MIAMI ADDS ANOTHER JEWEL IN ITS RAPIDLY EVOLVING SKYLINE: A STUNNING, DUAL TOWER HIGH-RISE OVERLOOKING BISCAYNE BAY
BY AMANDA McCOY
During the first few years of early 20th century New York, many of the city’s most iconic fixtures took shape, from the Flatiron Building and New York Stock Exchange (both erected in 1902) to the 1904 opening of the underground Subway system, which touted “City Hall to Harlem in 15 minutes” and cost a nickel to ride. That same year, one of the country’s wealthiest tycoons, financier and real estate developer John Jacob Astor IV, celebrated the grand opening of what many consider his magnum opus, the original St. Regis on Fifth Avenue and 55th Street. The Beaux-Arts hotel, which cost an at-the-time astounding price tag of $5.5 million to construct, signified the prosperity and potential of America’s largest metropolis, outfitted with cutting-edge conveniences like telephones in every room and guest controlled central heating and air-cooling systems. The hotel quickly became the center of Manhattan social life and the premier stomping grounds for the city’s elite and highest echelon of global visitors.
More than a century later, Miami is in the midst of a similar inflection point in its history. A rapidly growing hub for tech, design, and luxury, the South Florida metropolis is obliterating housing records, closing 2021 with the most all-time annual total home sales and highest annual total dollar volume, per data from the MIAMI Association of Realtors. In Brickell, in the heart of the Miami metamorphosis, a St. Regis residential super tower is set to rise this year, one that captures the zeitgeist of the Miami moment while looking toward its next 100 years.
“Much like the original St. Regis hotel brought about a new era of glamour and classic sophistication for the Empire State, the St. Regis Residences, Miami, are ushering in a new era for Brickell and all of Miami,” said Jon Paul Pérez, president of Related Group, one of the key developers behind the new tower.
The brainchild of Related Group, Integra Investments, and premier brokerage ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, the St. Regis Residences will consist of two sky-piercing towers: West and East, rising 47 and 48 stories, respectively. The latter will be the first to market, and sales have already launched on its 149 residences, including penthouses and sky villas, with a target completion of 2025.
The architecture, led by the venerable minds at Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), is a fascinating confluence of Miami’s past, present, and future. Just as the original Manhattan structure reflected New York’s golden age of opulence filled with antique tapestries, rich marble floors, and décor from King Louis XV’s personal repertoire the Brickell residences were inspired by Miami’s history as a great port-of-call. Both towers share a sweeping bell-shaped footprint and sleek, curved forms that afford panoramic views of the Biscayne Bay and cityscape. According to RAMSA, they were designed to emulate two grand ocean liners slipping past each other in the sea.
New York-based Rockwell Group were tapped to lead the interiors, also pulling inspiration from the property’s coastal locale.
“The interior concept for the Residences was inspired by Miami’s history as a major trading and travel hub from the 19th century to the present, as well as the city’s coastal location, unique ecosystem, and the building’s unparalleled views of the Biscayne Bay,” said Greg Keffer, partner at Rockwell Group. “Land and sea travel had a transformative role in the development of South Florida, from the extension of the East Coast Railway to the establishment of the Port of Miami, which attracted travelers by train and cruise ship to explore the magic city. All of these ideas have informed our interiors’ blend of leisure and luxury.”
The 149 residences range from 2,300-square-foot two-bedroom homes to sprawling 8,900-square-foot seven-bed – room duplexes, each with a dedicated elevator. Large entry foyers open to 11-foot ceilings, and the building’s curved silhouette ensures every home has sweeping water views and ample natural light. A subdued color palette flows from one room to the next, designed to mirror the serenity of the sea. Large, curved terraces with full glass railings blend into the facade and offer the perfect perch for drinking in views with an afternoon glass of Dom.
Luxurious touches include softly hued European marble flooring, solid wood door – ways, and integrated linear diffusers in living areas. The kitchens are outfitted with Italian light oak cabinetry, bronze Dornbracht fixtures, marble countertops and backsplashes, and fully integrated Sub-Zero and Wolf appliance packages, including a paneled refrigerator and freezer, full height wine refrigerator, and convection and steam ovens.
Primary suites are topped with generous walk-in closets, a midnight bar with butler’s pantry, and a truly decadent master bath, finished with split marble vanities, deluxe oversized showers, and freestanding tubs overlooking the bay.
The approach begins in the dramatic porte-cochère, finished with a commissioned art installation and luxurious water feature. The private residential lobby is attended 24/7, welcoming denizens to their homes in the sky after an international flight or day at the beach. There is on-site valet parking and EV charging stations for those with wheels, plus a luxury car service if you wish to be chauffeured.
More than 60,000 square feet of interior amenities echo the brand’s history as a premier five-star hotel. There’s a fine-dining restaurant on the ground floor, where the nautical theme continues with a climactic curved ceiling designed to resemble lapping water. Residents are given exclusive beach club access, along with entrée to the lush, park-like grounds by landscape artist Enzo Enea.
Beauty and wellness services abound, from a full-service salon to pet spa and groomer. There’s also a central spa, featuring a fully equipped fitness center with curated wellness programming by the Wright Fit, a relaxation area with juice bar, indoor lap pool and cold plunge pool, salt room, and dual saunas and steam rooms. Experiences like massages, facials, and body rituals are available to book in the private, state of the art treatment rooms.
There are several areas to mingle and play, including a bay front infinity pool with private cabanas, poolside bar and café, 31st floor sky lounge with a signature Cognac room and traditional tearoom, and cutting-edge golf VR room for working on your swing.
Prices for a two-bedroom home begin at $2,800,000.
St. Regis Residences, Miami
2850 Tigertail Avenue, Suite 800 (sales gallery) 786.713.3561 / miamisrr.com