This giant pineapple is why you couldn't get anywhere on the beach today. The Faena Forum Grand Opening parade included giant food being speared onto a giant shish kabob, street performers galore, and a fleet of purple Mercedes. Oh and a piñata that looks like a wedding cake wearing a bunch of Madonna bras by artist Carlos Betancourt. Check back later for commentary.
Over the past week or so I've had the fun of attending two particularly big grand openings for two big development projects in Brickell: Brickell City Centre and SLS Brickell. They were thrown by two of Miami's biggest developers, Related and Swire, eager to show off their fanciest. flashiest. latest, and largest new projects.
Louver House, a low-rise urban infill (okay, more of a mid-rise in the context of South Beach) condo South-of-Fifth recently topped off and its developers are holding a little topping off party very soon. It was designed by the fabulous local architect Rene Gonzalez. The party's on the roof of the building, which is still very much under construction. No I'm not saying when. It's a private party, so keep your hoi-paloi ass at home.
As the market cools and we're seeing a flurry of condo tower cancelations or 'on hold's, we're also seeing a flurry of buildings topping off or being completed. Paraiso Bay, the first of four towers in the Paraiso District to begin construction, has reached its full height and has just topped off, according to the Related Group.
