One Tequesta Point Condo Brickell Key
Year Built: 1995 – Number of Floors: 30 – Number of units: 289
Sq. Ft. range: 780 – 3,310 – Beds: 1-5 – Baths: 1-5
Amenities:
Concierge – Valet and Covered Parking – Pool – Gym – Spa – 24-Gated Security
Social Room – BBQ Area

One Tequesta Point  serenity set apart from Downtown Miami by its own gated entry and private island ambiance, the exclusive residential enclave of Tequesta Point on Brickell Key is linked to the city’s abundant cultural and commercial attractions – mere moments away – by a short scenic causeway. Tequesta Point is conceived in every exquisite detail to create a great residential tradition on the bay. Winding up the private drive to Tequesta Point, poised at Brickell Key’s easternmost tip, the lush landscaping and classical proportions of the open plazas evoke a special sense of place – and arrival.

The One Tequesta Point condominium developer is Swire Group of Hong Kong – London – a global company with a two hundred year history of successful international enterprise. Swire’s strict adherence to a unique master plan for Brickell Key has surrounded Tequesta Point in a wealth of island amenities – shops, restaurants, waterfront promenades. One Tequesta Point named in honor of the American Indian tribe found by Florida’s early Spanish explorers at the mouth of the Miami River, Tequesta Point was also inspired by international artist Manuel Carbonell’s series of Tequesta Indian sculptures.

Tequesta Point One at Brickell Key – Condos Real Estate
The One Tequesta Point Condominium is located at 888 Brickell Key Drive on Brickell Key near Brickell Avenue and Downtown Miami.
The Tequesta Point One has incredible bay, city and ocean views and year round bay breezes. Just seconds from all the amenities Miami has to offer but safe and secure on Brickell Key. One Tequesta Point is available for immediate occupancy.

The Grove Isle One condominium is Luxury living with 24 hour gate security on a 20 acre island just minutes from downtown Miami, the International Airport, South Beach and in Coconut Grove. Amenities include an elegant 50 room hotel and yacht club; world class tennis and marina facilities; fitness rooms; a gourmet restaurant and a bicycle and jogging path encircling the island.

Grove Isle Condos is a private, gated island located on the boating paradise of Biscayne Bay just 3 miles south of
Downtown Miami and a mile from the center of lovely Coconut Grove.

Grove Isle condominiums comprises 3 high-rises buildings 510 Units. all of the highest construction standards set in a luxurious tropical garden. The buildings have elegant marble-floored lobbies and the all important 24 hour valet parking for you and your guests. Enjoy an ocean view, bay view or the Miami Skyline from your private terrace. Self-contained island with a fine restaurant and a full service hotel.

Special Features Include:
24 Hour Valet Parking – State of the Art Patrick McEnroe Tennis Center with 11 Hard Tru Tennis Courts and 1 U.S.
Open Hard Tennis Court with Tennis Shop – Heated outdoor swimming pool overlooking the Bay – 85 slip marina
Fitness Center – Spa Terre – Jogging Path around island – Babysitting – Dry Cleaning -Room Service

The One Grove Isle condominium is located in Coconut Grove Florida – Coconut Grove, (originally spelled Cocoanut Grove), is a neighborhood located in the City of Miami, Florida in Miami-Dade County, United States. The area is defined as southeast of US 1, from N. Prospect Ave as the southern border to the intersection of US 1 and Brickell Ave as the northern border. The western border is LeJeune Road and the eastern border is Biscayne Bay. Technically, all of Coconut Grove has a zip code of 33133, which actually extends the area north of US 1 into what is called “Silver Bluffs”. The region is often referred to simply as “The Grove”.

Coconut Grove it is located at [show location on an interactive map] 25�42′47″N 80�15′25″W / 25.713, -80.257, with an average elevation of 13 feet (4.0 m), making it one of the higher areas within the city of Miami.

Grove Isle Coconut Grove

Photos from the Grove Isle in Coconut grove Florida Grove Isle Coconut Grove Hidden away in the bougainvillea and lushness of the Grove, the Grove Isle is off the beaten path on its own lushly landscaped 20-acre island just outside the heart of Coconut Grove.

Enter Condos website: One Grove Isle website Two Grove Isle website Three Grove Isle website

Cite on the Bay – Edgewater / Miami Arts District
2000 N Bayshore Drive, Miami, Florida 33137 – Flats, Building  A
2001 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, Florida 33137 – Lofts Building, B & C
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Cite condo Miami neighborhood: Edgewater / Miami Arts District
Cite Location: Biscayne Bay
Cite year built: 2004
Developer: MCZ/Centrum
Cite Miami architect: Cohen, Freedman, Encinosa and Associates
Bedrooms: Studios, 1 – 3 Bedrooms
Type of Units: Lofts, Flats and Penthouses
Floor plans unit Sizes: 505 – 1432 sq. ft.
Number of Units: 436
Number of Stories: 15 and 6

Cite Condo Miami – Building Features:
Magnificent Bayfront location
Exquisite two-story grand lobby with 24-hour security and concierge
Porte-Cochére lobby entry
Club Room overlooking pool with full gourmet kitchen & café seating
Media center & business center
State-of-the-art fitness center
Resort style swimming pool amidst bricked & lush landscaped deck
Secured, covered garage parking with 24-hour valet service
Video-monitored access entry
20,000 sq. ft. of on-site ground floor retail
Professional building management
Cite Condo Miami – Residence Features:
Floor-to-ceiling high-impact glass doors/windows with views of the bay and city
Large private balconies with sliding doors
European-styled Shaker cabinetry
Designer stainless steel GE appliances
Double compartment stainless steel sinks
Granite countertops
Porcelain tiled full-height backsplashes
Double sinks with cultured marble vanities in master bedrooms (flats)
Single sink with cultured marble vanity in second bathrooms & all loft units
Italian porcelain flooring in foyers & kitchens with plush carpeting in living/dining areas & bedrooms (flats)
Stained concrete flooring in kitchens and living/dining areas with plush carpeting in bedroom area (lofts)
Washers & Dryers in all units
Energy-efficient air conditioning & heating systems
Wiring for high-speed Internet access
Generous walk-in closets in master bedrooms

Cite Miami Floor Plans

About Beacon Harbour Condo Coconut Grove
Beacon Harbour located at 1660 South Bayshore Court in Coconut Grove.
See area map

Beacon Harbour condo year built: 2003
Number of Floors: 5
Number of units: 10
Sq. Ft. range: 3,444 – 3,812
Beds: 3 – 4 / Baths: 3 – 5
Price Range: $2,900,000 – $3,500,000

Beacon Harbour Coconut Grove condo amenities:
Gated Community – 24 hr- Monitored surveillance – Covered Parking – Pool – Gym – Jacuzzi – Marina

Beacon Harbour�s elegant three- and four-bedroom residences are extremely spacious and offer up to 3,800 square feet of living space. In addition, to rooftop terraces for each penthouse, each unit features expansive, wrap-around terraces with stunning views of Biscayne Bay. A gated community, Beacon Harbour’s other amenities include a 24-hour monitored security system, a private garage, plenty of guest parking, a porte-cochere available at the lobby entrance, a 60-foot heated, bayside lap pool with spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Beacon Harbour is located at 1660 South Bayshore Court in Coconut Grove.

Deepwater Slips (available for sale)
Beacon Harbour, one of the last remaining parcels of Bayfront property in Miami�s Coconut Grove, is an intimate 10-unit luxury waterfront enclave, which boasts eight deepwater slips right on Biscayne Bay, six of which are for sale. These spacious slips can accommodate yachts up to 68 feet in length and 22 feet wide.

Coral Way, Miami Florida Coral Way is a primarily east-west street that begins in downtown Miami, Florida. The eastern terminus is at Brickell Avenue U.S. Route 1 in the downtown Miami Financial District. It is Southeast 13th Street SR 972 from Biscayne Boulevard west for one block until it crosses Miami Avenue, where it becomes Southwest 13th Street. It is a 2-lane dual direction main road in downtown Miami from Brickell Avenue until it crosses Broadway SW 15th Road and curves to the southwest as is goes under I-95. At this point it becomes a 4-lane divided road Southwest 3rd Avenue with many old ficus and banyan trees in its median. This is where the historic scenic drive of Coral Way begins.There is a sign marking this. It continues southwest as Southwest 3rd Avenue until it reaches the intersection at Southwest 12th Avenue. There it curves due west and becomes Southwest 22nd Street. It continues west through the city of Miami until it crosses Douglas Road Southwest 37th Avenue and enters the city of Coral Gables. This is the western terminus of SR 972. For half a mile between Douglas Road and LeJeune Road or Southwest 42nd Avenue it is the major east-west road through downtown Coral Gables and is known also as Miracle Mile. It is still divided by a median, although along this stretch the median has large date palm trees and flower beds. After crossing LeJeune Road Southwest 42nd Avenue, it is one-way westbound for two blocks until crossing Segovia Street, where it is again two-way, but without a median.After crossing Segovia Street, it borders the Granada Golf Course for two blocks until it enters a residential area after crossing South Greenway Drive/Anderson Road. From this point west it is covered by large oak, mahogany and other hardwood trees which form a natural canopy from each side of the road. It continues west through the city of Coral Gables with its natural tree canopy until it crosses Red Road Southwest 57th Avenue and emerges into unincorporated Miami-Dade County as Coral Way and Southwest 24th Street. It continues west as SW 24th Street through Miami-Dade County until a short distance after crossing the Florida Turnpike after Southwest 117th Avenue where it curves slightly farther south and becomes Southwest 26th Street. It continues west through Miami-Dade County as SW 26th Street until its western terminus at Southwest 157th Avenue. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

via Coral Way Condos

	The Aston Condo Coral Way 3000 Coral Way Miami, FL 33145 Aston condo home page
	Brickell Way Condo Coral Way 2701 SW 3rd Av Miami, FL 33129 Brickell Way condo home page
	Coral Plaza Condominium Coral way 3500 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33145 Coral Plaza condo home page
	Coral Sea View Condo 1401 SW 22 St Miami, FL 33145 Coral Sea View condo home page
	Gables Marquis Coral Way 3232 Coral Way Miami, FL 33145 Gables Marquis Condo home Page
	Gables On The Green Coral Way 626 Coral Way Miami, FL 33134 Gables on the Green home page
	Granada Park Coral Gables 720 Coral Way Coral Gables, FL 33134 Granada Park Coral Way home page
	Midtown Lofts Coral Way 3180 SW 22 St Coral Gables, FL 33145 Midtown Lofts Coral Way home page
	Nordica Condo Coral Way 2525 SW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33129 Nordica condo home page
	Segovia Tower Coral Way 600 Coral Way Coral Gables, Fl. 33134 Segovia Tower Condo home page

100 Andalusia Condo year Built: 2005
100 Andalusia Condo – Number of Floors: 8  Number of units: 97
Sq. Ft. range: 915-2,190
Beds: 1-3 Baths: 1-3

100 Andalusia Condo Amenities: 24-hr Security – Covered Parking – Gym – Billiards - Social r

Andalusia Condo – Building features:
8 STORIES
97 UNITS
17 SPACIOUS FLOORPLANS
915 SQ-FT TO 2180 SQ-FT UNDER AIR RESIDENCES
1, 2, AND 3 BEDROOM RESIDENCES
9′4″ CEILING HEIGHTS
6″ BASEBOARDS
6″ CROWN MOLDINGS
Andalusia Condo – Building Amenities:
DOORMAN/CONCIERGE
GREAT ROOM
BILLIARDS / GAME ROOM
FITNESS CENTER
HOSPITALITY BAR
COURTYARD GARDEN WITH GRAND FOUNTAIN
FRENCH DOORS TO COURTYARD
STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES
GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
EUROPEAN WOOD CABINETRY
MARBLE VANITIES IN ALL BATHROOMS
FINISHED FLOORS ON BALCONIES
OVERSIZE BALCONIES WITH DECORATIVE RAILING

Brickell Vista Condo Address: 900 S.W. 8th St Miami, FL 33130
Brickell Vista developer: Astor Development Group
Condos description: Residential, retail
Brickell Vista Completed: 2005
Type: Mix-Use
View: City
Floors: 15  Units: 107 residences
Number of Bedrooms: 1 & 2
Floor plans Unit Sq. Ft. Range: 683- 1,046
Amenities: Temperate Controlled Pool, Fitness Center

Brickell key Vista Condo
Just a few blocks west of Brickell, Brickell Vista Condos offer an ideal location for
a fraction of the price. Complete with spacious retail space, an elegant lobby and multilevel parking, Brickell Vista offers a recreation center located on the the 6th floor.
Brickell Vista condo featuring a children�s play room, fully equipped fitness center and a relaxing pool area, the recreation center offers you fantastic views of the city skyline.
Brickell Vista Building Features:
Retail space & elegant lobby on ground level
Multilevel private parking
Recreation Center on the 6th floor:
Pool area on the 6th floor with views of the city
Fully equipped fitness center on the 6th floor
Children�s playroom
Just a few blocks from Brickell and minutes away from Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne
Brickell Vista Condo Residence Features:
One and two bedroom residences starting on the 6th floor
European-style design cabinets
Impact resistant windows
Individual private parking
Large balconies
Great views of the city skyline
Fully equipped kitchens: washer & dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher and range
Brickell Vista condos has something for everyone. Minutes away from Coral Gables and Coconut Grove, you’ll have great restaurants, galleries, schools, parks and easy access to highways. Hop in your car, drive a few miles and you’ll be in the heart of Ocean Drive. Or better yet, take a short bike trail to Key Biscayne or Vizcaya, and start enjoying what the Florida lifestyle is truly about.

Enter website:
Brickell Vista Condo Miami

Brickell Vista Condo Address: 900 S.W. 8th St Miami, FL 33130
Brickell Vista developer: Astor Development Group
Condos description: Residential, retail
Brickell Vista Completed: 2005
Type: Mix-Use
View: City
Floors: 15  Units: 107 residences
Number of Bedrooms: 1 & 2
Floor plans Unit Sq. Ft. Range: 683- 1,046
Amenities: Temperate Controlled Pool, Fitness Center

Enter website:
Coral Way Condos

Condominiums along side/parallel to Coral Way in Miami and the city of Coral Gables. For more condo enter: Coral Gables condos
	The Aston Condo Coral Way 3000 Coral Way Miami, FL 33145 Aston condo home page
	Brickell Way Condo Coral Way 2701 SW 3rd Av Miami, FL 33129 Brickell Way condo home page
	Coral Plaza Condominium Coral way 3500 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33145 Coral Plaza condo home page
	Coral Sea View Condo 1401 SW 22 St Miami, FL 33145 Coral Sea View condo home page
	Gables Marquis Coral Way 3232 Coral Way Miami, FL 33145 Gables Marquis Condo home Page
	Gables On The Green Coral Way 626 Coral Way Miami, FL 33134 Gables on the Green home page
	Granada Park Coral Gables 720 Coral Way Coral Gables, FL 33134 Granada Park Coral Way home page
	Midtown Lofts Coral Way 3180 SW 22 St Coral Gables, FL 33145 Midtown Lofts Coral Way home page
	Nordica Condo Coral Way 2525 SW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33129 Nordica condo home page
	Segovia Tower Coral Way 600 Coral Way Coral Gables, Fl. 33134 Segovia Tower Condo home page

The Coral Way condos directory - This website will inform you about condos along side Coral Way from Brickell Avenue up to and including the city of Cora Gables Florida, scroll down the condo index click on condo home page and see all available condos for sale and rent and other valuable information about this condominium and the area.  This information website is courtesy of Avant Realty Real Estate agency specializing in condos and homes in the Coral Way area.

	The Aston Condo Coral Way 3000 Coral Way Miami, FL 33145 Aston condo home page
	Brickell Way Condo Coral Way 2701 SW 3rd Av Miami, FL 33129 Brickell Way condo home page
	Coral Plaza Condominium Coral way 3500 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33145 Coral Plaza condo home page
	Coral Sea View Condo 1401 SW 22 St Miami, FL 33145 Coral Sea View condo home page
	Gables Marquis Coral Way 3232 Coral Way Miami, FL 33145 Gables Marquis Condo home Page
	Gables On The Green Coral Way 626 Coral Way Miami, FL 33134 Gables on the Green home page
	Granada Park Coral Gables 720 Coral Way Coral Gables, FL 33134 Granada Park Coral Way home page
	Midtown Lofts Coral Way 3180 SW 22 St Coral Gables, FL 33145 Midtown Lofts Coral Way home page
	Nordica Condo Coral Way 2525 SW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33129 Nordica condo home page
	Segovia Tower Coral Way 600 Coral Way Coral Gables, Fl. 33134 Segovia Tower Condo home page

Coral Way, Miami Florida

Enter website: Coral Way Condos

Met One Downtown Miami 300 S Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33131 Enter: Met One Condos Website Epic Downtown Miami 300 Biscayne Blvd Way Miami, FL 33131 Enter: Epic Condos Website The Ivy Condos Miami 90 SW 3 Street, Miami Fl 33131 Enter: Ivy Condos Website Lofts 2 Downtown Miami 133 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33132 Enter: Lofts 2 Condos Neo Loft Miami 10 SW South River Drive Miami, Fl 33130 Enter: Neo Loft condos One Miami East Tower 325 S Biscayne Blvd, Miami Fl 33131 Enter: One Miami Condos Website One Miami West Tower 335 S Biscayne Blvd, Miami Fl 33131 Enter: One Miami Condos Website Wind by Neo Condo 350 S Miami Avenue, Miami. FL 33130 Enter: Wind by neo Condos Website Mint Condo Miami 92 SW 3rd St, Miami, FL 33130 Enter: Mint Condos Website

Downtown Miami Condos you live within minutes from the exciting nightlife, including dining, shopping, galleries, Design District, state-of-the-art Miami Performing Arts Center, American Airlines Arena, home of the Miami Heat, and lots more. Don’t Drive, Walk to Metrorail or People Mover and within minutes to Brickell, Coral Gables, and Dadeland Mall.

Enter website: Miami Downtown Condos

Axis on Brickell Details:

Views: City and Bay (high floors)
Built year 2008
Two 39 story towers
Units: 718
Number of Bedrooms: 1, 2 & 3
Unit Sq. Ft. Range:
1Bed/1Bath 734
2 Bed/2 Bath Middle Units 1,078 -1,140
Corner 2/2 floors 9 – 34
Corner 3/3 floors 35 – 38 1,900 sq feet
Description: Residential Condominium and 24,000 sq ft retail development.
Amenities include: Infinity edge pool, fitness center, theatre, yogi/Pilates studio,
24-hour security, valet, concierge and more…
Maintenance fee will be an estimated .45 per sq.ft.
Estimated Construction Start Date: Winter 2005
Completion Date: 2008

Axis at Brickell designed by Arquitectonica. Preconstruction: take over contract and close Feb 2008. The Axis great Brickell downtown location near it all, resort-style and lap pools, cabanas, hot tub, steam room, fitness & wellness centers, barbecue area, game room, theatre, lounge, biz center, library, wi-fi, valet, liberal rental & pet policy, security and 24-hr lobby concierge.

Enter condos website: Buying condos on brickell Key

Click below on condominium name to see condo Home Page

Asia Condo Brickell Key 900 Brickell Key Blvd, Miami, FL 33131
Courts condo Brickell key 801 Brickell Key Blvd, Miami, FL 33131
Courvoisier Courts Condo 701 Brickell Key Blvd Miami, FL 33131
Carbonell  Condominium 901 Brickell Key Blvd, Miami, FL 33131
Brickell Key One Condo 520 Brickell Key Dr Miami, FL 33131
Brickell Key Two Condo 540 Brickell Key Dr Miami, FL 33131
Isola Condo Brickell key 770 Claughton Island Dr Miami, FL 33131
One Tequesta Point Condo 888 Brickell Key Dr Miami, FL 33131
Two Tequesta two Point  Condo 808 Brickell Key Dr Miami, FL 33131
Three Tequesta Point  Condo 848 Brickell Key Dr Miami, FL 33131
St Louis Condo Brickell key 800 Claughton Island Dr Miami, FL 33131

Buying condos on brickell Key

1060 Brickell Avenue is the Address and location of the Avenue on Brickell condos:

1060 Brickell Ave Miami, FL 33131 – East Brickell Tower
1050 Brickell Ave Miami, FL 33131 – Avenue West West Tower

Avenue on Brickell is a residential high-rise complex in the Brickell district of Miami, Florida. The project consists of two high-rise residential towers, Avenue on Brickell East Tower and Avenue on Brickell West Tower. Both towers were topped off in early 2007, and were structurally completed in late 2007. Avenue East Tower, the taller of the two buildings, stands at 480 feet (146 meters), with 47 floors and its entrance is on Brickell Avenue. Avenue West Tower is the shorter building of the complex, standing at 365 ft (111 m) with 35 floors and its entrance is on Southeast 1st Avenue, a block away from Brickell Avenue. Both buildings were designed by SB Architects.

To see all condos for sale and rent, floor plans area map etc..  Enter: Avenue on Brickell Home Page

Photos from 1060 Brickell – Avenue on Brickell

Avenue on Brickell Home Page

1060 Brickell Condo

East Tower Address :500 Brickell Ave Miami, FL 33131
West Tower: 55 SE 6th St Miami, FL 33131

Area: BRICKELL
Completion Date: 2008
Developer: The Related Group
Architect: Arquitectonica
Condo height: 426 feet (130 meters)
Bedrooms: 1 – 3
Bathrooms: 1 – 3
Floors: 42
Total Units: 633

See floor plans

500 Brickell Condo Residence Amenities:
High-tech trash chute sorters that allow residents to send down their recyclables and waste.
Sliding glass doors and windows.
Energy efficient air conditioning and heating system.
Spacious living room with adjacent terrace.
Spacious walk-in closets.
Balconies featuring fantastic views with glass rails.
Secure elevators to be accessed by resident Key-fobs or access cards.
Top-of-the-line full-size stackable washer & dryer.
Designer carpet in living and sleeping areas.

Enter Home Page website
The Roads Miami Real Estate

Enter Home Page website
The Roads Miami Real Estate

Deering Bay, Coral Gables, FL – Google Maps:

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Deering Bay, Coral Gables, FL
Deering Bay, Coral Gables, FL Enter Website: Estates at Deering Bay
Deering Bay, Coral Gables, FL

Enter Website:
Estates at Deering Bay

Deering Bay Real Estate boundaries
Deering Bay, Coral Gables, FL Enter Website: Estates”

The Roads Miami Real Estate

The Roads is also an entire off-grid plan section of the city of Miami. The streets and avenues in Miami-Dade County are aligned to a grid, where streets run east-west and avenues run north-south. The roads that run from Broadway to SW 32nd Road are roughly 45 degrees out of alignment with the grid-plan. The avenues running perpendicular to these roads are also 45 degrees out of alignment with their respective avenues coming from the north. The avenues in this section run northeast-southwest rather than the standard north-south that the ones in the rest of the county follow. This causes an abrupt change in numerical designation as they cross SW 12th Avenue (SW 5th Avenue turns west and becomes SW 18th Street, SW 4th Avenue turns west and becomes SW 20th Street, SW 2nd Avenue turns west and becomes SW 22nd Street, etc.) The most well known example of this confusion is when historic Coral Way being SW 3rd Avenue, makes a 45 degree turn onto SW 22nd Street as it crosses over SW 12th Avenue.”

View The Roads Miami in a larger map

Enter website:
Miami Condos Search Home page

“July 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By Elaine Misonzhnik

Florida cities report modest retailer interest as former condo units attract young renters.

In spite of what you hear in the news, things are not quite as bad in the Sunshine State as they could be. Florida has been one of the worst-hit parts of the nation during the economic downturn. It entered recession earlier than the rest of the country and has had one of the worst downturns in housing prices. But there are upbeat stories to be found in some unlikely areas — the downtowns of Miami and Orlando.

To be sure, those cities are still working through the aftermath of the housing bust and neither would classify as booming, with relatively high vacancy rates and slow signs of growth. However, there’s reason to believe the worst may be over in Miami. The city is seeing an influx of new residents as a result of its now lower rents, while Orlando boasts a strong employment market, supported by the in-development Lake Nona medical and research complex, the University of South Florida and that old stalwart, Disney, says Aracibo Quintana, senior vice president of the retail outsourcing group with Jones Lang LaSalle, a Chicago-based retail services firm. Those attractions are already helping the cities bring in new restaurant concepts and necessity-based stores to their urban cores. And with time, they might push Miami and Orlando downtowns to first-tier status in retailers’ eyes. “Once they get past the stage of [current] foreclosure rates, they are going to come out doing well,” notes Quintana.

These signs of positivity exist despite Miami’s rank as the third worst housing market in the country, with a forecasted 26.9 percent annual decline in values, according to the Housing Predictor, a market research firm. Miami experienced a mass overbuilding of condominiums during the housing bubble.

A recent study commissioned by the city of Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA), a public/private community development organization, found that there are now 73 completed condominium buildings in Miami’s downtown core, containing 21,616 units, in addition to seven rental buildings with 1,343 units and five in-progress buildings, which will add another 1,343 residential units to the market.

According to DDA’s estimates, up to 8,300 units, or roughly 38 percent, of recently completed condominiums remain unsold. Meanwhile, a fair number of condos that have been sold are coming back on the market — up to 40 percent of the units in Quintana’s own building have gone through either foreclosure or short sale. But the shiny new living quarters have attracted a new group of residents: young urban professionals.

“You can rent a $500,000 or even a $600,000 apartment for $2,000 a month, so it’s become very attractive for 20- and 30-year-olds to live in the downtown area,” Quintana notes.

The condo developers’ loss has turned into a boon for Miami’s downtown, as the area is seeing an influx of service-oriented retailers that have shunned the city in the past, including restaurants, drugstores and grocers. In June, Publix Super Markets Inc. opened a 31,550-square-foot store at Miami’s Mary Brickell Village. “Their sales are exceeding $2,000 per square foot,” says Jeremy S. Larkin, president and chief operating officer of NAI Miami, a commercial real estate services firm.

There has also been an influx of new restaurants, particularly of the more affordable, mom-and-pop variety, says Quintana. For example, in the past year, the Central Business District has welcomed Giardino Gourmet Salada and Ceviche House, while Rosa Mexicano and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro opened in nearby Brickell.

The DDA has been trying to speed up the process, by beautifying the downtown area with tree plantings, new lighting and more attractive signage, in addition to offering to contribute 50 percent toward new retailers’ facade improvement and tenant improvement costs, according to executive director Alyce Robertson.

As a result of this activity, in the first quarter of 2009, the Miami/Dade County area had a retail vacancy rate of 5.6 percent, less than half the national average, according to Colliers International. Rents in the area averaged $26.04 per square foot.
More work to do

Three of Florida’s other major cities — Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville — are not seeing housing price drops as dramatic as those in Miami. Still, all are expected to experience double-digit declines in housing values, by 13.8 percent, 13.6 percent and 11.2 percent, respectively.

The housing crisis has become a formidable obstacle in these cities’ efforts to become more attractive to retailers, as the lack of strong residential populations in downtown cores has kept most national and regional stores in the suburbs, where they have historically located, according to Patrick Duffy, chairman of the retail specialty group with real estate services firm Colliers USA. With no viable nighttime and weekend clientele and constrained parking availability, most of the storefronts in downtown Tampa still belong to haberdasheries.

The retail market in downtown Jacksonville is in bad shape, according to Gary Montour, senior vice president with Colliers Dickinson, the Jacksonville-based affiliate of Colliers International. There is one grocery store, Winn-Dixie, but the rest of the retail landscape is largely made up of bars. In spite of some incentives from the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, including grants of up to $250,000 for facade and interior structural improvements and tax credits to businesses that locate in the downtown Enterprise and Empowerment Zone, no major retail anchors have so far expressed an interest in the area, says Montour.

The vacancy rate in Jacksonville currently stands at 10.8 percent, 60 basis points above the national average of 10.2 percent, according to Colliers International. Average rents, at $15.63 per square foot, are 13 percent below the average of $18.01 per square foot for the U.S. as a whole.

The retail vacancy rate in the Tampa/St. Petersburg market, meanwhile, is at 8.9 percent. Rents in the area average $15.36 per square foot.

Duffy, who spent 26 years of his professional career in Tampa (he is now based in Houston), notes that even with all the new residential construction, Tampa’s downtown never managed to evolve into the kind of 24/7 community retailers lust for, and neither did Jacksonville’s.

Back in 2005 and 2006, “there was a lot of discussion about projects in the urban core, but even in a boom it’s so much easier to convince a retailer to go into a traditional suburban box,” says Duffy.”