Just a few weeks ago, I was introduced to the beautiful Villa Sofia—a 27-unit “redo” that feels just like new construction. Located at Collins Avenue and 2nd Street, this boutique building is truly one-of-a-kind: no two units are alike, and a few even offer substantial private terraces. Of course, it’s right in the heart of South Beach, so it’s not for everyone—but perfect for those who love a busy, vibrant (and sometimes noisy) lifestyle. Prices start in the mid-$600s.
The week before that, my office at BHHS EWM Realty Brickell visited the latest turnkey hotspot coming to Brickell: Dolce & Gabbana. And when I say turnkey, I mean everything is branded—right down to the towels! This building is for the buyer who wants a completely over-the-top experience when they come to Miami. Two, three, and four-bedroom residences start at $1,500 per square foot. This 90-story tower will feature 220 luxury residences and will be located at 800 Brickell.
Before that, we saw Elle Residences on 36th Street, just a bit east of Biscayne Boulevard. Elle is a 25-story building with 180 one and two-bedroom units (pricing info coming soon).
And the week before that, I visited the showroom for Jean-Georges’ Miami Tropic Residences—right on that once-empty lot at the Northeast corner of 36th and First Avenue in Midtown. If you’re familiar with Jean-Georges Vongerichten, you know he’s behind more than 60 restaurants in 14 countries; one of those holds two Michelin stars (Of course, I am a foodie. I would know that…). This is his first foray into residential condos—and it’s all about branding.
The pricing here is refreshingly straightforward:
- 1-Bedroom = $1 million
- 2-Bedroom = $2 million
- 3-Bedroom = $3 million
Brand names are popping up everywhere! The Edition (yes, the celebrated Marriott brand) is coming to Edgewater’s waterfront, and the Waldorf Astoria—a 100-story (!) tower—is rising on Biscayne, right across from Bayfront Park.
And it’s not just the skyline along the water that’s changing. The Miami River area is booming too. One of my favorite projects right now is River District 14, located in the medical district. This 16-story, 283-unit development will offer studios to two-bedrooms, all with short-term rental flexibility—a major plus for investors and medical center visitors. It even features a state-of-the-art fitness center and an indoor pickleball court! Starting at $600,000, RD14 is the only short-term rental option in the area—offering something much-needed beyond that one tiny hotel nearby.
If you—or your friends in other cities or countries—are thinking about new construction, give me a call. I’d love to share what I know and even take you for a visit. Miami is a hot commodity for buyers looking for alternatives to older buildings with ever-rising association fees.
Robbie Bell is a Broker Associate with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty in Brickell. She is your Urban Lifestyle Specialist & Global Real Estate Advisor; Robbie is a certified Buyer’s Representative, Probate Specialist and holds a Certified Property Specialist designation. She can be reached at 305-528-8557 or Robbie@robbiebell.com
