Amara at Paraiso has finally been unveiled by Michael Schwartz as their new concept in Edgewater at Related Group's new Paraiso district. Amara at Paraiso will feature bayfront dining with cuisine that is an ode to Michael Schwartz's "love letter to Miami" with a menu featuring tropical items from their wood grill and Josper charcoal grill oven with influence from coastal and Latin American cuisine including meats, fish, and grilled flatbreads. Amara at Paraiso will open in November 2017 in the 4,500 SF Paraiso Beach Club and will feature a main dining room and bar with seating for 150 and patio seating for 70 directly on Biscayne Bay. The Paraiso Beach Club is being designed by Mayer Davis Studio and is located at 3101 NE 7th Avenue.
Missoni Baia Releases Redesigned Floor Plans Based Off of Buyer Feedback
Russian real estate magnate and property developer, Vladislav Doronin, of OKO Group, the developers behind Edgewater's Missoni Baia, has released redesigned their floorplans that they tailored based off of buyer feedback. After tapping Fortune International Group in the spring (2017) to take over sales of Missoni Baia following a successful pre-sales campaign, the Missoni Baia sales team has been busy hosting events in the Hamptons and south of the border in Colombia, Chile, and Argentina while they gear up for a September groundbreaking. The project is the first to be branded by the Italian fashion house. Missoni’s home collection and signature design palettes will be used throughout the building’s public spaces and amenities. Asymptote Architecture and Revuelta Architecture will design the project, along with landscaping by Swiss architect Enzo Enea and interiors by Paris Forino Design.
“Domestic and foreign buyers looking to purchase second or third homes in Miami, their primary residence is generally a larger home so when they come on vacation they still want the high level of quality, services, and amenities that the Missoni Baia brand offers but prefer to have a smaller size residents to simplify their overall vacation experience. The introduction of the smaller floorplans has proven to be successful with our recent sales,” said Jim Cohen, Senior Vice President of Development Sales, Fortune International Group.
Take a deeper look inside Missoni Baia at our project PROFILE and enjoy the newly released floorplans below.
Inside Edgewater's Missoni Baia, The First Residential Development From the Legendary Fashion House
From Vladislav Doronin OKO Group and Missoni comes Missoni Baia, an exclusive collection residences that celebrate the timeless appeal of waterfront living on Biscayne Bay in Edgewater. Missoni Baia will rise 57 stories and feature 229 condo residences along with over 200 feet of frontage on Biscayne Bay. Missoni Baia is the first residential development from the internationally renowned luxury fashion and design house and is being developed by OKO Group, the Miami-based real estate firm founded by International real estate billionaire, Vladislav Doronin.
Prices start in the $500,000's for a 1 bedroom residence and range up to $2,897,226 for a 4 bedroom + family + utility room residence. Missoni Bia was designed by Hani Rashid of Asymptote Architecture, who are pioneers in the convergence of art and technology in architectural design. The firm is best known for its eye-catching international projects including the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel. Missoni Baia will feature minimalist modern design and architecture to maximize natural light with exterior sculptural, structural columns wrapped in aluminum framing the building.
Residence interiors are designed by Paris Forino, a rising star in interior design who was named one of the top design firms in New York City by the New York Post in 2015. Missoni Baia will incorporate Missoni’s trademark colorful design palette and Missoni Home collection in the public spaces and amenities. Lush tropical landscaping throughout the property is designed by renowned Swiss landscape architect Enzo Ena, weaves together the indoor and outdoor spaces. The building includes 4 levels of amenities including a flow-through deck with cabanas, hot and cold plunge pools, lap pool, children's pool, tennis courts, gym, spa, yoga room, pet spa, hair and nail salon, an Infinity Edge pool and access to the city's bay walk initiative.
Verzasca Group's 2000 Biscayne Approved to Change to Apartment Rentals
The Miami Urban Development Review Board has approved Verzasca Group's 2000 Biscayne change from condominium to apartment rentals. The 36-story, 200,000 SF building is being designed by Dorsky + Yue International Architecture and features 393 residential units ranging from studio to 3 bedrooms. The project still needs to be approved by Miami's Planning & Zoning Department.
Ellipsis in Edgewater Approved by Miami's Planning and Zoning, Ready to Break Ground
Ellipsis is coming to Edgewater and is now ready to break ground after gaining approval from Miami's Planning & Zoning Department. The 13-story project is designed by Kobi Karp and will feature 34 units. Ellipsis is under development by One World Properties. Units will range from 756 SF for a 1-bedroom unit to 1,368 SF or a 2-bedroom unit. Check-out our December coverage of Ellipsis' initial application for review by Miami's Urban Development Review Board.
Developers Taylor Collins (Two Roads Development), Robert Rediker (GTIS Partners) & Reid Boren (Two Roads Development) shown left to right.
PROFILE Exclusive: Delivering the Miami Beach "Beachfront" Lifestyle to Edgewater with Two Roads Development & GTIS Partners of Biscayne Beach
PROFILEmiami had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with the masterminds behind Biscayne Beach, Edgewater's newest waterfront, luxury high-rise. Biscayne Beach was developed as a joint venture between the South-Florida based Two Roads Development and the New York Based GTIS Partners. The 52-story tower features 391 units priced between $400K through $9 million and opened last week (June 2017). We were able to catch-up with Reid Boren and Taylor Collins, partner's at Two Roads Development as well as Robert Rediker, the managing director of GTIS Partners to find out how they delivered the "beachfront" lifestyle to Edgewater.
RR - Robert Rediker (GTIS Partners, Managing Director)
RB - Reid Boren (Two Roads Development, Partner)
TC - Taylor Collins (Two Roads Development, Partner)
PM: The lot that Biscayne Beach now stands on was such a prime lot but in an area/ corridor that was yet to undergo much development, how did you guys get access to such a great lot/ opportunity?
TC: We started looking in Miami in 2012, we were doing some workout work for some other developers down here. We met with a land holding company called the Fifteen Group and we approached them and asked them if they had any assets that they bought during the last cycle in the downturn. They mentioned this piece of property, which was basically 5 abandoned apartment buildings. We drove down to look at the property, literally turned around, went and put a contract and put up money. After that we went out to the markets to find a strategic partner to help us develop it.
PM: How did the concept for Biscayne Beach come about? What was your main goal with the project?
RB: We were very cognizant of the great developers that have been here in Miami. We wanted to make sure that as new to the market we were, GTIS and Two Roads were going to deliver something of amazing quality. We had to bring in the best of brands but I also think that we had a different sensibility and that the market could use something that was different then some of the other buildings we had seen. There was a move towards a minimalist, starck, but clean, beautiful design and we thought that bringing in Thom Filicia could add a little more warmth and bridge the gap between the north and the south. I think what we got is a really chic, but livable beachy atmosphere that still speaks to luxury.
PM: A lot of New York and Miami has been in a crossover market. Everything people have up north is now down here. Do you see that the New Yorkers feel more comfortable living here full time as opposed to five, ten years ago?
RB: I think they are coming sooner rather than later. I think that the New Yorkers, and also New Englanders, have to deal with the cold winter weather for a good portion of the year, higher taxes and a cost of living that’s almost three times as much as compared to Miami. A very basic unit in New York is 2,500 - 3,500 SF and that is not prime, on the water perfect location like we have at Biscayne Beach. To be in the $600, $700 per foot range and be on the water and close to everything, you will see more people moving down here. As the world gets smaller and technology drives these business more and it's not as common to walk next door to see your lawyer or your banker, there are many good reasons to be in Florida as opposed to the northeast.
PM: Do you guys find the commercial development and industry to be lagging behind the residential development?
RR: The service sectors are already here, you have accounting, law, financial services. They are very strong in Miami. You are seeing more family offices open up as more Latin Americans are beginning to spend more time in Miami in their homes. I believe they are going to be moving more of their assets to the U.S. and becoming larger institutions and that will grow over time.
PM: What do you think of the recent new developments in Edgewater and the new energy they have brought to the area?
TC: Edgewater is new to the development scene. Downtown Miami itself is kind of new. Downtown’s residential market really started growing in 2007 when you saw Ten Museum Park and 900 Biscayne go up in the last cycle, and then things really took off. The commercial market was ahead of it which you typically don’t see because Miami had gained this traction with the art and the culture scene – and with that, you had the Design District basically become the Rodeo Drive of Miami, you had Midtown pop-up with great restaurants and shops, and you had Wynwood come alive as a haven for artists and creatives. Edgewater was a natural next step – it’s location on the water in the middle of Miami’s thriving urban core with access to all of these surrounding amenities and trendy neighborhoods made it a no-brainer on the investment side. This is what people come to Miami for. In ten years Edgewater is going to be the most popular neighborhood in this entire area because this is where you are going to have the newest, highest-end buildings that are located directly on the water.
PM: Edgewater has seen some great towers be built in recent years. What sets Biscayne Beach apart from these other developments? What makes it so unique?
RR: I think Thom Filicia’s aesthetic and what we have done with our amenities really makes us stand out. It drives a unique element to the property. Some of our neighbors are projects on the larger side with very large shared amenity spaces. I think this building will live in a smaller, more comfortable way. What we tried to accomplish was the idea of bringing the beach element to the city side of Miami and I think that that won’t be replicated. I think you will see, as our residents start living here, people tanning on the beach and enjoying their days as if they were on Miami Beach.
RB: In terms of location, Miami Beach and Brickell are just a few miles away. Broward and Palm Beach Counties are just a hop away. I think that the city is generally moving itself here. What is interesting is that the prices still do not reflect that. On the beach you see $1,500 - $2,000 SF, in Brickell it is getting close to $1,000 SF. Edgewater is still in the high $600’s for new construction. I think that there is a great value proposition. When I grew up in New York and you were on the Upper East Side you didn’t go south of Midtown. Now, nobody wants to live uptown. I think so goes Miami. It started where it was just the beach and there were the tourists. Now, if you walk in Brickell at any time midday you will think you are in Madrid, or New York or Paris where everyone is in suits and elegant and going to nice lunches. It is a very vibrant urban core.
PM: Do you think Biscayne Bay will end up being to Miami real estate what Central Park is to New York.
RB: There is a story that we get from our brokers all the time, and we hear it especially from the people who have been here since the ‘50’s and ‘60’s, “the bay is part of everyone’s lives.” Everyone talks about swimming in the bay. On that island there are tents and jet skis and boats. If you are in Florida you want to be on the water. It is crowded out there and I think it is already similar in to a park. If you look at New York, they (GTIS) are doing a beautiful building that overlooks the park on 78th street; that’s prime real estate in New York and this is prime real estate in Miami.
PM: What is the best feature that residents will enjoy?
RR: The double level of amenities and the ability to sink your feet into the sand without leaving the property. You can only get that in Miami Beach.
RB: I think when people thought about it they may have thought it was gimmicky, but now that it is built, it is very usable. It really is like a beach. They will be pleasantly surprised when they come see how well done the amenities were done.
PM: What will Biscayne Beach mean to Edgewater in the short & long term?
RB: We have very good competitors that we highly respect, like the Melo Group, Related Group, etc. Our team at Two Roads is also working on developing our second East Edgewater project, Elysee Miami, which will be located right down the street from here also along Biscayne Bay. We’re all bringing very different projects to the market but the thing they all have in common is that they are all high-quality, well-built buildings that are going to collectively continue to make Edgewater one of the greatest neighborhoods to live in Miami. I think like any big city you should have choices and different aesthetics. The more we see these other developers working on new buildings the better it is for the neighborhood and Miami. In the long term Miami is going to be on par with New York and Paris, it’s just a younger city. At the end of the day Edgewater will be at the center of it all.
About GTIS Partners:
GTIS Partners is a global real estate investment firm headquartered in New York with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, São Paulo, Brazil, Paris, France and Munich, Germany. GTIS Partners was founded in 2005 and is managed by President Tom Shapiro and Senior Managing Directors Josh Pristaw, Rob Vahradian, Tom Feldstein and Joao Teixeira. GTIS Partners currently has approximately $3.6 billion of assets under management. The firm pursues opportunistic real estate investments through direct equity investment and non-traditional lending activities. To date, the firm has committed capital to residential, retail, industrial, office, hotel and mixed-use projects in the U.S. and Brazil, and is among the largest real estate private equity companies in Brazil.
About Two Roads Development:
As one of the emerging leaders in the development of residential communities, Two Roads Real Estate Group has quickly established itself as a premier developer of multi-family and residential communities. Two Roads Real Estate Group has set the standard in luxury housing by developing, building and managing residential properties with the best location, architecture, amenities and services in the industry. Two Roads Real Estate Group is a leader in developing, constructing, and managing successful and innovative retail, office, residential and mixed-use communities. Two Roads Real Estate Group is about performance, imagination and experience from a broad service real estate development team. Their portfolio includes Biscayne Beach and Elysee, which is soon to break ground in Edgewater.
Construction Update: Related Group's One Paraiso Tops Off in Edgewater
Related Group continues to reach milestones as One Paraiso is now topped off in Edgewater. One Paraiso is the third, most premier tower in the Paraiso District and features spectacular views of Biscayne Bay and Miami Beach. One Paraiso rises 53 floors and features 276 luxury condominium units and penthouses. The tower was designed by Arquitectonica with interior design by world renowned, Italian based designer Piero Lissoni. One Paraiso is the most private of the 4 towers and has only six residences per floor. The tower also features 2 full floors of amenities on the 9th and 8th floors including a restaurant by award winning chef Michael Schwartz, 2 outdoor pools, Beach Club, cigar room, business center, library, wine tasting salon, theater, spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, plus a marina with private slips.
The 4-towers that make up the 11-acre Paraiso District include One Paraiso, Paraiso Bay, Gran Paraiso and Paraiso Bayviews. The buildings were designed by Arquitectonica with interiors by Piero Lissoni and landscaping by Enzo Enea. All of the buildings and the overall Paraiso community include some of the most luxurious amenities include tennis courts, screening rooms, residents' lounges, fitness center(s), bowling alley, spa, yoga room and multiple pools including a 100 ft diameter lagoon pool with "beach" entry. The property will be decorated with works of art and sculptures by Pablo Atchugarry. Paraiso will also feature the Paraiso Beach Club, which will be the home of Michael Schwartz’s new restaurant as well as plans to dedicate a half-acre of land onsite along Biscayne Bay’s for a public park.
Carlos Rosso, President of Related Group's Condo Division
Carlos Rosso and Sonia Figueroa of Related Group
Carlos Rosso of The Related Group
Jose, Martin and Carlos Melo of The Melo Group (L to R)
PROFILE Exclusive: How the Melo Group Took Edgewater Real Estate to the Next Level with Aria on the Bay
PROFILEmiami had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Carlos and Martin Melo, founders and principals of The Melo Group, as well as tour their brand-new luxury condo development on North Bayshore Drive, Aria on the Bay. Their multi-generational family business is thriving as they continue to deliver projects across all neighborhoods and price points as their vision continues to drive the city of Miami forward. Find out how they brought Aria on the Bay from concept to reality in just a few short years.
PM: The lot that Aria on the Bay now stands on was such a prime lot on a road with major residential demand, how did you guys get access to such a great lot/ opportunity?
MM: We bought this land about nine years and what we found was a beautiful land in a premier location, so we held on to it until we decided that it was the proper time to develop it. It was also the last piece of land in front of the park and in front of the water. We worked on the design for some years and then we decided it was the moment to start!
Aria on the Bay at Top-Off
PM: How did the concept for Aria on the Bay come about? What was your main goal with the project?
MM: Our main goal was to build a spectacular building, in an extraordinary location with amazing views. It’s situated in downtown Miami’s burgeoning Arts & Entertainment District, which is home to some of South Florida’s top destinations for arts and culture, entertainment, dining and shopping. It’s one block from Venetian Causeway, one block from 395 and it’s very close to the airport, Downtown, the Metromover, Adrienne Arsht Center, the museums, and the arena.
When you live in a crowded city like New York or Buenos Aires, you really know what the location and views mean. We’ve seen the transformation of the city in the last 15 years, and knew that this was a prime location. You have to select what is the best place to build if you are a developer, or to buy if you are a buyer.
Flagler on the River
PM: What do you think of the recent new developments in Edgewater and the new energy they have brought to the area?
CM: The recent new developments are extremely nice and have changed the area. I think that people now realize the value of the Edgewater location and are starting to see the neighborhood come alive. Residents of all these new buildings and Aria on the Bay will live within blocks of world-class venues such as the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Museum Park’s Perez Art Museum Miami, the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, and the American Airlines Arena.
Also, nearby are dozens of luxury retail shops and restaurants in the Miami Design District, Midtown Miami, Brickell City Centre, and the upcoming Miami Worldcenter project. Several public transit and alternative transportation options are within walking distance, with trips to South Beach and the Brickell Financial District only a few minutes away.
The area is new and it is up-and-coming. We are creating a new building that will be part of a new kind of neighborhood that will fulfill necessities for the modern lifestyle and what is coming in the future.
Bay House Miami
PM: Edgewater has seen some great towers be built in recent years. What sets Aria on the Bay apart from these other developments? What makes it so unique?
CM: It’s the last one to be built in front of the park, and we have a price point that is extremely reasonable for the high-end product we are delivering. We were able to have this price point because we got a good value on the land, when we bought it years ago, before anyone knew what Edgewater was.
We are also a vertically-integrated firm, meaning we handle everything in-house because it allows us to have complete control of our projects – from the design process to the development/construction phase – we typically act as our own architects, general contractors, property managers and developers. The system has worked very well for us over the years, allowing us to complete our projects on time and within budget, control construction costs and move on to the next project ahead of the real estate cycle.
All of the decisions are made by my father, my brother and myself. All of this allows us to reduce the price and give a better product at the best price for our buyers.
Rendering of Aria on the Bay
PM: What is the best feature that residents will enjoy?
MM: They will be impressed with the units because they are very well designed. Units feature floor-to-ceiling glass, expansive wrap-around terraces, private elevator access, open-plan living areas, designer finishes and fixtures, European-style kitchens, and modern custom-designed cabinetry.
We also have a 14th floor resort amenity deck with two sunrise/sunset-facing swimming pools, a jacuzzi, custom-seated fire pits, barbecue grills and outdoor summer kitchens. Additional perks include a private spa with massage treatment facilities, a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga studio, entertainment lounge, and a screening room.
Our location can’t get any better- Aria on the Bay overlooks Margaret Pace Park giving residents access to a host of additional amenities and activities. Situated directly along Biscayne Bay, the 8-acre, the pet-friendly waterfront park offers jogging paths, biking trails, tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields, an outdoor gym, daily yoga and fitness classes, as well as barbecue areas, picnic and playground areas.
PM: What will Aria on the Bay mean to Edgewater in the short & long term?
CM: For Miami, it adds value-the beautiful architecture and design of the tower, are the creation of internationally-acclaimed design firm Arquitectonica. We had buyers from 42 different countries making it a very international tower, continuing to position Miami as an international destination and hub.
In the past, when immigrants arrived in the U.S. they would often all choose to live in one neighborhood, where they could feel a piece of their homeland by sharing with other immigrants from the same county. Nowadays, Miami has become so multi-cultural that wherever you go, you feel the urge to want to be interconnected with different cultures and dive into the energetic vibes the city gives off as a whole. The world is moving towards one community and both Miami and this building are a great example of this!
PM: Where do you see Edgewater's place in Miami in the next 5 to 10 years?
MM: I think it will be an extremely desirable residential area in the next 5 to 10 years. Edgewater is an option for residents who want to get away from downtown Miami’s traffic congestion, yet want to live in the urban core. If you want to work in Downtown you can walk to the Metromover and in two minutes be in Downtown. With its waterfront location, luxury buildings and pedestrian-friendly setting in the center of Miami’s thriving urban core, Edgewater is one of the best value-buys in all of South Florida.
About The Melo Group:
The Melo Group was originally founded in 1948 by Armando Ferreira de Melo in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Melo Group is one of the strongest family-owned, full-service real estate development firms operating in South Florida today. To date they are behind more than 50 successfully completed projects which offer a combined total of more than 5,000 residential units. The company also remains actively involved in real estate development in Argentina as well as in Montevideo, Punta del Este, Uruguay. Dr. Jose Luis Ferreira de Melo acts as the President and managerial leader of the company along with his sons, Mr. Carlos Ferreira de Melo and Mr. Martin Ferreira de Melo. Their contributions to Miami include Aria on the Bay, Bay House Miami, Flagler on the River, and Melody amongst others.
About Aria on the Bay:
Aria on the Bay is a luxury condo development located on the coveted North Bayshore Drive in Edgewater. Units at Aria on the Bay range from 1 to 4 bedrooms and $400K to $6 million and sold around $550 per square foot. Residences feature floor-to-ceiling glass, expansive wrap-around terraces, private elevator access, open-plan living areas, designer finishes and fixtures, European-style kitchens, and modern custom-designed cabinetry. Amenities include a 14th floor resort amenity deck with 2 sunrise/sunset swimming pools, a jacuzzi, custom-seated fire pits, barbecue grills and outdoor summer kitchens, a private spa with massage treatment facilities, a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga studio, entertainment lounge, and a screening room. More than 80 percent of the units at Aria on the Bay have been sold. For more information about Aria on the Bay, please contact Cervera Real Estate at (305) 537-0666 or visit the project’s sales gallery at 250 NE 25th Street, Suite 101, Miami, FL 33137. Learn more at www.ariaonthebay.com.
Miami's Historic Preservation Board to Review Plans to Update the Miami Woman's Club
Miami’s Historic Preservation Board will review a proposal to renovate and update the Miami Woman's Club, which was originally completed in 1930. The proposal calls to bring back the original look of the building and turn the property into a restaurant, rooftop lounge and event or ballroom space. The Miami Woman's Club is located on Margaret Pace Park at 1737 North Bayshore Drive across the street from Opera Tower and adjacent to The Grand. MWC Development LLC is the developer on record.
Miami Marlin's Star Giancarlo Stanton Buys a Penthouse in Melo Group's Aria on the Bay
Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins has purchased a penthouse in Melo Group's Aria on the Bay. The purchase comes two years after signing what was the largest contract in MLB history. The unit is 5 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms and spans 3 stories. It features panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, a rooftop terrace with an outdoor summer kitchen and a private pool. Aria on the Bay is expected to be completed in 2018.
“After looking at other buildings with my broker, Ben Moss, Aria on the Bay’s downtown location with sweeping views and the developer’s attention to detail sold me on this property,” said Giancarlo Stanton.
“We’re thrilled that Giancarlo Stanton is putting down roots in his adopted hometown of Miami and that he ultimately decided on Aria on the Bay when it came to choosing his new home” said developer Carlos Melo, Principal of the Melo Group. “We’re seeing the building continue to attract full-time residents who love our central Arts and Entertainment District location, our beautiful design, and water views that stretch for miles.”
Enjoy the photo tour below and check-out our May 2017 Construction Update at top-off.
