Mayi de la Vega Makes An Appearance on The Today Show

 

Mayi De La Vega on The Today Show The Today Show visited Miami for a live show that featured the best of our city. From fashion to cuisine to real estate, Al Roker and crew took a tour around Miami to show America what it’s all about. ONE Sotheby’s Realty CEO Mayi de la Vega made an appearance on one of the highlighted segments to talk about the area’s real estate recovery and the hottest luxury properties live from a listing in Brickell.

It was great to show the rest of the America the potential of Miami and prove that it’s grown into a cultural hub where artists, entrepreneurs, and new business are flocking to every day. It’s more than a beach town and on par with NYC, LA, Chicago and other major cities.

Many thanks to Mayi for showing the best that we have to offer! It was a job well done!

Click here to watch the video from The Today Show 

 

The Scoop – Right Naoe

 

The only problem with watching the incredible documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi about Tokyo’s greatest sushi chef, an octogenarian with three Michelin stars, is not being able to eat there immediately. The good news is that Miami has its own Jiro in Kevin Cory, the meticulous proprietor as sushi Nazi of Naoe, a pint-sized Japanese omakase (chef’s choice) restaurant on Brickell Key. The second bad news is it’s nearly impossible to score one of his eight reservations during two nightly seatings at 6 and 9:30 p.m., which are only available through OpenTable, so don’t bother calling, though loitering around the door to replace the rare no-show is always an impressive strategy.

661 Brickell Key Drive, 305.947.6263naoemiami.com

Map of South Florida’s Newest Condominium Developments

 

South Florida is undergoing a new construction boom led by the demand of international buyers that are investing in second and third homes. We have put together an interactive map of these new developments that will soon be gracing the skyline in Brickell and Miami Beach all the way up to Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale. Each project has its own unique amenities ranging from to mid-level buildings to high-rise towers with hundreds of units.

Click through our interactive map for more detailed information on each one of the buildings, including number of stories, units and the developer. We look forward to the seeing the new inventory once these units have been completed.

Visit the map here: http://bit.ly/Ruf4Uc

2999 Brickell Ave- A Majestic Retreat in Miami’s Financial District

 

When you think of Brickell images of high-rises and power lunches come to mind, but many don’t know about the hidden residential gems nestled along the edges of Biscayne Bay. 2999 Brickell Avenue is a exceptional listing in the ONE Sotheby’s International Realty portfolio and one of seven bay front estates in this coveted neighborhood.

The estate’s remarkable architectural details are impressive throughout, with strong lines and bold colors and shapes with a Mediterranean influence. Upon entering the house a symmetrical façade and monumental stairs greet each visitor with a warm welcome. Expansive terraces make up the outside entertainment areas that open up to unbelievable views where the bay seamlessly meets the sky.

With a listing price of $19million, this property is luxury amenities that include a tennis court, and a comfortable guest house designed with the same architectural details. The main house has eight spacious bedrooms, nine bathrooms, an eat-in kitchen, a formal dining room and top of the line finishes and appliances.

Next time you think of Brickell, don’t forget that it’s much more than a place to work, it’s also a place to enjoy the best of luxury living. For more information about the property visit www.2999brickellav.com.

Condo Week: Urban Living in Historic Brickell

 
http://www.onesothebysrealty.com/condos/miami

Brickell and Downtown Miami in the distance.

One of Miami’s finest bay front neighborhoods had its humble beginnings in the late 19th century when William and Mary Brickell, intrepid pioneers from Ohio, opened a trading post on the south bank of the Miami river to exchange goods with Seminole Indians who traveled downstream from the Everglades in dugout canoes.

The husband and wife team were savvy business folk:  they purchased acreage from Coconut Grove to the river and after William’s death, widow Mary became one of the Miami’s first real estate developers.

Today, a humble bust of Mary Brickell stands on the tree-lined median that makes Brickell Avenue one of the most scenic stretches of road in Miami-Dade County.   She’d be proud.

The namesake neighborhood is home to Miami’s international financial district, bustling with business during the workweek. But Brickell is also residential, with gleaming high-rises that afford bay as well as river views with an unparalleled, upscale urban lifestyle.

In spite of all the soaring towers of glass and concrete, you’ll find neighbors jogging, walking their dogs and strolling with children under the shade of lush, tropical trees on Brickell’s ample sidewalks. Brickell also boasts Miami’s only nature preserve at Simpson Hammock Park, which is just a few blocks away from restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, boutiques, salons, yoga studios and conveniences, many centered around trendy Mary Brickell Village.

Brickell residents also enjoy easy access to Downtown Miami across the river via the Metromover, a free electric rail system. The American Airlines Arena and Arsht Performing Arts Center are just minutes away for those who prefer to leave the car at home. Key Biscayne, a barrier island flanking the mainland at Brickell, is popular among cyclists and boasts Miami’s most pristine beach at Bill Baggs State Park.

ONE | Sotheby’s listings in Brickell offer the best of the neighborhood.

BRISTOL TOWER

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Bristol Tower, one of the most upscale residences on Brickell, was designed by Ugo Colombo. The building is circular and affords sweeping views of Key Biscayne as well as mainland Miami.

THE EMERALD CONDOMINIUM

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In addition to standard amenities,  The Emerald Condominium also offers a a business center, conference room, wine cellar, rooftop sky club and cigar humidor room.

ICON BRICKELL

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Icon Brickell at the mouth of the Miami River straddles the Miami Circle, a  2,000 year old archeological site, once home to Tequesta Indians.  The building’s eclectic curb appeal comes from designer Phillipe Starck, who was inspired by the Polynesian moai of Easter Island.

JADE

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Jade offers luxury residences just steps away from the shops, bars and restaurants of Mary Brickell Village. Residents enjoy multimedia interactive technology along with spectacular bay views. Juan Pablo Montoya, Luis Miguel and Ivan Rodriguez are just a few celebrities who have brought units at Jade.

PLAZA

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Located in the heart of Brickell, the Plaza is actually two towers featuring a spa, two pools as well as club, media and billiards rooms.

SANTA MARIA

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The Santa Maria is one of Brickell’s most prestigious addresses and takes full advantage of Miami’s sunshine:  a private marina, tennis courts and cabanas are just one of many upscale amenities in the condominium.

To learn more about ONE | Sotheby’s condo listings in Brickell and surrounding areas, visit the Downtown Miami listings page.

– Maria de los Angeles is a freelance wordsmith based in Miami.

 

Croquet and Cocktails on Biscayne Bay

 

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The Flagler Street Society presented one of its annual fundraisers, Croquet and Cocktails, this past Sunday on Brickell Key at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. About 100 members comprise the group of young professionals ages 21-45 who support South Florida’s largest history museum, History Miami.

On Sunday, however, museum enthusiasts of all ages attended the event, where guests tried their hand at croquet while mingling on the commons and enjoying refreshing cocktails.  Although croquet may be associated with a more genteel culture, on Sunday it was played in true Miami style — elegant yet casual under the palm trees.

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History Miami is at the heart of the city — an honest gem among the hype. A premier research facility, the museum is a repository of artifacts, photographs, documents, publications and oral histories. Located in downtown Miami’s cultural plaza, next to the Miami Art Museum and the main branch of the Miami-Dade County Library, the museum boasts a permanent exhibit on the natural and cultural history of the area, as well as curated yearly exhibits focusing on South Florida. Adult programs include neighborhood tours and lectures. Children can enjoy an array of activities from field trips to summer camps.

ONE | Sotheby’s spoke with a former board member who was volunteering at Croquet and Cocktails. “It’s fun being a grandparent and bringing the kids to the museum,” she said. “Children love seeing all those things. Getting involved with the museum is a great way to get involved with the community.”

For anyone new to South Florida, a visit to History Miami is worthwhile to learn about the area’s rich history.  Evidence of human habitation along the banks of the Miami River dates back to over two-thousand years. The Miami Circle park project, which is part of History Miami, pays tribute to the Tequesta Indians who lived where towering luxury condominiums and hotels stake claim to land today.

It may be a museum, but History Miami is far from stuffy. The Flagler Street Society hosts monthly Wine Down Wednesdays, where local professionals gather for happy hour and to peruse exhibits after closing time. Music, wine and light bites make for one of downtown Miami’s best regular cultural affairs — a most accessible and enjoyable form of philanthropy for a local institution.

Reasonable yearly museum membership rates include free admission, discounts to special events and tours as well as reciprocal benefits with other museums.

To learn more about the museum, visit History Miami and to join the support group, visit Flagler Street Society.

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– Maria de los Angeles is a freelance wordsmith based in Miami.

ONE | Sotheby’s Opens New Brickell Office

 

We are excited to announce the opening of our new Brickell office in the heart of Miami’s Financial District. This will be our 7th office in South Florida, which will give the company access to the business community in Downtown Miami. The opportunity to open this space was made possible by by joining forces with Larusso Realty Inc., that are established as top brokers in the area. ”Having this office in the heart of South Florida makes sense because it gives the Sotheby’s brand presence in such a prestigious area.” says company President and COO, Beth Butler.

Stefano Lorusso, founder of Lorusso Realty Inc, has been operating in South Florida since 2004.  The focus of his organization is primarily high end residential real estate in Miami Beach and South Miami.  His team consists of 6 multi-language professional real estate agents. With a strong focus in the European clientele for South Florida, the Brickell office for will have personnel that speak Italian, French and Spanish.

“As we keep growing with international buyers we need the solid foundations and global network of Sotheby’s International Realty, says Stefano Lorusso. “ONE | Sotheby’s is the perfect match for our organization and we look forward to working with them.”

The new Brickell office will house 20 new agents and is located at 999 Brickell Avenue, Suite 900. To see all of ONE | Sotheby’s listings in Brickell, click here: Brickell Listings.

 

Taj Miami – A Rare Cultural Jewel in the Heart of Brickell

 

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They say those who live in glass houses should not throw stones, but who has actually lived in a glass house as fabulous as this one? You’d never throw anything here, except perhaps a glance to amazing vistas of Miami and Biscayne Bay from your patio in the heavens.

One of Miami’s most unique properties, this three-story glass house, perched atop the Palace Condominium on Brickell Avenue, has a quirky cultural history. In 1981, Leona and Harry Helmsley were about to call this their sky residence when Saudi Sheik Saoud Al-Shaalan purchased the property and converted the already stunning structure to a Mughal Palace.

Twenty-seven Moroccan craftsman and two years later, the interior of this 40 foot-high glass cube became nothing short of a wondrous historical enclave amid the contemporary towering high-rises of Brickell Avenue – traces of Persian, Turkish and Indian architecture inform the interior.

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Unfortunately, the Sheik rarely visited this work of art he could have called home, but in 1999 international real estate developer antique weapons expert Anthony Tirri purchased the glass house, adorning it with Muslim weapons, furniture and art. Mr. Tirri has since moved on to Paris, where he has remodeled an 1135 chateau named after renowned French author Alexander Dumas.

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This grand residence now awaits a new homeowner who would relish in one of Miami’s most lavish and culturally inspired properties.

Eccentric, to be sure, but it’s not the first time visionaries have created what may seem outlandish here in the tropics.  In 1925, millionaire publisher Randolph William Hearst had an entire 12th century Spanish monastery delivered stone by stone to the United States, which you can now see, fully reconstructed, in North Miami.  And from 1923-1951, a man named Ed, obsessed with unrequited love, carved a castle from 1,100 tons of coral rock in south Miami-Dade, all in tribute to his distant paramour.

Great things have been built in the name of love and the analogy is not lost at Taj Miami – after all, its inspiration, the Taj Majal in India, was built entirely of white marble by 17th century Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal.

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Romance of life, love and architecture is alive and well in this property, gleaned in the exquisite details of the mosaic tile, carving and plaster work throughout the space. Soaring above one of Miami’s most dynamic and historic neighborhoods, the Taj Miami soaks in sunrises and sunsets with a cross-cultural touch.

To learn more about the property, visit ONE | Sotheby’s website

– Maria de los Angeles is a freelance wordsmith based in South Florida.