The Mandarin Oriental. Photo by George Apostolidis
The Guide: Miami
November 1, 2005
If you associate miami solely with retirees and tourists, you have not experienced the new Miami. Home to some of the most pioneering residential design and cultural events in the nation, the city hosts a thriving Latin-American art scene and some of the most significant contemporary architecture in the world, with architects competing for both projects and prestige. But despite its wealth of offerings, the city still functions a lot like a small town—where neighbors stop to chat and people are friendly.
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The private residence of architect Chad Oppenheim. Photography by Ken Hayden. (Click image to enlarge.) Lay of the land
Miami is essentially a collection of islands connected by a series of causeways, which means that nearly every property is on or very close to the water. However, while ocean frontage is common, beach frontage is not. The most coveted single-family residences are on the area’s many islands, whose generous coastlines allow enough room to dock a yacht in your backyard. But if it is sand you seek, then head to Miami Beach. The 10 miles of coastline that stretch from South Beach north to Bal Harbour are dotted with a mix of high-end condominium towers and boutique design hotels nestled on white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.
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A selection of home accessories available at NiBa. Photography by Simon Hare. (Click image to enlarge.) Real Estate: The High Life
Ocean views may be ample, but land is not, and the finite amount of space has caused buildings to soar upward. To ease the monolithic skyline, the city’s top developers have brought in brand-name architects who have created buildings as artful as they are abundant. In the best buildings, expect to pay $500,000 for a one-bedroom condo to upward of $15 million for a penthouse.
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