South Beach Condos Blog

New York Times wrote an article today on a subject that has been rolling around my pretty little head lately.

Since insurance rates and property taxes seem to be clouds over the Miami real estate market, then the anticipated lower taxes on declining property values will be the silver lining of that cloud.

While every state and local government has its own methods for assessing home values for tax purposes — some do it annually, some every five years, and everything in between — many counties are hearing from residents that they would like their homes reassessed, or have taken steps to bring the taxes down of their own volition.

From my estimation, property values have been declining in certain markets for about 1.5 years. When will the county tax assessor re-assess property values?

I have seen a number of condominium decorations this season and I think this one “takes the cake.”

ICON South Beach went ALL OUT on a professionally decorated, 25 foot, live Christmas Tree.

Last week I was invited to a great holiday dinner hosted by MiamiBeach411.com at Tuscan Steak in South Beach.

It was great to meet the crew from this popular Miami Beach info site: Gus Moore, Michelle Willett, and Mirna Arce. I know other people from their org were present, but the event was so well-attended that it was hard to maneuver around the room.

So, I showed up only about 30 minutes late to find, like, half of the restaurant full of Miami bloggers. I am amazed and surprised that there is such a large contingent of Miami bloggers. I had NO idea. Truth be told, I was dragging a bit that day (Basel hangover) and had only planned on staying about 45 minutes, but I had the good fortune of sitting between Michelle Willett and Dan Renzi (yes, that guy from The Real World) and across from my friend, Lucas Lechuga, so the conversation was fun, and the hours zipped by. So here is a list of some of the Miami bloggers and their blogs for you to enjoy. I haven’t been to all of the blogs yet, but I will.

Scott - http://www.ipanemic.com/
Maria - http://sexandthebeach.blogspot.com/
Yvette - http://miamirhapsody.blogspot.com/
Sara - http://allpurposedark.blogspot.com/
Rick - http://stuckonthepalmetto.blogspot.com/ R.I.P.
Alex - http://stuckonthepalmetto.blogspot.com/ R.I.P.
Dan Renzi - http://danrenzi.typepad.com/
Christian - http://www.fanless.com
Michael Froomkin - http://www.discourse.net/
Caroline Bradley - http://blenderlaw.umlaw.net/
Restaurantgal - http://www.restaurantgal.com/
Lucas Lechuga - http://blog.miamicondoinvestments.com/
Verticus - http://miamivisionblogarama.blogspot.com/
Tere - http://tere-tere.blogspot.com/
James Burnett - http://burnettiquette.blogspot.com/
Carlos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/fodder/
Restaurant Gal - http://www.restaurantgal.com/

I’ll miss SotP

I’m in the midst of reading 740 Park: The Story of the World’s Richest Apartment Building by Michael Gross. While reading this book, I keep making subconscious references to Apogee South Beach in my head. Given what I know about Apogee, from about the quality of construction to the pedigree of the owners, it isn’t hard to make the connection to 740 Park. The history of 740 Park Avenue, at least for me, is fascinating.

I try to understand why I keep comparing Apogee to 740 Park, and here is what I find:

• Apogee will be very exclusive, with only 64 residences
• Entry-level residences start at about $3.5M
• Gas fireplace in master suite or living room
• Each unit comes with a private, air-conditioned garage
• 11-foot wide terraces
• Each unit will have a “summer kitchen” on the terrace
• This will be the first condominium in Miami Beach to enforce a service entrance for all deliveries. Even real estate agents must use the service entrance.

Apogee South Beach is located in the chic SoFi neighborhood of South Beach, at 800 South Pointe Drive, Miami Beach, Florida.

Above: Here is a shot of the lobby. It is very simple and understated. Notice the huge slabs of walnut travertine marble.

Another shot of the lobby. The pillars are clad in oro nero marble.

This is the south view from the penthouse level of Apogee South Beach.

Above: This is the southwest view toward the city of Miami.

Above: North view over South Beach from the penthouse level.

Above: Pool area of Apogee South Beach. I love those pods that extend into the pool.

Above: Here is a master bathroom from a corner unit in Apogee South Beach. This photo was taken from approximately the sixth floor. This bathroom has incredible views overlooking Government Cut (cruise ship alley) and Fisher Island. Click here for a virtual tour of Apogee South Beach.

Apogee South Beach, South Beach condos, Miami Beach real estate, Miami Beach condos