Florida

In a city where branded residences already feature car elevators and fashion house finishing touches, Miami’s latest luxury development is betting on the power of gastronomy to attract ultra-wealthy buyers. Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences, the first-ever residential project from legendary Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, is set to redefine luxury living through the lens of culinary excellence.

The 48-story architectural masterpiece, rising in Miami’s coveted Design District, represents a bold departure from the automotive and fashion-branded towers that have dominated the city’s luxury real estate landscape. While the Porsche Design Tower made headlines with its innovative sky garages and Dolce & Gabbana’s upcoming project promises haute couture living starting at $3.5 million, Jean-Georges is betting that the way to a luxury buyer’s heart is through their stomach.

“The evolution of branded residences in Miami reflects a deeper understanding of what today’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals truly value,” says Douglas Rill, veteran Florida broker at Century 21 America’s Choice. “It’s no longer just about the name—it’s about the lifestyle experience that name represents.”

A Recipe for Success

The numbers suggest the timing couldn’t be better. Miami-Dade County’s luxury condo market has shown remarkable resilience, with sales of units priced over $1 million surging 122.2% this August compared to 2019 levels. The Jean-Georges project, with prices starting at $1.6 million, enters a market where branded properties command significant premiums.

The development, a collaboration between Terra and Lion Development Group, promises 329 meticulously crafted residences ranging from one to four bedrooms, plus select penthouses. But it’s the 41,000 square feet of amenity spaces that truly set this project apart. The crown jewel? A ground-floor restaurant complex spanning 27,500 square feet, where Vongerichten will blend his various culinary concepts into a singular dining experience.

Beyond the Plate

“This isn’t just about putting a celebrity chef’s name on a building,” explains David Martin, CEO of Terra. “We’re creating an ecosystem where culinary excellence informs every aspect of daily life.” The amenities read like a wish list for the gastronomically inclined: a private dining room with indoor-outdoor flexibility, a chef’s kitchen for resident use, and a sophisticated bar and lounge space.

But perhaps most telling of the project’s ambitions are the unexpected touches: a podcast recording studio, wellness facilities including cold plunges, and even a squash court—suggesting that while food may be the central theme, the development aims to satisfy all aspects of a luxury lifestyle.

The Business of Branded Luxury

The Jean-Georges project joins an increasingly crowded field of branded residences in Miami. Mercedes-Benz, Cipriani, and Aston Martin have all planted their flags in the city’s skyline. Meanwhile, Bentley Residences is under construction in Sunny Isles Beach, with units starting at an eye-watering $5.6 million.

“Not everyone will be able to say they live in a Jean-Georges tower,” notes Juan Arias, CoStar’s director of market analytics. “That exclusivity, combined with the genuine lifestyle integration the brand represents, allows developers to command significant premiums.”

Looking Ahead

With groundbreaking scheduled for summer 2025 and completion targeted for 2027, the Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences represents more than just another branded development—it’s a bet on the future of luxury living. As traditional luxury brands continue to enter the real estate market, this culinary-focused approach might just prove to be the secret ingredient Miami’s high-end market has been waiting for.

For Vongerichten himself, who has built an empire of over 60 restaurants globally, including the two-Michelin-starred Jean-Georges in New York, this represents a natural evolution. “This project embodies my vision of combining culinary excellence with lifestyle spaces,” he says. And in Miami’s competitive luxury market, that combination might just be the perfect recipe for success.

Photo via Miami Tropic Residences

In the heart of Miami lies a hidden gem, Coral Gables, a city that has long captivated homebuyers with its Mediterranean-inspired architecture and lush greenery. However, the pandemic has propelled this idyllic neighborhood to new heights, transforming it into one of the most coveted real estate destinations in Florida.

The 33156 ZIP Code, once a haven for those seeking a tranquil retreat from the bustling city, has experienced a remarkable surge in property values. Once hovering around the $1 million mark, the median listing price has skyrocketed to an impressive $4.6 million as of April 2024, according to Realtor.com data. This remarkable appreciation has positioned Coral Gables as the second most expensive residential area in Florida, surpassed only by the illustrious Fisher Island, a Miami Beach-adjacent enclave with a staggering $12.75 million median listing price. As Miami experienced an economic renaissance during the pandemic, with businesses flocking to the area and a surge in mega real estate transactions around Miami Beach, Coral Gables emerged as a sanctuary for families seeking top-notch schools, proximity to thriving office culture, and a walkable downtown atmosphere.

Exclusive Membership: The Riviera Country Club
For those seeking an unparalleled lifestyle, the Riviera Country Club offers an 18-hole golf course meticulously designed and built by the legendary Donald Ross in the 1920s. In 2015, the course underwent a major renovation by the renowned Kipp Schulties, further enhancing its allure and prestige.

Event of the Year: The Mango Festival
Coral Gables is not only a haven for luxury living but also a celebration of nature’s bounty. Each summer, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden hosts the highly anticipated Mango Festival, a weekend-long event paying homage to the fruit with activities such as mango tasting. The garden boasts the world’s largest collection of mangoes, with nearly 400 varieties, and spans 83 acres, housing nearly 30,000 individual plants in its immaculate collection, making it a true Coral Gables mainstay.

Advice for the Buyer
While Coral Gables encompasses a 13-square-mile area with overlapping ZIP Codes, the driving force behind the soaring real estate prices in the 33156 ZIP Code is the prestigious gated community of Gables Estates. According to some local real estate agents, “The most expensive neighborhood in Coral Gables is Gables Estates. It offers direct waterfront access, expansive views, and properties spanning an acre or more.” Gables Estates is one of the few neighborhoods in the Miami area where such luxurious waterfront real estate can be found, rivaled only by the exclusive enclave of Indian Creek.

In conclusion, Coral Gables stands as the ideal oasis for those seeking a luxurious and tranquil lifestyle in the heart of Miami. With its unparalleled amenities, prestigious communities, and unmatched natural beauty, this neighborhood presents an unrivaled opportunity for discerning investors seeking a piece of paradise in one of Florida’s most sought-after real estate markets.

Source: WSJ

Photo: Coral Gables