Sky-High Plans: Related Group and Macklowe Plan Two 43-Story Towers at 8000 East Drive, North Bay Village
High-rise development in North Bay Village shows no signs of slowing down. The Related Group and Macklowe Properties have recently proposed plans for a pair of 43-story towers to North Bay Village’s planning board. Designed by Arquitectonica, the glass-clad towers are the latest in a growing trend of high-density proposals in the area. Like several recent projects, the development is seeking a Special Area Plan, which allows for a more unified site plan and can enable zoning exceptions that wouldn’t typically be allowed under existing zoning regulations. Although plans may evolve, the current proposal calls for 364 residential units, 201 in the northern tower and 163 in the eastern tower. Units will be offered in one, two, three, and four-bedroom layouts, with an average size of 2,138 SF. To accommodate residents, the developers have proposed 798 parking spaces. Although this is below the recommended count, the developers have assured planners that, based on their extensive experience, the proposed number is actually optimal for a project of this scale. Among other plans, the development also includes a 25-foot-wide Island Walk for the public, along with enhanced landscaping that contributes to a total of 9,000 SF of waterfront public park space. It’s worth noting that Island Walks are a required feature under North Bay Village development regulations, aimed at improving waterfront access and connectivity for island residents. On the other hand, the tower’s occupants have access to more than 100,000 Gross SF of amenities, spread between the development’s deck, ground floor, and level 5 of both towers. While the exact plans for the amenity space haven’t been released, the site will also have access to over 40 boat slips along the Biscayne Bay, complemented by a marina dockmaster. According to the project’s elevations the two towers will rise 497 FT to the 43rd floor. This height does not include the mechanical roof, which brings the total height to well over 500 FT. Such height would not be allowed under traditional zoning but is made possible through the Special Area Plan (SAP). Through massing studies, the development team found that by consolidating the project into two taller towers, rather than three shorter ones, view corridors and open space will be preserved. City staff agree with this assessment. Elevations also grant insight into the towers’ design: while the buildings appear nearly identical, the northern tower is the widest, followed by a slimmer eastern tower. Likewise, the facade will primarily consist of curtain glass wrapped in glass balconies, though this treatment will not extend across the entire structure. The rear of the towers will feature what appears to be stucco with artistic patterns, although the design isn’t finalized. City staff has recommended approval of the project, contingent on resolving a few minor issues. However, a staff recommendation does not guarantee approval. While the North Bay Village Commission considers staff recommendations during the final decision-making process, it ultimately isn’t the final say during the approval or denial process. If approved, the developers will have two years to obtain a master building permit as a general requirement, with a maximum of two one-year extensions possible. Failure to secure the permit within that timeframe will render the project’s approval null.
One of the Largest Live Local Act Projects in Miami-Dade, Park Residences, Unveils Renderings
7350 Coral Way Prop. Co, led by Russel Galbut of GFO Investments and Dr. Jorge E. Perez of KIDZ Medical Services, has officially unveiled renderings for one of the biggest Live Local projects in Miami-Dade. The large development, coined Park Residences, was originally submitted to Miami-Dade staff in early 2025 and featured a mixed-use project containing retail, medical office space, and a residential tower. Since then, while plans have changed very little, renderings have been released showcasing more of the development’s design by the project’s architect: Anillo Toledo Lopez. Located at 7350 Coral Way, the mostly vacant property is planned to feature 410 residential units, about 90,000 SF of net leasable office space, 7,000 SF of retail, and 950 parking spaces: unchanged from last submission. Under the Live Local Act, which encourages higher density in return for providing workforce housing, 40% of the units will be set aside as workforce housing. This translates to 246 market rate units and 164 workforce units. Workforce housing units, as per the Live Local Act, are defined as units priced for households earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income. As noted by Bilzin Sumberg, Live Local projects in Miami-Dade County are permitted to price studio units at a maximum of $2,604 and one-bedroom units up to $2,788 as of 2025. The residential tower is planned to rise 19 stories, while the medical office building will reach 7 stories. New renderings reveal a pedestrian walkway connecting the tower’s podium to the standalone office structure. Likewise, earlier massing studies didn’t fully reflect the office building’s design, but the latest photos outline a sleek, mostly glass facade that will complement Coral Way. According to the project’s letter of intent, the medical office component will focus on pediatric care, aligning with Dr. Jorge E. Perez’s background with KIDZ Medical Services. Although construction permits and final approvals are yet to come about, the expertise behind 7350 Coral Way Prop. Co suggests the development is likely to proceed fairly smoothly.
One North Birch Proposed in Fort Lauderdale Beach, Featuring 21 Residences
One of the last remaining undeveloped sites along Fort Lauderdale Beach’s Intracoastal Waterway is on track to become home to One North Birch, a multi-story condominium proposed by Las Olas Harbor Club, LLC. The firm, led by entrepreneur Sophia Mylona, is seeking review from Fort Lauderdale’s Development Review Committee to move forward with a 13-story residential project. Proposed with a collection of “boutique” residences, the tower will include 21 units, with around 2 units for every floor. Although the developer could provide higher density (specifically 75 units per acre) plans have instead opted for 45 units per acre in order to create more spacious units. In fact, units will be around 4000 SF each. Residents of One North Birch will have access to a range of planned amenities, though preliminary. Plans include a pool, fitness center, club room, and even a future dock. All homes will have access to parking on floors 1 and 2, made possible by parking lifts. This increasingly popular feature in South Florida developments allows for a more efficient use of space, enabling Las Olas Harbor Club, LLC to expand amenity offerings while maintaining a seamless building facade free of a visible parking podium. The ground floor of One North Birch will exclude retail space in favor of a spacious lobby. Pedestrians can also expect to see noticeable streetscape enhancements, including upgraded sidewalk infrastructure, added greenery, and other improvements. Current site conditions show several nuisances to walkability, such as utility poles, overgrown trees, and other physical barriers. The developer plans to replace this with a 7-foot-wide sidewalk, buffered by landscaped edges to create a more accessible and safe pedestrian environment. As per elevations, the tower’s 13 floors will measure 163 FT to the tallest point on the tower, making it among the tallest buildings in the area. Designed by Garcia Stromberg Architecture, the building’s facade will be almost entirely composed of curtain glass, wrapped with large glass balconies for residents. The development at 1 N Birch Road will be met with review by Development Review Committee staff on June 24th, 2025. According to a case comment report filed before the meeting, there appears to be little revision needed to the design before it can move forward.
The Growin Group Proposes Two Multifamily Buildings in Ojus Along NE 191st and NE 190th Street
A South Florida-based real estate and investment firm, coined the Growin Group, is planning to join a plethora of developers investing in Ojus. Ojus has recently been caught in a whirlwind of development activity, sparked by the creation of the Ojus Urban Area District (OUAD) in 2006 and following amendments aimed at promoting mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly growth. Although the region didn’t see major developments until the completion of Beacon Tower in 2017, the area has been steadily developing office and multifamily development ever since. Building on this momentum, the Growin Group plans to develop two nearly identical highrises: Eden at Aventura and Lev at Aventura designed by Gaviria Architects. Both buildings will offer the public 32 residences to choose from, ranging from 1 bedroom + den, 2 bedroom, or 3 bedroom units. Units will be generously sized, with none measuring less than 790 FT and most homes being planned as 2 bedroom layouts. Residents will have access to a fitness center, sauna, and additional amenities such as a rooftop pool. The podium of each tower will also feature amenity spaces and storage areas designed to screen parked vehicles from public view. Each podium will accommodate parking for 60 cars, creating an approximate unit-to-parking ratio of 1:2 for both developments. Given the site’s extremely condensed footprint, zero retail space will be planned. Instead, the ground floor will be composed of a lobby, bike storage, entrances and exits for parking garage circulation, and more. Because plans appear to be preliminary, not much information is given regarding both buildings and their heights. While written statements call for both buildings to be 10 floors, this doesn’t factor in the ground floor which, in actuality, makes both buildings 11 stories tall. Given the standard in most developments is to provide ceiling heights of around 10 FT, it’s estimated the buildings will be at or more than 110 FT each. Lev at Aventura will be located at 2520 NE 191 St while Eden at Aventura will be located at 2557 NE 190 St.
Newly Released Renderings Showcase ‘Isle of Dreams,’ the First Phase of Sunbeam Property’s Vision for North Bay Village
Sunbeam Properties has unveiled new renderings for the first phase of its massive North Bay Village development, a tower coined Isle of Dreams. When Floridian Development initially reported on the project, details were still in the early stages. At the time, there were no official renderings; in fact, only elevation drawings were available that offered a basic outline of the tower’s form. Now, as Sunbeam Properties seeks approval from Miami-Dade planners for several special exceptions, setback deviations, and other changes, the developer is preparing to move forward with construction. Andy Ansin, the owner of both Sunbeam Properties and WSVN Channel 7, has previously expressed that financing will not be an issue. Built-up cash from years of operation has led the company to develop the property no matter the market condition. According to the new application, there have been no major updates to the tower’s design, including its unit count, commercial space, or other key components. As a recap, Isle of Dreams is set to include 246 residential units, 23,043 SF of commercial space, and seven levels of parking. The tower will stand 39 stories tall, reaching 460 FT to the roof and approximately 490 FT to its highest architectural point. Arquitectonica, the project’s architect, designed the tower as a landmark development that intentionally pulls the building mass away from the waterfront to prevent the “walled off” appearance often seen in similar projects, according to a letter of intent. A standard and required feature of all new developments in North Bay Village is the inclusion of an Island Walk, and in this project, it will span over 200 FT in length and 15 FT in width. Lined with greenery, the walkway will offer direct access to waterfront retail and provide seating areas where residents are given unobstructed views of the water. While Isle of Dreams and its accompanying Island Walk are the first glimpse into the development, there will be an additional 7 to 9 more towers. In total, the Sunbeam mega-development is aiming to construct 1936 units, close to 5000 parking spots, 300 hotel rooms, 670,000 SF of commercial space, and around 200,000 SF of office space. Towers, like this one, will rise between 240 to 650 FT, marking them as the tallest buildings in Miami-Dade outside of Miami and Sunny Isles Beach. Before work on the Isle of Dreams can start, the developer must tear down an existing 4-story building on the property. In addition to launching the first phase, the developer has already demolished two radio towers on an adjacent parcel to make way for phase 2.
Three 1,300 Foot Cranes Filed for Citadel’s Soaring Supertall HQ at 1201 Brickell Bay Drive
Citadel’s long-anticipated supertall headquarters in Brickell is taking a major step forward. This week the firm submitted plans for three towering construction cranes each soaring close to 1,300 FT, signaling significant momentum ahead of the project’s targeted Q3 2025 groundbreaking. This news comes as Citadel recently submitted new designs for its planned supertall, featuring a wider and more prominent crown. As the company led by Ken Griffin finalizes the design stages and acquires necessary FAA approval, the site only needs appropriate construction permits before work can begin. Per FAA filings, the three cranes will climb to 1,298 FT, 1,298 FT, and 1,297 FT respectively. They’re all slated to rise from 1201 Brickell Bay Drive, where the ground level sits just three FT above sea level. While the FAA application was submitted recently, meaning it’s still being studied for adverse aviation impacts, they will be the tallest cranes submitted in Miami’s history. In fact, they will surpass the height of the impressive tower cranes rising at the Waldorf Astoria construction site. Below is a map outlining the cranes locations. Both 1298 FT cranes will rise on the east and west portions of the property, while the 1,297 FT crane will rise on the south portion. According to the FAA, the tower cranes will be working from October 17th, 2025, all the way to April 17th, 2027. While this number is usually a rough estimate, it aligns with the Q3 2025 groundbreaking date. If Citadel’s headquarters breaks ground this year, it will rise alongside the Waldorf Astoria Residences in Miami, making Miami the second U.S. city to have two or more supertalls simultaneously under construction. No other city in the country other than New York holds that title.
37-Story Tower Proposed in Wynwood Norte at 70 NW 36th Street Through the Live Local Act
Wynwood Norte is starting to see taller and denser development take hold, sparked by spillover from nearby neighborhoods and rules set by the Live Local Act. It wasn’t too long ago when another developer proposed the ‘Wynwood Tower’ slightly north of NW 36th St, featuring one of the tallest towers in a one mile radius. Now, 36th Street Owner, LLC is looking to join developers recently eyeing the area with a high-rise proposal at 70 NW 36th Street. The close to half-acre lot will soon call home to a 37-story tower along NW 36th Street, a major thoroughfare connecting to neighborhoods like Midtown, Edgewater, or Wynwood. Proposed with a total of 330 units, the development will feature a blend of typologies from studios, 1 bedroom, or 2 bedroom apartments. Density is almost entirely from the Live Local Act, as current zoning only permits 150 homes per acre, compared to Live Local density of 1000 homes per acre. In this case, the developer could only build close to 65 units under traditional zoning, but with the Live Local Act, they’re now permitted up to 436 units. In exchange for increased housing density, the developer will provide 132 workforce units. Below is a table for more information provided by Arquitectonica: the project’s architect. The current site at 70 NW 36th Street is currently home to a car dealership, with surrounding sidewalks that provide little width or protection for pedestrians. The newly proposed tower envisions a change to that, with widened sidewalks, increased greenery, and a residential lobby on the ground floor. While there will be no retail space, plans are still preliminary and subject to change. On the top of the tower will be a pool deck for residents, along with a bar, lounge area, and other amenities. To accommodate the anticipated increase in neighborhood residents, the project will include 190 parking spaces: made possible through a 30% parking reduction and participation in a “payment-in-lieu” program. Essentially, the developer pays the city a fee for each required parking space not provided on-site. In this case, the developer is offsetting 76 parking spaces through payment-in-lieu. Lastly, the tower will measure 421 FT to the tallest point, or about 377 FT to the tallest occupied floor. While current zoning only allows heights between 9 and 12 stories, the Live Local Act can take the highest allowable height from 1 mile away and apply it on-site. In hand, the developer now has a potential height of 60 floors, although the developer is only applying for a 37-story tower. Before demolition and site work can begin, the developer must gain necessary approvals. The first step is approval for Miami’s Urban Development Review Board on June 18th. The project’s architect, Arquitectonica, will be reviewed based on architectural consistency, design standards, and compliance with code.
Aria Reserve Skyclub Unveiled as the Last Phase in Melo Group’s Aria Reserve Development
While construction crews are nearing up work for Aria Reserve’s North and South tower in Edgewater, the Melo Group is eyeing the last parcel for the third and final tower. Coined ‘Aria Reserve Skyclub’ the proposed tower will sit atop a 1.35 acre lot in the heart of Edgewater. Located at 500 NE 24th St, the mixed-use tower will be unlike its counterparts in that it provides a mix of uses, from office space, retail and restaurants, to finally residential space. In Aria Reserve Skyclub, the Melo Group is proposing approximately 430 residential units, composed of either 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, or 3 bedroom orientations. The average unit size in Aria Reserve Skyclub will be around 1,403 SF. Once constructed, all three towers in the area will provide a combined 1,172 units to Edgewater, only comparable to the scale of development found in the Paraiso District. The Arquitectonica-designed tower is devised with foot traffic in mind, utilizing a mix of ‘landscape design’, ‘inviting public sidewalk space’, and a ‘variety of active, habitable spaces’. The podium and ground floor, which are almost exclusively wrapped in glass, will feature a range of uses including 6,924 SF of retail space and around 77,000 SF of office space. Office space will not be constrained to any side of the podium, sharing views between both the east and north side of the tower’s base. Previous records showed the tower containing around 62,165 SF of office space, but that appears to have increased according to newly released documents. Concealed behind curtain glass and office space is 520 parking spaces inside the tower’s podium, granting parking space for office workers, retail patrons, and residents/guests. Although The City of Miami’s code required 775 parking spaces in the development, the developer is only providing 520. While full-scale renderings of the tower have yet to be released, elevations offer a clear sense of its design. The tower is expected to rise 49 floors, measuring approximately 531 FT in height. These elevations also reveal details about the podium’s appearance along the southern edge. Facing the alleyway, the podium’s all-glass design transitions to a perforated metal garage. Although the lot is currently used to house construction equipment for the two towers currently under construction, the Melo Group only has to demolish a 2-story apartment on-site to begin full foundation and structural work. Because the Melo Group moves historically fast on all projects, including Aria Reserve, it’s estimated construction is in the very near future.
The Melo Group Proposes ‘Biscayne 18’, a Two-Tower Project in Miami’s Edgewater Neighborhood
The Melo Group is planning to develop one of the last untouched parcels along Biscayne Boulevard in Edgewater. The company, which already has hundreds of units under construction across Miami, wants to build a two-tower apartment project spanning an entire city block at 331 NE 18 Street. The 1.57 acre parcel has been in the works for years, with the Melo Group having purchased the whole block in late 2019 for close to $30 million dollars. Now, the long-awaited plans are coming to fruition, with the company proposing a total of 1,178 units. There will be 589 rental units per tower, composed of either 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, or 3 bedroom units. Unlike many recent proposals, this project’s increased density isn’t due to the Live Local Act. Instead, it fully complies with standard Miami zoning, leveraging its transit-accesible location to build more densely. While traditional zoning allows only 500 units per acre, Miami21 allows for a 50% increase in density for projects designated as “Transit Orientated Development”. According to the Architect of Record, G3aec, one of the star features of this development is its ‘refined and articulated street-level experience’. Almost 25,000 SF of retail space (24,930 to be exact) will be placed along the entire tower’s ground floor. Because the tower takes up an entire city block, the development will provide a pedestrian paseo on the ground floor, connecting the east and the west sides of the ground floor for improved connectivity. Also included is enhanced sidewalk infrastructure to handle the expected increase in foot traffic. To handle both retail patrons and the tower’s residents, there will be 1,472 parking spaces and 1,178 bicycle rack spaces in the tower’s 8-story podium. However, the parking figure is actually much lower than originally required. According to the City of Miami, the project requires 1,947 parking spaces, but is allowed multiple 30% parking reduction waivers. The tower’s podium will feature residential units along portions of its base, while the remaining parts will be ‘entirely concealed from public view’ using a ‘combination of vegetation and glass arranged in a seemingly random pattern’. This approach to podium design has become increasingly common in recent Melo Group developments. For example, projects like Downtown 6th incorporated fake windows to create the illusion of an active façade, masking the presence of a parking podium. As per the tower’s elevations, both will rise 46 floors or 465 FT to the roof. The tower’s facade will be entirely composed of glass railings, white stucco, and impact resistant curtain glass. To break up the massing of the towers, the L-shaped design will include varying heights. G3aec and the Melo Group’s design efforts will be met by Urban Development Review Board consideration on June 18th at 2 PM.
South Miami-Dade’s Goulds May Soon See Its Tallest Building at 25 Stories Via the Live Local Act
Southern Miami-Dade is nothing short of low density. The region is home to a seemingly equal population of agricultural products and people alike, with newly developed subdivisions in walking distance from farms. But neighborhoods such as Naranja, Princeton, or Goulds have been facing a large transformation in recent years. Driven by limited land within Miami-Dade’s Urban Development Boundary and growing housing demand, developers have rapidly built medium density apartments, filling nearly every lot available along the South Miami-Dade Busway. But one developer is taking this transformation to another notch: RSS Developers. Rather than following the trend of 5-8 story buildings, the company is planning to build a 25 floor building on a wedge-shaped 1.42 acre lot. The highrise, designed by Modis Architects, will include 300 residential units, with a mix of studios, one, two, and three bedroom apartments. One bedroom units are the most common typology, making up 37% of the total inventory. This level of high density development is only made possible by the Live Local Act, which actually allows more units at a maximum of 320. In exchange for the added density, 120 units will be set aside as workforce housing, priced at or below 120% of the Area Median Income. The ground floor will oversee a range of uses, including 5,919 SF of commercial space, a lobby/leasing area, a bike parking room, and other miscellaneous uses. One of the most significant changes to the current site is the addition of wide sidewalks and enhanced landscaping. This transformation is beneficial for pedestrians who currently rely on a thin strip of sidewalks to traverse the busy and notoriously dangerous South Dixie Highway. The development will also provide a total of 290 parking spaces, split between on-street parking and spaces within its 6-story podium. This total accounts for several parking reductions available to the property, such as a 25% reduction for workforce housing and a 30% reduction for being within a quarter-mile of a bus stop, among others. As for the building’s height, the 25-story tower is set to reach 262 FT, which complies with current regulations. For instance, Live Local Act developments are permitted to match the maximum height allowed within a one mile radius. In this case, a nearby property located 0.57 miles away permits buildings up to 25 stories tall, enabling this project to follow suit. The entirely vacant lot at the corner of S Dixie Hwy & SW 214 St requires little site work before construction can begin. If the tower breaks ground, it will be a moniker not only for future development in South Miami-Dade, but also the lengths development under the Live Local Act can go.