Celebrating 1 Year of PROFILEmiami

How fast time can pass, PROFILEmiami is already turning 1! We would like to thank all of our dedicated readers who have joined us over the past year into our exploration and immersion into Miami real estate. What a journey it has been from launching our leading Miami real estate news platform in July 2016, to our exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of Miami's coolest new construction buildings and hottest homes, to our PROFILE Exclusive Interviews with industry leaders including David Martin (Terra), Ralph Choeff (Choeff Levy Fischman), Carlos and Martin Melo (The Melo Group), and Dan Kodsi (PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter), amongst others.; to launching our newest platform, PROFILEnyc. Stay tuned through 2017 for more exclusive, behind-the-scenes content and up-to-date coverage on the hottest new developments, market trends, coolest homes and Miami's ever-changing real estate landscape.

To recap our first year, here are some of our favorite articles from the past 12 months as picked by our editors!

The Real Entry of the Multimillion-Dollar, Ultra-Luxury Condo to Downtown Miami

In the past 10 years, Downtown Miami has seen a mere 152 closed condo sales over $1 million. The most expensive closing, a 4 bedroom unit in Marquis Residences which sold for $4.2 million, followed by a 3 bedroom unit sale at Epic Residences for $3425,000. The area is new and coming into its own with the opening of the American Airlines Arena, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Pérez Art Museum Miami, and the Phillip and most recently, the Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Now, Downtown Miami is ready to supplant itself as one of Miami's premiere neighborhoods and pricing to live in the area is set to rocket up. Great buildings such as Marquis Residences, Ten Museum Park, 900 Biscayne, Marina Blue and Epic Residences, amongst others, already feature closings that have eclipsed the $1 million mark; but, a selection of new buildings including the ultra luxury One Thousand Museum, Aston Martin Residences, and PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter are going to quickly escalate that number.

One Thousand Museum

One Thousand Museum

One Thousand Museum is a true architectural masterpiece. Zaha Hadid's last residential tower, the building is truly is a class of its own. The building is ultra-luxury, featuring a mere 83 units on land that is zoned for up to 550 units. Residences part of a limited collection of "museum-quality homes" that offer "an unprecedented level of service and amenities." Pricing firmly supplants the building for the elite as units range from $5.5 million to over $20 million and 4,600 SF to over 10,000 SF. The smallest unit in the entire building is a half-floor. The residence's floor plans offer "east to west" flow-through layouts, 12-foot ceilings, oversized terraces, private elevators, an 86' long great room, media den, family room, custom Italian Kitchens by Poliform, Gaggenau appliances, Poliform closets, Apure interior lighting, Crestron smart home innovation and exclusive interiors by Zaha Hadid.Amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, full-service spa, beautifully landscaped pool deck, private theater, sky lounge and art gallery. Tour the full floor, $20.7 Million Unit 5201.

Aston Martin Residences

Aston Martin Residences

Aston Martin Residences will truly be a building for the luxury enthusiast. This exciting project is located in the second lot on the Miami River, next to Epic Residences and One Miami. Units are extremely pricey, starting at $500,000 and range up to $7,000,000 for the "River and Panoramic Residences" part of the building, and $14,000,000 to $35,000,000 for the "Penthouses." The ultimate unit will be a triplex penthouse that comes complete with a private pool, helipad and Aston Martin Vulcan. The tower's interiors will feature lighting and handmade detail based on the car in addition to hand-adorned residence door numbers from the same jewelers that place the logo on the hood of Aston Martin cars. The building will features floor-to-ceiling glass with no visible concrete, including glass encased support beams. Sales just launched (Summer 2017) and it is reported that pre-sales already exceed $100 million in Aston Martin's first branded residential tower. Tour their newly opened, multimillion-dollar sales center.

Aston Martin Residences

PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter

PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter

PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter is the largest building and community of the three, and will be the luxury residential centerpiece of the larger Miami Worldcenter initiative. PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter rise 60 stories and features 513 condominium units along with 450K SF of retail space and easy access to Miami Worldcenter, which will feature a plethora of retail, dining, entertainment, office space, etc. on their high-street retail concept. For those that want to live in the center of it all in unparalleled luxury, PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter offers their Penthouse Collection, 26 exclusive penthouse residences. The penthouses will consist of 18 large single-story residences and 8 two-story duplex residences. Penthouse Residences will range in size from 3,500 SF - 6,000 SF and come in 4 and 5 bedroom layouts; additionally, penthouse residences will range in price from $3.5 to $9.5 million. Penthouses will feature panoramic views, private elevator access, 10-foot ceilings, European kitchens and bathrooms complete with rain showers and spa tubs, as well as larger entertainment spaces. Residences also include chef's kitchens including 12-foot islands and the highest quality Gaggenau appliances including a full-size wine cooler and premium induction cooktops. The penthouses will be part of the tower’s four-level Skydeck, which is designed to look like the helm of a magnificent Italian super yacht and will feature its own sky view lounge, sunrise pool, observatory, infinity pool, sundeck and Tai Chi deck. Check-out the unveiling of the 26 Exclusive "Penthouse Collection" Residences. 

PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter

Miami Beach Sunset Island Home Listed by EWM Realty International Selected as Finalist in HGTV's Ultimate House Hunters

2821 Lucerne Ave., listed by EWM Realty International sales associate David Solomon represents a property selected as a finalist in the 2017 HGTV Ultimate House Hunt, a month-long online promotion being held on HGTV.com from June 13 through July 18. During the contest period, consumers vote for their favorite homes among 64 finalists in eight different categories. The listing was selected by editors of HGTV.com as a finalist in the Modern Masterpieces category, based on its extraordinary features and inspirational design, captured by striking photography.

“We have so many beautiful and unique homes across South Florida, and we are glad that one of our modern manses in Miami Beach was selected” said Ron Shuffield of EWM Realty International.

2821 Lucerne Avenue is located on Sunset Island #1. The turnkey home is 5,200 SF featuring 6 bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms. The home has 5 guest suites, a large master bedroom, staff quarters, art walls for the art lover and a beautifully crafted chef’s kitchen. Lush landscaping throughout the residence offers a calm and tranquil vibe to the living spaces with a tropical lifestyle. Sliding floor-to-ceiling glass optimizes year round living and the ability to blend indoor/outdoor entertainment and living spaces. 2821 Lucerne Ave. is currently listed for $5,999,999 with David Solomon of EWM Realty International. Enjoy the photo tour below.  

Featured Listing: Tour the Newly Unveiled Penthouse 1612 of 1 Hotel & Homes Designed by Artefacto

1 Hotel & Homes unveiled Penthouse 1612 yesterday (June '17) designed by Brazilian design-house Artefacto. The oceanfront penthouse spans 2,810 SF Over 3 bedrooms plus den and 3.5 bathrooms. The unit features a spacious balcony that accentuates the residence’s stunning ocean views and is designed to invite ocean breezes and sunlight into every room. Aguiar’s nature inspired aesthetic and airy interiors epitomizes soothing and splendid living. Penthouse 1612 is listed for $6,195,000 by Douglas Elliman Development Marketing. Enjoy the photo tour below. 

PROFILE Exclusive: Bringing Eco-Friendly Living to Coconut Grove at Arbor

PROFILEmiami had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Nick Hamann of Urban Atlantic Group and Jeremy Waks of Oak Ventures, LLC. to discuss their new development shaking-up Coconut Grove, Arbor. Arbor is an eco-living inspired development that will rise 5-stories and feature 52 units. The building is being designed by Behar Font & Partners with with interiors by Smauel Amoia andlandscape design by Witkin Hults and Tyler Nielsen. Units will come in 2 and 3 bedroom layouts and range from 1,400 SF to 2,000 SF. Find out how they used the lush landscape of Coconut Grove to bring family friendly and ecologically friendly, green living to the historic neighborhood.

Nick Hamann, Principal of Urban Atlantic Group

Jeremy Waks, Principal of Oak Ventures, LLC.

NH - Nick Hamann (Urban Atlantic Group, Managing Principal)

JW - Jeremy Waks (Oak Ventures, LLC., Principal)

PM: Arbor seems to bring a truly Coconut Grove vibe. Where did the idea and concept come from? 

NH: Jeremy and I are Miami natives and we share a tremendous appreciation for Coconut Grove, its historic roots and unique offerings. We have specifically drawn inspiration from these hallmarks to build something that pays homage to the social threads of the neighborhood, its ‘green’ composition and community-centered attributes. 

JW: Our vision has been to create large, house-like residences that capitalize on wide views, special amenities and walkable access to restaurants, recreational spaces, and top-rated schools – essentially, the quintessential home-sites for long-term members of this vibrant community. 

PM: What makes Arbor so unique? What sets it apart from some of the other great new buildings that have been built in Coconut Grove recently? 

NH: What sets us apart is our strong emphasis on livability and sense of place, a place where you can get to know your neighbors. Arbor is a midscale building with 52 residences, which we recently have not seen in Coconut Grove. This scale allows us to focus on the elements, design, and facilities that connect residents in a livable space and where they can get to know each other.

JW: Our amenities, which are geared toward end-users that enjoy an active lifestyle and sense of community, are specifically designed to feel more like an extension of your living space, rather than an offering that is underutilized. Throughout the building, we’ve focused on creating spaces that encourage residents to engage with each other and the surrounding neighborhood. 

For example, our bike share program, which offers residents 24-7 access to bikes and provides an additional option for getting around the neighborhood. Our lobby will also be active and inviting. Also, our pet-walk, rooftop terrace, outdoor cinema, Yoga & Pilates deck, and backyard-like amenity deck (which features a landscaped courtyard, outdoor summer kitchens, social spaces and seating, a lap pool, and water fountain) are all designed to encourage engagement, livability, and to complement a well-balanced lifestyle and maximize indoor-outdoor living.  

PM: What is the best feature that residents will enjoy? When they move into Arbor, what sets the residences apart from the other buildings? What makes Arbor a great place to live? 

NH: The best feature about Arbor is that it feels like a large home. It’s a place where you can live in a condominium residence that offers family-friendly living spaces -- large open floorplans, high ceilings, and chef-style kitchens – with neighborhood-like qualities and amenities that are an extension of your livable space.  

PM: Arbor is an eco-living inspired residences; can you explain what that means and what makes it eco-friendly? 

JW: The environment is a passion. Arbor’s design is inspired by the tree-shaded setting of the surrounding neighborhood, carefully pulling the outdoors in through floor-to-ceiling windows and private gardens. There will be ample green space and landscaping throughout the property, including many trees that will provide plenty of shade and add to the property’s overall ambiance. 

Our residences are equipped with energy efficient appliances. Our electric car charging stations and bike share program provide a green alternative to transportation. We will also be incorporating recycling throughout the building and using some recycled building materials during construction. Our irrigation system will be eco-friendly and conserve water. We are also exploring the use of solar energy to power some of our common areas and reduce the building’s energy consumption, and are seeking to obtain a green building certificate. 

PM: What was one difficulty that you ran into or what was one of the hardest obstacles to overcome to help bring Arbor to reality?

NH: We haven’t run into any unusual challenges. All of our buyers are end-users that really care about the space, and we’ve worked closely with each of them to deliver a unit that they can call home. It’s exciting to see that they are designing their spaces to be specifically conducive to their lifestyles, in both the short- and long-term, and not simply just an investment. However, this adds a certain level of complexity to the building and design process.

PM: What do you think of the recent new developments in Coconut Grove and the new energy they have brought to the neighborhood? 

NH: Coconut Grove is one of Miami’s oldest and most diverse neighborhoods, known for its verdant parks, bayside walks, and year-round festivals. The new developments are an improvement to the neighborhood, have brought positive attention to the Grove, and placed it at the forefront of many conversations. The area’s revitalization in general has helped educate people on the neighborhood’s historic roots and unique offerings, which is attracting younger families seeking to take advantage of the area’s great public spaces and parks. 

PM: Where do you see Coconut Grove's place in Miami in the next 5 to 10 years? 

NH: Coconut Grove will continue to strengthen its position as a balanced community where people can live, work and play. It is becoming more of a complete neighborhood with irreplaceable elements. 

JW: The revitalization, increased development and growing business community will continue to make the Grove a desirable location for young professionals, young families and empty-nesters seeking an alternative to high density neighborhoods, such as downtown and Brickell, and a true walkable community. You cannot replicate the historic aspects of the Grove, which is what makes this community so unique.  

About Urban Atlantic Group:

Urban Atlantic Group is a real estate development and investment company focused on creating value in urban neighborhoods including repositioning and development of urban core residential, retail and office properties. Urban Atlantic Group believes value maximization is achieved through a combination of core and opportunistic strategic investments in key underserved urban submarkets. UAG is led by founders Nick Hamann as well as Daniel Buraglia. Prior to founding UAG, Nick Hamann worked as Southeast Region Assistant Development Director for the New York-based Rockefeller Group Development Corporation.  

About Oak Ventures, LLC.:

Oak Ventures is a Florida based real estate development firm led by Jeremy Waks. He has developed Heathrow Lounge and Treehouse, which brought world-class artists to Miami. Waks aims to construct the cultures around his development to ensure that a new concept seamlessly ties itself to the neighboring community. Waks is also the co-founder of Debris Free Oceans, a non-profit which produces educational programs for teachers and children to host beach cleanup event and raise awareness for the negative effects of pollution of marine life.

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. 

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.

Construction Update: Brickell Flatiron Passes 6th Level, On Track for Top-Off in Late 2018

The 64-story Brickell Flatiron from Ugo Colombo's CMC Group is starting to take form as downtown Brickell continues to evolve into a modern, waterfront metropolis. Construction on Brickell Flatiron is being headed up by Moss & Associates who have reached passed the building's 6th floor and expect to reach the 17th floor by the end of 2017. The 736 foot building is expected to top-off in late 2018 and features a distinct, iconic Flatiron shape that was designed by architect Luis Revuelta and interior architect Massimo Iosa Ghini of Italy’s Iosa Ghini Associati.

Brickell Flatiron features 549-unit luxury condominiums with units ranging from 1 to 5 bedrooms starting at $500,000 and ranging up to $15.5 million for penthouses. All units will be adorned with the finest finishes, including Italian-made custom cabinets, stainless steel appliances, Italian marble floors, high ceilings with recessed lighting, custom Italian doors, energy-efficient windows, and glass balcony railings. Brickell Flatiron's amenities include an 18th floor amenity deck with a resort style pool, 24-hour concierge, billiard and cigar room, wine cellar, valet, electric car charging stations and a 64th-floor rooftop that will feature a Sky Spa, Sky Pool and Sky Gym along with stunning 360 views of Biscayne Bay, Brickell, Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, etc. Read about CMC Group closing on their a $236 million construction loan for Brickell Flatiron in April. 

PROFILE Exclusive: How Douglas Elliman Conquered South Florida's Luxury Real Estate Market with Jay Parker, CEO of Douglas Elliman's Florida Brokerage

PROFILEmiami had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Jay Parker, CEO of Douglas Elliman's Florida Brokerage. Douglas Elliman has been one of the major driving forces behind the evolution of the luxury real estate markets in South Florida and Jay has been one of the cornerstones of the company's growth. Find out how he helped Douglas Elliman stand out in a crowded, cut-throat industry.

PM: How has Douglas Elliman's presence in South Florida grown? Where do you see it heading?

JP: Most notably we've seen an extraordinary expansion over the last four years because of the repositioning of our company as Douglas Elliman Real Estate other than the former, Prudential. I would hope to think I also had an impact along with the core of my colleagues and executive leadership team. Ultimately, having been a real estate lawyer in this market over the past 20 years, I recognized having worked with many of the top real estate professionals that there was a defect in the real estate brokerage model. The model here became one where broker-owners, whether they were franchises or independent operators, were really using the brokerage side of the business almost to augment or supplement their real estate brokerage operations. This forced an unsustainable push of the real estate splits where agents just kept saying, "you're not giving me much, so why should I continue to pay you such a significant share of my revenue." It was a question of "I might as well keep something rather than nothing." I used to see this as an attorney because so many of the agents that I would work with would come to me with questions that I felt should handled in a typical professional association environment.

5446 North Bay Road, Miami Beach. Listed by Brett Harris of Douglas Elliman for $29 Million.

When Howard Lorber and Dottie Herman approached me to run the company, at the first round when we were Prudential, I wasn't all that excited because I didn't see us as having the strengths and cohesion and the flexibility that I thought could be opportunistic. Howard and Dottie at the time agreed with me. A year later when I was approached the decision was made to unify Douglas Elliman and eliminate the bureaucracy that came with the franchising structure. We have since really enjoyed remarkable growth. We have gone from four offices to nineteen offices, from a couple hundred agents to over one thousand agents and $300 million in sales to $3 billion in sales in just four years. That is extraordinarily disproportionate to any other real estate company in South Florida. I think what we have done is lay the foundation to an industry which has suffered from a lack of foundation. My team and the market knowledge that they bring, the ability to find the right people, industry knowledge, and recognizing what has gone wrong in certain areas and what works. Each of us having come from different disciplines has really allowed us to capitalize on opportunities. Our strengths both domestically and financially has allowed us to do things that other companies has allowed us to have the ability to do. We are hyper focused, and already in the markets where our clients want to be or already are. We are able to hold the hands of our clients throughout the transitions, investments or movements in their lives and have earned their trust through a much more professional, sophisticated, approach to real estate consulting. We used to say we're not commission chasers, we're information providers. That message has been lost. Capitalizing on all of our diverse backgrounds, the real strength, knowledge base and reputation of Douglas Elliman in New York has really allowed us to develop this platform and allow our agents to grow, and strengthen, and spend more of their time doing the things they should be doing. 

Casa Costanera @ 300 Costanera Road, Coral Gables. Listed by Barbara Estela and Hilda Jacobson of Douglas Elliman for $27.26 Million. Tour the stunning estate here.

PM: Can you comment how Douglas Elliman has been one of the major players in the growth of the Luxury Real Estate market in South Florida?

JP: Three years ago I sat on a panel and I was asked the question of where do I see the greatest opportunity for migration to South Florida. My colleagues said Colombia, Argentina, Brazil; I said New York. It wasn't because I was a visionary, it was because I saw it from my practice of law. I heard it from the messaging in New York. I heard it from the people that lived there. I knew that the New York wealth was recognizing that they could now live in a market like South Florida and enjoy so many of the critical creature comforts that could make that next step a reality. Our school systems have evolved, our medical systems have evolved, our culinary and dining experiences have evolved, our culture, our real estate. We have become an answer to so many New Yorker's needs, that that release and transfers of wealth has been unbelievable. I saw that happening and with the credibility, strength and power that Douglas Elliman has, we were able to train our agents and our clients to look to us from other parts of the country. Unlike some of our competitors today, we remained very focused on what we do, our core business. Howard and Dottie have allowed us the flexibility to sometimes take chances and sometimes make investments in things that might not provide immediate return but then in the long run will certainly sure up the corners of the market and provide our clients with the representation, support, direction and exposure. 

Casa Costanera @ 300 Costanera Road, Coral Gables. Listed by Barbara Estela and Hilda Jacobson of Douglas Elliman for $27.26 Million. Tour the stunning estate here.

PM: Within South Florida and its different markets, where have you guys seen the most success over the past few years?

JP: We helped change the condo market in Miami. Before us, prices never hit anywhere close to where they are today. We redefined luxury living in South Florida with projects like Faena, Edition, Eighty Seven Park, Park Grove, One River Point, The Bristol in West Palm Beach. We have seen tremendous success in Coconut Grove. We have seen great success in parts of Fort Lauderdale with projects like The Four Seasons Residences. We really have been able to leverage our intellectual capital to help our clients, whether they be individual buyers or sellers, or developers, to succeed. What started as a vision and a dream, has now become a reality when as it relates to Douglas Elliman. We knew that their was a gap in the market, we filled it, and we continue to steamroll forward while our core focus remains. 

PM: When it comes to the luxury market in South Florida, do you see moving forward the buyers being more full-time resident buyers or buyers looking for second homes?

JP: I think we are going to have both. We are seeing more and more younger families call South Florida home. I think that the potential tax changes under the Trump administration may benefit us in that initiative. Potentially waiving or eliminating certain deductions for state income tax (in northern states) may provide us with another surge and transfer of wealth. I also think the idea that we are now no longer a market we we are dominated by old folks homes, criminals and nightclubs, we are now a real, international, cultural epicenter and business center. We are a real player on a global scale. I think that many of the hedge fund operators, investment bankers, are saying why should I pay such high state income tax when I live in Florida. I forsee a continued positive trajectory in that sector of the market. There is a little over 1,000 people per day moving to South Florida. 

Casa Bahia Located @ 3085 Munroe Drive, Coconut Grove. Listed by Pablo Alfaro of Douglas Elliman for $43 Million. Tour the award winning estate here. 

About Jay Parker:

Jay Parker is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario where he received his B.A. He continued his studies at the University of Miami, School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 1998. Jay began his career in Miami at the Law Firm of Gunster Yoakley Valdez Fauli & Stewart. In 2000, Parker moved to New York City where he was General Counsel for LandTel Communications. He oversaw the implementation of a Pan-European fixed wireless market, raising over $375 million from numerous private equity firms. 

Casa Bahia Located @ 3085 Munroe Drive, Coconut Grove. Listed by Pablo Alfaro of Douglas Elliman for $43 Million. Tour the award winning estate here. 

In late 2001, Jay returned to Miami Beach and founded Clear Title Group, LLC., a boutique real estate title insurance company focused on offering closing services. In 2006, Parker entered a joint venture with Titan Capital, founding Titan Capital Florida, LLC. Parker is now the Managing Partner of Titan Capital Florida, a Direct Lender with offices in New York, Connecticut and Miami.  In the first year of Titan’s Florida operations, Titan Capital Florida closed on over $100 million in transactions. In 2010, Parker formed Beloff Parker which grew to Beloff Parker Jacobs, a real estate and transactional law firm based in Miami Beach.  Building off Parker and Beloff’s long standing relationships in the Miami Market, Clear Title Group quickly distinguished itself as one of the largest and most successful real estate law firms in Miami Beach, representing many of Miami Beach’s most respected developers, landlords, tenants and handling some of the most significant real estate transactions.

In 2013, Parker accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer of Douglas Elliman’s Florida Brokerage, where he has been fundamental to the growth of Douglas Elliman’s presence in Miami, Miami Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Aventura, Boca Raton and Palm Beach. He is a member of the Florida Bar Association, serves on the Pillar Trustee Board for the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce. Parker is President of the Executive Board of Mt. Sinai Medical Center.  Jay is also active in Miami Beach politics and sits on the City of Miami Beach Community Development Board.

Grand Opening of the new Jupiter Douglas Elliman Office

About Douglas Elliman:

Douglas Elliman was established in 1911 and has grown to become the largest regional and the nation's fourth largest real estate company. Douglas Elliman has a current network of more than 6,000 agents in over 80 offices throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island (including the Hamptons and North Fork), Westchester and Putnam Counties, as well as South Florida, California, Connecticut, Colorado and New Jersey. In addition, through a strategic partnership with Knight Frank Residential, Douglas Elliman's powerful network extends to 488 offices in 59 countries. 

Listing Round-Up: Sunny Isles 3 Bedroom Condo's For Sale

Sunny Isles Beach has been one of the most exciting places to live over the past five years. Some of the finest buildings in the world have been built in the area and there is no shortage of over-the-top, luxurious beachfront condos. Here are some of the hottest listings for sale in Sunny Isles across a variety of price ranges. 

1. Under $1 Million: St. Tropez on Bay | 150 Sunny Isles Blvd Unit #1-602 | $830,000

Contemporary move in ready 3 bedroom 2 bathroom condo at the St. Tropez offers high-quality living at a great price. The residence features an open-flowing living & dining area encompassing 1,461 SF of living space. Floor to ceiling glass windows and wrapping balcony provide panoramic city and partial canal views. Open kitchen with all new appliances, and custom cabinetry. The master suite is spacious with walk-in closet & master bath with marble/glass shower and sunken tub. A truly exceptional private residence in Sunny Isles Beach. Listed for $830,000 with Demetri Demascus of Spectrum Realty Group, LLC. ML# A10120048

2. Under $1.5 Million: Turnberry Isle South | 19667 Turnberry Way #25J | $1,475,000

High-style living with amazing views in Turnberry Isles South. Contemporary and upgraded finishes include marble floors, Italkraft kitchen, Bosch appliances, wine cooler, custom closets, remodeled bathrooms and recessed LED lighting. Open living plan lets the views be seen throughout. Currently listed for $1,475,000 with Denise Rubin of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty. ML# A10154237

3. Under: $3 Million: Jade Ocean | 17121 COLLINS AVE UNIT#1705| $2,650,000

Beautiful Jade Ocean residence is move-in ready. Unit features 3 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom and one half bath over 1,933 SF with open living and dining areas. Upgraded finishes include fine statuario marble floors, custom furnishing, chef's kitchen with quartz center island, with Miele appliance, Snadeiro custom cabinetry, huge master-suite with and open ocean and intracoastal views throughout. Currently listed with Diego Arnaud of DA Luxury Realty, LLC. ML# A10175839

4. Over $3 Million: Mansions at Acqualina | 17749 Collins Ave. #3001 | $9,000,000

Luxury living in this huge beachfront unit at the Mansions at Acqualina. 3 Bedroom, 5 Bathroom and one half bath over 4,609 SF features direct ocean views and Intercostal and the finest finishes by Philip Jeffries and Minotti. Marble & Wooden Floors, Ornare leather-clad closets, gourmet kitchen with Miele appliances, fireplace, Jacuzzi and Summer Kitchen. Five-star amenities include world class fitness center, full-service spa, wine vault, cigar lounge, kid room, and a golf simulator. Currently listed for $9,000,000 with Lana Bell of One Sotheby's International Realty. ML# A10197456