Barry Brodsky’s Brodson Construction paid $5.3 million for a waterfront Sunset Islands lot with plans to build a spec home.

Brodson Construction bought the land at 1630 West 21st Street in Miami Beach from Kenneth J. Kerr. Brodson Construction plans to demolish the current home, according to the brokers involved in the sale.

Allan Kleer and Fabian Garcia-Diaz of One Sotheby’s International Realty brokered the sale. According to Kleer, the 0.33-acre property was on the market for five years before being sold. The property was first listed in 2015 for $9 million and was most recently asking $7 million as of June, according to Realtor.com.

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Professional race car driver and investor Chapman Ducote sold his Venetian Islands home for $8.4 million.

Ducote sold the five-bedroom, five-bedroom, 3,788-square-foot house at 1276 South Venetian Way in Miami Beach to Tracey Hirt, chief operating officer of LendUs, a mortgage lender based in California, property records show.

Ducote is also president and CEO of a Miami Beach-based credit card processing company, Merchant Services Ltd. And he is also part owner of Silverpeak, a marijuana dispensary in Aspen, Colorado, according to the Aspen Times.

The San Marco Island house, built in 1935, sold for $1,875 per square foot. Allan Kleer and Fabian Garcia-Diaz of One Sotheby’s International Realty brokered the deal, they said.

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Gianni Versace-lovers will flip for this over-the-top mansion designed by Lorenzo Carmellini. He’s the Milan-based architect who designed Versace’s boutiques and homes, many with his late partner, architect Rocco Magnoli.

Texas-based investor Ken Hill is selling the home, which was his vacation house in the Venetian Isles, for $19.9 million.

The mansion, at 921 N. Venetian Drive, is comprised of two separate lots. He bought the first lot for $3.7 million in 2009 and the second for $2.82 million in 2013.

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Please take a look at video below (click either pictures below) which will show how the Entrance to Miami Beach is pending a MAJOR decisive moment this coming week. MB Commissioners are due to vote on the establishment of 3+ Acre Park & Iconic Tower, next Wednesday 11/14 @ 10am at City Hall. Please see the video below & share with ALL Miami Beach Residents & Interested Parties. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform our Community & mitigate the effects of sea levels rising!

I'm the 3rd Featured Speaker:

Our sales are growing exponentially. We're a successful, highly experienced & professional Luxury Real Estate team with over 30 years of combined experience. We're committed to providing a top level of service to our clients, along with having a progressive and positive work environment that mentors the Real Estate leaders of tomorrow.

We are seeking qualified individuals to join our Downtown Miami / Brickell office. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated individual who can assist with daily operations, working with REAL Buyers & assist with showings of high value properties. Professional demeanor is required, along with your own transportation and the ability to adapt to a flexible work schedule.

Great opportunity for strong future income and to work among the best in the Real Estate industry. Please email your qualifications to :akleer@onesothebysrealty.com

No Phone Calls Please

Below is the vision that Russell Galbut & Crescent Heights is envisioning for their project at 500-600-700 Alton Road. It is unusual for anyone to assemble this amount of commmercially viable property in any city, let alone Miami Beach (South Beach). There is an approved project that follows all of the existing zoning that takes up all three blocks with a dense ensemble of rental units. That project has been approved as of a few years back, but the Developer (Russell Galbut) is proposing an alternative:

Crescent Heights has decided to take a more visionary approach: the idea is as follows: WITHOUT adding any additional FAR, he would build instead a slim tower on the 500 Block that was designed to not block ANY views from the ICON South Beach condo building, the BENTLEY BAY or the FLORIDIAN, and transform the current site of former 7-Eleven building, parking lot & the South Shore Hospital shell (which is an eyesore) is the current gateway to South Beach via 5th Street. By concentrating the FAR in only one block, Crescent Heights is proposing to GIVE BACK to the community the entire 600 and 700 Blocks & turn them into a park.

The Developer is planning to use a landscaping design & technology that Landscape Architect Justine Velez worked on years ago (along with another firm), and hasbeen used successfully in Mill Creek Park in Mill Race Park in Columbus, Indiana. (see below) Just as in Miami Beach, Mill Race Park is located at the confluence of water elements, and much of the parkland is an active floodplain. Foremost among the constraints of the Mill Race site was the issue of annual flooding. Rather than attempt to prevent or shut out the regular flood waters, the design explores numerous ways to integrate this natural annual rhythm into the use and experience of the site.

The overall affordability and durability of the site materials reflect an intentional efficiency of materials in both the construction and the maintenance of the park. The fill generated in the excavation of Round Lake was used to build an earthen amphitheater as well as the berms around the basketball court. Many of the paved surfaces use reinforced concrete instead of asphalt, which can be peeled up by floods. The steel and glass block restroom walls are raised to allow flood waters to flow through; the playground is elevated on a wide earth platform; the amphitheater stage is nestled into the protected higher ground of the crescent landform.

Plantings include mostly hardy native species, including grasses that can weather drought and trees that can withstand saturated soils. Crescent Heights has informed that the SW corner of Miami Beach is the lowest point of the island, and often times floods when we experience heavy rainstorms. The pumps that have been installed are only a partial stop-gap (and have so far caused significant sewage drain into Biscayne Bay). Crescent Heights is proposing to design a park where ALL of the water would flow to, and without relying on artificial means, where water would gradually and naturally be absorbed into the aquifer after it has been recycled and cleaned.

The recent impact of Hurricane Irma, along with the reality of global warming and water rise cannot be denied. I personally believe this to be an innovative and creative approach to addressing the issue of flooding and rising sea levels at the prominent entrance to Miami Beach. I'm sure there will be pockets of resistance to the proposed height of the tower. However, given the potential benefits to the city & community of having a large public space (in a prime location) it's a debate/ discussion well worth having.

In my opinion, the potential enhancement in value to the surrounding neighborhood / condo buildings justifies a building height compromise. This is potentially the "heighest and best use" of the 500 - 700 Blocks along Alton Road.

Longtime Fortune International Realty duo Allan Kleer and Fabian Garcia-Diaz left the firm to join One Sotheby’s International Realty. (Click here for full article)

Our sales are growing exponentially. We're a successful, highly experienced & professional Luxury Real Estate team with over 30 years of combined experience. We're committed to providing a top level of service to our clients, along with having a progressive and positive work environment that mentors the Real Estate leaders of tomorrow.

We are seeking qualified individuals to join our Downtown Miami / Brickell office. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated individual who can assist with daily operations, working with REAL Buyers & assist with showings of high value properties. Professional demeanor is required, along with your own transportation and the ability to adapt to a flexible work schedule.

Great opportunity for strong future income and to work among the best in the Real Estate industry. Please email your qualifications to :akleer@fir.com

No Phone Calls Please

Miami Beach home sales continue to reflect strong demand for well priced properties, especially remodeled waterfront homes & estates. We are also seeing significant unremodeled (land value) sales of both waterfront & non-waterfront homes recently closed in the City of Miami Beach. Below are the most signficant waterfront & non-waterfront sales from the last few weeks. Most notably, we're seeing the vast majority of waterfront homes in Miami Beach selling for LAND VALUES of between $404/SF - $632/SF. There have been a few notable exceptions to this trend- for a new & contemporary waterfront home, which sold on the Venetian Islands for $952/SF of land value (smaller lot), and a recent canalfront land sale which sold for $131/SF of land value in the Lake View subdivision of Miami Beach. Additionally, recent non-waterfront home sales on Miami Beach's Pine Tree Drive have ranged between $143/SF - $334/SF of land value, with the homes ranging from $334/SF up to $532/SF for an updated two story home, which closed on 8/30/2016.

Miami Beach's Recent Significant Waterfront Sales:

2920 North Bay Road - Seven Bedroom Magnificent & Remodeled Waterfront Estate with 170 linear feet of water frontage, WIDE Bay direct downtown Miami Skyline views, totally redone seven bedroom Estate Closed on 07/11/2016 for $19,950,000 ($415/SF of Land)

6385 Pinetree Drive Circle - Nine Bedroom Estate with 175 linear feet of water frontage, intracoastal, totally remodeled Grand Estate for closed for$19,000,000 on 08/22/2016 ($434/SF of Land)

440 W. Rivo Alto Drive - Venetian Islands Six Bedroom Brand New Architecturally Contemporary Home with 60 linear ft. of water frontage closed for $10,000,000 on 07/05/2016 ($952/SF of Land)

412 W. Dilido Drive - Venetian Islands (Land Value Sale). 90' linear water frontage closed on 09/02/2016 for $6,500,000 ($412/SF of Land)

860 Lakeview Drive - Canalfront 80 linear ft. of water frontage (land value sale) for $2,450,000 located adjacent to New Ritz Carlton Residences in Miami Beach's Lakeview Neighborhood ($131/SF) closed on 8/26/2016

609 East Dilido (Venetian Islands) - 60 linear ft of waterfront land value sale, house is a total redo (needs updating) closed on 5/26/16 for $4,325,000 ($411/SF of Land)

6300 North Bay Road (Upper North Bay Road)- 103 + linear ft of waterfront six bedroom breathtaking Estate, wide bay with direct downtown Miami skyline views. Totally updated & state of the art with new dock. Closed on 03/11/2016 for $10,270,000 ($407/SF)

55 East San Marino Drive (Venetian Islands) - 60 linear ft of three bedroom waterfront home was updated recently with lush landscaping & Intracoastal island views facing East. Sold for $5,300,000 on 1/19/2016 ($603/SF of Land)

295 N Coconut Lane (Palm Island) - 75 linear ft- this four bedroom waterfront home was totally remodeled in 2014 with cotemporary finishes, wide Bay DIRECT views of the downtown Miami skyline. $5,580,000 on 01/6/16 ($632/SF of land)

250 S. Coconut Lane (Palm Island) - 60 linear ft of waterfront, house was updated with new dock & views facing cruise ships and downtown Miami. $6,020,000 05/27/16 ($716/SF of Land)

5328 N Bay Road - 75 linear ft of waterfront six bedroom home ideal for updating with direct & wide bay downtown Miami views. Closed on 2/08/16 for $6,550,000 ($519/SF of Land)

1201 N. Venetian Way - 110 linear ft of waterfront, new six bedroom Contemporary Developer home (Decorator Ready) that new owner will add his own finishes. Property has direct downtown wide Bay Miami skyline views Closed on 01/15/2016 for $7,300,000 ($545/SF of land)

320 W. Rivo Alto Drive - 60 linear ft of waterfront, beautifully renovated four bedroom Mediterranean style home on Venetian Islands with furnishings included. $4,250,000 on 06/24/2016 ($404/SF)

28 W. San Marino Drive - Direct Downtown Miami skyline view with 100' of waterfront & new 53' dock, remodeled six bedroom home on San Marino Island with separate guest cottages & room for expansion of existing residence. $8,050,000 on 6/08/16 ($623/SF)

302 S. Coconut Lane - Direct downtown Miami skyline views, completely updated five bedroom contemporary home on Palm Island with 80' of waterfront, new dock + chef's kitchen. $4,700,000 on 06/15/16 ($538/SF)

Recent Non-Waterfront Sales in Miami Beach:

5236 Pine Tree Drive - Updated two story four bedroom home with 3,140 SF of living space. Closed on 8/30/2016 for $532/SF of liveable area & $220/SF of land value

5400 Pine Tree Drive - Land Value Sale closed for $1,340,000 Five Bedroom Home 4,002 SF of living space with unique architectural style. Closed on 08/12/2016 for $334/SF of liveable area & $143/SF of land value

5852 Pine Tree Drive - Updated Four Bedroom Home with guest cottage closed for $1,750,000 with 3,900+ SF of Living Space. Closed on 08/12/2016 for $443/SF of living space & $236/SF of land value.

Miami Beach Gearing up to celebrate 100th Birthday Anniversary- Top Rankings for your Favorite City

The holiday season is upon Miami Beach but there's much more to celebrate. Known as "America’s Riviera” and founded in 1915, the city will ring in its 100th birthday this coming year. The event will give host to a major 100-hour extravaganza that will appropriately celebrate Miami Beach's diverse and lively history. Apart from its centennial celebrations Miami Beach has been ranked over the years as one of the Top U.S. destinations in the world and now is one of the best times to live or visit South Beach with all the city has to offer.

Residents and visitors are always participating in the year-round festivals and festivities the city has to offer. Miami Beach is known for its diversity, its culture, fashion and art and much more. The infux of young professionals, entreprenuers and people from all over the globe has changed the landscape and vibe of the city, and with this new revival, the city is being recognized as a force to be recoknoned with in terms of real estate, art, tourism and year round festivals. Here is a list of Miami Beach's Top Rankings) over the years (in no particular order) and the many reasons you want to Live on or Love Miami Beach.

1. Most Popular City for the Holidays and ranked #2 As The Best City for Thanksgiving

2. Livability.com has ranked Miami Beach sixth in America list of 100 best places to live.

3. Miami Beach ranks second for vacation rentals.

4. Miami Beach Ranks as Costliest U.S. City to Stay Overnight on New Year's Eve compared to 30 major U.S. destinations. We Beat NYC!

5. Miami Beach has scored highest in the nation on Human Rights Campaign's (lgbt rights)

6. Ranked #24 postition for top City on the Edge of Greatness

7. Ranked #7 for Most Fiscally Fit City

8. Ranked #13 for America's Coolest City

9. World's largest collection of Art Deco Architecture

10. South Beach #1 for Best Beaches for Nightlife

11. South Beach is one of Top 10 Best Beaches in the World

12. Miami ranked #1 Best City for doing Business in Latin America

13. Top City for People-watching

14. Once America's Richest Zipcode (Fisher Island 33109) and wealthiest place to live

15. Miami Beach was dubbed the Sun and Fun Capital by Jackie Gleason