‘On the Rise'
Commission Approves New Upscale Developments
By Bari Auerbach

Sunny Isles Beach Commission meeting agendas are usually “action-packed” with zoning hearings for new developments on the rise that support the city’s goal to foster continued economic prosperity, promote rising property values and attract new businesses to the community.

Rising on Sunny Isles Beach Boulevard

At the Oct. 19 Commission meeting, site plan approval, variance requests and transfer of development rights (TDR’s) were granted (with conditions) for a new development proposed for the southern edge of Sunny Isles Beach Boulevard. The two 20-story towers will feature a unique blend of condos and townhomes, a restaurant, retail/spa use, and an attached dry dock facility with 48 enclosed marina slips that will be accessible to the public.

“Staff views the height and setback requests as ‘not detrimental’ to adjoining properties as they are minor in nature,” said Assistant City Manager Jorge Vera. “Most view corridors are maintained by the building design and are actually increased since the separation between the two towers exceeds the minimum 50 feet.”

Attorney Stephen Helfman, representing the developer Urbis and Key International explained, “I’m proud to be here on behalf of the company that owns the former Fort Apache Marina site [as well as the Eden Roc on Miami Beach and South Beach Marriott...This [proposed development] is a property that’s 2.5 acres at the former site of Fort Apache Marina on the south side of Sunny Isles Beach Boulevard - on the edge of [the city’s] Town Center district.”

Architect Kobi Karp noted the development will be highlighted by a boardwalk wrapping around the property and the building’s glass facade will facilitate optimal water views. Karp is also the architect for St. Tropez and St. Tropez II by J. Milton & Associates – highlighting the “upscale development trend” that will revitalize Sunny Isles Beach Boulevard.

“St. Tropez addresses the matter of convenience in its location between major area ‘hotspots’ as well as in the development of the new City of Sunny Isles Beach Town Center intended for the base of its towers,” said Gina Milton, director of marketing and advertising for J. Milton & Associates. “This highly-anticipated Town Center will cater to the social palates of residents and visitors alike with an entourage of upscale retail shops, cafes, business centers and trendy recreational points.”

In keeping with the goal to beautify the city, developer Joseph Milton is incorporating a public plaza and waterside promenade maximizing views of green space and water into plans for St. Tropez. He has also agreed to help camouflage a sewage pump station located on the south side of the Town Center by building a decorative façade around its perimeter. At the Oct. 20 Commission meeting, Urbis and Key International agreed to join in the sewage pump station “beautification project” plus efforts to ensure railings will be installed in narrow walkways where there is water to help protect pedestrians.

Commissioner Danny Iglesias, an engineer with the Florida Department of Transportation, was pleased to announce that in an effort to enhance roadway configurations on Sunny Isles Beach Boulevard, FDOT has approved the allocation of $3 million. FODT has also agreed to provide “local fund reimbursement” so that improvements can coincide with construction work being done by the developer. “DOT shouldn’t stand for ‘do it over twice,’” Iglesias noted.

Commenting on the role developers are playing in the revitalization of Sunny Isles Beach Boulevard by ridding the city of dilapidated properties and contributing to beautification projects, Mayor Norman S. Edelcup pointed out, “The city is cognizant of what is best for the people and we’re working with developers to see what improvements can be made - not just for a [particular] site – but for a better city for all residents.”

Rising on Collins Avenue

Achieving a “Zen” state is often described as “when everything comes together and just flows.” This definition could also apply to the new “Chi” luxury condominium soon to rise on Collins Avenue at the site of the Ocean Palm Motel at 15795 Collins Avenue.

At a special City Commission meeting held on Oct. 17, Ocean Palm Development LLC was granted site plan approval for Chi – a 41-story tower with 38 units designed by renowned architect Charles Sieger of the Sieger Suarez Architectural Partnership. Sieger has also been the architect for many other luxurious developments in Sunny Isles Beach including Ocean One (and it’s sequels), the Pinnacle and Trump Ocean Grande.

While Sieger promises Chi will be “a first” for Sunny Isles Beach, the vintage Ocean Palm Motel was the first two-story motel ever built in the United States, debuting when “motel row” on Collins Avenue was in its heyday back in 1949.

Considering the oceanfront land the Ocean Palm Motel occupies is now worth an estimated $17 million, it’s no wonder the relic will soon become a part of the city’s history – like so many of other rundown motels that have been torn down to make way for new multi-million dollar condo/resorts since Sunny Isles Beach incorporated in 1997.

Elaborating on Chi’s “zen-like” design, Seiger explained plans include a reflecting pool that will surround the tower as well as a “transparent space” in the lobby area that will contribute to creating a “floating effect.” Other unique features are a camoflauged two-level subterranean garage; and a very uncommon condo luxury: Each home owner will be able to have their own private swimming pool. “It will be like having a yard in the sky,” Sieger noted.

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