On the Market: Miami

Robin Lee

05/01/2008

LOCATION: The Miami Design District, just north of downtown, a growing neighborhood close to art galleries, furniture showrooms, restaurants and lounges.

BACKGROUND: Designed by Chad Oppenheim and developed by Nexus Development Group, the Cor building is progressive in both design and living. Working with a structural engineer and green consultant, the team created an exterior that will provide thermal mass and solar shading—sufficiently cooling the interior spaces, even during the hottest Florida weather. At full build out, Cor will be a mixed-use structure with 113 residential units, 10,000 square feet of retail space and 20,000 square feet of office space. Ground breaks this summer, with expected completion in 2010.

DESIGN: The exterior shear wall, concrete with a smooth stucco finish, and Low-E energy-efficient windows provide a modern design, while controlling building temperature. For added shade and privacy, the lower part of the tower will feature a metal screen wall. All balconies, terraces and the "green roof" have locally sourced stone surfaces. Interior design is flexible, with floor plans ranging from studios and one-bedroom duplexes—with the opportunity to buy and combine adjacent units—to two- and three-bedroom penthouses with private terraces and access to the green roof. Wind turbines, located above the roof, have been incorporated into the building’s unique design and will help produce energy for residential, office and retail spaces.

GREEN: Aside from producing its own energy, Cor will also add a gray water system for landscape irrigation. Each unit will feature over-11-foot ceilings for optimal natural light and ventilation, bamboo floors, recycled glass tiles, concrete or PaperStone countertops, dual flush toilets, low-VOC paints and locally sourced stones and materials. Cor supports a pedestrian-friendly environment, has bike racks in the parking garage and is located near public transportation, which residents and office employees are encouraged to use.

MARKET INQUIRIES: $300,000 to $4.5 million. Chad Oppenheim, Oppenheim Architecture + Design, 305.576.8404, www.oppenoffice.com