Author Archives: timallen

Get Ready for the New and Improved Bass Museum

Are you a fan of art museums? If so, you may be well aware of the closure of The Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach. After closing its doors way back in 2015, the 53-year-old contemporary art museum is once again opening its doors on Sunday, boasting new art spaces and even a slightly tweaked name just in time for the arrival of Art Basel.

Now known simply as The Bass, the city-owned museum underwent a $10+ million expansion and revamp intended to shift it towards cutting-edge contemporary art. The people behind the project are aiming to boost the museum’s appeal as more and more people associate Miami Beach with a contemporary art vibe.

Existing work like the massive “Coronation of the Virgin” by Botticelli isn’t going anywhere, but future visitors to The Bass will find it in an enhanced gallery space alongside a rotating collection of works by current artists. The juxtaposition of classical and contemporary may help give The Bass a unique edge in an otherwise crowded space.

Other highlights at the revamped Bass include an expanded lobby and reception area, a glassed-in court to be used for events and art installations, a large 20+ foot glass wall framed by a pair of trees, and much more.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in Continuum South Beach.If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum North Tower for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on current sales and rentals.

Pitbull Has Big Plans for Miami Beach

If you live in Miami, chances are you’re very familiar with a certain celebrity who goes by the monikers of “Mr. 305” or “Mr. Worldwide”. If you guessed Pitbull, you are correct! The rapper has become quite the star in the Magic City as well as throughout the world. The Miami native legally known as Armando Christian Pérez has had several hits including “Give Me Everything”, “Feel This Moment” featuring Christina Aguilera, and “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)”.

With his undying support for Miami and reinforcing its worldwide exposure, Pitbull recently made headlines after it was reported he will be launching a new project. No, it’s not a new album (he already did that earlier this year). Instead, Pitbull plans to open a new restaurant in what is arguably South Florida’s hottest thoroughfare: Ocean Drive. The eatery will be called iLov305 and will occupy the Bon Air Hotel’s former home. Considering his status as a major Miami celebrity, it’s almost a guarantee iLov305 will become a major success.

The restaurant business is not an entirely new endeavor for Pitbull. In 2012, he became an equity partner in Miami Grill, a well-known local favorite formerly known as Miami Subs Grill.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum in South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum South Tower for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

Exciting Events This Week

Ten days into October, the month is shaping up to be jam-packed with a host of events happening in Miami Beach and beyond. Without further ado, let’s explore the some of the numerous highlights.

Tomorrow night, Miami’s music community will come together at Hoy Como Ayer in Little Havana to participate in a fundraiser called One Song & A Beatle. The event is aimed at helping the victims of the recent storms and natural disasters such as Puerto Rico and Mexico. All of the proceeds generated will go towards the American Red Cross. A $10 minimum donation is required to enter.

On Thursday, The French Horn Collective will perform at North Beach Bandshell beginning at 7 pm. The band plays an energetically diverse selection of original French music, jazz, and swing. As for the members, they each come from diverse musical backgrounds. There is no cost to enjoy the great music.

On Friday, the III Points Festival returns featuring a fusion of music, arts, technology, and more. There is some major talent expected for the fifth installment of the event, including bands like Gorillaz and The xx. There will also be plenty of local talent present and lots of great food to try. The event continues throughout the weekend at Mana Wynwood.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum in South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum condos for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

Check out the New and Improved LIV

In terms of Miami Beach’s best party hotspots, few places reach the popularity and acclaim of longtime favorite LIV on Collins Avenue. The club closed its doors for the summer season to undergo a massive, $10 million makeover and recently reopened. The new LIV is a “360-degree experience” created in collaboration with an acclaimed design firm.

Among the numerous highlights of the new LIV are the numerous LED panels designed to produce light that move along to the rhythm of the high-energy dance music. These lights are attached to an enormous “spider” that drops from the dome, hovering over guests as they dance the night away. A pair of winding staircases will lead guests to new plush banquettes while the projection-mapped stage boasts customized backdrops. There is also plenty of artwork to admire created by local artists found along LIV’s walls.

LIV originally opened its doors in 2007 and has since become a preferred hotspot for locals, celebrities, and athletes. Some of the names that have celebrated at the club include former Miami Heat player Dwyane Wade and it has also welcomed musical acts such as producer DJ Khaled and singer-songwriter Justin Bieber.

LIV is located at 4441 Collins Avenue in the Fontainebleau.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum in South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum condos for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

Try These Great Miami Beach Restaurants

Every so often it’s worth taking a moment to mention some of the best places to try in and around Miami Beach. Whether you’re a longtime local or someone who plans on moving to South Beach, you may want to give these places a try the next time you’re trying to decide where to eat.

If you’ve spent any time in New York, you may be familiar with Artichoke Basille’s Pizza. The popular NYC hangout recently debuted right here in South Beach, in Ricky’s South Beach to be precise. Have an entire pie or just a slice of the Sicilian Pizza, Margherita Pizza, or the namesake pizza which includes not only artichokes but also spinach, pecorino romano cheese, and more.

Lutum over on Bay Road is a product of the team behind the mezcaleria known as El Grito. For those interested, the menu includes plenty of food options inspired by Miami’s richly distinct array of cultures. This means you can try everything from falafel Scotch eggs to a good old-fashioned burger.

Not far from Lutum on West Avenue is Soul Tavern, a vegetarian gastropub located in the area of Sunset Harbour. Have some burgers and fries or pizza all without the usual meat or try some of the cold-pressed juices and Chinese herbal elixirs.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum in South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum North Tower for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on current sales and rentals.

Take Advantage of #MiamiNow

In what may be an effort to get locals and tourists back into the Miami lifestyle following the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) recently launched a new promotion dubbed #MiamiNow. The promotion is a fusion of several GMCVB programs including Miami Spice, Shop Miami Month, and more.

As part of #MiamiNow, Miami Spice has received an extension and will continue until the 31st of October. For those unfamiliar with it, Miami Spice involves over 100 restaurants offering three-course meals at significantly reduced prices at $23 per person for lunch and brunch or $39 per person for dinner.

To boost demand, #MiamiNow will also include promotional rates and special amenity packages at many hotels in Miami hotspots such as Coconut Grove, Downtown Miami, and Miami Beach. Some of the major names include the ultra popular Fontainebleau and the Ritz-Carlton South Beach.

Miami Spa Month also makes a triumphant return. Over twenty distinct spas are offering treatments for a mere $109 or $139.

If you’re interested in learning more about #MiamiNow and the various offers, visit http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/special-offers/miami-now. The promotion will remain in effect until the end of October. See you at the spas and restaurants!

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum in South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum South Tower for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on current sales and rentals.

A Brief Look into South Beach’s History

Today, South Beach is home to some of the most valuable real estate in the southeastern United States, including the Continuum condos. Considering its status today, it’s worth going back and exploring a bit of its humble beginnings.

South Beach originally started off as farmland. In the late 1870s, several acres of it were purchased by Charles and Henry Lum for the purpose of coconut farming. Charles Lum would go on to build the area’s first ever beach house in 1886. By the late 1890s, the Lum siblings had moved on and left American Quaker farmer John Collins in charge of the plantation.

It wasn’t until 1913 that entrepreneur Carl G. Fisher arrived in South Beach and began devising plans to turn the area into a thriving metropolis. By 1915, Fisher, Collins, and Miami businessmen the Lummus Brothers joined forces to incorporate the Town of Miami Beach.

In 1920, South Beach grew by leaps and bounds, attracting the attention of notable millionaires like Harvey Firestone and James Cash “J. C.” Penney. The following decade saw the rise of the area’s distinctive Art Deco architecture and by 1940, there were nearly 30,000 people living there. South Beach would experience even greater popularity in the 1960s when comedian, actor, and writer Jackie Gleason brought his namesake variety series to the area.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum in South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum condos for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

Miami’s Musically-Themed Labor Day Weekend Events

The upcoming Labor Day weekend means many of us will be enjoying a much-needed extra day off. As is the case in South Florida, lots of events will be going on to celebrate the holiday, and we’re here to highlight a few of them.

Tomorrow, the venerable American rock band Goo Goo Dolls will perform at the Bayfront Park Amphitheater as part of their Long Way Home Summer Tour. The band is perhaps best known for its major hits “Name” and “Iris” released in 1994 and 1998, respectively.

In keeping with the music theme, the WeTheKeyDJs Conference is going down this weekend. If you’re a fan of watching talented individuals work their turntable magic, some of the most popular DJs in the world will be spinning tunes at the Fontainebleau Hotel.

If you happen to be anywhere near Key Biscayne on Sunday, you may wish to check out the Tequila Bay Music Festival being held at Miami Marine Stadium. A number of country artists including famous names like Montgomery Gentry and Kip Moore will be performing. Don’t forget to try the various varieties of tequila at the Casa Tequila.

What exciting plans do you have for the long weekend?

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum in South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum North Tower for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on current sales and rentals.

Happy Hour with a View

It may only be the middle of the week but many of us work hard to make ends meet, and we all deserve some time to just kick back and relax. If you’re the type of person who likes to unwind at a happy hour, these suggestions may do just the trick the next time you’re in the mood to try a new spot with some nice views.

We’ll begin with Juvia on Lincoln Road. This place has earned itself quite the following and it’s even been mentioned in the New York Times as well as USA Today for its stellar vistas. Definitely stop by during the hours of 6 pm to 8 pm to admire the gorgeous sunset as you sip on discounted cocktails like the Juvia Punch infused with passion fruit or the Juvia Mockingbird. The place also has a selection of bar bites to choose from.

Whisper Cocktail Lounge is located at the stylish W Miami on the 50th floor, so you already know the views will be stunning. Formerly known as Club Fifty, you can enjoy happy hour Wednesday through Saturday beginning at 5 pm until 8 pm. Ladies drink free on Wednesdays and Thursdays become a celebratory throwback to the 80s and 90s featuring games, music, and more.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum in South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum North Tower for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on current sales and rentals.

Miami Beach Has a New Plan for Ocean Drive

Navigating around on Ocean Drive’s sidewalks can be a tricky process, especially on the weekends when activity is typically high with pedestrians. To try and alleviate some of the “congestion”, Miami Beach is launching a new experimental initiative of sorts aimed at making South Beach’s perennially popular thoroughfare a little more pedestrian friendly.

Beginning the first weekend of September, Miami Beach intends to block off a single traffic lane so pedestrians can safely utilize it. The initiative will essentially expand the sidewalk by five feet which should make it easier to navigate as well as improving safety. This new experiment will remain in effect throughout the rest of the month. The way it will work is Ocean Drive will become a one-way southbound lane extending from Fifth to 11th Street. For those wondering about the fewer street parking spots, the city is encouraging drivers to take advantage of the municipal garages located at Seventh, 13th and 16th streets.

For those who may be concerned about these changes, it’s worth emphasizing that this new experiment will only be happening during the weekends. The one exception is Labor Day weekend where Ocean Drive’s one-way lane will remain in effect until the early morning hours on Tuesday.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum in South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum condos for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.