NEWS OF THE “CONSTRUCTION SITE”

With hundreds of pre-construction and ongoing construction of major new projects in greater Miami and Fort Lauderdale, our cityscape is changing by the hour. Although, truly fascinating it is a bit overwhelming with so much going on at the same time. And naturally, weary flashbacks remind us of 1980, when the city of Miami was issuing nearly 10,000 building permits a year and this represented only a fraction of the hurricane of new construction that was sweeping across Greater Miami. By then, Atlantis was not the only eye-catching skyscraper; the city was becoming an extraordinary collage of some of the best and …some of the worst. Both, award –winning condominiums and schlocky rip-offs were rising along Biscayne Boulevard. The best were instant classics of iconoclasm. The worst, were simply garish. But taken together, they comprised an assemblage of unpredictable shapes and dazzling colors as wild, as zany as Miami itself. That was then, one will say. Wrong!

Although, buildings today are moving toward more sculptural form, some carrying the Art-Deco later tradition of architectural forms inspired by the futuristic perception of space ships and boats, others sticking to the earlier streamline continuity, along with remarkable achievements in modern architecture, we are still witnessing offending new buildings painted in several different shades of wrong! Or, Mediterranean concoctions with columns, pedestals and faux stone glued onto any surface that would hold them.

What the cityscape offers in Miami is a lot different from Boca and West Palm Beach; Miami is usually ahead of the curve, the palette of new buildings is clean and stark, but with a burst of color on the interior. The sky-rises are sleek and chic, lofts are making huge waves, and mid-rises are the ultimate comfort and luxury. Boca and West Palm Beach are hopelessly in a time warp, the decorative ornaments are glued on, and the colors are in several shades of beige and burnt orange. Fort Lauderdale being caught in the middle is pretty much a “closet case”: wants to change, but dares not. Few are the buildings that will be a “jewel in the crown”.

The myriad of the most exciting projects includes: 360 Residences, Axis, Blue, Bridgewater, Ice, Icon, Jade, NOLA Lofts, Las Olas River House, Ocean Palms, Space 01, Sky Lofts, Wave, just to mention a few. Yet, there is another one, a cut above everything you have seen in South Florida real estate: Artech Residences at Aventura.

A POINT OF VIEW. And, that’s exactly what it is. Reminiscent of a cruise ship, this remarkable creation is an example of superb use of space and nature and will offer the ultimate living experience. Located in the heart of Aventura, within walking distance of Aventura Community Center, Loehman’s Fashion Island (future Town Center Plaza), Publix, Charter School. It consists of only 8 stories, comprising 235 residences, each offering both water and city view, imaginative floor plans, promoting open space and free spirited living, boat slips, covered parking, porte-cochere arrival, 3 –story lobby, boardwalk surrounding the peninsula, floor-to-ceiling windows, Italian cabinetry, wall oven and integrated microwave, top-of-the-line appliances, designer bath fixtures, marble vanities, bidet, washer and dryer, a touch screen monitor for interactive communication with professional concierge desk. The residences are pre-wired for multi-line communication, high speed internet and cable TV.

Among the amenities are the waterfront infinity-edge pool with zero entry, state-of the-art fitness center/ spa, steam room and sauna, tennis courts, yoga terrace, business center, 24-hour security and valet, bicycle storage, access to Le Meridien, a 5-star Resort Beach Club and the use of its amenities.

In brief, life in Artech will combine the advantages of living in the boating community of Aventura, with the benefits of oceanfront living. It doesn’t get better then that!

Slated to open in early 2007, now is the time to secure a reserved space in heaven! Pre-construction prices starting in the high $600,000.

And, on the subject of “Point of View”- this is a project that will make everybody happy: the residents of Artech, enjoying the splendid views and amenities, the City of Aventura, acquiring its newest and brightest jewel to its crown, and the residents of Aventura, waking up to the splendid view of this sculpture like building, and that indeed, is an interesting “Point of View”.

About the architect, Carlos Ott- internationally recognized with over 30 prestigious awards, his projects are work of art. Inspired by his love of the sea the nautical theme is widely present in his work.
Artech's Price Range

Bachelor Pad $450,000-$500,000- 913 sq.ft. (one level)
Marina Home $900,000-$975,000- 1983 sq.ft. (two levels)
Bay Home A $850,000-$900,000 - 1977 sq.ft. (two levels)
Bay Home B $650,000-$700,000 - 1556 sq.ft. (two levels)
Penthouses $1.150.000-$1.300.000- 2814 sq.ft. (3 levels) + Roof Deck

For more information on this project, call 786.412.8510, or email: my.realtor.Kate@earthlink.net

Who said “You Can’t Have It All!”? In the new “City of the Future” the vision of Julia Tuttle appears to have found its complete reflection. Two great developers have joined forces to bring us back to nature in this “City of the Future”, Biscayne Landing.

Between the Atlantic Ocean beaches and Biscayne Boulevard, bordered by Biscayne Bay and Oleta State River Park, in unspoiled Nature’s Preserve, yet a stone throw away from two of the toniest neighborhoods, Aventura and Bal Harbour, lays the new master-planned community, Biscayne Landings. With acres of parks, lakes, jogging trails, and a 230-acre nature preserve, with supermarket and gourmet shops, restaurants and stores, video rentals and dry cleaning, with its own schools from kindergarten through new charter high school and all the way to University, within walking distance, this idyllic community will make the turning point of new planned developments.

Biscayne Landings is the vision of two of South Florida’s largest and most respected development companies, Swerdlow Group (Dolphin Mall and Commerce Center, Las Olas Riverfront) and Boca Developers (Mizner Grande, Hamptons South and Peninsula). Combining over a decade of series of successful planned communities in Westin, Cooper City, Davie, Miramar, to name just a few, this new development has the unbeatable advantage of prime location: close to the ocean, easy access to marinas and boating, or golfing (2 of the main perks of Florida living), flanked by two of the most desirable cities, yet in the wilderness, in the very womb of nature, it will be the community that offers the most suitable life choice for everyone: from retirees to families with kids, to students and young professionals.

The construction of Biscayne Landing will begin with the first village, Royal Oaks which will feature 4 high rises and Villas at the Oaks, slated to open in the spring of 2007; the overall preliminary plan for the Landings will feature 16 high rises, 5 mid rises and town home complexes, to be completed within the next 7-10 years.

The ocean view tower residences in Miami’s Last Paradise will feature up to 10’ ceilings, impact resistant floor to ceiling glass doors, gourmet kitchens and deluxe bathrooms, both featuring imported Italian cabinetry, and granite countertops and GE appliances in the kitchens, and luxurious whirlpool tubs with marble surroundings, full width mirrors, framed clear glass shower enclosures, designer faucets and many more luxury features. All residences will be completely finished and pre-wired for telephone, cable TV and high speed internet, with generous square footage and splendid panoramic views.

For more information on this project, contact Kate Smith by calling 786.412.8510, or email: my.realtor.Kate@earthlink.net