, 02:09 AM

.... and with that said, i hearby set forth the montion to move MIA West past Miccosukee

Bobdreamz

December 16th, 2006, 02:15 AM

^ thanks for crushing our hopes & dreams with a pile driver!

elisokool16

December 16th, 2006, 04:19 AM

kindof stupid to argue over but the glass is actually a light blue tint, not as dark as the glass. trust me, i intern at oppenheim's office

FTL Beach Bum

December 16th, 2006, 06:35 AM

So, what about Brickell? Is it in the clear?

Negative, same exact issue; see the second chart, but substitute the aircraft going too far to the right while approaching Runway 30 instead of too far to the left while approaching Runway 27. Here's an overlay to get a better understanding of the whole story:

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/4186/cbdbfdot3.jpg

Bryan

DGM

December 16th, 2006, 11:00 PM

Ok... so only Sunny Isles and Dadeland are in the clear... :(

spellbound

December 17th, 2006, 05:20 PM

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but unless MIA is demolished and moved elsewhere with runways not pointed in that direction, our dreams of a supertall in Downtown Miami is never going to happen. It is what it is...

Unwelcome news, needless to say, but thanks for providing the factual details. To my knowledge, you're the first person to do so.

I suppose a few of us suspected all along that supertalls just weren't in the cards for Miami because of the FAA. This confirms it.

But even if Miami won't be playing with the big boys, the city can still develop a memorable future skyline. It'll just have to be based more on design and density than height.

I wonder what the actual height ceiling for Miami is, anyway? I'm guessing it's in the 850-900 range, but that's purely speculation.

Bobdreamz

December 17th, 2006, 09:03 PM

^ somebody posted a FAA height zone map of the downtown/Brickell area before and the highest elevation showed 950 feet in the central CBD.

FTL Beach Bum

December 17th, 2006, 11:37 PM

I suppose a few of us suspected all along that supertalls just weren't in the cards for Miami because of the FAA. This confirms it.

Indeed. But it's not as if the FAA has some sort of vendetta against Miami, or that it provides certain favors to Atlanta because of its Southern Regional Office location (which some have mentioned in the past), or any other city for any other reason. It's simply doing its job: To ensure the safety of air navigation.

---

Now to those that ask the question regarding the proximity of other large airports to their respective cities, you need not look any further than comparing the runway alignments to the downtown highrise districts:

-LAS (Las Vegas) may be just on the edge of The Strip, but all four runways point almost perpendicularly from the direction of the action.
-SAN (San Diego)'s sole runway isn't that far off from perpendicular either.
-BOS (Boston)'s runway 9/27 is the only one that's close, but the point is moot because there isn't even a published instrument approach to it from the direction of downtown.
-LGA (New York-La Guardia)'s runway 4/22 simply parallels Manhattan, and 13/31 only comes close to areas where no one would want to build a major skyscraper anyway.
-EWR (Newark)'s runways 4L/22R and 4R/22L also parallel Manhattan, and runway 29 doesn't have a published instrument approach.
-JFK (New York-JFK) is simply too far from the action for it to be anywhere near a bother.
-MDW (Chicago-Midway) is also too far, and ORD (O'Hare) is even farther. Meigs, while it was right on the edge of downtown (and still a tragedy to this day), paralleled the lake shore.

And as for that city which some people here have grown to hate...Not only are all of ATL's runways completely perpendicular to the direction of downtown Atlanta, but the airport itself is over seven miles away from the city center! The last city that needs any favors from the FAA is Atlanta. ;)

Let's put that accusation to sleep for once and for all...

Oh, and if you *really* need someone to blame for Miami's skyscraper woes, don't blame the FAA; Again, they're only doing their job. The real culprit? Drumroll please...

Pan American Airways.

That's right folks, it was our old favorite airline who purchased a small tract of land near Miami Springs, built a terminal, two hard-surfaced runways, concrete aprons, two hangars, and opened Pan American Field in 1928. We now know it today as Miami International Airport.

Take care.

Bryan

Roark

December 18th, 2006, 06:44 AM

-MDW (Chicago-Midway) is also too far, and ORD (O'Hare) is even farther. Meigs, while it was right on the edge of downtown (and still a tragedy to this day), paralleled the lake shore. Oh yeah...what a very sad day for GA when Daley fired up the bulldozer in the middle of the night.

spellbound

December 18th, 2006, 10:49 AM

Oh, and if you *really* need someone to blame for Miami's skyscraper woes, don't blame the FAA; Again, they're only doing their job. The real culprit? Drumroll please...

Pan American Airways.

That's right folks, it was our old favorite airline who purchased a small tract of land near Miami Springs, built a terminal, two hard-surfaced runways, concrete aprons, two hangars, and opened Pan American Field in 1928. We now know it today as Miami International Airport.

Take care.

Bryan

Easily the most comprehensive and informative post I've ever seen regarding the "why's" of Miami's height restriction, Bryan. Thank you.

Quite honestly, I don't have a rebuttal. It is what it is and there's not much sense in arguing for supertalls versus your real data and knowledge. It just isn't gonna happen...obviously.

I guess what we do---as skyscraper fans and Miami fans---is exhale, accept it, and move on.

Miami can do PLENTY with great design---density---and planning, even if the excitement of genuine height is now removed from the equation.

spellbound

December 18th, 2006, 11:22 AM

^ somebody posted a FAA height zone map of the downtown/Brickell area before and the highest elevation showed 950 feet in the central CBD.

Let's hope a developer goes that high (WITHOUT balconies) and puts up a signature office tower with that kind of presence. Maybe that barrier could be broken with a decorative "spike?"

Yeah...I know...no way (sigh). Aaaargh. Damn airport.

At least Miami has a logical REASON that prevents supertalls from happening.

Here in Philadelphia, the Comcast Center is going up rapidly. It's a behemoth....a steel and glass giant that's already up to about 800' on its way to 975. It's gorgeous and fun to watch every day getting built.

But what moron decided to stop so close to 1000? Isn't that the "accepted" standard of a supertall...at least this week?

Then again, why bitch. It's not gonna be the Chrysler Building, y'know?

This is a weird city. Don't get me wrong, if you're an urbanist you'd pretty much automatically LOVE Philadelphia, but even here---in America's first big town---they sometimes seem all too willing to take a backseat to New York.

975??...c'mon. Break the bank. Would New York launch missiles over another 25-30 feet?

rider_of_rohan

December 18th, 2006, 11:34 PM

Well Miami doesnt have a 900 footer now so one that size would be great. I know everyone wanted a super tall but I think aiming for just a new tallest should be the short term goal. Met 3 even if only 817 feet would be the new tallest and a nice addition to the skyline. After that then aim for a little taller, and so on. This boom has done great things for the skyline and a new tallest would be icing on the cake. Filling in a few holes in the skyline would be nice too, but plans are in the works for that as well. So be happy, things are not so bad.

arch photographer

December 19th, 2006, 12:31 AM

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/662/skylinetl7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Agreed Rider! This skyline is shaping up quite nicely. To the right of Blue we will still be getting Midtown buildings, Kubik, and Unika, hopefully. Even though they may only be 15 stories, Miami is so flat, you'll see them from everywhere. And they are all good designs. Where we can see the cruise ships on the left of the image will stand Island Gardens which will be beautiful. It seems to me that the area most in need of a dramatic expression is Edgewater. It is coming together with Blue and Onyx and Star Lofts, and Platinum, but Onyx 2 or Platinum on the Bay or Element, or even Soleil is what it really needs.

900Biscayneguy

December 19th, 2006, 12:59 AM

Wow!!!

Great photo. Thanks!

arch photographer

December 19th, 2006, 01:03 AM

I HOPE THAT ALL OF THESE NEW BUILDINGS ARE GOING TO HAVE GREAT LIGHTING, SO THAT THE NIGHTTIME VIEW GLOWS WITH THE BEAUTY IT DESERVES. YOU KNOW THOSE RENDERINGS ALL SHOW BEAUTIFUL LIGHTING SCHEMES. BLUE HAS A NICE GRID OF LIGHT ON THE BACK SIDE OF THE BUILDING, BUT NOTHING ON THE FRONT SIDE. IT SURE WOULD BE NICE, TO HAVE SOME LIGHTING GESTURE ON BLUE THAT COULD BE SEEN AS YOU CROSS THE CAUSEWAY. EVEN ONE LINE THAT SHOWS THE CURVE OF THE BUILDING?!

mileageman

December 19th, 2006, 04:57 AM

RockResorts Increases Luxury Portfolio With Addition of Marquis Hotel & Spa in Miami, Florida

BROOMFIELD, Colorado, December 18 /PRNewswire/ --

- Spacious Hotel to Set New Standard for Luxury in the Heart of Miami's Cultural Renaissance

RockResorts International, LLC, a luxury hotel company based in Broomfield, CO and wholly-owned subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN), announced today that the 56 room and suite Marquis Hotel & Spa in Miami, Florida has been added to its collection of high-end properties. RockResorts will manage the hotel, scheduled to open in February 2009, under a long-term management contract with its owner Leviev Boymelgreen Developers of Florida. RockResorts is currently providing technical consulting services during the development and pre-opening phases of the project.

Marquis Hotel & Spa, A RockResort will be part of Marquis, a 67-story luxury condominium-hotel complex, designed by renowned architectural firm Arquitectonica. Each of the 56 spacious guestrooms and suites, which range from 500 square feet to 1100 square feet, feature sweeping water views of Miami's Biscayne Bay. RockResorts will also manage the full service spa and fitness center, a fine-dining restaurant and bar, and meeting space. The project is located within walking distance of Miami's new US$446 million Carnival Center for the Performing Arts and minutes from the American Airlines Arena, beaches, restaurants, and shopping.

"The Marquis Hotel will set a new standard in luxury for visitors to Miami, a city already known for its world-class accommodations," said Rob Katz, CEO of Vail Resorts. Katz continued, "We are extremely excited about opening a RockResort in the middle of the tremendous re-birth of the Bicentennial Park area in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. RockResorts caters to guests seeking distinctive luxury experiences, and having a RockResort in the new cultural center of Miami clearly meets that high standard."

"RockResorts' experience in unique, high-end hotel and spa developments was a perfect match for our project, and we're thrilled to be making this announcement," said Andrew B. Hellinger, President of Leviev Boymelgreen Florida. Hellinger continued, "The RockResorts collection speaks to a sophisticated, inquisitive traveler and our location in the heart of downtown Miami's renaissance is something RockResorts guests will be excited about."

http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=186929

umiami305

December 19th, 2006, 09:02 AM

Everglades on the Bay

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k253/umiami305/everbay-2k6-11-1.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k253/umiami305/everbay-2k6-11-2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k253/umiami305/everbay-2k6-12-3.jpg

dave8721

December 19th, 2006, 07:36 PM

No Hilton for Overtown:

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/16273044.htm

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
Lyric Promenade plan for Overtown withdrawn

A $90 million-plus mixed-use project slated for Overtown won't happen, the latest casualty of the region's slumping condo market.

BY MICHAEL VASQUEZ
mrvasquez@MiamiHerald.com

During the go-go days of Miami's condo boom, it became a symbol of how just about anything was possible.

Lyric Promenade: a $90 million-plus mixed-use development in Miami's long-forgotten Overtown neighborhood, one that promised the area's first new hotel -- a Hilton -- in decades.

Well, never mind.

Citing Miami's saturated, slumping condominium market, the developers behind Lyric Promenade told city leaders Monday that the project -- planned for land owned by Miami's Community Redevelopment Agency -- simply couldn't be done.

City commissioners, who act as the board of the CRA, voted to seek new proposals from any developers interested in the land, framed by Northwest Eighth and Ninth streets between Northwest First and Second avenues.

More than a year and a half ago, Lyric Promenade's sales pitch to the city was the following: 160 condos starting at $225,000, 150 affordable rental units, and a 149-room Hilton Garden Inn. The city would receive $3.5 million for selling the land.

John Hall, one of the project's principals, said in an interview with The Miami Herald that the local real estate slowdown -- coupled with Lyric Promenade's lack of a waterfront address -- raised questions about whether the condo portion could lure buyers.

''The developer risk level was no longer viable,'' Hall said of the condominiums, adding, ``It's sort of like a Rubik's Cube -- you move one piece and it affects all the others.''

Should other developers express interest in the land, city leaders will likely choose a new proposal early next year.

Overtown was once a vibrant business and cultural hub for Miami's black middle class, boasting numerous hotels and no shortage of entertainers clamoring to stay in them. Since the end of segregation, however, the neighborhood has struggled to reinvent itself.

In the 1960s, white politicians offered ''urban renewal'' that required plowing through the heart of Overtown to build Interstates 95 and 395 -- an act from which the community never fully recovered.

The Lyric Promenade project was supposed to rise on land adjacent to Overtown's historic Lyric Theater.

The nonprofit Black Archives -- owner of the Lyric Theater -- was a partner in the development plans. The Black Archives stood to gain parking as well as a guaranteed revenue stream from the project.

City leaders on Monday said they hoped whatever idea replaces Lyric Promenade is compatible with the old theater.

''It's important that the history of African Americans in this town is not lost,'' said City Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones.

Roark

December 21st, 2006, 02:13 AM

No Hilton for Overtown:

Well that is great news for the community "leaders" that delayed that project because it would "price out" the current residents.
More than a year and a half ago, Lyric Promenade's sales pitch to the city was the following: 160 condos starting at $225,000, 150 affordable rental units, and a 149-room Hilton Garden Inn. The city would receive $3.5 million for selling the land.
Now those community "leaders" can see what will happen when nothing happens there for another 10 years. Hopefully in that time, the community followers will realize how ridiculous their community "leaders" are and start following new people that understand economic development principles.
It's such a shame...the people that need the most help follow the people that can never help them.

DGM

December 22nd, 2006, 04:00 AM

Hey,

Check out this link! http://www.fecr.com/bayfrontPark/index.htm

Will One Bayfront Plaza be Miami's signature building?
Here's a blown up version of that thumbnail:
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/3909/onebayfrontplazaqo8.jpg

Toucano

December 22nd, 2006, 04:37 AM

Old news, DGM...

BornInTheGrove

December 22nd, 2006, 08:14 AM

at least he gave us a blown up pic.

wiki

December 23rd, 2006, 04:49 PM

skyscraperhighrise

December 24th, 2006, 03:01 AM

umiami305

December 24th, 2006, 06:56 AM

Guys, I'm not trying to be rude, but is it really necessary to quote the picture twice, now we have three exact images all within a post of each other, more or less. Its repetitive and wastes space on our server, which is pretty fragile to begin with.

Paul305

December 27th, 2006, 06:49 PM

Mint construction from the Wachovia Financial Center (12/26/06):
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f125/paulmoor/Mint_Construction_12-27-06.jpg?t=1167241574

arch photographer

December 29th, 2006, 09:17 PM

http://img455.imageshack.us/img455/3769/marinabluepk4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/7594/marinablue2zn4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I can't get enough of looking at these, and can't wait for Marquis to join the crowd as well as Paramount Park and Liberty Square

Bobdreamz

December 29th, 2006, 09:55 PM

I wonder why Arquitectonica didn't bother encasing the backside of Marina Blue & Blue with glass instead of exposed balconies & paint.

Architek

December 30th, 2006, 12:06 AM

So hott, i love the wall-so much glass and so beautiful unlike other buildings in brickell, you guys know which ones. Arch good pictures like always.

Bob, the reason why the balconies are open in blue and marinablue has to do more with many than anything, the open hallways dont count against the buildings square footage, less square footage =less impact fees and other taxes, so in a financial way its very good for the developer, for the architect- its a bit of a headache.

rider_of_rohan

December 30th, 2006, 12:28 AM

What floor is Marquis on now?

900Biscayneguy

December 30th, 2006, 03:06 AM

WOW!!! ARCH,

Love those pics. 900 is really zooming up. Thanks! If you have anymore, would love to see them.:) :banana: :banana: :banana: :) :cheers:

dave8721

December 30th, 2006, 05:41 AM

What floor is Marquis on now?

7/8 (check the webcam updates thread, its in there from today)

Rx727sfl2002

December 30th, 2006, 07:06 AM

900 REACHED ITS HALFWAY POINT THIS WEEK...

THE REMAINING TOWER WILL BE DOUBLE WHAT YOU SEE NOW ON THAT PICTURE...

arch photographer

December 30th, 2006, 07:21 AM

MORE THAN DOUBLE what you see in that photo! that was Dec 10. But I fly in again on New Years Day, I'll surely be shooting some more.

arch photographer

December 30th, 2006, 07:25 AM

Ten Museum Park, which everyone here knows I LOVE is going to be dwarfed by 900. It is gonna be like the kid on the playground with a bunch of bullies hovering over him. May be smaller, but it has plenty of good looks. Anyone know how old Luis Revuelta is? What nationality? Cuban? I want to see Cielo and Saxony and Lanai.

Toucano

December 30th, 2006, 07:48 AM

I'm very disappointed by the back of Marina Blue...

doubleroll

December 30th, 2006, 06:37 PM

Bob, the reason why the balconies are open in blue and marinablue has to do more with many than anything, the open hallways dont count against the buildings square footage, less square footage =less impact fees and other taxes, so in a financial way its very good for the developer, for the architect- its a bit of a headache.

So you mean you walk out of the elevator onto an open hallway and then to your apartment? Could be bad during stormy weather...:ohno:

I really like the building otherwise and was thinking of taking a look at it next month. :bash:

VisionMIA

December 31st, 2006, 02:31 AM

How's everyone! my first post! yeeaahhh!!!

I have questions..maybe you guys can help answer.. sorry if these questions were answered in previous threads.. not sure..don't remember..

1. 900 Biscayne is listed in the Miami Herald at 649 ft. SSP.com has it listed at 712 ft..Who's right? either way it would make Miami's new third tallest behind Four Seasons Millenium Tower and Wachovia for now..

2. Four Seasons I thought was 789 ft. SSP.com says it's 776? everyone else in the world says 789. which one is right?

3.Met 3.....yeah I have a dream it will be built!!! 866 is the famous number for it's height... Emporis says 828 ft.. But the Met website says 817? typing error? you tell me..When Shaq came on board it said all over the world it'd be 866.. hopefully they didn't lie to the world...

4.finally last but not least...One of the Capital towers is listed on SSP.com at 57 floors. counting it's spire would make it 806 ft. does it's height still stand?? or did the FAA Miami haters put a chop on it too!! if not! technically Capital would be the tallest building in the MIA thanks to it's spire. until the building of my dreams gets built...

Architek

January 1st, 2007, 06:47 PM

1. 649ft
2.789ft
3.i dont even think that mdm the developers know the height...
4. its not 806ft, originally it was proposed at 800ft, but now its around the 600ft mark.

Dale

January 1st, 2007, 09:50 PM

Wonder if it is possible, given the delay, that there will be designs improvements made to Met 3 as there were to Met 2 and Met Square ?

LIVEFROMTHE305

January 2nd, 2007, 09:42 PM

ARKITEK, HOW BOUT YOUR WRONG, LOSER

900 WILL BE 712' FT

AND CAPTIOL WILL HIT 800' FT WITH SPIRE

dave8721

January 2nd, 2007, 10:15 PM

ARKITEK, HOW BOUT YOUR WRONG, LOSER

900 WILL BE 712' FT

AND CAPTIOL WILL HIT 800' FT WITH SPIRE

Actually, 900 is to be 649 feet (they lowered to satisfy the FAA) and Capital is also to be 649 feet (including spire), also to satisfy the all powerful FAA. 900 being lowered to 649 feet came from the developers mouth himself (you would think he would know better than you wouldnt you?) and Capital was permitted by the City at 649 feet.

Toucano

January 2nd, 2007, 11:28 PM

Watch the insults there buddy...

Architek

January 3rd, 2007, 12:01 AM

ARKITEK, HOW BOUT YOUR WRONG, LOSER

900 WILL BE 712' FT

AND CAPTIOL WILL HIT 800' FT WITH SPIRE

I love it when people try and correct me...lol, the only two people on this board who probably know more about miami developments are dave and rx....so don't try and be a genious buddy.

VisionMIA

January 3rd, 2007, 12:21 AM

there is enough violence in Miami as it is..... Marquis still at 679ft. no news of the FAA on chopping this one yet. right?..as the way it looks it won't top till new years 08'

Rx727sfl2002

January 3rd, 2007, 12:48 AM

LAST I RECALL CAPITAL WAS GOING TO BE AROUND THE SAME HIEGHT AS INFINITY I & II AND THAT WAS WITH A SPIRE WITHOUT SOURCES INFRONT OF ME I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THE TALLEST WONT GO PAST 725FT AND THE SHORTEST WAS AROUND 650FT...

I DO RECALL THEY HAD ISSUES WITH THE ORIGINAL PROPOSED HIEGHT AND THE SPIRE...AND THAT IS WHY IT WAS SHORTENED.

MIAballinboi

January 3rd, 2007, 08:30 AM

lol livefromthe305, youll insult would be worth it if they really rose that tall!!

stupid faa

Rx727sfl2002

January 3rd, 2007, 11:03 AM

"HELL HE COULD INSULT ME IF THEY REACHED THAT HIEGHT"

I WISH!!!!!!!!!!!! THAT WOULD MAKE THAT LITTLE AREA VERY ICONIC

Displaced Miami Man

January 3rd, 2007, 11:25 AM

Its funny how we all want all these buildings to be tall but lets be honest, we are getting buildings that are reshaping our downtown. I mean hey, if capital is going to be around 725 then we should be happy.. because they are getting built!! Its been rough with all the losses we have had recently as far as cancellations but to see these beauties rise, no matter how tall, is a good thing. Hell, if Infi I & II are in the 700' range as well as Cap then think what that area will look like. Something like 3-4 buildings with that height at the southern end of the skyline where there was nothing before (Four Seas, Cap, Inf I & II). This is a good thing for sure!!

Rx727sfl2002

January 3rd, 2007, 02:50 PM

DONT FORGET COLUMBUS CENTER TOWER

AND CORAL STATION EMPTY LOT JUST SOLD AGAIN..... OPPS DID I JUST LEAK THAT PIECE OF INFO OUT...

Toucano

January 3rd, 2007, 06:40 PM

kevinkagy

January 3rd, 2007, 07:23 PM

It would still suck however if the buildings don't have good street-level interaction to generate much better pedestrian activity...

EXACTLY! I think that's much more important than the height of the tower. If a city has no life then what's the point? I'd rather have smaller towers with a bustling city-life than a dead city with a few tall towers.

Paul305

January 3rd, 2007, 07:37 PM

RX, are the new owners of the Coral Station development more or less likely to move foward with the plans?

Dale

January 3rd, 2007, 08:04 PM

Meanwhile, Panama City is just kicking Miami's ass in terms of numbers of highrises, helght and design. And I say this as a big Miami booster.

Can't attest to street interaction though.

spellbound

January 3rd, 2007, 09:19 PM

Meanwhile, Panama City is just kicking Miami's ass in terms of numbers of highrises, helght and design. And I say this as a big Miami booster.

Can't attest to street interaction though.

Hey, LOT'S of cities are kicking Miami's ass in the height department. Even freakin' Nashville is going to join the 1000' club...let alone all the countless projects in bigger cities.

That's just the reality of the situation thanks to the FAA. Nothing we can do about it.

So while there's always going to be a bit of an "envy" factor over not being able to have something that others do, let's hope that Miami at least becomes a real leader in QUALITY design---which the city has had only mixed-results with in the past.

Sure, the really tall stuff would be magnificent but no use crying over it. What happens at street level is just as important, though, and Miami can put its energy into ensuring that those dynamics DO happen.

Dale

January 4th, 2007, 06:44 AM

Dale

January 4th, 2007, 06:45 AM

Please understand that I'm speaking out of frustration ... on Miami's behalf. Start knocking our socks off! Miami designers!

Roark

January 4th, 2007, 06:43 PM

Its funny how we all want all these buildings to be tall but lets be honest, we are getting buildings that are reshaping our downtown. For me, the height is only icing on the cake. Skyscrapers are symbols to elevate man's spirit, and to me symbols of optimism and commerce. The number of lives that the construction of a skyscraper effects initially, and the number of lives effected as people occupy skyscrapers has an very powerful impact.
Skyscrapers in a community is a worthy goal and more important than individual isolated talls is their grouping.
From a big picture logistical standpoint, I'd much rather have 800ft skyscrapers that are 12 minutes commute to an International Airport than a 1,000ft skyscraper that is 45 minutes from an International Airport.

Meepy

January 4th, 2007, 07:52 PM

^^
To tell you the truth, I would perfer the 1000ft skyscraper. I just really wish Miami could have just one at least just one signature tower.

brickell

January 4th, 2007, 08:19 PM

From a big picture logistical standpoint, I'd much rather have 800ft skyscrapers that are 12 minutes commute to an International Airport than a 1,000ft skyscraper that is 45 minutes from an International Airport.

I'd rather have both, but I agree with you. MIA is way too important to our economy to start crying because we won't get a supertall downtown.

BornInTheGrove

January 4th, 2007, 10:34 PM

i just got back from spending new years in vegas. did u know their airport (McCarran International Airport) is located literally less than 5 minutes away from the Strip.

Dale

January 4th, 2007, 11:27 PM

And somehow that didn't stop Vegas from approving the 923' Ivana. And it's my uinderstanding that even the 1,888' Las Vegas Tower has a fighting chance.

Oh, and of course I left out the Stratosphere Tower at 1,149'.

spellbound

January 5th, 2007, 01:53 AM

The airport proximity versus supertall thing isn't always an either/or proposition. It's all about where the airport is relative to the downtown core and unfortunately for Miami, those flight patterns just don't allow real height.

For example, here in Philly I live very close to Center City and the airport is only about 20-minutes by car or a 30-minute train ride away. It's no more inconvenient than MIA would be to a downtown Miami resident (less so, actually, because you don't have to rely on ground transportation). Yet because the airport's geographic position doesn't interfere with the business core there's no height restrictions---as evidenced by the 975' Comcast Center under construction.

It's pretty obvious by now that Miami won't have any buildings of that height, which is a bummer, but at least that doesn't preclude having a dense, vibrant core that would make downtown a far more appealing place than it currently is.

That's probably where our focus should be...rather than pining for things we can't have.

spellbound

January 5th, 2007, 02:12 AM

But that's what I'm saying. Panama City is getting better designs IMO. It would be one thing if Miami was stunted by the FAA, but was getting groundbreaking designs. But in my view, the vast majority of highrises in this cycle fall in the 'safe' category, with few of the knock-your-socks-off variety, Capital Plaza being one of the few notable exceptions.

I agree, Dale. I recently returned from spending the holidays in South Florida and spent a LOT of time driving around downtown and Brickell...more than I have in at least two or three years. While all the construction and blatantly increased density was genuinely exciting to see, I'd be less than honest to say that most of the architecture is anything really special.

I think the handicap is that it's overwhelmingly condos rather than office construction. It just seems to be the nature of such buildings (balconies, etc.) that they don't really lend themselves to truly exciting designs except in rare instances. Office towers just seem to pack more bang for the buck and offer increased design possibilities.

Still, that's no excuse for something like One Miami...which is just crap...or Met1 which is both waaay too small for that site and completely uninspired. Whatever the limitations condos may present, they can certainly look a helluva lot better than THAT (i.e. 10 Museum).

Here's hoping there's an office boom (or even a boomlet) to flesh out the look in the future. The skyline needs it.

DShoost88

January 5th, 2007, 03:45 AM

I agree w/ you Spellbound. I mean do we want to turn into another Sao Paulo, Brazil? Their skyline is saturated with condiminiums/apartments, most of which generally the same height, as far as the eye can see... yes it may be cool if that many people lived in South Florida, but megatropolises have their drawbacks.

Even today, the Wachovia building has a breathtaking affect on the Skyline, as does the Bank of America tower. And how can I forget the Espirito De whatever building by the Four Seasons (excuse me for not remembering the name). If 1/5 of the new scrapers in Miami were office and/or developed by the same people as any of those buildings, Miami would really have that umph missing from the skyline. Maybe we can learn a few lessons from up there in Philly...

Dale

January 5th, 2007, 05:10 AM

Except that the vast majority of Panama City's 120 or so highrises u/c are condos too. And dozens of them have knock-your-socks-off designs.

Now, to be fair, it's not just a Miami thing. While much of the rest of the world pushes the design envelope, American cities in general are still going pinstripe conservative. In Miami's case, I would say 'elegant'. At least that much.

Roark

January 7th, 2007, 06:16 PM

It's pretty obvious by now that Miami won't have any buildings of that height, which is a bummer, but at least that doesn't preclude having a dense, vibrant core that would make downtown a far more appealing place than it currently is.
That's probably where our focus should be...rather than pining for things we can't have. Nicely put :cheers:

arch photographer

January 7th, 2007, 09:05 PM

http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/8560/miamiredsl2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

There are lots of good things to have other than Height. And I still think that a signature Tower could be created, without it having to be 1000 feet.

arch photographer

January 7th, 2007, 09:09 PM

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/1013/miamiredho3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Bigger is nice too.

Meepy

January 7th, 2007, 09:38 PM

You took that photo? really nice man.

arch photographer

January 7th, 2007, 09:48 PM

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/7424/bwviewju0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I CAN'T I CAN'T I CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF THIS CITY. GETTING READY TO LEAVE YESTERDAY AND I STARTED GETTING TOTALLY PISSED OFF AT MYSELF. I HAVE GOT TO FIND A JOB AND MOVE TO MIAMI!!!!!

rider_of_rohan

January 7th, 2007, 11:24 PM

Nice pictures Arch. Where do you live now?

arch photographer

January 7th, 2007, 11:35 PM

http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/2373/biscaynewallhn4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

In NYC which was great. I think everyone should live in NY in their 20's but I'm ready for a better quality of life. The level of design, is quality of life to me. and the weather light beach etc etc

dave8721

January 10th, 2007, 02:44 PM

One Bayfront Plaza & Loft III go before the UDRB on January 17th:

http://www.miamigov.com/planning/pages/Boards/JANUARY%202007%20AGENDA.pdf

Rx727sfl2002

January 10th, 2007, 07:08 PM

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/3368/miami01et2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

kevinkagy

January 10th, 2007, 10:00 PM

I hope they get approved and built. Loft III would also bring affordable yet beautiful housing to the area, which is always good.

Bobdreamz

January 11th, 2007, 01:35 AM

One Bayfront Plaza & Loft III go before the UDRB on January 17th:

http://www.miamigov.com/planning/pages/Boards/JANUARY%202007%20AGENDA.pdf

great news dave!..only a week away & a lot sooner than I thought. Meanwhile World Empire hasn't even filed.

DShoost88

January 11th, 2007, 01:37 AM

That's a beautiful rendering. If only it were a reality a few years down the road. It's amazing how every scraper is necessary to complete the skyline.

Bryan-Sereny

January 11th, 2007, 01:40 AM

I hope they get approved and built. Loft III would also bring affordable yet beautiful housing to the area, which is always good.

Not only has Loft 3 been approved, but it has been mostly SOLD OUT!! Yup! Almost sold out! THe funny thing is that these buyers could have bought at a lower $/sq ft at Loft 1 or Loft 2 which are all basically the same!

Bryan-Sereny

January 11th, 2007, 01:44 AM

great news dave!..only a week away & a lot sooner than I thought. Meanwhile World Empire hasn't even filed.

For those of you that know the developer, this is but a formality!

Its nice to be JP!

Originally Posted by dave8721 View Post
One Bayfront Plaza & Loft III go before the UDRB on January 17th:

http://www.miamigov.com/planning/pag...7%20AGENDA.pdf

Architek

January 11th, 2007, 01:47 AM

are you serious?
I know jorge's stuff gets fast tracked through approvals but i still thought it was still a legal process...guess not

Bryan-Sereny

January 11th, 2007, 02:13 AM

are you serious?
I know jorge's stuff gets fast tracked through approvals but i still thought it was still a legal process...guess not

call the sales office and you will see they are close to beign sold out!

Architek

January 11th, 2007, 02:18 AM

well that wouldn't surprise me, wasn't a waitlist created after loft 2 soldout

Roark

January 11th, 2007, 05:19 AM

are you serious?
I know jorge's stuff gets fast tracked through approvals but i still thought it was still a legal process...guess not :You're correct Architek. Perez's stuff goes through fast because he is a professional and he knows what he is doing. It is a legal process.
And believe me, it is not worth the bad press for Related to operate any way except for above board.
If you want a concrete example...check out the story of the genius inspector that tried to shake down the Apogee project manager for a bribe. Related put on a wire and gave the ole kiss my ass. The inspector is doing time.

Rx727sfl2002

January 11th, 2007, 07:02 AM

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/3368/miami01et2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

FrenchyMiami

January 11th, 2007, 02:49 PM

Rx very nice my friend..

good project always find buyers quickly..there is a lot of money out there..

Shadadon

January 11th, 2007, 05:45 PM

call the sales office and you will see they are close to beign sold out!

Hello Bryan,

You were right!!

I called the sales office, and they said they only had a few two bedrooms left on the lower floors for the high 300's. The bad thing about these units are that they have little or no view and are at the Metro Mover level. They are scheduled to break ground in June and deliver in the fall of '09.

I also called the sales office at the Morrison. They just opened their 2nd tower, and they have quite a few units remaining with 1 bdrms remaining for as low as $238. They said that the building is "8" blocks from Biscayne Blvd.

rider_of_rohan

January 11th, 2007, 05:52 PM

RX that picture is sweet :D

JR79

January 11th, 2007, 06:31 PM

RX, nic pic, but I'm not sure exactly what it is showing. Are they renderings for any specific projects? I can't really make out any of the 4 buildings of the 'Miami Wall' on that pic.

Rx727sfl2002

January 11th, 2007, 06:40 PM

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

50 BICAYNE
EVERGLADES ON THE BAY
1 FREEDOM TOWER CONDO
1 PARAMOUNT PARK TOWER
1 900 BISCAYNE
1 MUSEUM TOWER
1 MARQUIS TOWER
2 TOWERS ON THE MIAMI HERALD PROPERTY
1 OMNI MALL TOWER

Architek

January 11th, 2007, 09:25 PM

Just drove by the biscayne wall, marinablue is almost complete with the protective covering being taken off the blue side balconies, greenside is still not complete, and the lofts on the bottom are now starting to rise, ten museum is also peeling off its protective glass coverings and the groundfloor is starting to get spruced up although not alot since biscayne is underconstruction, and marquis is doing a facade test, looking at the north side they have three windows put up, color is similar to 900 biscayne....

900Biscayneguy

January 11th, 2007, 10:04 PM

DGM

January 18th, 2007, 12:30 AM

Tonight at 7pm one bayfront plaza and loft III go before the Planning Advisory Board. I'm interested to see what they think of one bayfront plaza's proposed height.

Architek

January 18th, 2007, 09:17 PM

planning board was last night....i stopped watching it because they had a 2 hour discussion on affordable housing, and i got bored

Bryan-Sereny

January 20th, 2007, 04:08 AM

Nice story! Hahahaha.... Miami is like the wild west!

:You're correct Architek. Perez's stuff goes through fast because he is a professional and he knows what he is doing. It is a legal process.
And believe me, it is not worth the bad press for Related to operate any way except for above board.
If you want a concrete example...check out the story of the genius inspector that tried to shake down the Apogee project manager for a bribe. Related put on a wire and gave the ole kiss my ass. The inspector is doing time.

hello345

January 20th, 2007, 04:23 AM

I sure hope Met 2 goes forward, and dosn't stall like met three! I love met 2's design!

Bryan-Sereny

January 20th, 2007, 04:30 AM

Met2 Ground Breaking Party was a just a few weeks ago!

I sure hope Met 2 goes forward, and dosn't stall like met three! I love met 2's design!

Paul305

January 20th, 2007, 04:44 AM

I sure hope someone takes a picture of Met 2's progress... They started piling weeks ago and should be pooring the foundation soon. The Miami Herald webcams don't have a view of the site anymore because Plaza got too big.

Architek

January 20th, 2007, 04:51 AM

PASSED by today its just a giant pit....so far

Roark

January 20th, 2007, 06:16 AM

Hahahaha.... Miami is like the wild west!
Spoken like a guy who wasn't involved in either.

This is what community leaders mean when they say that some Miamians have a bad self image.
Pick it up a notch Bryan.

rider_of_rohan

January 20th, 2007, 10:30 PM

Spoken like a guy who wasn't involved in either.

This is what community leaders mean when they say that some Miamians have a bad self image.
Pick it up a notch Bryan.

Break out the pamprin, Roark is PMSing :nuts:

Architek

January 23rd, 2007, 03:06 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/enyers/Picture042.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/enyers/Picture031-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/enyers/Picture027-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/enyers/Picture032-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/enyers/Picture026-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/enyers/Picture033-3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/enyers/Picture030-1.jpg

MIAballinboi

January 23rd, 2007, 04:29 AM

^nice

DShoost88

January 24th, 2007, 02:12 AM

I'm really beginning to like how MarinaBlue is turning out.

Toucano

January 24th, 2007, 04:42 AM

I'm really beginning to like how MarinaBlue is turning out.

Have you looked behind Marina Blue?

DShoost88

January 24th, 2007, 04:51 AM

well yes, Toucano, you prove a point there. But let me ask you a question. When you look at the images of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia, do they ever show you the view facing North Sydney? When you look at an image of "The Bund" in Shanghai with all the beautiful buildings, do you ever see the view from the opposite direction (i.e. the buildings on the west side of the river)? From personal experience in China, it's not very pleasant.Even the Wachovia Tower isn't as breathtaking from the west as it is when you look at it from Biscayne, with it's inverted pyramid crown.

The point I'm making is that there are two sides to every post card.

Toucano

January 24th, 2007, 05:23 AM

Postcards are two dimensional, architects should be creating three dimensional works of art rather than 3 beautiful sides and a complete mess on the back...Although I see the point behind your analogy, the buildings in our city need to be designed for something other than our images on postcards. If architecture really is an art, we need to ensure that we create buildings that can be appreciated from all angles.

Roark

January 25th, 2007, 03:37 AM

Even the Wachovia Tower isn't as breathtaking from the west as it is when you look at it from Biscayne, with it's inverted pyramid crown. Whao! Double check that! I think the Wachovia Tower looks best westbound on I-836 just as you take the southbound I-95 ramp. Wachovia is designed to look like a thin brick wall from that angle. It's a killer optical illusion. Check it out.

DShoost88

January 25th, 2007, 03:45 AM

Whao! Double check that! I think the Wachovia Tower looks best westbound on I-836 just as you take the southbound I-95 ramp. Wachovia is designed to look like a thin brick wall from that angle. It's a killer optical illusion. Check it out.

Oh brother. YES, I'm from Boca Raton and don't drive through Miami nearly as frequently as you must. And YES, the architecture should be appealing from all angles. But if you see things the way I see them, there is plenty of land west of MarinaBlue between Biscayne and I-95 that can be developed to offset the unattractive view of the west face of MarinaBlue. And, the beauty of building on the block immediately west of MarinaBlue is that you can build anything within the FAA height regulations and not worry about MB condo owners complaining about obstructed views, because the condos all face the water :-D.

kevinkagy

January 25th, 2007, 04:27 AM

Oh brother. YES, I'm from Boca Raton and don't drive through Miami nearly as frequently as you must. And YES, the architecture should be appealing from all angles. But if you see things the way I see them, there is plenty of land west of MarinaBlue between Biscayne and I-95 that can be developed to offset the unattractive view of the west face of MarinaBlue. And, the beauty of building on the block immediately west of MarinaBlue is that you can build anything within the FAA height regulations and not worry about MB condo owners complaining about obstructed views, because the condos all face the water :-D.

Good point. Construction west of the Miami wall would be really good, but there's still land on Biscayne that can be used, before anything west of the wall begins.

FTL Beach Bum

January 31st, 2007, 03:18 AM

http://img99.echo.cx/img99/8121/marquis0024qx.jpg

Outdated?

Roark

January 31st, 2007, 06:14 AM

Good point. Construction west of the Miami wall would be really good, but there's still land on Biscayne that can be used, before anything west of the wall begins.
True...if I were developing in the City of Miami today, I'd still choose land within the brackets of the MetroMover (south of Omni and North of SE 14th St) rather than any of the available land on Biscayne.
West of the wall would likely be less pricey than the Biscayne Blvd prop north of 15th Street, and a developer would have a very unique selling proposition. Perez has it with the Loft 3. I'd rather do that then to try an "ICE". Profit % is the same.

Shadadon

January 31st, 2007, 05:39 PM

True...if I were developing in the City of Miami today, I'd still choose land within the brackets of the MetroMover (south of Omni and North of SE 14th St) rather than any of the available land on Biscayne.
Perez has it with the Loft 3. I'd rather do that then to try an "ICE". Profit % is the same.

I think the majority of us believe that the areas West of Biscayne Blvd will eventually develop as less land becomes available along the Biscayne corridor. However, don't you think that Perez's "Loft 3" might be a little premature? After all, the building will have little if any view of Biscayne Bay, it will be in the shadows of Everglades on the Bay. The only thing that those folks will be able to see is the West side of Everglades on the Bay.

How many other major projects are being built West of Biscayne Blvd in the CBD?

I do however agree that the location benefits from the presence of the Metro Mover and its proximity to Bay front Park. If the Marlins new stadium is built at the newly proposed site, it might make this location even more attractive (it will be very congested though).

Rx727sfl2002

January 31st, 2007, 07:25 PM

"CONGESTED IS THE WHOLE POINT OF A BIG CITY"

THERE ARE CURRENTLY 6 RESIDENTIAL TOWERS NOT COUNTING ANY OF THE RELATED LOFT PROJECTS AND 3 OFFICE TOWERS AND 1 FEDERAL CHILDRENS COURT BEING DEVELOPED IN THE WESTERN SIDE OF BISCAYNE BLVD ALL WITH LIMITED VIEWS IF NONE OF THE BAY...

quefueuno

January 31st, 2007, 07:38 PM

yea we need congestion....we want people to walk around everywhere and live in cbd. If you care about a view you need to pay $$$$. If you dont care then there are going to be more and more places for you to buy in the next few years. What are the 6 residental buildings not including the lofts?

Paul305

January 31st, 2007, 08:39 PM

However, don't you think that Perez's "Loft 3" might be a little premature? After all, the building will have little if any view of Biscayne Bay, it will be in the shadows of Everglades on the Bay. The only thing that those folks will be able to see is the West side of Everglades on the Bay.
Premature? No. The thing sold something like 75% of its units in four days. However, the people who bought there have a much better reason for being mad at themselves than their crappy views, say, the fact that they could have bought a resale at Loft I for significantly less and moved in already.

Rx727sfl2002

January 31st, 2007, 10:08 PM

most of them bought in for the investment at 5 percent down and another 5 at groundbreaking in june or july instead of the usual 10 percent down and 10 percent at groundbreaking

Paul305

January 31st, 2007, 11:52 PM

^^Well, then I guess they REALLY don't care about the view...

Shadadon

February 1st, 2007, 03:22 PM

most of them bought in for the investment at 5 percent down and another 5 at groundbreaking in june or july instead of the usual 10 percent down and 10 percent at groundbreaking

Based on those numbers, the "Loft Series" seems like they might actually be pretty good 'investment properties'. Considering the prices they went for, and the minimal down payment, I guess the view really doesn't matter.

I wonder if on resale, the new buyer can still put down a total of 10% or if they would have to pony up the normal 20%??

Alex_F

February 2nd, 2007, 08:05 PM

From today's Miami Herald business section:

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/business/16602612.htm

dave8721

February 2nd, 2007, 08:51 PM

From today's Miami Herald business section:

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/business/16602612.htm

Already posted in the office development thread.

Rx727sfl2002

February 2nd, 2007, 10:58 PM

THIS IS THE MIAMI CBD THREAD NOT THE BRICKEL THREAD LETS KEEP THINGS ORGANIZED PEOPLE (NEWBIES)

Bryan-Sereny

February 3rd, 2007, 12:47 AM

So true! However, these people mostly purchased as an investment, not to live in.

Premature? No. The thing sold something like 75% of its units in four days. However, the people who bought there have a much better reason for being mad at themselves than their crappy views, say, the fact that they could have bought a resale at Loft I for significantly less and moved in already.

Roark

February 3rd, 2007, 06:16 AM

After all, the building will have little if any view of Biscayne Bay, it will be in the shadows of Everglades on the Bay. The only thing that those folks will be able to see is the West side of Everglades on the Bay. I continue to believe that views are over rated. If a community has amenities you don't need view.
Case in point: South Beach. Of course the most expensive real estate is on the water with views...but people are still paying $600 per square foot to live on the second floor without a view one block from Linclon Road.
For those that work in the CBD and enjoy walking and taking the MetroMover around, then why care about the view.

Bryan-Sereny

February 3rd, 2007, 09:00 AM

^^
Yes, the desirability of a neighborhood is #1. Location holds the most weight when it comes to price. However, that aside, premium views command significantly higher prices. Case in point: take any South Beach high-rise on the Biscayne Bay side and you will find that there is a wide spread in pricing between west and east facing units and then between low and high floor units. Although not everyone prioritizes views, I have yet to come across anyone that does not appreciate them.

There are many people who would never live in South Beach. For example, owners of Jade, Santa Maria, Four Seasons, just 3 examples of non-South Beach buildings that command top dollar.

Architek

February 3rd, 2007, 07:19 PM

isn't four seasons still trying to sell units?

spellbound

February 4th, 2007, 12:17 AM

I continue to believe that views are over rated. If a community has amenities you don't need view.
Case in point: South Beach. Of course the most expensive real estate is on the water with views...but people are still paying $600 per square foot to live on the second floor without a view one block from Linclon Road.
For those that work in the CBD and enjoy walking and taking the MetroMover around, then why care about the view.

The surrounding area is DEFINITELY more of a deciding factor (along with the quality of the building itself, obviously) but I agree with Bryan that the view probably constitutes a significant part of making a sale. People tend to put more emphasis on something like that when making a big decision (in which emotions often take on an exaggerated role), rather than making the dispassionate "value" judgement.

Personally, I had the same quandry here in Philly. I looked at one place with a gorgeous, unobstructed skyline view that blew me away...but the apartment itself was underwhelming and overpriced. Still...even though I found a much better value (no view) nearby and know I made the right decision financially, that crappy apartment with the killer view still tugs at some level...so I can understand how some people might "overvalue" it, even if the initial rush inevitably wears off.

All said, though, you're right. What lies outside your front door is ultimately more important than the vista outside your window.

Roark

February 4th, 2007, 06:23 AM

However, that aside, premium views command significantly higher prices Wow...what a commanding sense of the obvious.
Don't let my comments be miniuplated (or misunderstood, as this case may be...).
My comments were in response to:
Originally Posted by Shadadon
After all, the building will have little if any view of Biscayne Bay, it will be in the shadows of Everglades on the Bay. The only thing that those folks will be able to see is the West side of Everglades on the Bay.
I posted...views are over rated.
As a Skyscraper efficianado and student of urban planning, I'd suggest that living quarters in a great location trump views.
Exaggerating to make a point (like I do) Would you rather have a 2nd story apartment in Loft 2 or a 54th floor apartment in Ocala?

arch photographer

February 9th, 2007, 04:08 PM

How is it that no matter what gets built up around it, ONE BISCAYNE PLAZA which screams 70's still stands so visually dominant in the skyline. It's not the worst, but I thought as others filled in, it would recede, but no. Though others are much taller, OBP pops out and, IMO keeps the skyline from looking more modern, up to date and cutting edge???? Will nothing overtake it visually?

brickell

February 9th, 2007, 05:53 PM

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/16657783.htm

Miami officials looking to revive Walker Park
The site of a closed sandwich shop will once again become Paul Walker Park, city commissioners decided.
BY MICHAEL VASQUEZ
mrvasquez@MiamiHerald.com

A new mini-park is coming to downtown Miami -- or, more accurately, an old one is being resurrected.

City commissioners Thursday unanimously instructed City Manager Pete Hernandez to begin planning the demolition of a shuttered sub sandwich restaurant at 46 W. Flagler St.

That restaurant was once Paul Walker Park, a 4,200-square-foot ''pocket park'' that boasted tables for the lunch crowd as well as a waterfall.

More than a decade ago, for reasons that are unclear, Miami leaders decided to close the park and let a restaurant operator open there.

City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, whose district includes much of downtown, has roundly criticized the old restaurant deal, which benefited Lazaro Albo, a fundraiser active in Miami politics for decades.

Miami reassumed control of the property last year, and initially planned to sell the land to another downtown property owner.

At Sarnoff's urging, the sale was canceled and the city vowed to study whether a mini-park could be created at that spot again.

Yes, a city staff report presented Thursday said. The cost: At least $260,000.

Commissioners gave the go-ahead to move forward with park plans.

''I could not think of a more pedestrian-friendly or pedestrian-used place,'' Sarnoff said of the Paul Walker Park location.

A 1980 Miami Herald report marveled at how ''there's always a crowd'' at Paul Walker Park, ``anywhere from 30 to 50 people sitting, eating, reading, basking in the sun.''

Miami still needs to figure out how it will pay to demolish the restaurant and build and maintain the park.

City Commissioner Tomás Regalado said the park's downtown location creates a host of potential funding sources.

Among those with a stake in beautifying downtown, he said: county government, the federal government, the court system, and the city's Downtown Development Authority.

Miami also plans to approach county leaders about two downtown county-owned properties that also could be turned into mini-parks.

The properties are located near the intersections of Northwest First Avenue and Flagler Street, and NorthwestFirst Avenue and Northwest First Street.

arch photographer

February 9th, 2007, 07:19 PM

I don't think a mini park will visually overtake one biscayne plaza.

hello345

February 9th, 2007, 08:57 PM

Hey everyone! From the four seasons webcam we can now see that icon brickell tower 2 is off the ground and is currently on its third floor! :)

ChuckScraperMiami#1

February 10th, 2007, 06:04 PM

Hey everyone! From the four seasons webcam we can now see that icon brickell tower 2 is off the ground and is currently on its third floor! :)

HELLO:) , my friend, Also to let you know, I drove by with my RAM ( Riding Around Miami ) Pickup truck the other day , and have seen The VICROY Hotel getting ready for Vertical out in front of the two already going up ICON Brickell towers:banana: ,

With two more Yellow Tower Construction Cranes going up as we speak:ohno: ,

WOW !!!:cheers:

I say it again Everyone:grouphug: !!!

Go Cranes !!!:banana: :applause: :pepper:

Roark

February 12th, 2007, 02:14 AM

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/16657783.htm
Miami officials looking to revive Walker Park
The site of a closed sandwich shop will once again become Paul Walker Park, city commissioners decided. That's a great idea!! Kudos to Nimby boy! Pay for the demolition by selling sledge hammer wacks $3 each...frustrated office workers will have that building knocked down in a day and that the park will have instant positive cash flow!!!

Sunstorm

February 14th, 2007, 06:42 PM

BornInTheGrove

February 15th, 2007, 03:04 AM

leave the building alone... if u wanna knock down a building, knock down that Suntrust building...

Architek

February 15th, 2007, 09:28 PM

Acutually suntrust is alot better looking than one biscayne plaza, the marble on suntrust is quite nice up close,while one biscayne parking pedestal is hideous.

rider_of_rohan

February 16th, 2007, 11:36 PM

I don't think a mini park will visually overtake one biscayne plaza.

HAHA :lol:

ALKUN

February 20th, 2007, 12:19 AM

VERY :) NICE :)

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/3368/miami01et2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

coruna

February 20th, 2007, 01:00 AM

I went through there today and I couldn't believe the amount of construction. Many of the buildings in Midtown are almost complete and the CBD has a lot going on too. That area will have such a great skyline when completed.

MAH45462

February 21st, 2007, 09:21 AM

spellbound

February 21st, 2007, 11:54 AM

FYI, the Loft I and II were primarily bought by people to live in. Units at Loft I and II were first offered to locals who worked for the government, such as police officers, etc., in the area at pre-sale prices. They snapped a lot of units, and Loft I has a very high occupancy unlike, say, Blue.

Is Blue one of those "sorta" occupied buildings? Your comment makes it sound that way.

I genuinely don't know since I only see the building on trips back down there and don't know if it's full of year-round residents or just flippers and/or people who just turn the lights on a few weeks a year as an investment.

Or---for that matter---if it's really an exciting place to live or just another condo that got built without any "soul.".

It's a gorgeous location. Is the building itself problematic at all? Shoddy in any way?

FrenchyMiami

February 21st, 2007, 02:00 PM

I think the main pb of Blue is it is stuck alone next to the highway...

It looks beautiful and is a nice entrance to this all area ...

Prices are very cheap on it and i still believe it is a good investment even though i ve heard the inside finishes aren't that good... Also you will get great views ...

Roark

February 21st, 2007, 03:05 PM

Is Blue one of those "sorta" occupied buildings? Your comment makes it sound that way.
No doubt Blue has some of the most excellent views. I've always thought that it's challenge was that you can't possibly walk anywere from there. Blue is hemmed in by a seawall without a baywalk, and two 4 lane highways about 50 ft on either side of the foundation.

What MAH was probably referring to, was that Blue was one of the only skyscrapers to have over 30% of the apartments for sale.
As the doom and gloomers pointed to a high percentage of speculators in the market place and their PROOF that the sky was falling, I did some research to find that most buildings that received Certificates of Occupancy in 2006 only had around 15% for sale. Blue was the only exception with 33% on the market for sale. 12-16% for sale is perfectly healthy.

Here is the good news. There are now 23% of the apartments of the apartments in Blue for sale.
It would take a little more analysis to see exactly why...There is a possiblity that people got fed up with waiting because they couldn't sell and moved in and different apartments came on the market.
But what we can see is that there were 34 closed and pending sales (10%) and there is a possiblity that they all sold to absorb that supply.

My instinct tells me that people who were looking for someone to flip to, are finding those people.
Thrown in for shock value: Murano Grande in South Beach has FOUR apartments for sale out of 179 total...or 2%
Another by the way....6 months ago the other big anomaly at 34% on the market was Jade at Brickell. That has absorbed a lot of the inventory and now there are 20% for sale.
Sky falling?? I still don't think so...

FrenchyMiami

February 21st, 2007, 05:08 PM

really good news Roark...Who do you think bought all those apt in Blue ...natural buyers or vulture funds (price really low 4 months ago)

Sunstorm

February 21st, 2007, 08:02 PM

Sorry. I posted where I shouldn't have.

Rx727sfl2002

February 21st, 2007, 08:04 PM

when blue came on the market the first 10 percent of the buyers bought for around 220k those units are now worth 600 or better nice profit if you ask me and the views are far from great.... so really i wouldnt have been surprised to have seen 50 percent of that tower for sale when they opened its well located tower with great views...

23% now for sale is great although at the price in which it was bought and the view alot of people would have to reconsider selling because it so hard to give up such a view... thats why when your an investor you cant fall in love with your property... at 400k profit i would call it an easy divorce between the investor and the condo painstaking as it might seem to give up that great view that money would help pay for therapy to get over the(attachment)

i honestly think the percent of investors is about 25-30 percent in some buildings while it should be smaller in boutique style buildings more like 10-15 percent investors... but then again who doesnt buy for an investment? we all have to move or die one day...

Bryan-Sereny

February 22nd, 2007, 06:02 AM

Bryan-Sereny

February 22nd, 2007, 06:22 AM

Many building have well over 60% investor. You will see this at Midtown2.

When a building closes and 33% is on the market, this does in now way indicate that only 33% were speculators. This number falls far short of reality. :bash: MANY investors do not want to pay short term capital gains tax, and opt to rent their units for 12 months to avoid this. When Blue first closed over 66% of the building was on the market for RENT + for SALE. There were few "end users" that occupied the building.

When Midtown 2 closes I am willing to bet there will be over 66% on the market for SALE + RENT.

Blue architecturally is a nice design with well sized units larger than most Biscayne buildings. Blue has some of the best views, semi-private elevator lobbies, floor-to-ceiling glass, largest bath tubs north of the Miami River, are a few nice features. What has made Blue a relative flop is first and foremost its location on 195. The road noise is audible from even the penthouses (2 of which are going into foreclosure). Then there is the fact that the second best unit in the building, unit 3412, sold for $200k under the original purchase price, there are 2/2's available in the low $400's (in 2005 there were none under $500k), it took over a year for the gym to be completed, the restaurant and spa will never be delivered, and thousands of sq ft of amenities are unfinished. :cheers: