(Left to Right): Brandon Zarco & Todd Glaser

Todd Michael Glaser is a renowned real estate developer, owner’s representative, and business connoisseur. Starting his career as a fire sprinkler designer gave him a foundational understanding of building construction and developments, and now he sells multimillion-dollar properties, owns some of the largest real estate developments in South Florida, and has worked with A-list celebrities such as DJ Khaled, A-Rod, Lil Wayne, Chris Bosh, Hulk Hogan, Randy Frankel (owner of Tampa Bay Rays), Kevin Douglas (IMAX board member), and Stephen Levin (founder of Gold Coast Beverage Distributors).

Though originally from Miami Beach, Glaser has most recently brought his expertise to the Palm Beach market. Of course, the area has always been known for its beautiful estates, upscale resorts, and palm-tree-lined shopping district of Worth Avenue. Since 2020, the real estate market in Palm Beach has grown rapidly. Whereas a decade ago a $20 to $30 million house was considered top of the market, that price is now considered average, with $100 million homes in the mix.

“It’s a generational change in 2017 that I caught,” Glaser says. “A lot of stuff that had not come on the market for at least 50, 60, 70 years is starting to bubble up. They are big, expansive estates, and Miami Beach does not have that. The Palm Beach market, like Tarpon Island, really does not exist in Miami.”

Tarpon Island is a one-of-a-kind private island estate a block from Worth Avenue that Glaser bought this year and is currently renovating and developing. It has only one single-family home, accessible via its own bridge. The home has 1,300 linear feet of waterfront and will boast almost 25,000 square feet once completed. It will be brought to market by Lawrence Moens and will be listed for sale as-is for $120 million. If the buyer would like Glaser to complete the renovations, the cost will be $200 million.

Glaser recently sat down with Haute Residence to discuss his success in the new market, his favorite projects, and why Palm Beach is stealing the limelight from Miami Beach.

Tarpon Island, Palm Beach County, Florida

Haute Residence: What are some of the projects you’ve worked on in Palm Beach?

Todd Michael Glaser: I went into the market and purchased some landmark homes, renovated them, assembled a team of subcontractors, and once I felt comfortable, I started building. I did 125 Via del Lago, 121 North Lake Way, and 127 Dunbar Road, which are all landmark homes. I bought 127 Dunbar Road for $17 million and sold it for $27.5 million in under 10 months.

The reason we’re renovating right now is to get products on the market. In Palm Beach, there are only about 18 listings right now, whereas there are usually about 190. So we decided to buy some properties in April and May that we could fix and have on the market by October 15 to capitalize on the upcoming season.

HR: How has the real estate market in Palm Beach changed recently?

TMG: The real estate market, in general, hasn’t gone up so much in the last 15 years, and I attribute a lot of it to what somebody’s net worth is versus what they’re buying house-wise — it doesn’t correlate. Before, people used to buy a $150,000 house and you were only making $30,000 per year — one-fifth that amount. However, to flip that ratio, if somebody is worth $3 billion, why wouldn’t they buy a billion-dollar house valued at around a third of their worth? The correlation is off. In 2001, we started seeing $3 million houses. In 20 years, pricing has gone up, but not as much as what people’s income and net worth have risen. The graph of people’s income and net worth is vertical, and real estate has seen a slow rise. I think real estate is way undervalued.

But for Palm Beach, let's go back four years. Four years ago, when I bought 125 Via Del Mar, Miami Beach and Palm Beach properties were actually the same prices. That shocked me. I paid $6 million for a property and we later sold it for $16 million. That's what really caught my eye — I could finally buy in Palm Beach for the same price as Miami Beach. There have been eight single-family homes that have sold for over $100 million in the last 18 months in Palm Beach. It's a new trend, and a $50 million house in Palm Beach is not that big of a deal anymore because the sale prices have gone up to $100 million.

HR: What do you and your team hope to accomplish in the fourth quarter of 2021?

TMG: We own several properties that can be sold as land, and we’re looking to see if we can sell them simply for an appreciated land value. There's been a big increase in land values in the last six to eight months. There are a lot of people out there looking for land, and there’s nothing out there. We currently own a lot of property in Palm Beach. We’re also building some new homes because there’s no inventory in Palm Beach. We’ve never seen anything like this.

HR: What makes Palm Beach better than Miami Beach?

TMG: Palm Beach has the highest elevations on the east coast of Florida, and that’s why people picked it. The size of the parcels, when they were subdivided, was done in a resident-oriented way. They do everything for the residents in Palm Beach.

On the other hand, Miami Beach seems to be increasingly catering to tourists. I’ve lived here my whole life and have watched the city grow out of its small beach-town environment and into this booming metropolis. It used to have small-town vibes where everyone knew their neighbors, but those days are gone. I’ve renamed Miami Beach the city of Miami Beach — it’s not a town anymore, it’s a full-blown city. So many of us are gravitating up to Palm Beach, and a lot of young families are moving there, which is fantastic.

For more information and available properties, please visit toddmichaelglaser.com.

The post Palm Beach Paradise: An Interview With Todd Michael Glaser appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Have you ever wondered what the apartments of the ultra-wealthy look like? Or who develops and designs the types of homes that attract billionaires? Meet MV Group USA, an award-winning Design-Build firm that specializes in building for billionaires and the ultra-wealthy. Located in Miami, FL, and founded in 2007 by President and CEO Manny Angelo Varas, MV Group is ranked as the top builder for residences over $6M and ranked #2 for Top Florida builders by Build Zoom.

Today, Manny Angelo Varas has given Haute Residence a peek into the world of billionaires and is letting us see the beautiful and spacious apartments his company has developed for its high-end clientele.

Jade Penthouse

Jade Penthouse

The sky is the limit in this superb 2-story 5 bedroom and 5.5 bathroom waterfront Penthouse crowned by a spectacular rooftop terrace and stunning bay and ocean views. This property is 4,300 square feet internal and 1,800 square feet outside.

This unit contains a leather upholstered private elevator foyer into a gracious open living/dining room and a sensational chef's kitchen featuring Poliform cabinets and Wolf/Subzero appliances. The Master Bedroom suite includes beautifully appointed walk-in closets and a luxurious bathroom. The second floor features a family room with a wet bar and a huge terrace with an outdoor theater projector.

Jade Penthouse

Jade Penthouse

Residences by Armani Casa - Units 1100 & 4800 

Armani Casa Unit 1100

Residences by Armani/Casa is the creative vision of two modern design icons: Cesar Pelli and Giorgio Armani. Internationally acclaimed for their elegance and restraint, they came together for the very first time to create these dreamlike homes floating between sea and sky. MV Group USA has had the pleasure of designing and building multiple units in this luxury building, including unit 1100 and unit 4800.

Unit 1100

In typical Giorgio Armani fashion, no corner of unit 1100 at Residences by Armani Casa went unbeautified. Harmonizing sculptures and sophisticated interior décor make the impeccably modern unit an oceanside refuge, vastly open to unparalleled ocean views through walls of floor-to-ceiling windows and an elongated wraparound balcony.

Direct access to the terrace by the sea, from the fully-equipped master bedroom with a spa-like en suite and spacious walk-in closet. Bringing you to ever more heights of sky mansion living, world-class amenities of the prestigious condominium include a spa, fitness center, business center, swimming pool with sundeck, children's play area, theatre, cigar, and wine rooms, oceanfront restaurant and bar, beachside service, 24/7 concierge services, security, and valet parking.

Unit 4800

A 3,325 square foot residence at the prestigious and luxurious Armani Casa. This unit has 4 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms in addition to its expansive ocean and bay views.

This beautiful unit was sold to Malaysian billionaires Kim S. Thai and Bee G. Tan, who made their fortune as the largest rubber glove makers in the world; a business that boomed during the pandemic.

Paramount Residences - Ft. Lauderdale Beach Unit 1006

MV Group USA built an elegant & ultra-modern high floor 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathroom unit in Paramount Residences Fort Lauderdale Beach. This premier new building offers 5-star amenities, a 3rd-floor pool overlooking the ocean, full beachside/pool service (chairs, umbrellas, towels) & a soon-to-open signature oceanfront restaurant. The kitchen includes impeccable Italian cabinetry and Sub-Zero and Wolf & Bosch appliances. The apartment includes marble baths with air massage and an ultra-whirlpool tub & rain showers, motorized window treatments, custom closets, modern lighting. This unit allows residents to enjoy dramatic views of the ocean, Intracoastal, downtown, and beautiful Florida sunsets!

For more information about MV Group USA and its luxury projects, visit their website here.

The post An Inside Look With Manny Angelo Varas At Condo Residences Built For Billionaires & The Uber-Rich Who Are Relocating To Florida appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Most recently, MG Developer partnered with home staging company Artefacto to put together a model apartment at their latest development - Althea Row. A mix of Mediterranean architecture with modernist finishes, Althea Row is a combination of the past and the present, creating a unique residence in the heart of the Gables.

“It's been different working with MG Developer on this,” says Pietro Bacchi, Third Generation of the Bacchi family who founded Artefacto. “And it was nice to see someone stray away from the white box/modern cube and go into the traditional Mediterranean. It was amazing for us because we got to showcase products that we usually wouldn't with finishes that aren't necessarily commercial, but they are beautiful. MG really did an amazing job finishing this as a home instead of a spec for sale.”

Located at 739 Almeria Avenue, Althea Row’s exclusive set of five townhouses is designed by Coral Gables-based De La Guardia Victoria Architects & Urbanists. Having recently opened its European-inspired model unit to much fanfare, Althea Row is inspired by George Merrick and original Gables architects H.George Fink, Phineas Paist, and Richard Kiehnel. The 3-story townhouses include four bedrooms, four bathrooms with one-half bath, a four-car garage, a private elevator, and private terraces with crafted loggias that bring the best of outdoor Gables living. Featuring 7,000 square feet of exceptional modern living, Althea Row starts at $3.8 million and has already sold its model unit.

“We’re thrilled to have introduced Althea Row to Coral Gables, a high-end community for those who appreciate the finest details of luxury living and lush surroundings of the City Beautiful,” said MG Developer CEO Alirio Torrealba. “Our goal is to always bring a sophisticated product that exceeds expectations while also complementing the aesthetic of the local community. It’s simply part of the fabric at MG Developer and a standard that we hold high.”

MG Developer is “building the city beautiful” and enhancing the Coral Gables neighborhoods with their luxurious residences. In all of their projects, they pursue a ceaseless quest for quality, value, and intelligent design which is reflected in the beauty of the Althea Row Residences.

As a member of the Coral Gables community, MG Developer is committed to the beautification of the city and supports its Art in Public Places program, recently commissioning an original stone sculpture at Balboa Plaza called “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The firm is an advocate of public exhibitions throughout Coral Gables that enhance the area’s unique lifestyle and design and is also a proponent of philanthropic efforts and organizations that elevate the city’s standard of living, including the Coral Gables Community Foundation and FundaHigado.

Althea Row, designed by Coral Gables-based De La Guardia Victoria Architects & Urbanists, indulges the senses with European-inspired luxury and craftsmanship. Inspired by George Merrick and original Gables architects H.George Fink, Phineas Paist, and Richard Kiehnel, the 3-story townhomes include four bedrooms, four bathrooms with one-half bath, a four-car garage, private elevator, and private terraces with crafted loggias that bring the best of outdoor Gables living. To book a tour, call 305.422.1189

The post MG Developer And Artefacto Come Together For Iconic Coral Gables Townhomes – Althea Row appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Luxury real estate developer recently closed on a 5.6-acre beachfront location on Providenciales’ world-famous Grace Bay Beach.

Beach Enclave Turks & Caicos, a premier luxury real estate developer and hospitality operator, has secured one of the few development opportunities remaining on the highly desirable Grace Bay Beach, with direct sunset views over the ocean. As a testament to the Beach Enclave brand and experience, the project is 100 percent pre-sold to repeat guests and owners of Beach Enclave Turks and Caicos, even prior to the acquisition of the land.

“We could not pass up the opportunity to acquire beachfront land on the most beautiful stretch of Grace Bay, the undisputed best beach in the world, particularly when it’s located immediately adjacent to our recently opened Beach Enclave Grace Bay,” said Vasco Borges, CEO and founder of Beach Enclave. “Early in the acquisition stage, we set up a focus group with owners and guests to understand the trends arising from the pandemic. A lot of what we have recently added – such as fully sustainable homes, rooftop spaces, an array of sports activities open exclusively to guests and owners, and office spaces – came from those conversations. To our delight, we sold all of the homes at this new site to owners and guests who participated in this focus group.”

The project will consist of a collection of beachfront estate homes with more than 6,000 square feet of living space under air conditioning and an additional 6,000 square feet of outdoor living space. The homes will feature a rooftop area for either an evening lounge or an expansive master bedroom, private office areas, and at least five bedrooms with beach and sunset views.

At its new location, Beach Enclave will offer unprecedented amenities for a boutique resort, including a collection of golf holes featuring a 100-yard range, two tennis courts, beach volleyball courts, a private gym with a Peloton cardio area, a yoga deck, and an evening lounge with a fire pit and family-friendly games such as corn hole, bocce court, and a horseshoe pit. The resort will also feature a green reserve and solar energy options.

For more information, please contact Beach Enclave at be@beachenclave.com.

ABOUT BEACH ENCLAVE

Beach Enclave redefines beachfront luxury living in the Turks & Caicos Islands through its three unique locations, all strategically positioned in private enclaves on the islands’ most beautiful beaches. Each beachfront location showcases breathtaking ocean views and enjoys the island’s gentle trade winds. Beach Enclave North Shore debuted in November 2016 with a combination of six beachfront and three ocean view villas. Beach Enclave Long Bay opened for rentals in November 2018 and offers an intimate collection of five beachfront villas. Beach Enclave Grace Bay broke ground in February 2018 and opened this winter with nine new villas. The resort is the first opening on the world’s #1 Grace Bay Beach in the past decade.

For additional information, visit BeachEnclave.com.

The post Beach Enclave Turks & Caicos Acquires Highly Desirable Site On Grace Bay appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Manny Angelo Varas & Giorgio Armani

MV Group USA is an award-winning Design-Build firm that specializes in collaborating with the world's top designers. Located in Miami, FL, and founded in 2007 by President and CEO Manny Varas, MV Group is ranked as the top builder for residences over $6M and ranked #2 for Top Florida builders by Build Zoom. The company has a diverse portfolio of clients; not only have they worked with large businesses looking to relocate to South Florida, but they are also sought after by top designers and architects to collaborate on projects. 

Here, are just a few of the top projects they have completed for some of the biggest names in Architecture and Design. 

Residences by Armani Casa 

MV Group is the exclusive partner of Giorgio Armani and Armani Casa in the United States. When Armani Casa decided to come to Miami for their first branded real estate venture in the country, MV Group oversaw a 4,000 square foot, multi-million dollar, oceanfront model residence and built 26 individual residences totaling over 50,000 square feet. 

This collaboration then extended to MV Group managing another 50,000 square feet of common areas and the first Giorgio Armani-certified design center onsite at Armani Casa Residences. The team commuted every three months from Miami to Milan to train and fortify their connection with the design house, allowing the company to act as a brand ambassador and Armani’s "eyes” in carrying out his overall vision. Studying every design detail and meeting the top standard that he holds for himself and his brand, MV Group USA accomplished the aesthetics of his architecture that translate into harmonizing ambiances.

“To create something exceptional,” says Giorgio Armani. “Your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail.” 

Casa Palma

The project La Casa Palma is an 11,485 sq foot collaboration with world-renowned architect Kobi Karp and interiors by Borges+associates. 

“MV is a great company to work with. From the administration to the construction people, to the trades. They were just a pleasure to work with,” says the president and CEO of Kobi Karp Architect. 

Casa Palma sits on a nearly 30,000 square foot waterfront lot and offers an open floor plan and glass sliders for endless water views of Biscayne Bay. The contemporary estate features 6 bedrooms, 9 baths residence includes a movie theatre, gym, spa, wine cellar, glass elevator, reflection pond, and a separate guest house with private entry and sunset deck. The backyard overlooks the Miami Beach skyline and features a lap pool and a built-in chef's summer kitchen.

“MV group is the type of group we like to work with because they really respect the design, the selection of materials and it’s a real collaborative process, plus you know MV group is really one of the most honest, most respected contractors that we work with.” - President and CEO at Borges & Associates, Reinaldo Borges.

Journey’s End Home

Partnering with world-renowned interior designer Briggs Solomon, MV Group USA built a beautiful 9,000 square foot home located in the heart of Coral Gables. 

Greeted with double-height ceilings highlighted by the large picture windows allowing the sun to envelop the home's natural splendor. The entire home was gutted to create enchanting spaces integrating European White Oak floors throughout the residence, sinks with infinity edges, herringbone wood in the dining room, a wine cellar room connected to the 20-person theatre, and a 6 car- car lift garage. 

"Working with MV Group was by far a joy and ease.” Says Briggs Solomon, who has designed for celebrities such as Alex Rodriguez. “In collaboration with them, they understood what design elements were vital, and worked around our desires. They took the time to truly understand my vision and trusted our expertise. It has definitely become a relationship I look forward to continuing building in the future."

For more information,  please visit the MV Group USA website here. 

The post Seeking Perfection, World’s Top Designers Flock To MV Group USA appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Chris Carter

The oceanfront high-rise development created by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron, with interiors designed by Parisian interior design firm PYR, and led by Pierre-Yves Rochon, welcomed shoppers for the socially-distanced pop-up. It featured celebrated designers, including Nest Casa, Tata Harper, Ahana Yoga, Ximena Kavalekas, Agua Bendita, and the Bungalow Bazaar, among others.

Jade Signature upper penthouse interior designer, Lacy Berroa

Photo Credit: Chris Carter

The penthouse’s 360-degree views were the background for the event, providing ample and unobstructed landscapes of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.

Photo Credit: Chris Carter

Attendees, each fashionably attired with their respective masks, enjoyed the latest in fashion, accessories and home goods, while simultaneously getting a sneak peek inside the sky oasis home, listed at $29.5 million. They were treated to an alfresco lunch, prosecco, live music, and the ocean breeze to be enjoyed on a daily basis by the eventual buyer. The home also features a private pool, gym, and seemingly endless options for outdoor dining, entertainment, and relaxation.

Photo Credit: Chris Carter

The upper penthouse represents one of the last remaining residences for sale within the architectural marvel Jade Signature in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida.

Carole Seikaly, Tina Chartouni, Sandra Chartouni, May Ghroui

Photo Credit: Chris Carter

For more information on Jade Signature, call 305-744-5197 or visit JadeSignatureCollection.com.

Ana Blagojevic, Katherine Rubino, Marie Stein, Marta Marin

Photo Credit: Chris Carter

Ariel Jaworski, Anais Denuccio

Photo Credit: Chris Carter

The post Jade Signature Teams Up With Neiman Marcus To Host Holiday Shopping Bazaar In Soon-To-Be-Unveiled Upper Penthouse appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jade Signature

The sale of the contemporary retreat, No. 4901, which was finished by Fortune International Group Construction Division, is the latest in a string of recent turnkey residence sales at the property -- including seven over the past year -- as the pandemic only amplified the demand for fully finished, move-in-ready residences. Created by Pritzker prize-winning architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron, with interiors by Parisian interior design firm PYR and landscaping by architect Raymond Jungles Inc., Jade Signature is widely lauded as Miami’s most architecturally extraordinary oceanfront address -- named by Dezeen magazine in 2018 as one of the world’s top skyscrapers.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jade Signature

With flow-through views of both the ocean and Intracoastal Waterway, the five-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bath home features 4,953 square feet of space as well as 1,454 square feet of sprawling terraces.  Stunning accents and finishes abound, including exceptional millwork and an utterly timeless palette of beige and white, complemented by floor to ceiling glass windows and sliding doors throughout and the addition of artfully placed bronze mirrored panels to reflect the beautiful colors of the sea.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jade Signature

“This residence is among the most stunning in Jade Signature – reflective of the building’s overall attention to detail that has made it among the most sought-after in South Florida,” said Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group. “Representing our last residence outside of “The Collection” offerings, the sale of No. 4901 is a testament to the tremendous demand among well-heeled buyers to live in this tower, as each of our turnkey homes have been met with almost immediate purchase.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jade Signature

Likened to its own private retreat, the light-filled residence is complemented by 10-foot ceilings, walls of glass, and an open floor plan. Designed for entertaining, the home features a family room, living room, dining room, bar, playroom and service quarters. There is a kitchen with European designer cabinetry handcrafted by Snaidero and appliances by Gaggenau® and Sub-Zero®. The master bedroom boasts a resort-like feel with a separate sitting room and master baths that - dramatically extended by oceanfront terraces -- feature PYR custom-designed cabinetry and modern twin basins.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jade Signature

The listing agent was Fortune Development Sales and the in-house agent assisting the sale was Elizabeth Garcia. The buyer was represented by Saddy Delgado Abuanza with One Sotheby’s International Realty.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jade Signature

Currently, a limited number of residences remain for sale within the building, including Jade Signature’s “The Collection” – a compilation of two-story Sky Villas and a two-story penthouse, ranging from $11.9 million to $29.5 million. The Sky Villas offer stunning features, such as flow-through views, expansive terraces, private elevators, smart technology, service quarters and PYR-designed bathroom cabinetry. Soon to be unveiled next month, the two-story penthouse boasts all of these world-class features as well as a private pool, gym and 360-degree views.

For more information on Jade Signature, call 305-744-5197 or visit JadeSignatureCollection.com.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jade Signature

The post Fortune International Group Announces $6.6 Million Sale At Jade Signature appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

With the majority of December’s live art fairs canceled amidst the global pandemic, Miami Art Week will go largely virtual in 2020. For residents of Jade Signature in Sunny Isles Beach — Miami’s most architecturally extraordinary oceanfront address — art and culture are treasured mainstays of daily life with a myriad of illustrious artists and artwork showcased throughout the interiors of the internationally-lauded, Atlantic Ocean-facing high-rise, created by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron with interiors designed by Parisian interior design firm PYR, led by Pierre-Yves Rochon.

Photo Credit: DBOX

Clean lines and natural light inspire the sweeping architecture of Jade Signature, while expansive windows seamlessly draw the beauty of the endless ocean vista within. Jade Signature’s Art Collection continues this spirit of openness and connection to the outside world, with each piece flowing from one to the next. An array of international artists were selected to weave this visual story – emphasizing texture, color, medium, and perspective, and offering a sophisticated vignette of one’s relationship to nature and the surrounding landscape.

Photo Credit: DBOX

Upon entry through Jade Signature’s stately porte-cochère and sprawling, double-height lobby, the tower’s link between its innovative artistry and natural surroundings is profound and quite evident. Residents are immediately welcomed by “Contact Lens,” an acrylic glass installation by Haruka Kojin that explores the space between reality and ones’ senses. The commissioned composition connects viewers to the architecture as it traces the spiral shape of Jade Signature’s ornate staircase and interacts with the abundance of light pouring through the atrium as it reflects the captivating panoramic ocean views.

Photo Credit: DBOX

Sweeping curves of warm-colored wood paneling combine with beautifully styled contemporary furniture – including pieces by Promemoria, Yves Klein and exclusive pieces custom-designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, set in deep blues, soft grays, and delicate whites. All complement the pristine finish of the lobby’s grand Pierre-Yves Rochon-designed terrazzo flooring and carved solid marble reception desk.

Photo Credit: DBOX

Moving through Jade Signature’s well-appointed lobby and lobby-level Clubroom, in addition to other exceptionally designed indoor living areas such as a library and reading lounge, residents will experience a litany of impressive art pieces – ranging from stoneware, wood and marble sculptures to hand-cut paper art to gradient digital prints -- by renowned international artists such as Ed Bentley, Benoît Averly, Jessica Riordan, Fitzhugh Karol, Marta Cadonici, Angela Chan, Kristina Krogh, Donald Martiny, and Igor Vitomirov, to name a few.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jade Signature

During the 2017 Miami Art Week, Jade Signature and developer Fortune International Group celebrated the unveiling of Bonhomme Universe, the tower’s gemstone “snowman,” a whimsical piece by Romania-born artist Daniel Knorr which was commissioned as a public sculpture on the beach by Fortune International Group President and CEO Edgardo Defortuna.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jade Signature

Knorr first began creating these sculptures when he became fascinated by the conceptual possibility of a snowman existing without snow. In Bonhomme Universe, he re-located this cold-climate object to a sub-tropical environment, releasing it from the material it was once reliant on. Bonhomme Universe stands 10.5' tall and 5.57' wide at the base. The "snowman" is crafted around a metal grid of stainless steel and topped with concrete which is adorned with 28 different types of precious and semi-precious stones that have been polished and treated for durability, including green quartz, red jasper and moonstone. The vibrant gemstones chosen were inspired by the colors of the Miami landscape yet sourced from around the world. These natural materials reflect the diverse mesh of buyers at Jade Signature, a testament to Miami’s unique cultural identity. Instead of the typical broom for an arm, this snowman has a palm tree, fashioned from stainless steel. This extended arm serves as a friendly wave to passersby, but also has the deeper visual reference, with the palm tree an ancient symbol of peace, victory, and eternal life that originated in Near East and Mediterranean culture.

Photo Credit: DBOX

Adding to the unmistakable appeal of Jade Signature -- which was named by Dezeen magazine as one of the top skyscrapers of 2018 -- the tower also has a full-service, full-floor spa by natural beauty trailblazer Tata Harper, a state-of-the-art fitness center, wine bar, entertainment and game lounge, business center, playroom and tech lounge for children and teens, as well as a full-service concierge.  A stunning deck overlooking the beach has an organic, zero-entry, free-form swimming pool, which is conveniently adjacent to secluded cabanas, a heated spa, 25-meter lap pool, and the gourmet Jade Signature Beach Bar & Grill, which is private for residents and their guests.

Photo Credit: DBOX

Currently, a limited number of residences remain for sale within Jade Signature, including several turnkey homes by renowned interior designers.   The building’s most luxurious offerings -- a portfolio known as “The Collection” -- has a compilation of two-story Sky Villas and a two-story penthouse, ranging from $11.9 million to $29.5 million. The Sky Villas offer spectacular features, such as flow-through views, expansive terraces, private elevators, smart technology, service quarters and PYR-designed bathroom cabinetry. The two-story penthouse boasts all of these world-class features as well as a private pool, gym and 360-degree views.

For more information on Jade Signature, call 305-744-5197 or visit JadeSignatureCollection.com.

The post The Intersection Of Art And Architecture At Jade Signature appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The building’s iconic, award-winning designs -- the vision of renowned luxury developer Fortune International Group -- are a celebration of South Florida’s most desirable attributes, marked by a seamless connection to the adjacent beach and glistening Atlantic Ocean that serves as its own backyard.

Photo Credit: DBOX

Taking inspiration from the tower’s natural surroundings, architects uniquely installed Jade Signature’s three-story parking garage underground -- eliminating the pedestal at the surface and allowing the ground floor to connect to the pool. As a result, all of the building’s amenities, designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, founder of Parisian interior design firm PYR, are on or just above beach level -- with the street connecting to the ground-floor amenities and lobby, and the lobby overlooking the pool.

Upon entry through the porte-cochère and sprawling, light-filled lobby, the tower’s link to the ocean environment that surrounds it is profound and quite evident.  Walls of glass frame jaw-dropping views of cerulean and cobalt-blue Caribbean waters while an ornate spiral staircase leads residents just a few steps down to the beach.

Photo Credit: DBOX

Before reaching the sand, a stunning deck with an organic, zero-entry, free-form swimming pool sits adjacent to secluded cabanas, a heated spa, and a 25-meter lap pool.  These offerings are flanked by the Jade Signature Beach Bar & Grill – a gourmet restaurant (private for residents and their guests) which boasts a seasonal farm-to-table menu as well as sweeping water views.  Broadening the tower’s conveniences and ties to its natural surroundings, residents have access to private beach amenities, including chaise lounges, umbrellas, and towel-and-beach services.

Photo Credit: Neuelane

The pavilion features an elevated water therapy terrace and three Jacuzzi pools -- each with its own temperature -- perfect for enjoying vacation-like ocean vistas by day and year-round balmy breezes by night.

Photo Credit: DBOX

Turquoise water views extend to the tower’s full-service, full-floor spa by natural beauty trailblazer Tata Harper. Representing her first-ever full-service Florida spa, Harper’s eponymous, award-winning line of 100% natural products is featured in the coastal casual, chic venue (exclusive to residents and their guests), which is complete with a sauna, steam room, hammam, relaxation zone, and treatment rooms.

Photo Credit: DBOX

The tower -- which was named by Dezeen magazine as one of the top skyscrapers of 2018 – also has a state-of-the-art fitness center, library and reading lounge, wine bar, clubroom, entertainment and game lounge, business center, playroom and tech lounge for children and teens, full-service concierge, private elevator entrances, and smart technology throughout.

Currently, a limited number of residences remain for sale within Jade Signature, including several turnkey homes by renowned interior designers.   The building’s most luxurious offerings -- a portfolio known as “The Collection” -- has a compilation of two-story Sky Villas and a two-story penthouse, ranging from $13.99 million to $29.5 million. The Sky Villas offer spectacular features, such as flow-through views, expansive terraces, private elevators, smart technology, service quarters and PYR-designed bathroom cabinetry. The two-story penthouse boasts all of these world-class features as well as a private pool, gym and 360-degree views.

For more information, call 305-744-5197 or visit JadeSignatureCollection.com.

The post Water Amenities Abound At Jade Signature, Rivaling That Of A Five-Star Resort appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: LPG

At Jade Signature in Sunny Isles Beach -- the widely-lauded oceanfront condominium created by Pritzker prize-winning Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron -- the "turnkey trend" and its overarching appeal could not be more evident.

Here within the iconic tower, which was named by Dezeen magazine as one of the world’s top 10 high-rises for 2018, the innovative, eye-catching artistry of an assemblage of award-winning designers has become vastly sought after by well-heeled buyers.  The developer of Jade Signature, luxury leader Fortune International Group, hand-picked these designers to complete a collection of remaining residences – which, in turn, were met with swift praise…and almost immediate purchase.

Photo Credit: LPG

Just a few weeks ago, for instance, unit No. 5003 was still in the final stages being furnished by luxury contemporary lifestyle specialist Addison House, when it went under contract to an unidentified buyer.

Photo Credit: LPG

In response to this near sell-out, Fortune International Group is collaborating once again with renowned Brazilian designer Artefacto on a new move-in-ready residence, soon to be unveiled. In the last year and a half, Artefacto has furnished a selection of jaw-dropping residences in Jade Signature -- all of which have sold. CEO Paulo Bacchi and his team are now developing the to-the-nines interior designs of No. 4901, which is slated for delivery in the coming weeks.  This five-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bath haven has 4,953 square feet of living space and 1,454 square feet of living room-like outdoor terraces.

Photo Credit: DBOX

Also currently on the market is the Meyer Davis-designed North Sky Villa, No. 5305, priced at $14.9 million.  The one-of-a-kind, double-height hideaway comprises five bedrooms and six and a half baths, spread throughout 6,513 square feet of interior space, with an additional 1,407 square feet of terraces.  Design highlights by the New York-based firm include a first-floor, astronomy-themed guest bedroom -- outfitted with a celestial rug from Moooi and artwork above the bed depicting an eclipse -- and an equestrian-themed queen bedroom on the second floor with linen wall coverings as well as Hermés wallpaper in the bath.

Photo Credit: DBOX

Adding to the unmistakable appeal of Jade Signature -- which boasts interiors by Parisian interior design firm PYR, led by Pierre Yves-Rochon, and landscaping by revered architect Raymond Jungles -- the tower also has a full-service, full-floor spa by natural beauty trailblazer Tata Harper, a state-of-the-art fitness center, library and reading lounge, wine bar, clubroom, entertainment and game lounge, business center, playroom and tech lounge for children and teens, as well as a full-service concierge.  A stunning deck overlooking the beach has an organic, zero-entry, free-form swimming pool, which is conveniently adjacent to secluded cabanas, a heated spa, 25-meter lap pool, and the gourmet Jade Signature Beach Bar & Grill, which is private for residents and their guests.

For more information, call 305-744-5197 or visit JadeSignatureCollection.com.

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Video Credit: Neuelane

Here, where turquoise and cobalt-blue Caribbean waters break over an unspoiled stretch of sugar-soft sand, landscape architecture authority Raymond Jungles has created a verdant, Zen-like work-of-art.

When Jungles was tapped by the project’s award-winning developer, Fortune International Group, to transform the property into an opulent retreat, he exceeded every expectation.  The end-result was incomparable to any other area condominium.  

Photo Credit: Leo Diaz

Because Jade Signature’s parking garage was built underground -- creating a direct connection between the lobby-level, ground-floor amenities and the beach -- and due to its parallelogram footprint, which has allowed for infinitely more sunlight across the undulating terrain -- Jungles had the extraordinary ability to create a mesh of verdant gardens right at the surface (a rarity for most high-rises, which are often marked by towering concrete pedestals at their base).  

With a uniquely vast canvas to work from, Jungles’ subsequent creation was rooted, quite literally, in native flora and fauna -- directly inspired by the natural surrounding beauty of one of the globe’s most treasured coastlines.

Photo Credit: Leo Diaz

Winding gardens -- rich with coastal dune vegetation, including thick-leafed Sea Grape, Buttonwood and Seven Year Apple specimens -- are complemented by canopies of swaying Coconut, Sabal and Cabbage palms. Natural grasses flank colorful thickets of indigenous wildflowers and encircle pockets of the beach, providing intimate opportunities for relaxation.  Jade Signature’s zero entry free-form swimming pool and lap pool, as well as the Jade Signature Beach Bar & Grill gourmet restaurant and secluded cabanas, are enveloped in vegetation, adding a veil of privacy and shade, while still framing unobstructed views of adjacent ocean waters. Adding to the sheer beauty of Jungles’ design is a showpiece at the tower’s entrance: A grand, 60+-foot tall Kapok tree, which provides sculptural punctuation to the condominium’s timeless landscape.  

Photo Credit: Leo Diaz

Currently, a limited number of residences remain for sale within Jade Signature, including several turnkey homes by renowned interior designers. The building’s most luxurious offerings -- a portfolio known as “The Collection” -- has a compilation of two-story Sky Villas and a two-story penthouse, ranging from $11.9 million to $29.5 million. The Sky Villas offer spectacular features, such as flow-through views, expansive terraces, private elevators, smart technology, service quarters and PYR-designed bathroom cabinetry. The two-story penthouse boasts all of these world-class features as well as a private pool, gym and 360-degree views.

Photo Credit: Leo Diaz

Jade Signature, which features interiors by Parisian interior design firm PYR, led by Pierre-Yves Rochon, also has a full-service, full-floor spa by natural beauty trailblazer Tata Harper, a state-of-the-art fitness center, library and reading lounge, wine bar, clubroom, entertainment and game lounge, business center, playroom and tech lounge for children and teens, full-service concierge, private elevator entrances, and smart technology throughout.

Photo Credit: Leo Diaz

For more information, call 305-744-5197 or visit JadeSignatureCollection.com.

The post Oasis On The Beach: Herzog & De Meuron’s Jade Signature Embraces The Verdant Beauty Of Its Tropical Setting appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Swire Properties Inc

Reach and Rise are recognized as the premier luxury condominium towers located atop the $1.05 billion-dollar landmark, Brickell City Centre.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Swire Properties Inc

"To target our well-traveled clientele from Latin America, Europe and the Northeast, we collaborated with Steven Gurowitz to deliver this eclectic mix of furnished units,” said Maile Aguila, senior vice president of residential sales for Swire Properties Inc. "The upscale collection was designed to elevate the new urban lifestyle that Brickell City Centre offers, with sweeping city and water views, as well as proximity to an expansive retail center with 120 storefronts and four levels of unparalleled shopping, dining and entertainment venues.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Swire Properties Inc

Notably setting a new standard of city living, starting in the mid $600’s, the expansive collection includes an array of one-to-three-bedroom floor plans with 9’4” to 11’4” ceiling heights. Ideal for those looking to live in the epicenter of Miami, the furnished residences include convertible dens, open-floor kitchens, expansive living rooms, massive bedrooms and bathrooms, over-sized walk-in closets, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, large wrap-around balconies, stunning city and water views, and more. Appealing to and reaching the discerning residential buyer, the NOW by Steven G. units are delivered turnkey, fully finished and furnished with exquisite Italian cabinetry and imported marble floors.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Swire Properties Inc

The post Swire Properties Tapped Steven Gurowitz Of Now By Steven G. For Brickell City Centre Residences At Rise appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

When it comes to constructing some of the great buildings of New York City, the lines of who’s doing what can sometimes be a little unclear. Architects draw and design the structure, an interior decorator chooses furniture for staging, the plumbers put in the pipes, the electricians wire the building, the list goes on and on.

Behind all of the little-but-critical things that go into constructing a great building, behind every single decision that gets made, is one person, the developer. For the Naftali Group, one of New York’s most prominent developers, that man is Miki Naftali.

We sat down with Naftali for a candid discussion about the real role of a developer in a project—from the first brick to when the doors swing open—that will serve as the ultimate how-to guide for anyone looking to be a great developer, learning from the master.

“I try to understand the demand and getting to a point that to be able to go after an opportunity. Making a decision how much money you can pay for it based on your underwriting and understanding, hopefully understanding, of the market, what can be done with over there, how much you can sell over there, how long it's going to take you to sell or to rent, if it's a rental property, how much it's going to cost you, can you get financing, how long it will take to build the project. All those elements need to work with you.

Then, try to win the bid or win the opportunity, or convince someone to sell you a piece of real estate or an old building, and to say, ‘Look, here is how much money we're willing to pay you,’ and hopefully to be in a position that you win it.

When you so-called 'shake hands' on a deal, then it moves into another process of negotiating the purchase and sale agreement, making sure that you know what you're buying, making sure that the seller is behind his promises. Before the closing and after the closing.

Then, at the same time, you need to negotiate with the lender. No one is buying full cash. You don't buy anything cash, so you need to negotiate with lenders. You need to make sure that the lenders are there for you. You need to make sure that you have a very good reputation, especially in a tight market, when the lenders are very selective and they're very careful who they lend to. You need to negotiate the loan agreement with the lenders.    

When you do all of that, from my point of view, the minute that I shake ... that I have a deal, before I sign, before I close, the minute that I have a deal and I start to negotiate on the purchase and sale agreement, but if I feel comfortable that I have the deal and now it's legal, from that moment I put together the design team.”

And if you’re thinking that’s the end of the developer’s work, think again. Naftali oversees some of the most impressive real estate projects in the city from The Shepard downtown to the twin developments at 221 and 210 West 77^th Street. What makes his projects most enticing though is not his ability to manage money and finances, but rather his ability to keep the artistic and quality of luxury and design in place.

“It takes about 12 months to go through a really good design process. So now you're in a process to make a decision, who is the right architect? Okay. You need to pick and choose the right architect. You need to make sure that they're available for you at the right price. Interior designers, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, sprinklers, sound engineer, you name it. You have consultants that you put together as a team. You build your team to start to design the project.”

“Then, beside that, now you need to start to think about marketing and sales. So besides the brokers and the team, you start to think about positioning, creative. They're another team of people that you hire to advise you on how to create the story. Okay. It's not,’"Okay, I built something, and now I open a sales office and hopefully someone will come to...’. There's a lot involved. Basically branding. The same as on the fashion side, you know, many high-end brands spend a lot of money and time thinking about everything. How to brand a product and how to work in our minds that we will want to buy it, right? Between social media and other things that are, or opening a store on fifth avenue that is not necessarily a profitable store, but that's what they need, to promote the brand.”

Throughout the entire process, Naftali’s craftsmanship oversees everything with his team. They have become a united force to make sure every detail is perfect, and are always adaptive and quick to respond at a moments notice. When asked, Naftali likened his work to that of a great chef, commanding over the kitchen with pinpoint accuracy, and with a team that works loyally to support the same goal.

“It's a lot of work and effort, a lot of work and effort, to make sure. As a developer, I'm pushing everyone. I don't want to cut corners. If it takes four weeks to get something from overseas and we can't get it sooner, communication. Making sure they understand. About a year into the life of the new building-we also manage the building, or asset manage the building at least a year after we complete the building, because a year after the board of condominium can make a decision—we say, ‘Okay, we want to go to another...’.”

And the process continues on and on, until some of the best parts of this city get built…

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