Time has come to review the year together and see what it heralds for 2015.
SALES EVOLUTIONAlthough sales at the Continuum, the Yacht Club and the South Pointe Tower have respectively increased in volume of 19%, 6% and 6%, most of the other South Beach condos have experienced an average decrease of sales of 12%.
Indeed, the volume of sales has declined by -19% at the Icon South Beach, by -24% at the Murano at Portofino and by -25% at both Mirador Towers. The most impressive decreases are those of the Waverly and the Murano Grande with drops in the volume of sales of respectively -41% and -37%.
Why would sales decrease in such a strong real estate market? The most obvious reasons for this decline are:
•Competition from the preconstruction condos: who wouldn't want a brand new condo while spreading out the payments on a 2 years time frame ? •Competition from other areas: such observation in South Beach does not mean that the sales evolution in Brickell or Downtown Miami is the same. Miami's center of gravity is shifting from the beach to the mainland. •Prices have increased drastically so buyers are more reluctant in spending. Next month, we'll look at the latter option into more details.
LE CIRQUE DU SOLEIL PRESENTS AMALUNA
Did you know that Cirque du Soleil is in Miami till January 25th ? After seeing at least 5 or 6 of their shows let me tell you that my favorite is Amaluna so you should truly get your tickets! This show invites the audience to a mysterious island where innocence and sensuality rein.
It would be hard to tell you what stroke me the most among the uneven bars, the aerial straps, the juggling and many others. Maybe the balance act when one character creates a world in equilibrium with a mobile made of thirteen palm leaf ribs. Her movements are slow, deliberate and almost meditative as she concentrates all her attention on this literally breathtaking structure.
You will not be disappointed as every act perfectly falls into place within the story in an incredibly smooth way.
THE EDITION
A week after its launch, Art Basel celebrated the Edition Hotel & Residences developed by Ian Schrager in several buzzed-about events! An elegant way to introduce the top-of-the-notch luxury residences of the Edition.
I attended the Visionaire's party for John Baldessari's issue #64 in the garden and stroke a pause next to the color block pop sculptures while sipping by "have-it-your-way" mojitos with a touch of pineapple and mint!
The Edition includes 26 high end residences, 3 restaurants, a nightclub, a bowling alley and an ice skating rink. Indeed, the complex encompasses two structures. The hotel is located in the remodeled tower. The residential units are on the top two floors of the hotel and in the new tower. They range from 1 to 4 bedrooms. Have a look at the units for sale at The Edition. They range from $2,200/sqft to $2,500/sqft.
CIBO WINE BAR
A few week ago, we went to the grand opening at Cibo restaurant located on 200 South Pointe Drive. It was during Art Basel so I got to see amazing artwork curated by Angel International Fine Arts. I particularly recommend you the wine bar that perfectly fits the South Beach menu! Waitresses equipped with harnesses fly up to the wine tower storage, to bring your selected bottle down! But honestly I didn't really care for that, what was on my mind was the Food ! There was so much food everywhere that I understood why they called it Cibo (food in Italian).
Try their Ravioli, their Arancini and their Mediterranean clams. They also have very good pizza
I believe Cibo Wine Bar can become the new hot spot in South Beach because it complies with the promises of an authentic rustic Italian flare alongside with a vibrant nightlife. Also, let's not forget to mention their amazing rooftop but unfortunately I am not sure you will be able to enjoy it since they are having some legal issues with the Continuum due to noise disturbance.
DEAL OF THE MONTH: MARINA BLUE #3106 •Gorgeous unit •1 bed / 1 bath •948 sqft •$420,000 •Amazing bay views •Wooden floors