Miami’s Skyline Reaches New Heights With $850M Luxury Tower Project
In a bold move that signals continued confidence in Miami’s luxury real estate market, Mint Developers has unveiled plans for an ambitious $850 million supertall development in downtown Miami, partnering with hospitality giant Sonesta International Hotels. The project, dubbed the James Hotel & Residences, is poised to become one of the city’s most distinctive mixed-use developments when it reaches completion in early 2028.
The 82-story tower, stretching approximately 1,000 feet into the Miami skyline, will feature 336 fully furnished luxury residences and marks the first residential venture for Sonesta’s James brand. The development team, a powerhouse collaboration between AD1 Global, Big Development, and To The Stars, is positioning the project to capitalize on Miami’s growing reputation as a luxury lifestyle destination.
“We’re witnessing a transformation in Miami’s luxury residential market,” says Daniel Berman, who leads Hollywood-based AD1 Global, though he remained strategic about revealing the exact location of the development. The property acquisition is expected to close within 30-40 days, underscoring the rapid pace of development in the area.
The project’s ambitious amenity package reflects the evolving demands of ultra-luxury buyers, featuring a four-story private club, extensive wellness facilities including snow and rain rooms, and multiple dining venues. Douglas Elliman, tapped to handle sales launching in Q2 2024, will offer units ranging from studios to four-bedroom residences.
In a notable twist on the traditional residential model, approximately 60% of the units will participate in a hotel leaseback program, potentially offering investors a revenue stream in Miami’s robust tourist market. This hybrid approach mirrors a growing trend in luxury real estate, where branded residences command premium valuations.
The James Hotel & Residences joins an elite group of supertall projects reshaping Miami’s skyline, including the under-construction Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences and Ken Griffin’s planned 1,039-foot Citadel headquarters. However, the market has shown signs of selectivity, as evidenced by Swire’s recent decision to terminate plans for the One Brickell City Centre office supertall.
For Sonesta, which currently manages about 10 properties in South Florida, the project represents a significant expansion of their luxury portfolio and a strategic bet on Miami’s continued appeal to high-net-worth buyers and visitors. The development adds to a growing roster of branded residential projects in South Florida, where luxury brands from various sectors are vying for a piece of the region’s lucrative real estate market.
Source: TRD
