Habitat Group sold a recently completed Little Havana apartment project for $15 million shortly after offloading a Brickell redevelopment site for $23.5 million.
Four entities managed by Richard Gerber, Brett Talla and David Talla bought East River Living, an eight-story building with 34 apartments at 39 Northwest Seventh Avenue in Little Havana, property records show. The buyers paid about $441,000 per unit and financed the purchase with a $9 million mortgage from First Republic Bank.
The Tallas and Gerber are affiliated with Cochise Capital, a Los Angeles-based real estate firm with more than $800 million in multifamily properties across six states, including Florida, under management, according to the company’s website.
An affiliate of Habitat, led by founder, President and CEO Santiago Vanegas, paid $900,000 for the property in 2016 and completed East River Living four years later, records show. The building, near the Miami River, has a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments. A two-bedroom unit is currently listed for $2,950 a month, according to Apartments.com.
Another Habitat affiliate recently sold a five-story, 39-unit apartment building in Brickell for $23.5 million. The buyer, a joint venture between two Mexican firms, plans to redevelop the site at 143 Southwest Ninth Street into a Class A building with 350 rental units atop an eight-story podium with ground-floor retail and a garage.
Multifamily investors are swooping into Little Havana, looking to scoop up buildings offering renters more affordable rates than properties in neighboring Brickell and downtown Miami. Earlier this month, Lloyd Jones paid $92 million for First Apartments, a 194-unit building at 701 Southwest First Street.
In June, three apartment buildings in Little Havana traded for a total of $29 million in separate deals, including Andes Apartments, a 71-unit renovated building completed in 1929. The property sold for $9.2 million, or about $130,000 per unit.
In April, Oakland Park-based Rental Asset Management paid $30.1 million, or $301,000, for First & Sixth, a 13-story apartment building at 35 Southwest Sixth Avenue.
https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2021/12/14/habitat-launches-sales-for-third-tower-at-smart.html
Habitat Group made its final changes to the third tower of Smart Brickell as it launched sales for the final phase of the Miami project.
The Miami-based developer sold out the first two towers of Smart Brickell and is on track to deliver the first condo tower in March. Santiago Vanegas, president of Habitat Group, said the strong demand for condos has led him to launch sales for the third tower at 267 S.W. Ninth St.
Each of the 23-story towers will be connected by a podium. The first two towers have 50 condos, 50 hotel rooms and 10,000 square feet of retail.
The preliminary plans for the third tower included 97 condos, but Vanegas made some changes based on the demand for more hospitality units in Miami.
Now, the third tower will have 71 condos that allow long-term occupancy or short-term rentals, and another 42 short-term lodging units. Under the city’s development code, the longest a person can stay in a short-term lodging unit is 30 days. They will have multiple beds and small kitchens, he said.
Vanegas said it will sell 22 of the short-term lodging units and keep the rest for the hotel at Smart Brickell.
While the majority of buyers at Smart Brickell are Latin American investors, Vanegas has seen domestic buyers increase from 10% to 20% for his project over the past year.
“American people moving here from New York and California who bought houses are now thinking about what else they can do in Miami to invest,” Vanegas said. “That will help the market as well.”
The third tower at Smart Brickell will also have 4,000 of commercial space on the ground floor and a 2,000-square-foot restaurant on the top floor.
Miami-based Arquitectonica designed the interiors.
The third tower of Smart Brickell is expected to break ground in the third quarter of 2022 and be completed in 2024. The condos range from 553 to 847 square feet. The building will have two pools and a fitness center. Prices start in the mid $400,000s.
He said the third tower has already pre-sold 25 condos.
The number of condos set to be delivered in Miami has fallen off in recent years due to a softening in the condo market in 2018 and 2019. Now, sales volume is up and more developers are accelerating their plans.
Smart Brickell has reached the 25th and final floor of the first tower.
The project will eventually include three towers. Only the first tower is now rising.
The first tower will include 50 hotel rooms and 50 condos.
Buyers have the option to rent out their units on short term platforms such as Airbnb as much as 50 times per year.
At the ground floor, the project will have 12,000 square feet of commercial set aside for retail, cafe or restaurant.
A three-tower residential-hotel project in Miami’s booming Brickell Financial District got a $24 million boost in the form of construction financing. Smart Brickell will have two hotel-condominium towers and one apartment tower on 1.23 acres southeast of Interstate 95 and Southwest Eighth Street.
Miami-based developer Habitat Group secured the loan from Ocean Bank for the development at 239 SW Ninth St. on Jan. 31. Habitat Group founder, president and CEO Santiago Vanegas and development director Valentina Perez-Cea led the team in closing the transaction.
The financing will be used at least for the first 25-story tower, which is to be completed early next year. It will have the 50-key Smart Brickell Hotel and 50 condo units, which are sold out. Tower 2, which is soon to break ground for delivery in late 2021, also will have a 50-key hotel and 50 condo units. It’s 90% sold at prices ranging from $300,000 to $600,000.
The 97-unit multifamily tower is planned in the future without a hotel. The project is rising west of tony Brickell Avenue. The neighborhood has evolved beyond the office base and is attracting residents seeking the live-work-play lifestyle that allows them to walk to work and entertainment.
A project like Smart Brickell is a good addition that the city needs, said Alicia Cervera Lamadrid of Cervera Real Estate, which is leading the condo sales.
“Smart Brickell is confirmation that buyers are looking for flexibility and ease of use for their investments,” Cervera Lamadrid said in a news release. “With Smart Brickell, we have set a precedent for developers and buyers alike. The building’s amenities, price points and integration of design and space are proof this project model not only works but is undoubtedly required in a globally connected city like Miami.”
Smart Brickell will focus on three main themes — smart use, smart design and smart technology.
The two condo-hotel towers share the same design and offer fully furnished or custom furnished units. Architect Hernando Carrillo in Miami designed the three towers, and interior designs were done by Arquitectonica.
The smart tech comes in the form of Wi-Fi enabled features such as Nest thermostats and Echo/Alexa home and personal assistant. There also is a mobile concierge and parking spaces with charging stations.
The project will have an amenity deck with a landscaped recreation area and expansive terrace, two resort-style pools, sundeck, gym, organic cafe on the ground floor, a spa and rooftop lounge.
Habitat Group obtained a $24 million construction loan for the first tower of the Smart Brickell condo project in Miami.
Miami-based Ocean Bank awarded the mortgage on the 1.23-acre development site at 229, 239 and 243 S.W. 9th St. Featuring 50 condos, 50 hotel rooms and 10,000 square feet of retail, the project broke ground in March and is on track for completion in 2021. It is sold out.
Habitat Group plans to break ground on the second tower of Smart Brickell, which will be the same size as the first tower, in early 2020.
“Receiving this loan for the construction of our first Smart Brickell tower is a testament to the project’s continuing success,” said Santiago Vanegas, president of Habitat Group. “Following the rapid sellout of Smart Brickell Tower 1, Smart Brickell Tower 2 is already 80% sold. We are looking forward to breaking ground on Tower 2 and continuing this construction momentum.”
The condos will range from 558 to 1,117 square feet. Prices range from $300,000 to $600,000. Owners will be able to rent their units up to 50 times a year on home-sharing services like Airbnb. They could also lease their condos to the developer to join the hotel pool.
Cervera Real Estate is the exclusive broker. The third tower is also planned with 97 multifamily units and 30,000 square feet of retail.
The 25-story Smart Brickell was designed by Gensler. Amenities will include two pools, a spa, a fitness center, a business center and a rooftop lounge.
Habitat Group is moving forward with the construction of a large condo and hotel project in Brickell after scoring a $24 million loan.
Habitat secured the construction loan from Miami-based Ocean Bank to build Smart Brickell’s Tower 1 at 239 Southwest 9th Street in Miami’s West Brickell neighborhood. The tower will have 50 hotel rooms and 50 condos and is planned for completion in 2021.
Smart Brickell is a three-building condo and hotel project that will offer owners the ability to rent their units out 50 times a year. In all, the project will have nearly 300 units and about 12,000 square feet of commercial space for a cafe, restaurant and retail. Tower 2 is expected to break ground in early 2020.
Santiago Vanegas, CEO and president of Habitat Group, said Smart Brickell Tower 1 is already sold out, while Smart Brickell Tower 2 is about 80 percent sold.
Miami-based Cervera Real Estate is handling sales for Smart Brickell. Hernando Carrillo is the architect. Condo prices range from $300,000 to $600,000.
Habitat Group is focusing on West Brickell. The company recently paid $6.1 million for a site at 1200 Southwest Second Avenue where it’s planning to build Brickell 12, a 96-key hotel project. The company’s other projects include the Brickell Lux and Millux Hotel, according to its website.
With just over $4 billion in assets, Ocean Bank is an active construction lender in South Florida. Last year, the community bank provided an $85 million construction for Melo Group’s Art Plaza Apartment. This comes at a time when many banks in South Florida are backing away from construction lending due to heightened regulatory scrutiny.
The Habitat Group Team spent the morning cleaning up one of our favorite beaches! We successfully picked up 56 pounds worth of trash and micro-plastics. Thank you Miami Dade Parks and Recreation for helping us organize this event.
Como toda ciudad, Miami prueba su verdadera identidad cuando se camina de noche. Al tomar la zona de La Pequeña Habana a la altura de la Calle Ocho y la avenida 9, la ciudad va desdoblándose y haciéndose más joven.
Grupos de beautiful people caminan hacia el Café la Trova, cuyo interior revive el estilo dela vieja y verdadera Habana, o se paran al borde de la calle en un chiringuito frente a un restaurante colombiano a observar cómo un chef prepara tacos y arepas.
El humo de la comida se mezcla con el perfume de fiesta que llevan unas chicas vestidas con shorts y tacones –qué más se puede usar en este verano rabioso–. La ciudad va tomando otro aire y se hace más estilizada. Brickell está cerca y el dinero presta su propio aroma.
En esa tierra de nadie que llaman West Brickell, un bolsón de calles que tiene algo en común con sus dos vecinos, Brickell y La Pequeña Habana, entre el metromover, el ríoMiami y la I-195, crece una parte de la Miami futura, la que prefieren los millennials.
“Ellos quieren conectividad, tecnología y acceso a los puntos divertidos. Quieren tener los restaurantes y los bares cerca. Quieren caminar de un punto a otro, montar bicicleta, y por todo eso sacrifican el espacio”, dice Santiago Vanegas, presidente y director ejecutivo deHabitat Group.
Vanegas es un urbanizador pionero en la zona de West Brickell, donde en el 2005 compró sus primeros terrenos y emprendió proyectos residenciales y hoteleros.
Compró y restauró dos hoteles abandonados, el Historic Miami River Hotel, al que vio el potencial de las cabañas de madera que dan testimonio del viejo Miami que se formó junto al río, y el Jefferson Hotel, un modesto edificio de la Pequeña Habana, al que decoró con toques de La Habana elegante y cuyas habitaciones hoy se rentan por más de $230.
Estos dos hoteles los vendió, pero habla de ellos con el mismo entusiasmo que sus nuevos proyectos, en especial las tres torres conectadas de Smart Brickell, en la avenida 9 y la segunda calle del SW.
Vanegas explica que mientras otros urbanizadores están entregando las últimas unidades de este ciclo de construcción a punto de terminar, en condominios de Brickell, el downtown y Edgewater, su compañía ya se está preparando para el próximo ciclo, y esperan entregar el primer proyecto para el 2021.
More than 250 people attended the 2019 Business of the Year Awards onThursday night at Jungle Island in Miami.
In its 22nd year, the signature South Florida Business Journal event honored excellence in business across various categories, including by revenue, minority-owned, woman-owned and others.
A highlight of the event is the Lifetime Achievement Award. This year's honoree was iconic technology mogul Manuel "Manny" Medina, who was touted for his long standing success in business and solid commitment to the local community.
The event was presented by Coastal Wealth, with corporate
sponsors BankUnited, the Florida International University College of Business, and the Miami Marlins.
Habitat Group broke ground on Smart Brickell Tower 1 on March 29 and expects delivery in the first quarter of 2021. Vanegas says the firm hopes to begin construction in the third quarter of this year onSmart Brickell Tower 2 and deliver that project sometime in 2021.
MIAMI—The Brickell district of Miami is one of the fastest growing areas of Miami and specifically West Brickell is beginning to see new development projects break ground, particularly mixed-use hotel development projects.
Leading the way is Miami-based Habitat Group, led by its founder, CEO and president Santiago Vanegas. The firm is behind three major development projects in West Brickell— Smart Brickell, which recently broke ground, the Millux Hotels and Brickell Lux.
Smart Brickell is a mixed-use project at 229 SW 9th St. that at full build-out will feature three towers: Tower 1, a residential condo tower with 100 units; Tower 2, a 100-room hotel and condo tower; and Tower 3, which will include 97 residential units. The three-phased development will also feature 30,000 square feet of retail space, including a spa, sky bar and café. The Brickell Lux development at 143 SW 9th St. will feature 108 residences, 60 hotel rooms and 12,000 square feet of upscale retail space, while the Millux Hotels development at 239 SW12th St. calls for two boutique hotels with 57 lodging units each.
Globest.com recently spoke with Vanegas, who formed Habitat Group in 2005, on why his firm is banking on the West Brickell district.
He says West Brickell is attractive due to its limited land availability—approximately 18 acres that can yield in total approximately 3,600 units (based on a formula of 200 units per acre). Heads that hotels in the district have one of the highest occupancy rates in the nation at approximately 76%.
Vanegas, who served as an economist from the Universidad del Rosario in Columbia before arriving in Miami in 2000, estimates there are currently approximately 3,000 hotel rooms in 16hotels in the Brickell and West Brickell districts. “We think there is more opportunity for new hotels there,” he says. “We already have an expertise in hotels. We already developed and operate four hotels—Habitat Residence 1, Habitat Residence 2, the historic Brickell Hotel and the Jefferson Hotel. We have experience doing hotel operations as well.”
Vanegas, who began his real estate career as financial manager for Fortune InternationalGroup, has worked on a number of notable projects, including: Habitat Residence 1 & 2 located in Brickell, the Historic Miami River Hotel, Brickell Ten, the Jefferson Hotel, and Le Parc inColombia.
He notes that Habitat Group’s Smart Brickell, Brickell Lux and Millux Hotel developments will involve six separate construction projects. All together they will add approximately 280 hotel rooms to West Brickell. The total development cost for the mixed-use projects will run approximately $200 million.
Habitat Group broke ground on Smart Brickell Tower 1 on March 29 and expects delivery in the first quarter of 2021. Vanegas says the firm hopes to begin construction in the third quarter of this year on Smart Brickell Tower 2 and deliver that project sometime in 2021. The firm has a goal of beginning development of Smart Brickell (Tower) 3 in the first quarter of 2020 with delivery anticipated in the first quarter of 2022.
“We are in the middle of permitting, design and approvals for Smart (Brickell) 3, the same thing for Millux (Hotels) 1 and 2,” he says.
Vanegas adds that if the firm can secure foundation permits, it could begin construction in late2019 on the first phase of the Millux hotels development.
In addition, Habitat Group is currently constructing a 35-unit multifamily project in the LittleHavana district of Miami and the firm has another planned 51-multifamily development in LittleHavana as well.
Habitat Group operates four distinct service branches—Habitat Development, an expert in the construction and remodeling of properties; Habitat Realty, which focuses on analyzing the real estate market in search of the best properties and investment opportunities; HabitatManagement, which focuses on the management of company assets and Habitat Hotel, the firm’s hotel operations system.
El pasado 29 de Marzo se colocó la primer piedra de Smart Brickell, un desarrollo in mobiliario de tres torres que incluyen departamentos amueblados, áreas comerciales, hotel boutique, sky bar y restaurantes.
Este proyecto ubicado a unas cuadras de Brickell y Downton en Miami, dará paso a uno de los desarrollos futuristas de la ciudad creada por Grupo Habitat, liderado por Santiago Vanegas.
Entre el 2020 y 2021, el complejo contará con 170 condominios y 150 habitaciones de hotel en sus tres torres.
Los condominios estarán completamente amueblados, usted puede invertir desde $318,000USD. Los tamaños varían desde 558 a 1,117 pies cuadrados con un espacio comercial en la planta baja. Será una combinación entre diseño y tecnología inteligente.
Smart Brickell cuenta con un programa de arrendamiento anual fijo que garantizará dos años de alquiler. Los propietarios podrán utilizar aplicaciones como Airbnb para alquilar legal mente sus unidades hasta 24 veces al año. Cada departamento está equipado con tecnología y servicios integrados, incluidos elementos habilitados para su control en wi-fi y Alexa integrados a la pantalla de un teléfono inteligente.
Si usted está pensando invertir en Miami, ésta es la oportunidad.
MIAMI – South-Florida based developer Habitat Group and Miami-based sales team Cervera Real Estate announce several major milestones for Smart Brickell. After the successful sellout of Tower 1 and quickly reaching 60 percent sold on Tower 2, Habitat Group is now breaking ground on the three-phase development. In addition, the developer has selected award-winning firm, Beauchamp Construction, as the general contractor for the mixed-use hotel and residential project. Smart Brickell is slated for completion in 2021.
“The groundbreaking is a monumental milestone for our team,” said Santiago Vanegas, founder, CEO and president of Habitat Group. “Seeing our vision for West Brickell come to life is a significant step forward. Smart Brickell represents the future of living – incorporating key elements of smart use, smart design and smart tech. It’s a very exciting day for our team to see how this concept is transforming into the city’s first smart project.”
Smart Brickell is located in Miami’s world renowned Brickell neighborhood, just east of I-95 and west ofBrickell City Centre. The area’s westward expansion will offer new hotels and residences while keeping its proximity to top restaurants, entertainment, transportation and unparalleled access to all of Miami.
“Smart Brickell is setting the tone for the type of developments Miami needs,” said Alicia CerveraLamadrid of Cervera Real Estate. “Selling out in Tower 1 and reaching the 60 percent sales threshold forTower 2 in a short amount of time is proof that Miami has a demand for this type of product. Buyers arelooking for flexibility and Smart Brickell offers just that. The project continues to attract buyers from localand international markets.”
The master-planned development will consist of three smart towers designed by the distinguishedarchitect, Hernando Carrillo, interiors by interior design firm Arquitectonica Interiors and concept and branding by world-renowned firm Gensler. Towers 1 and 2 will include 50 hotel rooms and 50 condoseach. Tower 3 will consist of 97 residential rental units.
Transforming the landscape of West Brickell into one of the most desired places to live, Smart Brickellwill offer residents high quality amenities and world-class design. The building will include state-of-the-art technology including Wi-Fi enabled features such as Nest thermostats and Amazon Echo/Alexahome. Residents will also have access to a stunning amenity deck with a landscaped recreational area and an expansive terrace; two resort-style pools with a lap area and sun deck; a ground-level organiccafe; a spa and state-of-the-art fitness center; a rooftop lounge bar and a fully equipped business center.
With prices starting from the low $300,000s, investors are seeing a shift in demand to units withattainable price points. Offering exclusive advantages, unit owners will be able to rent out their condosup to 50 times a year using popular home sharing applications and programs such as Airbnb orparticipate in an optional two-year, fixed annual leaseback program that ensures two years rent at afixed rate.
South Florida-based developer Habitat Group and Miami-based sales team Cervera Real Estate have several milestones for Smart Brickell in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood. After the sellout of Tower 1 and reaching 60% sold on Tower 2, Habitat Group is now breaking ground on the three-phase development.In addition, the developer has selected Beauchamp Construction as the general contractor for the mixed-use hotel and residential project. Smart Brickell is slated for completion in 2021. The development will consist of three smart towers designed by architect Hernando Carrillo, interiors by Arquitectonica Interiors and concept and branding by Gensler. Towers 1 and 2 will include 50 guest rooms and 50 condos each. Tower 3 will consist of 97 residential rental units.
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Developer Habitat Group held a groundbreaking ceremony for Smart Brickell on Friday. The project includes three towers:
Tower 1 (50 hotel, 50 condo – sold out)
Tower 2 (50 hotel, 50 condo – 60 percent sold)
Tower 3 (97 rental apartments)
Short term leasing of condos is permitted up to 50 times annually.
Santiago Vanegas, presidente de Habitat Group, presidió la ceremonia de inicio de construcción de la primera torre del complejo de edificios Smart Brickell que se edificará durante los próximos 24 meses en 229 SW y 9th Street en Miami.
Por Redacción MiamiDiario
Al tomar la palabra Vanegas agradeció a todo el equipo que ha participado en la creación y planificación del proyecto de más de 100 millones de dólares de inversión, consistente en tres torres de uso mixto, con apartamentos inteligentes de dos y tres habitaciones.
El joven empresario comentó que se ha vendido el 100% de la primera torre. Donde se ubicaran 50unidades en la parte superior y 50 habitaciones de hotel en los primeros niveles.
“El proyecto constructivo ha ido cumpliendo sus ciclos de premisos y de cotización. Hemos definido los precios de construcción. Hemos ido firmando con contratistas y los subcontratistas. Y finalmente obtuvimos el permiso de fundación. Ahora nos encontramos en el momento de empezar a ejecutar laconstrucción”, explicó en exclusiva a DIARIO LAS AMERICAS.
Smart Brickell es comercializado por la inmobiliaria Cervera Real Estate y se vende completamente amueblado.
Por su parte, el interiorismo, y los muebles de las unidades fueron diseñados por Arquitectónica, un ícono del diseño moderno, que ha creado espacios confortables y harmónicos dentro de la propiedad.
El complejo de uso mixto tendrá 170 residencias y 150 habitaciones de hotel.
Los apartamentos se comercializan a precios entre 290.000 y 490.000 dólares, y sus tamaños van desdelos 558 a los 878 pies cuadrados.
“Creo que ha sido muy bien acogido por el mercado, debido a que satisface necesidades solicitadas porinversionistas y los actuales propietarios de las unidades. Además, logra la harmonía de tres elementosclave: el uso flexible, el diseño y la tecnología”.
Los apartamentos estarán equipados con sistemas inteligentes que controlarán la eficiencia energética,permitirá regir de forma remota los aires acondicionados, encender y apagar las luces, subir y bajar losestores. Cada unidad estará provista de una asistente personal Alexa.
Éste es un proyecto considerado anticiclo, debido a que será la única edificación a culminarse enel área a lo largo de 2021. Casi un año después del ‘boom’ de las construcciones que sacudió aBrickell. Por ello “los brokers, que conocen bien el mercado, han confiado en el edificio”, precisó Vanegas.
“Para nosotros, Smart Brickell marca un hito. Tenemos otras siete ejecuciones consecutivas a este. Seisen esta misma área y otro en zonas del río de Miami”. Este último es un edificio de 34 unidades enalquiler “conocido como East River Living que entregaremos en 10 meses”, concluyó.
In the middle of one of the world's fastest-growing, most dynamic urban meccas exists one of the country's most swiftly emerging neighborhoods. The city is Miami, and the neighborhood Brickell, a thriving district located in the city's core, between Coral Gables and Miami Beach.
Even if you've never lived in or near Miami, you are likely familiar with the community of Brickell. It is so sizable that 45% of greater Downtown Miami's population resides there, and it is such a tourism and business magnet that more than 15 million visitors go to Brickell every year. Not surprisingly, the last several years have seen the enclave welcome enormous amounts of development, including one now serving as home to a veritable United Nations of residents, Brickell City Centre.
It is also home to the largest concentration of international banks in the United States and is the second-largest financial hub outside of New York City's financial district. Renowned as one of the hottest retail real estate markets in the United States, it is benefitting from the influx of newcomers to the SunshineState, estimated by some to be 900 a day.
Of that total, a quarter are choosing Miami-Dade County as their new home, making the area a destination not only for travelers but for full-time and part-time residents. The district has a total population of 463,347 and is attracting a younger demographic of professionals between the ages of 25and 44, with most out-of-staters from New York and Canada.
In fact, Brickell has grown so fast that developers are now exploring West Brickell, an area that has become a focus of development and an emerging neighborhood of Miami's metro area. As an extension of the more established Brickell, it offers the same unmatched access to the Magic City, as well as restaurants, retailing, entertainment and transportation options.
Three hotel projects
Miami-based developer Habitat Group is among those embracing West Brickell, and specifically theHospitality District of West Brickell. Leading that district's metamorphosis are three primary projects: Millux Hotels, Brickell Lux and Smart Brickell. Millux Hotels, which is actually comprised of two sophisticated hotels totaling 114 Instagram-worthy rooms, provides a boutique hotel experience. Each hotel features a rooftop bar, lounge and pool.
Brickell Lux, situated adjacent to Brickell City Centre, brings a vibrant, elegant ambience to West Brickell.The mixed-use project features 108 residents, 60 hotel rooms and high-end shopping. Elegant finishes and private residential amenities are among its hallmarks.
Inspired by Habitat Group's Smart Living philosophy and breaking ground today, Smart Brickell was created to synthesize flexible usage, the latest design thinking and up-to-the-minute technological advances. Three towers will comprise the mixed-use development. Tower 1 is to be a residential condominium tower with 100 residences, while Tower 2 is slated as a 100-room hotel and condominium structure. Tower 3 will feature 97 residential units and in addition incorporate 12,000 square feet of commercial space devoted to shopping, a restaurant and a cafe.
More developments
Other notable projects include Chetrit River Walk, a mixed-use development that will blend condominium, hotel and commercial space.
Also well worth mention is The Gallery at West Brickell. Upon completion, this condo residence will feature 287 units. The development will also provide affordable housing, workforce housing and a Miami-Dade School Board-approved school.
In all, West Brickell will serve the hospitality industry with more than 1,450 units, about 3,120condominiums and 390,000 commercial spaces coming to the area by 2025.
Put it all together and it is little wonder many visitors and permanent newcomers to Miami are by passing the trendier-than-thou destination of South Beach, and eagerly gaining a toehold in Brickell.
Habitat Group broke ground on the first phase of its Smart Brickell condo/hotel project in Miami, and revealed a significant change for a future phase of the project.
The first and second phases of Smart Brickell will each have 50 condos and 50 hotel rooms, but the third phase will no longer have 70 condos and 50 hotel rooms.
Habitat Group CEO Santiago Vanegas said the third phase will have 100 apartments because the company wants to hold onto that rental tower as a long-term asset.
Vanegas said the change was not related to the pace of sales in the Miami condo market.
Each tower, at 229, 239 and 243 S.W. 9th Street, will have 10,000 square feet of retail space, he added.
“You have two types of product today,” Vanegas said. “You have the super luxury and then the alternative product. Smart Brickell is the alternative product because of the use of the units and the sizeof the units.”
The condos will range from 558- to 1,117-square-feet. Prices start in the low $300,000s.
In addition to living in their units or leasing them, owners have the option to do a short-term rental for up to 24 days a year, or lease the unit back to the developer for a fixed rent.
The developer would put the leased-back units into its hotel pool. Vanegas said these options will provide maximum flexibility for investors, who make up the bulk of his buyers.
The first phase condos of Smart Brickell is sold out, and it should be completed in the first quarter of2021, Vanegas said. The second phase is about 66 percent pre-sold and Vanegas hopes to break ground in the third quarter of 2019.
The third tower should break ground in early 2020, Vanegas added. It has been redesigned so its common areas will be separate from the condo/hotel towers, he said.
Designed by Gensler, Smart Brickell has a furnishing package that comes with every unit. The building has modern technology features, such as Nest smart thermostat control, Lifx smart lighting controls,Amazon Echo and an iPad with each unit.
Amenities will include two pools, a spa, a fitness center, a business center, and a rooftop lounge.
“Smart Brickell is setting the tone for the type of developments Miami needs,” said Alicia Cervera Lamadrid of Cervera Real Estate, the broker for the project. “Selling out Tower 1 and reaching the 60percent sales threshold for Tower 2 in a short amount of time is proof that Miami has a demand for this type of product.”
Vanegas said Smart Brickell required 50 percent deposits from buyers, with the amount paid in stages during the course of construction. He plans to sign a construction loan to help complete the project.
Las nuevas y modernas representaciones digitales muestran el alcance de la transformación que West Brickell experimentará en los próximos cinco años.
Por Redacción MiamiDiario
Los desarrolladores están planificando la construcción de al menos 3,120 condominios, 1,450habitaciones de hotel y 390,000 pies cuadrados de espacio comercial en un total de 11 proyectos programados para completarse en 2024.
Los datos y las representaciones fueron proporcionados por el consorcio Habitat Group, que viene desarrollando varios proyectos en este distrito financiero e inmobiliario de Miami.
Algunos de los proyectos de habitat en West Brickell son los siguientes:
Smart Brickell es la mayor apuesta, listo para abrir sus puertas de manera inminente, incluirá tres torres: Torre 1, estará conformada de condominios residenciales y contará con 100 unidades; Torre 2, un hotel de 100 habitaciones y torre de condominios; y Torre 3, con 97 unidades residenciales. El proyecto también incluirá aproximadamente 12,000 pies cuadrados de área comercial que se utilizará para cafeterías, restaurantes y tiendas.
Brickell Lux por su parte incluirá 108 unidades residencias les, 60 habitaciones de hotel y locales comerciales.
Millux Hotels también muestra una atrevida apuesta en la cual se construirán dos hoteles con un total de 114 habitaciones. Cada hotel contará con un atractivo bar en la azotea, un salón y una terraza de la piscina independientes.
Otros proyectos del área incluirán River Walk de Chetrit Group, y The Gallery en West Brickell, propuesto por Related Group para incluir viviendas a precios asequibles, para la fuerza laboral y ajustados al mercado.
New renderings show the extent of the transformation that West Brickell will experience over the next five years.
Developers are planning at least 3,120 condos, 1,450 hotel rooms, and 390,000 square feet of commercial space in a total of 11 projects slated for completion by 2024.
Data and renderings were provided by Habitat Group, which is developing several projects in the area.Habitat’s upcoming West Brickell projects include:
Other area projects will include Chetrit Group’s River Walk, and The Gallery at West Brickell, proposed by Related Group to include affordable, workforce and market rate housing.
Desde el 2009, la población del centro de Miami ha subido 38%. Brickell es uno de los vecindarios másgrande de Miami, siendo responsable de más del 45% de la población del centro de Miami. El área atraemás de 15 millones de visitantes incluyendo turistas y empresarios, anualmente.
El desarrollador colombiano, basado en Miami, Habitat Group, está liderando el camino de desarrollos con lo que pronto será conocido como el Distrito Hotelero de West Brickell. Fundado por el presidentey CEO, Santiago Vanegas, la agencia inmobiliaria tienes tres proyectos iniciando la transformación deWest Brickell incluyendo Smart Brickell, Millux Hotels y Brickell Lux.
Nuevos desarrollos: Actualmente, Brickell es el distrito financiero más grande después de Nueva York ytiene uno de los mercados comerciales inmobiliarios más populares en el país. Según un reporte de ISG,aproximadamente, 900 personas se mudan a la florida cada día. De estas 900 personas, el 25 por cientoeligen el condado de Miami-Dade como su nuevo hogar. Esta información demuestra que no solo es unárea para viajeros, si no para residentes permanentes también. Durante los últimos años, East Brickellha visto una gran cantidad de desarrollos incluyendo destinos internacionales como Brickell City Center.Ahora, desarrolladores están buscando hacia el oeste.
Algunos de los proyectos de uso mixto y residenciales que impactaran West Brickell incluyen:
Smart Brickell: El primer desarrollo “inteligente” de Miami, diseñado con uso flexible, inspirado por latecnología.
Brickell Lux: Estará ubicado al lado de Brickell City Center y ofrecerá amenidades únicas dentro de lasunidades y traerá un diseño moderno y lujoso al área de West Brickell.
Millux Hotels: Serán dos hoteles boutique con diseños impecables y acabados elegantes.
Miami es un destino conocido por su excelente clima, hermosas playas y gran variedad culinaria. El oeste de la gran avenida Brickell está bajo grandes cambios con la iniciativa de desarrollos que están transformando sus vecindarios y el horizonte de Miami a un paso muy rápido.
Desde el 2009, la población del centro de Miami ha subido por un 38 por ciento. Brickell es uno de los vecindarios más grandes de Miami, siendo responsable de más del 45 por ciento de la población del centro de la ciudad. El área atrae a más de 15 millones de visitantes incluyendo turistas y empresarios, anualmente. El desarrollador colombiano, basado en Miami, HabitatGroup, está liderando el camino de desarrollos con lo que pronto será conocido como el Distrito Hotelero de West Brickell. Fundado por el presidente y CEO, Santiago Vanegas, la agencia inmobiliaria tienes tres proyectos iniciando la transformación de West Brickell incluyendo: Smart Brickell, Millux Hotels y Brickell Lux.
Desarrollos Nuevos
Actualmente, Brickell es el distrito financiero más grande después de Nueva York, y tiene uno de los mercados comerciales inmobiliarios más populares en el país. Según un reporte de ISG, aproximadamente 900 personas se mudan a Florida cada día. De estas 900 personas, el 25 por ciento eligen el condado de Miami-Dade como su nuevo hogar. Esta información demuestra que no solo es un área para viajeros, sino para residentes permanentes también. Durante los últimos años, East Brickell ha visto una gran cantidad de desarrollos incluyendo destinos internacionales como Brickell City Center. Ahora, desarrolladores están buscando hacia el oeste.
Algunos de los proyectos de uso mixto y residenciales que impactaran West Brickell incluyen:
Smart Brickell
El primer desarrollo “inteligente” de Miami, diseñado con uso flexible, inspirado por la tecnología.
Brickell Lux
Estará ubicado al lado de Brickell City Center y ofrecerá amenidades únicas dentro de las unidades y traerá un diseño moderno y lujoso al área de West Brickell.
Millux Hotels
Serán dos hoteles boutique con diseños impecables y acabados elegantes.
Brickell es uno de los vecindarios más grande de Miami, siendo responsable de más del 45 por ciento de la población del centro de Miami.
Por Revista Summa
Desde el 2009, la población del centro de Miami ha subido por un 38 por ciento. Brickell es uno de los vecindarios más grande de Miami, siendo responsable de más del 45 por ciento de la población del centro de Miami. El área atrae más de 15 millones de visitantes incluyendo turistas y empresarios, anualmente. El desarrollador colombiano, basado en Miami, Habitat Group, está liderando el camino de desarrollos con lo que pronto será conocido como el Distrito Hotelero de West Brickell. Fundado por el presidente y CEO, Santiago Vanegas, la agencia inmobiliaria tienes tres proyectos iniciando la transformación de West Brickell incluyendo Smart Brickell, Millux Hotels y Brickell Lux.
Nuevos desarrollos: Actualmente, Brickell es el distrito financiero más grande después de Nueva York y tiene uno de los mercados comerciales inmobiliarios más populares en el país. Según un reporte de ISG, aproximadamente, 900 personas se mudan a la florida cada día. De estas 900 personas, el 25 por ciento eligen el condado de Miami-Dade como su nuevo hogar. Esta información demuestra que no solo es un área para viajeros, si no para residentes permanentes también. Durante los últimos años, East Brickell ha visto una gran cantidad de desarrollos incluyendo destinos internacionales como Brickell City Center.Ahora, desarrolladores están buscando hacia el oeste.
Algunos de los proyectos de uso mixto y residenciales que impactaran West Brickell incluyen:
Habitat Group announces new East River Living project
Picking up on the momentum of the Miami River District, Habitat Group recently announced a new 34-unit apartment building, East River Living.
The building at 39 Northwest Seventh Avenue in Little Havana will sit along the west side of the Miami River. It is designed by Hernando Carrillo of HAC Architects & Urbanists and feature spa pool surrounded by greenery and a private gym.
A developer plans to knock down old duplexes to build condo towers and hotel rooms near Miami’s downtown.
Santiago Vanegas, CEO of Habitat Group, is behind multiple projects he says will expand his presence throughout Miami’s urban core. He said he needs to move quickly because land is running out.
“Big developers or big players must buy complete buildings to knock down middle-size buildings to make new projects because there is no land available in the Brickell area,” he said. “That’s why we made a very aggressive investment strategy.”
His projects include:
Apartments: An $11 million project known as East River Living is being built on empty land at 39 NWSeventh Ave. It will feature 34 rental apartments (studio, one- and two-bedroom units) and amenities such as a pool and gym. Units will range in size from 500 square feet to 850 square feet, and prices will start at$1,300 a month.
Completion of the eight-story rental apartment building along the west side of the Miami River is expected in the third quarter of 2019.
“It’s very attractive for the people who work on Brickell,” he said, because it’s a five-minute drive away.
Condo and hotel towers: His three-tower, $60 million Smart Brickell project will break ground by year’s end at 229 SW Ninth St.
The first tower — Smart 1 — will have 24 floors, with 50 hotel rooms on the second through eighth floors, and 50 condos on the ninth through 24th floors.
Two duplexes on-site will be demolished by the end of the month, and construction is expected to begin inFebruary, he said.
The Smart 2 tower will have the same configuration of 24 floors of hotel rooms and condos. Two duplexes will be demolished by the third quarter of next year, and construction is expected to begin by the end of2019.
Smart 3 will have 50 hotel rooms and 70 condos in a 26-story building. Three duplexes in its path will be torn down.
The towers will share amenities: Tower 1 will have a spa; Tower 2 will have an event room; and Tower 3 will have office space and restaurants. All of them will share a pool.
Homes generally will start in the $300,000s and top at $600,000s.
The hotel rooms will make up the Smart Brickell Hotel, which is Vanegas’ company’s brand. Vanegas said he has built four other hotels in the last eight years surrounding Brickell Avenue and Little Havana.
More hotels: Vanegas has more in the works. He said he is planning two other hotels, with 57 units each, about three blocks away at 239 SW 12th St. He bought that land earlier this year, and the hotels are in the zoning approval process.
More apartments: About two weeks ago, he closed on land at 143 SW Ninth St. that now has a 39-unit apartment building. Within two years, he said, he plans to build a 36-story project: a 108-unit condo tower, a hotel with 60 rooms, plus 12,000 square feet of commercial space.
I had thepleasure of interviewing Santiago Vanegas, CEO and President of Habitat Group,Developer of Smart Brickell
"Ifyou want to be a permanent player in this market, it is important that you doall your work right from the beginning. Miami is big in size but you willalways run into people in your industry so it is very important to do your workright the first time so you leave a good impression."
Yitzi: Thankyou so much for doing this with us! What is your "backstory"?
I arrived toMiami in 2000, beginning my career in the real estate industry as FinancialManager for Fortune International Group. I founded Habitat Group in 2005,eventually expanding the firm’s portfolio to include four branches offeringspecialized services, including: Habitat Development, an expert in theconstruction and remodeling of properties; Habitat Realty, which focuses onanalyzing the real estate market in search of the best properties andinvestment opportunities; Habitat Management, which focuses on the managementof company assets; and Habitat Hotel, which is owned and operated by HabitatGroup.
Yitzi: Can youshare the funniest or most interesting story that happened to you since youbegan leading your company?
We created aproject in 2008 that was originally supposed to be a condominium building. Whenthe market crashed, I quickly transformed the project into a multifamily andlater we added furniture and converted it to a hotel, taking us from $300K to$1M in yearly revenue. Interestingly enough, this crisis made us jump into anindustry which now has become our expertise. Since then, we have opened fourhotels and we are currently developing our fifth, Smart Brickell Hotel.
Yitzi: So howexactly does your company help people?
HabitatDevelopment is a leading Miami-based real estate asset management firm. Withover 18 years of real estate experience, we serve as the Developer for SmartBrickell, where we oversees the vision, direction, development and overallmarketing for the project.
Yitzi: What doyou think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
Very fewcompanies have such a variety of commercial categories in their portfolio as wedo. We have Office, shopping, hotel, and multi-family housing properties, avaluation of $60 million in commercial real estate properties.
We have focusedmany years of our expertise in Brickell, specifically the west Brickell area,and Little Havana. We have become specialists in these areas and have anin-depth knowledge of the property values, the needs and limitations. We alsopride ourselves in being the pioneers in the short-term rental market inBrickell and have opened four successful boutique hotels: Habitat Residence 1,Habitat Residence 2, the Miami River Hotel, and the Jefferson Hotel. Soon, wewill hopefully be having our fifth successful hotel, the Smart BrickellHotel.
As developers,we set ourselves apart by combining better urbanism and evolving parks andmixed-use outdoor spaces and commercial spaces into our projects. We considerourselves “Urbanism Activists”. We focus in developing more than one project ineach specific area in Miami, in order to contribute to the improvement of thequality of life in those areas, maintaining architectural harmony and promotingthe urban development of the city.
Yitzi: None ofus are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there aparticular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where youare?
I am verygrateful to Anibal Roa, a big industry investor in Colombia. He has been ananchor investor in many of my projects from the very start of my company and hehas been a great mentor to me. By putting his trust in my team, we have beenable to create many of the projects that now fill our portfolio.
Yitzi: How haveyou used your success to bring goodness to the world?
I created anonprofit organization called E Foundation.co with the purpose of creating aplatform to collect resources to help social development initiatives, mainlythose that emphasize environmental issues, education and aimed at children andare formulated by entrepreneurs (groups or people) generating positive impactsin their communities.
My initialpurpose for this project is to seek to have an impact in the department ofHuila (Colombia), benefiting with resources obtained through donations to fivesocial projects that are being managed within the territory. My vision is tohave a representative, called the helper, in many cities around the world. Thishelper will then choose people that have created a strong social impact intheir community, called the hero. The platform will allow people to donate tothese different hero’s to give them the tools to continue their work and expandthe impact that they are making in their communities.
As my companycontinues to expand, we will continue to donate and grow this platform,providing resources and sponsors, so that as our company succeeds, othersaround the world can succeed in continuing to better their communities.
Yitzi: What areyour "5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Became CEO" and why.(Please share a story or example for each.)
1. Doeverything the right way and the legal way. If you want to be a permanentplayer in this market, it is important that you do all your work right from thebeginning. Miami is big in size but you will always run into people in yourindustry so it is very important to do your work right the first time so youleave a good impression.
2. Haveperseverance and don’t give up. There are many projects that you will take onwith a vision in mind that can then turn into the “ugly duck” amongst yourother projects. I have learned that it is always when you are about to give upthat you are the closest to succeeding. My advice is to have perseverance anddon’t give up because they will one day turn into a swan.
3. Whatevermarket or industry you are in, become the expert. It’s always better to be anexpert in a small market then trying to know everything about a large market.Pick your market and invest your time in becoming its specialist, because thisis what will separate you from the rest of your competition.
4. Always havea balance in your life. I have found that it is important to always make timefor your personal life, friends and family. Don’t make everything about yourwork and success.
5. Plan yourgoals in several schedules. Always make short-term and long-term goals,starting at 5 years to 10 years. This will help you to create tasks and stepsfor yourself and your team so that you can achieve these goals.
Yitzi: Some ofthe biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read thiscolumn. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love tohave a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this:-)
I would love tohave the opportunity to have a private sit-down with Tim Cook, the CEO ofApple, because my dream is to one day create an Apple Condo building. I admiretheir revolutionary technology that has succeeded in making so many consumersdevoted users to their products. Their products are used in our everyday lives,so a building integrating their style and technology would be a perfect ideafor a future place to call home.
Conversion to contract is now underway at Smart Brickell.
According to developer Habitat Group, the first tower is now 50% sold. Conversion to contract will begin February 15.
In total, the $120 million project will include three towerswith 170 condos and 150 hotel rooms. Condos range in pricefrom $318,000 to more than $400,000 and range in size from 558 to 1,117square feet.
Condos are being sold fully finished and furnished, with smart techsuch as Nest and Alexa. Owners may choose either a two-year fixed annualleaseback or to live there themselves. Airbnb rentals are also allowed.
Groundbreaking is now scheduled for late 2018.
Arquitectonica is overseeing interior design and furnishing.
https://www.thenextmiami.com/airbnb-approved-smart-brickell-50-sold-converting-contract/
A 1.23-acre development site on Southwest Ninth Street between Second and Third Avenues in Miami will give way to one of the city's most future-minded developments. The Santiago Vanegas-led Habitat Group has envisioned Smart Brickell, a new three-tower project positioned to address thechallenges prevalent in an ever-densifying urban centre like Miami.
The first tower in the development is over 50 percent sold.When ready in 2020, the complex will feature 170 condominiums and 150 hotelrooms across its three towers. Fully furnished condominiums are being pricedfrom $318,000 to more than $400,000, ranging in size from 558 to 1,117 squarefeet. Commercial space will line the ground floor — early plans indicate theinclusion of a healthy dining concept.
"Our goal is to develop a new Brickell for a newgeneration," explains Santiago Vanegas, President of Habitat Group."We want to lead the pack for futuristic living in Miami. Combining theelements of Smart Use, Smart Design and Smart Technology, we are providing aSmart solution to residents and guests in Miami."
A two-year fixed annual leaseback program will ensure twoyears rent at a fixed rent. Owners will also be able to utilize home-sharingapplications like Airbnb to legally rent out their units up to 24 times everyyear. Each home in Smart Brickell is outfitted with integrated technology andamenities, including wi-fi enabled elements that control the built-in Nest andAlexa from a smart phone screen.
Additional images and information can be found in theDatabase file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or shareyour photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave acomment in the field provided at the bottom of this page.
https://skyrisecities.com/news/2018/02/smart-brickell-hotel-and-residential-complex-coming-miami
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The folks behind Smart Brickell are appealing to buyers’ love of technology. The Habitat development property, set for completion in2020, will feature 170 residences ranging in size from 553 to 1,117 square feet and priced from $318,000, but it’s the complex’s bells and whistles that agentsare touting as its strongest selling point. Smart technology in each of theunits includes features such as Nest thermostats, Alexa connectivity, Boshappliances, Lifx lighting, Tesla charging stations and mobile concierge.Furnishings by Arquitectonica Interiors and the fact that the address willadhere to LEED-certified regulations don’t hurt either. “Our goal is to developa new Brickell for a new generation,” says Habitat President Santiago Vanegas.“We want to lead the pack for futuristic living in Miami.” As for the two-poolrooftop deck overlooking the city? That just goes to prove that smart can alsobe sexy.
Santiago Vanegas is theFounder, CEO and President of Habitat Development, a leading Miami-based real estate asset management firm. With over 18 years of real estate experience, he is the Developer for Smart Brickell, where he oversees the vision, direction, development and overall marketing for the project.
I arrived to Miami in 2000,beginning my career in the real estate industry as Financial Manager forFortune International Group. I founded Habitat Development in 2005, eventuallyexpanding the firm’s portfolio to include four branches offering specializedservices, including: Habitat Development, an expert in the construction andremodeling of properties; Habitat Realty, which focuses on analyzing the realestate market in search of the best properties and investment opportunities;Habitat Management, which focuses on the management of company assets; andHabitat Hotel, which is owned and operated by Habitat Group.
I am excited to give people theopportunity to experience Smart Living. This project is going to focus on SmartUse, Smart Design and Smart Tech. Smart Brickell will offer a seamless livingsolution to buyers and guests. This project has a goal of creating efficientsolutions to everyday problems which will make life easier in the long run.Everything you need to live, work and play will all be within reach.
Sustainability is a big factorin not only our development process, but the design of the project itself. Weare choosing to deconstruct the current structure that is at the site of SmartBrickell, rather than demolish it. We will make sure the materials are reusedappropriately. Also, Smart Brickell is a LEED certified building and willadhere to the silver level certification.
The most challenging moment inmy career was during the real estate crisis where I was currently developing abuilding. I quickly took the decision to change the concept of my developmentand turned the project into a condo hotel, which today is Habitat Residence, avery successful hotel in Brickell.
Being able to develop foursuccessful boutique hotels in a row: Habitat Residence 1, Habitat Residence 2,the Miami River Hotel, and the Jefferson Hotel. Soon we will hopefully behaving our fifth successful hotel, the Smart Brickell Hotel.
I would have to say that mybiggest weakness is that I am so passionate about my work that it is often hardfor me to find time in my busy agenda for myself to find hobbies that I like orspend more time with family and friends.
I find that my strength isbeing a specialist in the West Brickell and Little Havana area. I have focusedmany years of my expertise in these areas and I know the property values, theareas needs and its limitations. By not analyzing other areas and fullyfocusing myself on this area, this has helped me to become the specialist thatI am today.
I have learned to solve all ofthe minor details of a project at the beginning stages of the project toprevent having any mistakes in the final product. Although this is verytedious, I prefer spending more of my time on minor details having to do withspace and design today and not leave anything for the future. I don’t want toever feel regret that something in my project could have been done better if Iwould have paid more attention in the initial stages.
I love being able to create asolution to a problem. I am successful when I am able to help people and maketheir lives easier. The ultimate goal is to give people more time. If everyonewho experiences Smart Brickell finds one more hour in their day because of theSmart Living initiatives we have put in place, then I will have done my job.
I once asked a very successfulman that I knew, “How are you so successful?” He answered, “throughout yourpath, always continue to follow the light.” The phrase is a metaphor where thelight is my goal and how I want to see myself in the future. The path can takemany turns but if you continue to keep your focus on the light, then you willreach your goals.
Happiness is being able to havethe time to do what I want to do in life. For me, that’s spending time with myfamily and the people I love. My goal is to live smart and simplify life sothat I can focus my energy on my relationships and making the most of life.
I am currently reading “EvolvoSkyscrapers, part 2” since I already finished the first. I love this bookbecause it shows me ideas that architectures are visualizing for the futurewhich helps me visualize what will happen with architecture and urbanism. Thisbook has helped me with many of the concepts for my project, Smart Brickell. Iam also reading “2 Billion Under 20” a book about millennials. This book hasgiven me a lot of insight about how millennials are envisioning their futuresand working towards their goals.
Every morning, I walk,meditate, and practice Tai-Chi. Doing this helps me focus and prioritize whatis most important for me to accomplish in my day and it helps me to assigngoals and tasks to my team.
I am currently in collaborationwith an artist for my development project in Colombia called Le Parc. I adopteda park from the city and I am developing a residential and commercial areaaround this park. This artist is helping me create art around the complex and Iwould like to find a similar collaboration for Smart Brickell. I am currentlylooking for a wood artist for the interiors of the building such as the lobbyand a modern contemporary artist for the wall facing the private park we haveat Smart Brickell.
Habitat Development Group has released a new rendering ofSmart Brickell, a $120 million mixed-use hotel and residential project.
Los avances tecnológicos facilitan cada vez más la vida de las personas. Dispositivos inteligentes, nos ayudan a comunicarnos, nos guían a la hora de conducir, nos avisan del estado del tráfico y nos permiten hacer búsquedas que antiguamente demoraban días.
Estos adelantos no son ajenos al hogar, pues cada día se crean más dispositivos o gadgets que nos complementan y facilitan nuestras tareasdiarias, simplificándolas de tal manera que nos ahorran tiempo para que podamos disfrutar de las cosas que más nos gustan.
Actualmente, en Miami se están comenzando a construir proyectos completos pensados de manera ‘inteligente’.Por ejemplo, el edificio Smart Brickell,ubicado en el famoso distrito financiero de la capital de la Florida, tiene estructuras que han sido diseñadas para integrar la tecnología en el día a díade las personas.
Entre los adelantos que están formando parte de los nuevos edificios inteligentes se encuentran:
SISTEMA DE HOGAR INTELIGENTE
Cada residencia ofrece control de audio, video e iluminación a través de un sistema operativo, permitiéndole al residente el control total de la casa entera con dispositivos móviles o tabletas.
TECNOLOGÍA BIOMÉTRICA
Incluye cajas fuertes con seguridad biométrica en el dormitorio principal, las cuales se activan mediante huella dactilar.
VIGILANCIA EN ALTADEFINICIÓN
Se trata de una cámara de altadefinición que proporciona vigilancia en el hogar para la entrada principal decada unidad. El video de vigilancia se podrá mostrar en dispositivos móvilesdentro de la casa o de forma remota desde cualquier parte del mundo.
ILUMINACIÓN LED PERSONALIZADA
Las residencias están equipadas con un paquete de control que incluyedimmers e iluminación ‘empotrada’. Esto genera una luz ambiental y de acento,eficaz tanto para uso residencial como comercial.
Adicionalmente estas propiedades ofrecen garaje semi-robotizado, elevadoresbiométricos para cada unidad, televisores plasma al aire libre, estaciones decoches para carga eléctrica y aplicaciones móviles que le permiten al residenteacceso sin llave y comunicación directa con el equipo administrativoresidencial.
Actualmente en Colombia hay empresas que integran todo elsistema de domótica en los hogares, ya sea desde planos o una vez construida,sin necesidad de romper con las bases estructurales de la vivienda.
Esta tecnología de hogar inteligente permite al usuariodisfrutar de un sistema de iluminación que se activa con un sensor demovimiento y, otro, de sonido integrado y distribuido por las diferenteshabitaciones de la casa, además de control de acceso y cerraduras inteligentes.
http://www.miamitodaynews.com/2017/11/07/miami-condo-price-reductions-sales-just-1-1-list/
Miami has seen a recent boom in not only condominium construction and sales but also resales.
While many buildings are stillin the pre-construction or construction stages, there is always a demand forunits in existing buildings, observers say. Of the 50 most expensive, pricesrange from $13.9 million for a 6,120-square-foot unit on Fisher Island to $55million for a penthouse at Faena at 3315 Collins Ave. on Miami Beach. Thefive-bedroom, five-bath unit features 8,273 square feet of living space.
Though sellers of single-familyhomes priced at more than $1.5 million have had to drop their prices an averageof 3.8%, condo prices were reduced by only 1.1%, according to the MultipleListing Service.
“The top of the market isstable,” said Alicia Cervera, managing partner and principal of Cervera RealEstate. “It’s not a raging market – which everybody prefers – but it’s not infreefall, either.”
There’s no shortage of buyers,but different factors motivate them to buy, she said. “The reality is, you’reselling to a very small pond, maybe 5% of the population. People at this levelhave the cash; it just depends on when they want to pull the trigger.”
Cervera Real Estate advertisesboth locally and in targeted luxury publications. “The big shift is that youdon’t market geographically, but to other demographic factors: where they go,what luxury items they consume. What appeals to them? Is it the boat show, isit Art Basel, is it the Miami 500 races? We advertise in our own backyard, too,because we know wealthy people from around the world come here.”
In Miami, luxury condo buyerswant to be on the water, near upscale restaurants and luxury shopping, Ms.Cervera said. Edgewater, where Cervera Real Estate is marketing Elysee Miamiand Biscayne Beach, is near the Design District, as is Aria on the Bay; AstonMartin Residences is downtown, close to Zuma and DB Moderne restaurants, sheadded.
Other properties the grouprepresents are The Grove at Grand Bay and The Markers in Coconut Grove and TheBond and Smart Brickell in Brickell.
Demand for the buildings isdriven by high occupancy overall (97%) and “rents going through the roof,” Ms.Cervera said. “It takes two or three years for a building to deliver, so it’sgood that we have all of these units coming on the market. Otherwise, it wouldhave stifled the city.”
It’s also fortunate that thebuildings are proceeding at different schedules, to accommodate those who wantto move in right away, as well as those who can wait, she added.
“It’s good to have some thatare close to finishing; Aria on the Bay will be finished in January. We sold itout, and people want to move in. Biscayne Beach is finished. Life changesquickly, and it’s hard to know where you’ll be in four years.”
A major change in this buildingboom is that more people will occupy their units, even if on a part-time basis,she said. “Someone has to call it home, even if it’s one week or one month ayear, so it’s not idle. In Miami, that hasn’t been an issue. In fact, we havebuildings being occupied very quickly.”
“It’s the definition ofluxury,” said Chad Carroll of Douglas Elliman, describing the $39 millionpenthouse on which the company has an exclusive listing in the Regalia in SunnyIsles Beach. With nearly 17,000 square feet, it is the second most expensivecondominium unit for sale in Miami-Dade County.
The two-story penthouse atRegalia comprises 10,700 square feet (at $3,600 per square foot) with a7,000-square-foot rooftop terrace and private pool reached by glass elevator,dual master bedrooms, a great room, movie theater, game and family rooms,private spa, wine cellar and guest room with its own living space.
Finishes include Nikzad wood and Blanco Sevilla stone flooring, Kreon designer lighting, custom speakers andmillwork, Falma Italian closets, and programmable controls for lighting,shades, temperature and music. “No expense was spared,” Mr. Carroll said.
Designed by Arquitectonica’s Bernardo Fort-Brescia, the building itself offers only 39 units, he said, with unit prices starting from $8 million. They have 360-degree wrap-around terraces that offer unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean, Golden Beach, theIntracoastal Waterway and the skylines of Miami, Miami Beach and FortLauderdale.
Another listing in the Regalia is a six-bedroom, six-bath “beach house” comprising 10,515 square feet, with a private pool, sauna, steam room and spa. It is listed for $29 million, he said.
“We have had interest from hedge fund managers, European families, Brazilians. It’s a very diverse group,”Mr. Carroll said. “The ultra-wealthy just love the building because it makes them feel at home. We’ve been very active.”
Espacios reducidos, minimalistas y prácticos. Así son los lugares en lo que desean vivir los jóvenes entre 25 y 32años, mejor conocidos como los ‘millenial’, cuyas preferencias están ligadas al estilo de vida eficiente y a la conectividad.
La tendencia de vivienda en este exigente grupo, “se basa en la reducción de espacios, las medidas de los cuartos y su máxima utilización por metro cuadrado. Por ende, esta generación busca funcionalidad, buen precio y eficiencia”, tal como lo asegura Karen Elmir, fundadora de The Elmir Group (Grupo de Agentes Inmobiliarios),especialistas en vivienda en Estados Unidos. El tipo de residencia en estos jóvenes depende de los gustos y necesidades de la persona. Pero generalmente,“quieren un aparta estudio de 60 m2 con una cocina relativamente amplia, cómoda y con muy buenas acabados”, dice Juan Jacobo Sterling Sadovnik, arquitecto y docente de la escuela de Arquitectura de la Universidad del Valle. Según Santiago Vanegas, presidente de Habitat Group, los espacios principales de la casa como los cuartos “deben contar con una pared para obtener mayor privacidad y las cocinas deben tener máquina para lavar platos para facilitar el tiempo de limpieza. Así mismo, la inclusión de muebles para el televisor y el extra almacenamiento son fundamentales para un residente activo”.
Los millennials además prefierenlos monoespacios estilo loft, es decir, viviendas en donde en una sola área sesolucionen los principales espacios de la misma. En estas residencias “setransforma un poco la idea de los espacios que utiliza la familia nuclear, esdecir, padre, madre e hijos, entonces ya no hay necesidad de pensar en sala ycomedor sino que debe haber un espacio para compartir y dormir, el cual se puedereducir a una sola área. El baño y la cocina sí se mantienen de forma normal,aunque cada vez se piensa si es necesaria la cocina, porque muchos comen porfuera o piden a domicilio”, aclara Armando Buchard, arquitecto y docente delprograma de la Facultad de arquitectura, arte y diseño de la Universidad SanBuenaventura.
Dado el tamaño de los espacios enlos apartaestudios, los muebles ideales para usar son los funcionales y plegables, como las camas que se guardan dentro de la pared, mesas de comedor expandibles y mobiliarios que cumplen varias funciones para maximizar las diferentes zonas de la viviendas.
De acuerdo con los expertos, el precio y el diseño son factores muy importantes para esta generación, así comola ubicación del inmueble.
El transporte, la cercanía a los sistemas de movilidad, centros de desarrollo urbanísticos y de trabajo es vital para ellos. Por eso, el arquitecto Sterling dice que a los millennials se les hace más llamativo vivir en zonas centrales, es decir, que estén cerca a las vías de comunicación, servicios de transporte, universidades y centros comerciales.
“Los proyectos se desarrollan dentro de las áreas urbanas y comerciales y las opciones son un poco limitadas,pero creo que con el tiempo y la demanda vamos a ver desarrollos en las afueras, al aire libre y con espacios verdes que tal vez sean de su preferencia” afirma Karen Elmir.
La tecnología y el acceso a información constante no pueden faltar en estos inmuebles. “El ofrecimiento de un estilo de vida en yalrededor de la vivienda que les permita divertirse en zonas comunes, piscinas, gimnasio, spa, parques y supermercados también son de vital importancia”, anotael profesional Vanegas.
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3542365#ixzz52fYEh8uF
Miami, FL – Oct 31, 2017 - LUXO Director, Renée Adès, announced that the new Smart Brickell luxury condo and hotel by Habitat Development is expected to break ground in the spring of 2018. Smart Brickell is the first smart building in Miami and a completion date for the luxury condo is scheduled for 2020.
“We are thrilled to announce thatSmart Brickell is expected to break ground in the spring,” said Adès. “The highly anticipated condo-hotel by Habitat Development will be combining elements of smart design, smart technology and smart use. The project is geared toward young professionals and real estate investors. The luxury Miami condos come fully finished and furnished with a very exciting two-year guaranteed lease back option.”
Smart Brickell will grace the Miami, FL skyline with three towers of futuristic living. The unique new project features 170 condominium residences and 150 hotel rooms equipped with LIFX Wi-Fi-enabled LED smart bulbs, digital home appliances by Samsung, and a concierge app. Also included are self-learning Nest thermostats that learn and adapt to residents’ lifestyle and preferences, then sets conditions for their ultimate comfort.
Created with a myriad of amenities designed to appeal to discerning young professionals, residents will enjoy a rooftop lounge, party room, and smart green areas. Also incorporated into the design will be two pools, a spa and gym, café, and electric parking stations.The first tower features 50 condos covering 26 floors, with one- and two-bedroom condos ranging from 558 to 1,117 square feet, along with terraces.
Smart Brickell is prime Miami luxury real estate characterized by clean and aesthetically pleasing floor plans and bright living spaces. Ultra-modern interiors offer an ideal area to entertain or just enjoy spectacular skyline views. Fully furnished, the luxury condos are also equipped with all-inclusive appliance packages that save residents time and money.
Located in one of Miami’s mostdynamic neighborhoods, the project is highlighted with exclusive architectureby Hernando Carrillo and is being designed by the world-renowned Gensler firm.Interiors will be created by award-winning Arquitectonica and Habitat Hotels isalso offering a two-year guaranteed lease back program.
Smart Brickell also offersopportunities for international real estate agents with clients looking forMiami Brickellcondos for sale. As a premiere luxury real estate agency, LUXO hasextensive experience and is highly skilled in assisting clients around theglobe secure exclusive properties. The agency takes care of all the details andpaperwork for flawless transactions.
The upcoming groundbreaking forSmart Brickell is the first step toward providing young professionals andinternational real estate agents worldwide with an opportunity to experiencethe luxury of the first smart building in Miami. The savvy Brickell condos forsale mark the first of their kind in Miami and one that must be experienced tobe fully appreciated.
https://miami.curbed.com/2017/10/26/16551592/smart-brickell-releases-new-renderings
Smart Brickell, a condo-hotel project that’s expected to break ground on its initial phase in west Brickell in Spring of next year, has unveiled a new batch of renderings.
Targeting completion in 2020, the mixed-use project designed by Hernando Carrillo encompasses three towers in all, encompassing 170 condo residences and 150 hotel rooms.
“Our goal is to develop a new Brickell for a new generation,” said Santiago Vanegas, President of Habitat Development. “We want to lead the pack for futuristic living in Miami. Combining the elements ofSmart Design, Smart Technology and Smart Use, we are providing a Smart solution to residents and guests in Miami. Everybody wants to be Smart.”
The condos are priced from $290,00 to $490,000, ranging in size from 558 to 878 square feet. Smart features include Nest thermostats, Lifx Wi-Fi-enabled LED smart bulbs, Samsung’s digital home appliances, and a concierge app.
The first tower is 35 percent sold and the second tower is expected to launch sales in the first quarter of next year. Last week, another project launched touting smart apartments: a 700-unit rental development at 400 Biscayne in downtown Miami.
New renderings of Smart Brickell are below.
Condo-hotel projectcould rise in Brickell
Brian Bandell
Senior Reporter
South Florida BusinessJournal
Habitat Development wants to build the three-tower Smart Brickell condo-hotel project in Miami.
The project would have 170 condos, 150 hotel rooms and30,000 square feet of retail space, including a spa and restaurant inside thehotel. The hotel rooms would be in the pedestal, while the condos would be inthe three towers. It would be on the 1.23-acre site at 243 S.W. Ninth St.
Swire Properties, Habitat Development and Ivy Realty just unveiled new renderings of projects including Brickell City Centre and Smart Brickell.
Smart Brickell
Habitat Development released new renderings of Smart Brickell, and tapped Karen Elmir of Cervera Real Estate to handle sales and marketing of the mixed-use project.
The “smart” development willgive residents Tesla batteries, electric car parking, access to a conciergeapp, Amazon Echo devices, and smart home features for lighting and appliances.
Smart Brickell will also allowunit owners to rent on home sharing platforms like Airbnb through the project’shotel rental program, according to a press release. Overall, it will have threetowers, each with a 50-room hotel, two with 50 condos and one tower with 70condos.
Habitat, led by principalSantiago Vanegas, paid a combined $21.6 million for the 1.23-acredevelopment site on Southwest Ninth Street between Second and Thirdavenues in Miami. Habitat spent a year-and-a-half assembling the properties,and completed the assemblage in June.
A Colombian economist eager to rewrite modern metropolitan living, Habitat Group President & CEO Santiago Vanegas’ Smart Brickell condominium complex will further invigorate our already booming business district.
A former Fortune InternationalFinancial Manager and local market expert, when Founder & PrincipalSantiago Vanegas incepted the HabitatGroup, he did it with one overriding conviction: That the complexesdeveloped under his purview would be so much more than another set of blasehi-rises crowding our skyline. A prime example of his principle in motion?
Smart Brickell Condos, a powerful addition to our district equippedwith a number of state-of-the-art features you have to see to believe.Utilizing a seamless combination of Smart Architecture efficiently using everysquare foot of space available, Smart Interior Design (featuring stunningdesigns of city-favorites Arquitectonica Interiors) and Smart Use leasingagreements that allow owners to manage and rent their property the way theywant, Smart Brickell Condos aims to compose a condominium complex ideal for thepopulation it serves; HabitatGroup.com.
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Brian Bandell
Senior Reporter
South Florida BusinessJournal
Habitat Development has proposed Smart Brickell, a three-tower condo/hotel project in Miami’s Brickell Financial District.
Karen Elmirof Cervera Real Estate said her group is the exclusive broker of the $120million project, which launched sales in the summer.
It would be located on a 1.23-acre site that HabitatDevelopment bought for $21.6 million in 2016, with Elmir as the broker. Theaddresses include 229, 239 and 243 S.W. 9th Street. The site is a few blocksfrom the Brickell Metrorail Station and about three blocks west of bothBrickell City Centre and Mary Brickell Village.
Smart Brickell would have 170 condos, 150 hotel rooms and30,000 square feet of retail space, including a spa and restaurant inside thehotel. The hotel rooms would be in the pedestal while the condos would be inthe three towers.
The developer said the building would have “integratedtechnology and amenities.”
“Karen Elmir’svast knowledge of the Miami market and strong relationships with key players inthe national and international market will be a huge factor in selling SmartBrickell,” said SantiagoVenegas, principal of Habitat Development.
Units in Smart Brickell will range from 558 to 878 squarefeet and are priced from $290,000 to $490,000. That means the prices would bein the $500’s per square foot, which is less than many other new condos inBrickell.
New condo sales have been slow in Miami for over a year asforeign investors lost buying power due to the strong U.S. dollar.
Habitat Development said it has already pre-sold 35 percentof the first tower at Smart Brickell and it expects to launch sales of thesecond tower in the first quarter of 2018. It plans to complete the project inearly 2020.
The developer said it would not use the standard 50 percentdeposit model for condo sales, but it didn’t provide details on its depositstructure.
Habitat Development said it would manage the new hotel.
https://miami.curbed.com/2017/9/20/16338600/smart-brickell-hotel-condo-habitat
By Josh Baumgard
Date: Sep 20, 2017,4:22pm EDT
Smart Brickell, a condo-hotel project that’s expected to break ground on its initial phase in west Brickell in Spring 2018, is 35percent sold in the first tower and the second tower is expected to launch sales in the first quarter of 2018.
Karen Elmir’s team at Cervera Real Estate was selected byHabitat Development to handle sales and marketing. Targeting completion in2020, the $120 million mixed-use project encompasses three towers in all,totaling 170 condo residences and 150 hotel rooms.
The condos are priced from $290,00 to $490,000, ranging insize from 558 to 878 square feet. The name of the project derives from thedevelopment’s smart features, including Nest thermostats, Lifx Wi-Fi-enabledLED smart bulbs, Samsung’s digital home appliances, and a concierge app.
https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2015/04/21/miami-river-inn-sells-for-8-6-million.html
Publication: South Florida BusinessJournal
Title: MiamiRiver Inn sells for $8.6 million
By Emon Reiser – Digital Producer, South Florida BusinessJournal
Apr 21, 2015, 11:45am
The Vagabond Group, a company led by developer Avra Jain, has purchased the historic Miami River Inn hotel.
Aztec Group represented Jain's company and announced the sale of the58-unit property this week, which sold for $8.6 million — up 105 percent from its previous sale price of $4.2 million in July 2013, according to Miami-Dade County property records.
The seller was Miami River Inn Holdings, a company affiliated withHabitat Group, which was represented by AlfonsoJaramillo of Fortune International Realty.
The new owner, Jain, was behind the renovation of the 45-room VagabondMotel in Miami's MiMo District, which reopened last fall.
"This transaction is an indication of Miami’s growth around its main artery and namesake, the Miami River. Bringing such an important property back to life will only further activate the already pulsating river corridor,"said Jason Katz, vice president at Aztec Group in a news release.
The Miami River Inn is at 437 S.W. 2nd St. in Miami. It was built in1906.
https://therealdeal.com/miami/2015/04/20/avra-jain-buys-miami-river-inn-for-8-6m/
Title: Avra Jain buys Miami River Inn for $8.6M
Miami'slongest running inn last sold for $4.2M in July 2013
By Katherine Kallergis |
Date: April 20, 201503:01PM
The Vagabond Group, led by developer Avra Jain, picked up an historic 58-room inn near the Miami River for more than double its last sale, Aztec Group told The Real Deal.
Miami River Inn Holdings soldthe Miami River Inn’s 1.5-acre site for $8.6 million. Jason Katz, Aztec Groupvice president, represented Vagabond Group in the purchase of the three-storyinn, considered Miami’s longest operating hotel, at 437 Southwest SecondStreet, on the south side of the Miami River. Alfonso Jaramillo of FortuneInternational Realty represented the seller.
The sellers brought the hotelout of disrepair when they bought it for $4.2 million in July 2013, Katz said.
“It’s been operating, but not atits full potential. Generally speaking, it could be something like the Vagabondwith a food and beverage component,” Katz told TRD. “[Jain] is looking to take it to another level.”
Jain obtained a $5.5 millionloan from Eastern National Bank for the Miami River Inn.
The hotel was built in 1906, andportions of it are part of the South River Drive Historic District. “Over 50years ago it was a boarding house, and 100 years ago it was a hostel,” he said.
The neighborhood, which isacross the street from the riverfront, is East Little Havana, which is up forrezoning.
“It’s such a unique propertythat it is invaluable,” Katz said. “It’s really an emblem of the growth in thearea.”
The Miami River is increasinglydrawing new development. AndyHellinger is building River Landing, a massive nine-acre developmentthat will include apartments, retail and a linear park along the riverwalk.
All-in-all, more than 4,000residential units and more than half a million square feet of retailestablishments, including restaurants and bars, are under construction orplanned for the Miami River area.
“There are a lot of thingsgoing: Chetrit,Related (BrickellHeights) and KARProperties. At least three major mixed-use high-rises are happeningon the riverfront,” Katz said.
Jain recentlyredeveloped the 45-room boutique Vagabond Hotel, formerly theVagabond Motel, at 7301 Biscayne Boulevard.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article19090242.html#storylink=cpy
The historicMiami River Inn has a new owner: Avra Jain, who has pioneered the rebirth of Miami’s MiMo district.
Habitat Group, a local investment company, sold the 58-unit property to to Jain’s VagabondGroup in an $8.6 million deal that closed Friday.
Jain has been actively restoring swaths of Miami neighborhoods in the area along Biscayne Boulevard between Northeast 50th and 79th streets, including the VagabondMotel, which opened last year. With a business partner, she has also bought up several acres in Little River.
She could not be reached for comment about the latest purchase Monday and her exact plans for the site were not clear. But Jason Katz, the Aztec Group vice president who closed the sale on behalf of Jain, said there will be some initial cosmetic renovations to make the property more attractive, update the grounds and replace furniture.
“The idea is to make it more beautiful and more high end because of its proximity to downtown,” he said. Made up of a cluster of buildings at 437 SW Second St., the hotel faces the Miami River. The oldest of the structures was built in 1906.
Preservationist Sallye Jude restored the site in 1990 and reopened it as a bed-and-breakfast that year.
Katz called the hotel “an oasis in the urban core of Miami.”
“It’s really an irreplaceable property in Miami, and that’s why it’s exciting,” he said. “I think it shows that Miami is growing both out along the river and growing culturally. There’s an appreciation for history as there might not have been in past cycles; it’s not all about high-rise development anymore.”
http://jluxehomes.com/avra-jain-buys-miami-river-inn-for-8-6m/
Publication: JL LuxeHomes
Title: Avra Jain buys Miami River Inn for$8.6M
Posted on April 20, 2015 by Katherine Kallergis
The Vagabond Group, led by developer Avra Jain, picked up an historic58-room inn near the Miami River for more than double its last sale, AztecGroup told The Real Deal.
Miami River Inn Holdings sold the Miami River Inn’s 1.5-acre site for$8.6 million. Jason Katz, Aztec Group vice president, represented VagabondGroup in the purchase of the three-story inn, considered Miami’s longestoperating hotel, at 437 Southwest Second Street, on the south side of the MiamiRiver. Alfonso Jaramillo of Fortune International Realty represented theseller.
The sellers brought the hotel out of disrepair when they bought it for$4.2 million in July 2013, Katz said.
“It’s been operating, but not at its full potential. Generally speaking,it could be something like the Vagabond with a food and beverage component,”Katz told TRD. “[Jain] is looking totake it to another level.”
Jain obtained a $5.5 million loan from Eastern National Bank for theMiami River Inn.
The hotel was built in 1906, and portions of it are part of the SouthRiver Drive Historic District. “Over 50 years ago it was a boarding house, and100 years ago it was a hostel,” he said.
The neighborhood, which is across the street from the riverfront, is EastLittle Havana, which is up for rezoning.
“It’s such a unique property that it is invaluable,” Katz said. “It’sreally an emblem of the growth in the area.”
The Miami River is increasinglydrawing new development. Andy Hellingeris building River Landing, a massive nine-acre development that will includeapartments, retail and a linear park along the riverwalk.
All-in-all, more than 4,000 residential units and more than half amillion square feet of retail establishments, including restaurants and bars,are under construction or planned for the Miami River area.
“There are a lot of things going: Chetrit,Related (BrickellHeights) and KARProperties. At least three major mixed-use high-rises are happeningon the riverfront,” Katz said.
Jain recentlyredeveloped the 45-room boutique Vagabond Hotel, formerly theVagabond Motel, at 7301 Biscayne Boulevard.
A strong team, unique projects and an innovative approach has helped Habitat Group fulfill its goal of providing exceptional real estate management services that seek to provide solid returns and a positive investment experience for their clients, resulting in satisfied customers confident that their objectives will be fulfilled.
Habitat Group's story is similar to that of the typical American Dream. An immigrant who arrived in a new country with the vision of creating his own company started off with only a small project, then a small building. He then
realized that it was possible to continue growing while being able to generate new employment opportunities."Having started with only very elementary foundations, I created a work team and expanded my property portfolio," says Habitat Group PresidentSantiago Vanegas. "Habitat Group survived the economical crisis of 2006which was one of the most significant crisis in the world's economy. We not only survived, but the company came out strengthened and with the expertise needed to continue thriving in the market." Vanegas and his team like nothing better than to transform a property from "nothingness into a productive real estate gem." They purchased the Historic Miami River Hotel when it appeared to be stuck in time, restored it and joined it with an additional property. A few months later, it had a high occupancy rate for its75 rooms and a high ranking in its sector. Since then, it has increased the value of the area and has become one of the most important properties in their portfolio. Similarly, they transformed a condo building into a condo hotel in2007. In doing so, they managed to save the property as well as the deposits of its initial buyers and the capital of its investors. Today, it too is a highly valued and profitable property.
"Our projects are special and elaborate with superior quality, seeking to go above standard value,"he says. "We contribute in urban development, always seeking to strengthen and respect the cultural roots of each area." Perfect examples of this areThe Havana Club Hotel and the Historic Miami River Hotel restorations, which have been made in Little Havana. "We also plan projects with the district, which seek overall improvement of the localities and in turn increase property taxes for the city's revenue that benefits the same communities."
Habitat Group divides the style and design of its activities in two parts. One part is the 5 principal services hey offer: development services, capital investments, realty, property management and hotel operations of personal projects and of third parties. The other part is the types of projects they carry out, such as boutique apartment hotels, modern technological concept offices and great valorization buildings. The company's principal idea is to unite all of the areas of investment, such as its processes and development, under the same roof They are a small-medium sized company with flexibility in the market, as opposed to large companies that have a more rigid structure. "We have the ability of migrating between different products that real estate has to offer," he explains."We can step from new construction to hotel operations, to propertymanagement and commercial properties, among others, while offering horizontaland vertical movements in the market, which are not easily carried out by othercompanies. In doing so, we offer our expertise and experience in the diversesegments of real estate, accompanied by the varied services that may be neededin each operation." To date, the company has an outstanding 15-year trackrecord of more than a dozen successful transactions, giving individuals theconfidence to invest and re-invest with them. "Our credibility is built onreturns paid, returned capitals as well as successful transactions with diversepartners and investors," says Vanegas. "Our reputation and ourexperience have generated confidence and credibility from our partners andresulted in their continued loyalty to our investment opportunities. HabitatGroup's main policy is to protect its investors' capital over the company's owncapital."
What's more,their target is medium-sized transactions that aren't "enormous" butrather compatible and accessible for a medium-sized Latin American familylooking to invest. "Our sale prices are never at the extreme high so we'realways giving our buyers an upside, which is why our portfolio is fast inrotation, thanks to the attractive sales prices for our final clients," hesays. "An example is if the market is generating 5010 returnsin rentability on rental buildings, we have the capacity of selling it at a5.500 or Pro rentability for our potential buyers, generating our own utilityprevious to this. Added to this is the confidence our consumers feel due to ourtrack record that reveals solidity and seriousness."
The HabitatGroup story is a tale of growth. They began as a development company that specialized in small and medium construction projects. These projects began toexpand and evolve into new services due to the company's adaptability. This inturn progressed the company into becoming a hotel-operating enterprise."We stepped our way up from being a development company, to a property construction company, a property management company, and finally a hoteloperator," says Vanegas. "We continue to expand our business by adapting our needs to those of the market, seeing new opportunities in times ofcrisis and taking advantage of each step in our development. We use vision andmarket analysis to detect and carry-out successful transactions, and this hashelped us branch out into additional services such as realty as well asproperty and capital management."
Moving forward, their next focus is exploring the real estate market of West Brickell and Little Havana "We're betting on the analysis of investments in East Little Havana as well as in the office marketof the Brickell and Downtown areas," affirms Vanegas. "Our aim is to take advantage of the supply deficit that the market is currently experiencingdue to an over-demand for office spaces. "
Vanegas concludes that real estate has higher operatingreturns than bond yields and inflation rates, and there's appreciation of the asset over time. "Real estate investments are also superior because whenyou invest in real estate, you're investing in a tangible good," he says."When you analyze and buy properly, the risk is very low and comparable tothat of bonds."
Habitat Group is located at 175 SW 7th St., Ste. 2201-2, Miami, FL 33130. For more information, call 786.5774394 or visit HabitatGroup.com.
“When you invest in real estate, you’re investing in a tangible good and when you analyze and buy properly, the risk isvery low.”
https://therealdeal.com/miami/2013/04/11/a-smart-car-for-a-smart-home/
Miami developer Santiago Vanegas is planning an eco-friendly condo building in West Brickell that will come complete with an optional smart car for every buyer, Miami Today reported.
The building, to be built at1775 Southwest Third Avenue within a year, should include 190 LEED Gold-certifiedunits which will also feature iPods, innovative appliances and “smart” gadgetsto control heat, air conditioning and electrical systems, Vanegas told MiamiToday.
By providing smart cars, as themicrocars manufactured by Daimler Chrysler are known, the developers also hopeto limit the amount of parking space needed. They will propose the city allowonly 20 normal size parking spaces at the development, which would fit 40 SmartCars. Alternately, they might consider installing a lift system that can stackcars vertically. [Miami Today]–Sanna Chu
http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/130411/story1.shtml
Building on the concept of the new urbanism, Miami developer Santiago Vanegas is planning a condo building that not only satisfies owners’ need for shelter, but also for transportation.
"It will be an intelligentbuilding involving Smart Cars," said Mr. Vanegas, a principal in HabitatDevelopment LLC. The ROA Group and Santianto Cordovez are also partners in theproject. "We spoke with Mercedes and they looked like they wereinterested," Mr. Vanegas said.
The as-yet-unnamed buildingwill rise at 1775 SW Third Ave. in West Brickell in about a year, Mr. Vanegassaid. The developers have applied for a domain name for the project, which willcomprise about 190 units and will be LEED Gold certified, he added.
In addition to giving buyers anoption of having a Smart Car wrapped into their purchase, the developers willinclude iPods, innovative appliances and "smart" gadgets that controlthe heating, cooling and electrical systems, he said.
The building will target localworkers in the Brickell office district, the Mary Brickell Village retailcomplex and in Swire’s massive Brickell Citycentre development, he said.
Even if owners decide againstgetting a Smart Car, the property is within walking distance of a Publixsupermarket, three blocks from Metrorail and across from a City of Miamitrolley station, Mr. Vanegas said.
By incorporating parking forSmart Cars, the developers hope to limit the parking they will be required toprovide.
"That is not in the coderight now, but we are talking to the city about it," he said. "Wewill propose to the city 20 parking spaces of normal size, which will fit 40Smart Cars. Not all of the people will have the cars."
If that doesn’t work, thedevelopers will consider installing a lift system to be able to stack carsvertically. They also might incorporate a station for car sharing, allowing afranchise like Zipcar or Car2Go to operate there, Mr. Vanegas said.
"The idea is that we caninclude one car in the sales price of $200,000 to $250,000, install intelligentfixtures and give them a smart kitchen," Mr. Vanegas said. "The SmartCar comes in five colors, and the kitchen counters will be offered in thosefive colors. It’s very attractive for the price, and I think it couldsucceed."To read the entire issue of Miami Today online, subscribe toe-MIAMI TODAY, an exact digital replica of the printed edition.
Address: 1600 and 1690 SW First Ave., Miami
Property type: Two apartment buildings totaling 54 units Price: $6.8 million, or $125,843 per unit
Seller: Brickell Park View LLC, Santiago Vanegas, manager
Buyer: Pan American Brickell LLC, Carlos Lopez-Cantera, manager Past safe: $5.79 million in April 2011.
SANTIAGO VANEGAS MOTTA
Habitat Development, LLC 305.505.4672
HabitatMiami.com SVanegasaHabitatMiami.com
For Santiago Vanegas Motto of Habitat Developments, the greatest success of 2011 didn't take place in the office.
"Principally, it's having been able to coordinate an equilibrium between enjoying time with my family and with my team at work," he says. Not that Vanegas Motta hasn't enjoyed plenty of work-related accomplishments in recent years, including an award from the City of Miami Beach for "BestRenovation". "The secret is to enjoy what you do," he says. At the company's latest development, Habitat Miami, Vanegas Motto has gone beyond traditional property sales, additionally offering both longterm and short-term rentals. It's a strategy he recommends to those trying to make decisions about their property. "Real estate is a long-term investment," he says."Always analyze 'Plan B' — which is not a sale. Keep it and rent toy'
Words to Live By: "Security and health for my family."
InsideScoop: Buyers: "Think about the longterm view — which in this climate might mean trying to rent it fast!"
InsideScoop: Sellers: "Take some time to think about what you'll do with the money you make when you sell."
Predictions for2012: "The inventory is going to be reduced — and when supply gets low, expect prices to go up."
Part condominium, part hotel,Habitat Miami gives new meaning to the term"home away from home" with lavish apartments ranging from 800- 1,200 sq. ft. that make one wonder why they'd ever book at a conventional hotel again.
Sophisticated Miami is a city that has it all: world-class shopping, finedining, stellar entertainment, unparalleled nightlife, stunning beaches and, ofcourse, a vibrant international business presence in the Brickell area that attracts people from around the globe. This results in a wide variety ofvisitors to our popular city with equally diverse needs and wishes when itcomes to what are the best accommodations for both the short- and long-termstay. One alternative to the traditional mainstream luxury hotel is Habitat Miami,which aptly bills itself as "Close to everything while feeling for from itall — a natural way of urban living."
"Weoffer spacious apartments with modern decoration at an affordable price,"says Maria Beatriz Elks, Owner It GM. "Our goal is to offer a different alternativeto clients when they are traveling for business or pleasure. We are anotheroption — a personalized condo/apartment in the Brickell area. We have all theamenities that a regular hotel doesn't have, like a fully equipped kitchen,washer/dryer, etc. This is especially important if you're traveling withchildren. We also offer full concierge services that are unique. This includespickup and drop-off at airports and ports, groceries and more."Additionally, each apartment features a private terrace with panoramic cityviews. The complex also features a spacious rooftop sundeck with plush chaiselounges and a handy barbecue zone, as well as a well-equipped fitness facility."The Habitat Miami concept is to offer short-term, luxurious fullyfurnished rental apartments that allow you to feel at home in Brickell,"adds Patricia Campos, Head of Operations Et Logistics Department. "It's anexcellent solution for realtor's clients, international executives, familiesand vacations. Additionally, it enhances Miami living for local residents byoffering an apartment where they can stay if they are remodeling their home andalso an alternative for their out-of-town visitors."
What makes the HabitatMiami story even more interesting is that the project was not originally builtfor its present use. "Habitat Miami was a condo-for-sale building, but dueto the economy, sales were not at their best, banks increased their demands,and sales weren't closing," explains Maria Laura Navas, Head of the AccountingIt Administration Department. "So the President of Habitat Development,LLC, Santiago Vanegas, who is currently managing Habitat Miami, began tofurnish apartments for friends and family to stay at. Seeing as this conceptwas profitable we began to furnish all the apartments and search for clientsoutside of our circle of friends and family."
Despite the continuing economic downturn, Habitat Miami continues tothrive with an impressive 950/D occupancy rate since mid-2010. The reason issimple according to Patricia Campos: "People choose Habitat Miami becausewe offer luxury apartments that are comfortable and affordable. The styles wecarry through the apartments are modern and well-appointed." Amongst theirnotable features, the apartments offer fashionable Italian kitchens boastingtop-notch appliances. The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments featurehigh-end finishes and state-of-the-art amenities throughout the entireproperty, with easy-access private covered parking available.
"It's ahome away from home. A product that thoroughly satisfies the need of theclient," adds Maria Laura Navas. Though the spacious apartments — whichrange up to a very impressive 3-bedroom/2-bath 1,226 sq. ft. completelyfurnished residence boasting a king-sized bed and 2 queen-sized beds — make onefeel about as far away as they can get from a by-comparison-cramped hotel room,the units.
Among the notable features within the apartment offerings at Habitat Ramare high-end furnishings and state-of-the-art amenities throughout the property
feature all the amenitiesone would expect of a luxury hotel including flat panel televisions, high-speedinternet access, cable/satellite television, pay movies, designer toiletries,bathrobes, full housekeeping and turndown service of the premium bedding.Hypo-allergenic bedding, cribs and rollaway beds are also available.
Location is another factor. The property is less than one mile fromMiami's Financial District, and Miami Beach and all the fun of South Beach areabout a 15-minute drive, with Miami International Airport about 10 miles away.The property's central location makes it not only convenient to Brickellbusinesses, but to the Miami Convention Center, the Port of Miami, art andhistory museums, Vizcaya, Coconut Grove and more. It's easy access to 1-95makes it a well-situated spot from which to go exploring south to The FloridaKeys or north to Fort Lauderdale and The Palm Beaches. All this adds up to aresponse that is global. "We receive many reservations from South Americaand Europe, with the greatest numbers coming specifically from Argentina andFrance," reports Campos. This continued success has led to significantexpansion plans. What's more, Habitat Miami is constantly trying to developaccording to demand. They are continually trying to add new services such asproperty management and development to cater to their clients' needs. As such,Habitat II is in the works to expand inventory by building a second tower of anadditional 33 fully furnished apartments right across from Habitat I. The newtower is scheduled for Winter 2012 along with more amenities in the form of abusiness center, cafeteria and Jacuzzi.
"Our overall goal is to constantly expand our products and improveour services," adds Campos. "We make services that cater to the needsof our clients a major priority in all that we do." In addition to thedeep and personal commitment of the design team to give guests theexclusiveness they deserve,
Habitat Miami'scentral location in Brickell means that the property is just a short distancefrom just about every South Florida attraction and destination plus, the viewsare amazingl
thisfamily-owned and operated business has an equally important commitment to thesurrounding subtropical environment by being eco-friendly.
If there's one thing the entire team at Habitat Miami would like to seereaders take away from this article it is that there are alternative solutionssuch as Habitat Miami in existence to fulfill a variety of living needs — andyou can rest assured the best is yet to camel
For more information on Habitat Miami and to inquire about their upcomingOwnership Program, call 305.859.7745 or visitHabitatMiami.com.
Habitat Miami is a short-term rental apartment complex located in Brickell. They offer the benefit of staying at a home away from home, featuring, among other things, fully functional Italian kitchens. Currently, they’re offering apartments from1-3 bedrooms that are perfect fro small or large families, and even for those individuals who travel for business or pleasure.
The 25-story Smart Brickell is making good construction progress, new photos show. The project will include three towers at the same height. Only the first tower is now rising. Photos released by developer Habitat Group on October 9 show that the first tower had reached the eighth floor. A foundation pour for the tower took place in March. The first tower will include 50 hotel rooms and 50 condos. It is being funded by a $24 million loan from ocean bank.
At the ground floor, the project will have 12,000 square feet of commercial set aside for retail, cafe or restaurant. Habitat is the developer. Beauchamp is the construction contractor.
