If you have visited a Miami Beach historic house with me you know how I light up.  The architect in me wants to jump out and point out every single historic detail, no matter how minute.  I can’t begin to tell you how many calls and e-mails we get from people wanting to know more about historic houses, or people thanking me for writing about window proportions, Historic Cuban Tile or Cuban Tile flooring.  (There’s even a Historic Homes category on the menu bar on the blog).

The fact is that Miami historic real estate is my specialty – many times I point out features that listing agents are clueless about and later thank me.

But I’m not writing this post to pat myself on the back or to tell you “If you are buying a historic home in Miami, call me!!” (although it would be that easy).  The purpose of this post is to help you be critical about the reasons you may be captivated by historic homes.

I see it all in this business – the person that walks into a gorgeous Miami Beach Mediterranean Revival Home and appreciates every nook and cranny, and those that get disgusted by the “old feel” and want to replace everything in site with modern features.  When showing a historic home, it is obvious who appreciates the home and who doesn’t.

So what is it you like about historic homes?  Is it the charm and character?  Is it the warm materials (textured stucco, hardwood floors, mill-work) Or is it just the look and feel of these properties?  Are you aware that Historic Properties are known to hold their value much better than other properties and have a particular public who recognize the value and are willing to pay for it?  Whether Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco, Tudor …..or whatever…….historic homes sell for more – I’m not making this up, the numbers prove it.

This doesn’t mean that these homes may sell quicker (although many times they do), it means that they sell for more than the average home.  There are certain neighborhoods in Miami that have historic homes:  Miami Shores, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Miami Springs and Historic Morningside are the most known….but there are also hidden pockets with beautiful gems all around Miami……even where you least expect it.

Owning one of these old homes is not all fun and games either – with old homes comes a lot of work and sometimes problems.  From structural deflection (sagging beams), to old plumbing, to termite damage.  It’s time to think of the reasons why you may be attracted to these old homes, and if you are not interested in working with the “buying an old home package” while paying a premium, then it may be a good idea to skip these altogether.

Please note that I’m not a purist either – I believe in reaching a happy medium between restoration and modernization…..it’s doable, as long as you always respect proportions and materials.  Ultimately, you will be the one living in the house…..just think of resale value and don’t go butchering and altering the historical integrity without taking into consideration the consequences, which could include resale value.

Have a historic problem or an anecdote you want to share about a historic house?  Add it to the comments so everyone can pitch in.

*originally published on October 8th, 2008*

Related Articles:

There are several key factors or elements seen in  Mediterranean Revival Architecture.  I have told you about the style and what makes it special, I have also gone into detail about Historic Cuban Tile.  Now I will describe the type of paint that is most appropriate for these homes – LIME-BASED PAINTS.

I don’t know about you, but when I think Mediterranean, I think of Venice (OK, it’s the Adriatic sea…..let’s not get technical here…..but I’m doing this to make a point about COLOR).

In the Mediterranean (and surrounding areas), it was customary to paint stucco facades with lime based paints.  Lime, being an organic material was often mixed into the stucco and plaster surfaces with different hues and these surfaces would not have to be painted again.  The organic nature of these paints or aggregates is what gives these building exteriors such depth and personality.

The surfaces are ever changing depending on the intensity of the sun or rain. When studying facades painted with lime, you may see darker lines, or wear-patterns,  you will also see discolorations and an uneven nature to the surface.  This is what makes lime so beautiful.  There is a rustic, aged look that goes hand in hand with painting with lime and if you want a clean and uniform look, lime based paints are NOT for you!

In Miami Shores, while serving in the Historic Preservation Board, I often recommended lime-based paints to home owners of Mediterranean Revival homes.  This ended up turning into a very controversial subject because the city did not agree with strong hues customary to the style (ochre yellow, terracotta orange, and olive green), nor did they want a “weathered look” to these homes.  Anyone wanting to restore a historic home should first check with each city to make sure they agree with the correct historic restoration process.

There is a local painter, by the name of Emilio Ciansoni who has the perfect product when it comes to Lime-Based Paints.  He has developed a registered product called Calcem Lime Paint and is known for painting Miami luxury homes  like The Vizcaya Mansion and also Ca’ Ziff, as well as Fairchild Tropical Gardens. Lime paints are not cheap and the application is not easy, so make sure your painter knows what it entails (especially the prep work involved).

It is important to note that although used for historic homes, lime paints are also popular in the modern world because of its organic nature, and are also used for interior applications.  I personally find that lime paints add not only character to historic facades, but also that perfect finishing touch that completes a project.

**article originally published on August 13th, 2007 – please read comments for second source of lime-based paints in Miami recommended by a reader**

Related Articles:

People constantly ask me what type of Miami Real Estate or Miami Beach Real Estate I specialize in – is it price range? Is it an area? Is it residential real estate or commercial real estate?  Well…..the answer is any real estate in Miami Beach or Miami’s Biscayne Corridor that is architecturally relevant.

A puzzled look usually follows – what in the world is Architecturally Relevant Real Estate? And why would you specialize in that?

It is common knowledge that if you do what you love, you will be good at it.  If you find your passion and what makes you tick, not only will you enjoy your job, but you will rock at it.  That’s the answer.  I am an architect and light up when I walk into good space, no matter the scale.

Sketch by architecture master Le Corbusier

Whether it is a Miami Beach Luxury Home or a modest Design District Loft – when a space is well designed, following common proportion and context principles, it makes a huge difference.  I was just discussing this past week with clients that just bought a Midtown Condo, how a space doesn’t have to be gaudy or extravagant to be good – there’s a fine line between modest architecture and trendy design that makes good real estate pure and timeless.  Our best clients appreciate good architecture and have a discerning eye – they don’t go for the price just because and can see beyond superficial selling techniques.

Tomorrow we will list a modest MiMo home in Miami Shores designed by well-known mid-century architect, Ungaro.  The house has been owned by the same family since it was built, has not been butchered and although it needs a new roof, electrical, plumbing and central air conditioning – has all the great features of a mid-century home:  from Terrazzo, clerestory lighting and pitched roof.  This house will only be appreciated by someone that knows architecture and will be willing to go through the restoration process.

I love Miami because we have a little of everything and I have so much fun with its eclectic architecture.  Historic Mediterranean Revival homes give me goose bumps, as do South Beach Art Deco lofts.  We have unbelievable talent from Chad Oppenheim to Arquitectonica and Miami Beach Luxury Condos have come a long way from the days of Alfred Browning Parker or even Morris Lapidus.

I have to admit that I find some buildings boring, but sometimes location and views make up for it.  Unfortunately for you, I will be brutal about the “un-architecture” of the space…..if there’s such a thing.  Bottom line, I have fun when I show properties – if you are looking for boring “here’s the kitchen, there’s the bathroom”….I will do you absolutely no good.  We are not your everyday, run-of-the-mill Realtors, our clients tell us so and we look forward to creating new relationships and experiences with every single person we meet.

**Update:  since I first wrote this article, on November 16th, 2008, the Miami Shores MiMO home was purchased by a couple that loved the architecture and was able to see past the work the home needed…they are doing a beautiful job with the restoration and complimenting existing details with new addition**

Related Articles:

To say that mid-century architects were more practical is an understatement.  Yes we’ve seen a sudden “Green Movement” taking over, and NO, I don’t think this is bad, quite the contrary, its something everyone should be aware of.  But looking at Miami’s architecture, I have to admit that I have a soft spot for those buildings of the 50′s and 60′s.  I have a special soft spot for certain architects like Wahl Snyder, Marion Manley and Alfred Browning Parker.

When I walk into a house designed by either three, I feel it!  My heart starts racing and there’s an unquestionable passion felt throughout the home, passion transmitted by the designer through the construction and details of the space.  I walked into a small Alfred Browning Parker home with a client not long ago and instantly knew it was his – I asked the agent, “Was this home designed by BP? And they said…who????” OK …let me not go there.

Alfred Browning Parker was the master of utilizing space, wide overhangs, clerestory windows and massing to take advantage of our climate without air conditioning.  Frank Lloyd Wright’s influence is obvious in his work, because of the organic nature and use of local materials.

Wahl Snyder’s signature was to bring exterior spaces into the living areas; he would work with cross ventilation and create seamless transitions between the inside and outside of his spaces.  Materials were key and clerestory lighting was a must.  Take a look at his Miami Shores Residence.

Marion Manley was Florida’s first licensed woman architect and at 75 she was still busy designing good quality homes.  She used local materials, high ceilings, cross ventilation and never ignored our tropical climate.

These three architects are the epitome of the green movement without today’s technology, without air conditioning and without the hype.  Georgia Taske of The Miami Herald wrote a beautiful article about 2 homes designed in the 60′s by Manley and Browning Parker.  Both homes are open to their surroundings, and both are models for green living today.  Georgia Taske also tells us about Alfred Browning Parker’s visit to Miami a few months ago (he’s 90) and how he teaches his University of Florida architecture students about 5 basic principles:

“Build Simply – Build as directly as possible with no complications – Use the materials at hand and keep these sparse -  Let your building love its site and glorify its climate – Design for use; make it beautiful.”

I will end this article with a quote by Janet McIlvane, a research analyst with the Florida Solar Energy Center because it really defines the shift in housing and design that is evident in current times.

“After World War II, there was a move away from individually crafted homes”

“We began to produce homes with a subdivision production mind-set.  We were going to build 30 houses, not one, and build them all alike.  And in that transition, we started looking at how to make things easier, how to build more easily and quickly.

That’s how the industrial revolution transitioned into the housing market. So we jettisoned the front porch, made the windows smaller and sealed up our houses.  In Florida, those were the very components that allowed us to survive in the hot, humid climate.”

*photos by Nuri Vallbona / Miami Herald Staff*

**This article was originally written and posted on September 5th, 2007.  Since then, we have seen a huge shift in architecture and design here in Miami towards “sustainable design” – makes me happy to see that big architecture firms are finally getting it and government agencies are hiring those that take the environment into consideration**

Related Articles:

Architecturally speaking, Miami stands out for the largest collection of Art Deco Buildings worldwide!  The Art Deco District, found in South Beach will give you hours and hours of visual pleasure, (if you’re into that).   The Colony Hotel is often featured as one of the great examples of Miami Beach Art Deco and this photo by David Thompson demonstrates why.

….another Miamism !!

There’s something very sexy about those streamline details and I encourage you to visit David Thompson’s Blog, Art Deco Buildings, Look up for inspiration and beauty.  If you’re into Art Deco, you may want to ask David about the book on his website, “Melbourne Art Deco” …

In Melbourne Art Deco, Robin Grow, President of the Art Deco & Modernism Society, examines the rise, fall and resurgence of Art Deco in Melbourne from the 1930s to the present day. With contemporary images by David Thompson and a team of photographers, supported by archival material, Melbourne Art Deco offers an invaluable insight into history and current state of one of the city’s most popular styles.

** Here at Miamism we love to post your Miami Photos. If you have a shot you want to share please join the Miamism Group at Flickr.com – or you can e-mail the photos directly to us at info@miamism.com *

Related Articles:

The month of June was HOT when it comes to Miami Beach homes sold.  We’re talking the higher end of the Miami Beach Luxury home market, the one I’ve been telling you has been at a standstill .  I hope this doesn’t mean our “quota” has been met….I’m hoping the Luxury market is picking up.  There were 20 sales ranging from $250,000 for a 3 bedroom short sale at 1234 13th Street in South Beach to $16 million for an amazing Todd Michael Glaser masterpiece.  These Miami Beach home sales represent the highest sales seen in quite some time, so let’s take it all in.

June’s Most Expensive Miami Beach Home Sale

88 La Gorce Cr – Miami Beach, FL 33141

Listed for $19,500,000 and sold for $16,000,000 on June 11th, 2010

I had written about this impressive Miami Beach Luxury Estate back in December of 2009, where I said:

The home is impressive to say the least – contemporary, simple, austere and phenomenal.  With over 20,000 square feet of living space, sitting on a 48,000 square foot lot, guest cabana, elevator, 5-car garage, amazing landscaping….what else could you want?  My only concern of course is that we have not seen any waterfront sales in La Gorce in 2009….the whole mega luxury home real estate market in Miami Beach is at a standstill….waiting waiting waiting.  The house has been active for sale since January of 2008 starting at $25,000,000 ($5,500,000 reduction is not bad at all).  It’s also currently for rent at $100,000 per month and known to house a few celebs on a short-term basis.

And Todd Michael Glaser himself, describes as:

The property, called OKTO, features a brand-new 20,000-square-foot house, which my team and I built from the ground up in just 10 months. It is one project that I am particularly proud of. The flowing floor plan separates “back of house” function spaces (such as dual laundry rooms, staff quarters, ample storage spaces, and a five-car garage with berthing large enough for limousines), from the opulent living areas. The master bed and bath have floor-to-ceiling glass sliders that seem to disappear when opened, exposing the his-and-her soaking tubs to the direct Florida sunlight. The terrace overlooks the pool and manicured lawns, as well as the elevated guesthouse and cabana. With all of this, I am not surprised it wasn’t on the market for very long.

(for those that don’t know who Todd Michael Glaser is – he’s a builder…but not just any builder, he builds Luxury Estates that have been featured in HGTV, and said to have “started” the Miami Design District)

Features:

• 17,183 square feet of living space
• built in 2008
• 10 bedrooms / 12 bathrooms / 3 half-baths
• 5-car garage
• 48,024 sq.ft. lot with 260′ of water frontage
• 2 docks
• lap pool and spa
• rooftop terrace
• staff house
• elevator
• La Gorce Island location

June’s Second Most Expensive Miami Beach Home Sale

55 Palm Ave, Miami Beach, FL  33139

Listed for $15,500,000 and sold for $11,950,000 on June 16th, 2010

This was a Mediterranean Revival restoration also done by Todd Michael Glaser – damn Todd! you are on a roll!  The 1928 home Palm Island residence is best described in Todd’s  own words:

This project was extremely interesting for me, as it involved a unique historical restoration of an original 1920s Spanish Colonial-style residence on Palm Island, providing city tax abatement for 10 years. Set on a 30,000-square-foot lot, the home features a three-car garage, service quarters, formal dining room, elevator, a grand waterfront master suite and sitting area, his-and-her baths and walk-in closets, and more. We incorporated a 10,000-square-foot modern addition, careful to blend the old and the new, and the possibilities are endless. There is room for a media room, library, office, gym, outdoor barbecue, separate guest rooms, a playroom, sitting areas, and more. The details are what really sets it apart, though: 12-foot cathedral beamed ceilings, quatrefoils windows, fireplaces, a romantic interior courtyard, oversize heated pool on beautifully landscaped grounds featuring flowering vines. It’s the quintessential Miami Beach island property.

And MLS description reads:

Unique historical restoration of original 1920′s Spanish Colonial Palm Island residence providing city tax abatement for 10 years plus a 10,000 SF modern addition.  12 foot Cathedral & coffered ceilings, Bulthaup kitchen, interior courtyard, amazing backyard w/ gazebo & pool cabana.  Gorgeous views of intercostals & MB skyline.  One of a kind master suite w/ private terr.  Enchanting guesthouse w/ plenty of rm & privacy and much more.

Features:

• 12,184 square feet of living space
• 8 bedrooms / 9 bathrooms / 2 half-baths
• built in 1928 and restored in 2008
• 30,000 sq.ft. lot with 100′ of water frontage
• 3-car garage
• service quarters
• elevator
• media room
• library
• 12-foot cathedral beamed ceilings
• interior courtyard
• pool
• Palm Island Location

June’s Third Most Expensive Miami Beach Home Sale

40 La Gorce Cr, Miami Beach, FL 33141

Listed for $7,900,000 and sold for $7,400,000 on June 11th, 2010

There are not even photos of this home because it sold in 4 days!  The 1937 home of known attorney Dan Paul, author of Miami-Dade county charter, with an MLS description that leaves us wanting more:

This extraordinary waterfront property is located on the tip of prestigious La Gorce Island in Miami Beach. The most sought after wide bay, city and sunset views. Upon entering the sumptuous courtyard you will be enchanted by the beautiful architecture of this 8,200+SF Gem. Nothing short of a South Florida masterpiece, this residence has it all.

Features:

• 8,284 square feet of living space
• 6 bedrooms / 8 bathrooms / 1 half-baths
• built in 1937
• 23,145 sq.ft. lot with 115′ of water frontage
• 2-car garage
• dock
• pool
• La Gorce Island Location

>>>> BONUS SALE you absolutely have to know about<<<<<

4358 N. Bay Road – Miami Beach, FL 33140

Listed for $8,300,000 and sold for $7,400,000

This amazing piece of land was bought by none other that Alex Rodriguez after many rumors of offers on different properties around Miami.  And guess who’s helping A-Rod build the house of his dreams?  Yes…you got it….Todd Michael Glaser!!!  (and all I hope is that he convinces him to go modern and not do another Spanish-Med wanna be with a million ballustrades – somehow….I have confidence that this time will be different!)

**all information obtained from the Southeast Florida Multiple Listing Service**

Related Articles:

When buying real estate in Miami, especially in the older neighborhoods like Miami Shores, Coral Gables and Miami Beach, you will have to make a decision on style.  I know the first question you get asked as a buyer is how much you want to spend (obviously your budget will determine what kind of house you end up buying); but buying a house is so much more than just the number of bedrooms and baths, the size and the price – buying a house that you will live in, needs to fit your lifestyle and comfort level.

I decided to write about the major features of the 3 main architectural periods common in Miami so that you know what to expect when you walk in a home.   I can go into a property without knowing anything about it and tell you the period it was built and when it was remodeled by features and materials.

If you, as a real estate buyer, can define what’s important to you, it will be so much easier to find the perfect property (especially because there are so many properties for sale right now).

The 1920′s house (Spanish Mediterranean or Spanish influence) will usually have the most charm, although I cannot generalize that all 1920′s properties will have the same features, this is what you can expect:

• High textured stucco walls
• Open beamed ceilings and grand living rooms
• Quarry tile and hardwood floors
• Wood casement windows with copper screening
• High ceilings
• Formal spaces (formal living and dining rooms)
• Smaller rooms and smaller closets
• Archways – separate cottages and carports
• Perimeter walls
• Decorative columns – voluted columns, ionic or Corinthian orders.
• Barrel tile roofs (sometimes Historic Cuban Tile) and flat roofs with high parapets and decorative drain spouts.

The 1930′s and 40′s home will usually be smaller in scale but will still have charm.  They do not have the same attention to detail as the 20′s predecessors, but are more readily available and usually a bit more affordable.

• High textured stucco walls
• May have open beamed ceilings
• Smaller kitchen and bedrooms
• Quarry tile not as decorative as the 20′s and hardwood floors
• Sometimes linoleum in the kitchen
• Bathrooms are less decorative
• Usually have steel casement windows

1950′s (Mid-century Modern) is when the modern movement began and although these homes don’t have a lot of charm, they have a different feel all together.  They will be more comfortable and sometimes it’s difficult to decide between comfort and charm.

• Big common areas – usually a Great Room with large spans
• No formal rooms – open dining, living and family rooms
• Bigger windows – picture windows for light
• Large bedrooms
• Long, horizontal clean and crisp lines
• Big closets, lots of storage
• Split bedroom plan with master on one side and the rest of the bedrooms on the other.
• Floor Finishes will be Cuban tile floors or Terrazzo and hardwood.
• Smooth plaster walls and ceilings
• Corner windows in bedrooms are typical but not always present

When I work with buyers, I can tell from the first couple of properties, even if they have not identified their needs, what they are looking for.  Most people love the comfort of the Mid-century Modern homes, but sometimes feel the space is a bit sterile and prefer the warmth of the 20 and 30′s materials.  Some people really need closet space and although they love the charm and the details of Spanish Mediterranean homes, cannot make up their minds because closet space is usually limiting.

I have been able to redesign homes for our buyers so that they can have all worlds, but you have to be open to remodeling and making some changes.  If you are in the market to buy a Miami Beach home ask yourself, Comfort or Charm?

*article originally posted on April 6th, 2008*

Related Articles:

Miami is the shadows formed on a young girl’s face
one Summer afternoon.

It’s the wrinkles on the hands of an old black man.

It’s looking through a magnifying glass at darkness.

At its shore I can discern a “Miami Detached”
as the cruise ships try to merge themselves
once again with reality.

Reality means turning into a sail
high-strung to its mast,
feeling the strength and
the near ending effort to survive,
or a coral rock trying not to disintegrate,
while it knows,
the more salt water that flows,
the more porous it will become.

Why does the blind look at the sun?
How can you touch hate?
Taste love?
Smell apathy?

The petals of a rose out of bloom
still give you a fascinating scent,
just as that which cannot feel,
will eventually rot.

Life means metamorphosis, close scrutiny and pain.

We can discuss this when architects
become a thing of the past

Poem written for Vincent Scully’s “The Natural and the Manmade” seminar, about Miami’s Skyline by Ines Hegedus-Garcia (4th year architecture student at The University of Miami).

Related Articles:

One of the best feelings in the world is clicking with our readers and establishing long lasting relationships that you can’t put a price on.  Selling Miami Beach real estate may sound like a glamorous job, but a lot of the time is filled with frustration and thankless tasks unless, of course, you are like Ken and Ritch.

Would you entrust the job of finding a home to someone you don’t get along with or worse yet, someone you feel skeptical about? Finding the right Realtor is no easy task, and it is, after all , a relationship business.  It takes research and asking the right questions to make sure you will find a professional that listens, puts your best interest before theirs, and never forgets your goals.

I should make Ken De Loreto and Ritch Holben permanent fixtures here at Miamism.com, you may have seen them in a couple of our Mojito Reviews and even confess that a lot of my articles have been inspired by them.

To add to their awesomeness, Home Miami Magazine featured Ken and Ritch in this month’s issue, in an article by Dawn Spinner Davis entitled “Living Light:  An Architectural Designer and his Partner Find Mid-Winter Solace in a Modern Midtown Condo”. (Too bad it’s the last issue of Home Miami, I always thought it was one of the best local publications out there with none other than Beth Dunlop as the magazine’s Editor in Chief….even if they cut me out of a couple of their articles … it’s all good).

Dawn starts by saying,

Ritch Holben and his partner Ken De Loreto have a fairy tale life:  successful careers, a lasting relationship and a 200-year-old farmhouse, lovingly restored, in the heart of the Massachusetts Berkshires.  With a penchant for horticulture and five exquisite gardens to prove it, the couple relish in their quaint country lifestyle.  Of course, the only downside to a quintessential New England existence is, as Robert Frost wrote, “the woods fill up with snow.”  And after a particularly difficult winter in 2009, Holben and De Loreto were seduced by the siren song of a warmer climate and found themselves in Miami.

So I decided to dig through my email archives to find the first communication I had with the dynamic duo, just to see if they had stuck to their original concept; to see if that sparkle of light they had before even setting foot in Miami, had come true.  I had such a huge smile on my face reading through the emails back and forth.  They both knew exactly what they wanted and were great at expressing their needs.  We clicked from the first communications and the rest is a very happy ending, but you be the judge.

If you’re to learn anything about this article – know that communicating your likes and dislikes makes to a very happy Realtor/Client relationship, but most importantly, leads to achieving your real estate goals in a more efficient and enjoyable way for everyone.

Things we like…

Loft, one or 2 bedroom  (flexible) , the more open and the more space, the better.   we are both well over 6′ tall, so height is great.

Something that is clean and modern, high rise may be ok, if its not cookie cutter…
Love the newer stuff in appearance, very clean, floor to ceiling glass, and all, but also have a soft spot for the classic 60′s-70′s stuff.

Terrace or outdoor space is imperative.
We do both cook.

A space for a home office would be good.  Ken travels for work, so something that isnt hell to get to the airport would be good.
Parking for at least one car.  Pool and workout room seem cool.

we have 2 dogs.  They are getting older, so may not be a real limitation, but we tend to like places that are at least dog-friendly…more european that way.

water is important…beach or bay, as we live in the beautiful wooded mountains here.
Design district, Blue, Neo…..Collins……dont really know Miami well at all  (only been to SoBe for new years….) so are open to advice….a neighborhood feel is important – walk for a coffee in the morning, not car-centric….

Things we dont like…

diagonal tile.
cookie cutter floor plans and lifestyle
dark and musty
bright, garish colors and ostentatious..

That first quote still resonates in my head “looking for a cool, interesting winter place – opposite of our countrified western Massachusetts main home…urban, modern, unique….”

TALK ABOUT A REALTOR’S DREAM COME TRUE!!

We went back and forth with listings, descriptions, information and then we had a blast looking at different areas of Miami and tearing different building projects apart.  They were sold on a Midtown one-bedroom unit with a wrap around balcony and just had to be patient with a very long and tedious short sale.  It was a designer ready unit, so they picked finishes, did tons of research to pick the perfect contractor and today the place is magical!

Dawn Spinner Davis again (I’m doing a huge injustice to the article by giving you only bits and pieces … maybe they will include it in their website).

Holben, an architectural designer, and De Loreto, a corporate sales and training consultant, were longing for something very much the opposite of what they already had…

Keeping the scale of the apartment in mind, the couple set out to find unique yet functional pieces.  “You have to make grand gestures to maximize a small space,” says Holben.  These gestures are everywhere.  The closet doors in the entry hallway have been replaced with panels of fabric printed to look like a birch forest.  When guests enter, they are greeted by a row of X-ray light boxes salvaged from St. Cabrini Hospital in Chicago, and they are encouraged to “sign in” on the film.  “It’s a form of functional, social art,” Holben says.

…

The couple now spend five months of the year here, flying south after idyllic white Christmases in the Berkshires.  They’re still in the honeymoon period – growing tomatoes on Lucite trellises on their wrap-around balcony – but their enchantment is showing no signs of waning.”

The best part of it all it not just the amazing place, life and home Ken and Ritch have created, but the gift of friendship they have so gracefully presented us with.  And their testimonial which I can’t read enough:

It is truly difficult to write a glowing testimonial for Ines and Rick. Why? Well, finding words that are strong enough without sounding clichéd, overused, or trite necessitates an unabridged dictionary. So, we’ll err on the side of simplicity. They rock!

From the first contact with Ines we were guided with care and compassion. The full story of our recent, successful purchase of a short sale condo in midtown Miami, while appropriate for the Halloween season upon us, is too long and harrowing to recount. However, throughout it all, Ines and Rick were there to keep us calm, encourage our patience, and close the gaps in our knowledge. For example, Ines’s clearly stating right up front that ’short sales are long and tough, but if you’re patient…’ kept us focused and realistic. She never ’sold’ anything to us, but rather let us buy. She never forced her perspective on us, but rather shared honest assessment and data for our consideration. She was professional, tireless, and real with us both face-to-face and long-distance. When tough economic reports in the news made us anxious, her insight and intelligence kept us balanced. The process took over five months…five months of little to no movement on the part of the seller’s bank, but not Ines. She moved! She was our advocate and communication link while the bank thought about the short sale, misplaced paperwork, thought some more, and passed our offer from level to level, operating as if heavily sedated. The only thing that made us stay with the short sale process, other than perhaps naivete, was the realistic hope that she continued to instill in us (and the desire for warm weather in the Winter, of course.) Completing the picture, Rick offered the detail, humor, and smarts that were needed to help us get the right mechanics moving. If the bank was going to slow this down, Rick and Ines ensured that we wouldn’t.

So, while we’re not ones to gush, in rereading what we’ve written above about Ines and Rick, we realize it’s nearly a love letter. So be it. It’s deserved. If you have any choice in the team with whom you work on your real estate search or transaction, the choice is clear and absolute: Rick and Ines. Period.

**all photos copyright© Ritch Holben **

Related Articles:

When it comes to Miami Luxury Condos, The 1800 Club is at the top of the list.  Its location is perfect with endless bay views that take your breath away.  It’s in the Performing Arts District, within walking distance to Bayside Marketplace, The Miami Airlines Arena, restaurants, cafes and nightlife.  Designed by Bermello & Ajamil, and although I’m not a fan of their architecture, the small design flaws are made up by the views, views and more views of Biscayne Bay, The Port of Miami and Downtown Miami.  The building is located across the street from Margaret Pace Park recently developed by the City of Miami with tennis courts, exercise stations and pedestrian walk-ways, basketball court, soccer fields, cricket fields, playground and barbeque facilities.  (because of the park, the views will never be obstructed).

The 1800 Club is an exclusive 41-story tower with 469 residences – full service with:

• concierge staff
• 24-hour valet parking
• mail room and package receiving desk
• 2-story-high recreational floor with Bayfront veranda
• heated pool
• state-of-the-art gym with spectacular views
• yoga/aerobics studio
• steam and massage rooms
• shallow pool area with chaise lounges and landscaping
• billiards room with large screen plasma tv
• party/events room

There are a number of different floor plans and options for every budget and living style.  From smaller 1 bedroom residences to 2-story townhomes and mixed-use lofts.  Although you would have the tendency to think that the units directly facing the bay would be the best ones, I have to tell you that it’s worth taking a look at the others as well – with spectacular terraces and great ceiling heights, the South facing residences are also stunning.

The 01 line is the Southeast corner of the building with rounded balconies and one of my favorite floorplans – These are 3 bedroom/3 bathroom residences with 2,189 square feet of living space and currently priced between $555,000 and $790,000 **new pricing!!

The 05 line is an open loft-style one bedroom / 1 bathroom residence with exposed ducts and direct bay views – these start at $174,500 to $205,000 **new pricing!

The 11 line had something I love, a covered terrace with amazing views – nothing like a porch to enjoy our South Florida weather – these are 1 bedroom residences with 1.5 bathrooms priced between $247,500 and $292,500. **new pricing! (The terrace alone is spectacular).

Majestic Properties has the left over inventory at The 1800 Club, the inside scoop is that prices were reduced over 30% and they are almost 70% sold and close to being Fannie Mae approved.  Majestic is also working on construction/lender financing with 20% down at a 5% fixed APR for 5 years and also will offer financing for foreign nationals with 30% down @6% APR for 5 years (which is unheard of!).

The noise in the street is that the developer is not very flexible with the current prices and buyers are choosing Quantum next door and other opportunities.  But I will be totally honest with you, if I was given the choice, 1800 Club is a superior building…..but that’s only my opinion and many may disagree with me.

**AFTERNOTE:  I can’t believe I forgot to mention this…..but…..can someone tell me what in the world was the developer thinking when he chose the finishes for the bathrooms?  Gold??  yes….gold fixtures??  GROSSNESS!!**

***UPDATE:  A lot has happened since April 29th, 2009 when this article was written.

• The developer is now flexible and has reduced remaining inventory to very reasonable prices.
  
• The 1800 Club is now FHA approved, requiring 3.5% down.
  
• There are incredible opportunities for investors with tenants already in place, so you can begin counting on the income the minute you close.
  

Contact us for inventory and pricing – now THIS is something worth sharing with you!

Related Articles: