Downtown Miami’s Impressive Transformation

Downtown Miami’s transformation has been nothing short of impressive. The area has come a long way from being a business hub full of office high-rises to its current standing as a cosmopolitan city center with Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury accommodations.

“The Miami Downtown market has evolved from a more commoditized product type to a blend of all types of developments,” says Jay Phillip Parker, CEO of Douglas Elliman Florida. “The enhancement of the lifestyle offerings from restaurants, private clubs, and fitness studios have complemented the overall lifestyle available in the downtown core which has attracted a higher caliber of buyers.”

Much of the city’s growth has happened in the last few years as developers have capitalized on the city’s potential, transforming the area with new restaurants and upscale residential and hotel openings. Here we take a look at what Downtown Miami now has to offer.

Luxury Stays
The downtown area has several newly opened hotel residences and residential properties with some of the best views and amenities in Miami. “We believe that the Downtown core will become more attractive to a super luxury theme,” Parker tells Hamptons Real Estate Showcase. “As buyers begin to see downtown as a suitable location for ultra-luxury, several developers will offer top-of-the-line high-end residential, unlike anything we have seen.”

One of the newest openings downtown is The Residences at 1438 Brickell. With 189 thoughtfully designed luxury condos across 70 floors, residents get gorgeously designed two- to four-bedroom residences and access to 80,000 sq. ft. of amenities including a rooftop pool with poolside service and a 10,000 sq. ft. spa and gym. The burgeoning neighborhood continues to garner international and domestic attention as home to world-class brands and businesses.

At the Aston Martin Residences, one of the tallest residential buildings south of New York City, there are 391 residences from studio apartments to a spectacular 10,000 sq. ft. triplex penthouse. The project is a partnership between Aston Martin and G&G Business Developments. The residences all include panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and state-of-the-art amenities, including a private marina that can accommodate superyachts. 

Finally, the 49-story Elser Hotel & Residences has 646 rooms that look out onto Miami’s downtown skyline, and the property includes 24-hour concierge services, a two-story fitness center, and a cocktail bar in the lobby. The project is walking distance from some of the Miami’s major hotspots, including the new Miami World Center, the FTX Arena, The Science and Perez Art Museum and more.

Top Notch Dining
Miami’s downtown restaurant scene is flourishing, in part to the new wave of restaurants helmed by world-class chefs. For an intimate dining experience, head to the Bib-Gourmand-recognized Jaguar Sun, located in the lobby of the Miami Guild Downtown X hotel. The restaurant offers small pasta dishes, generous cocktails, and a raw menu featuring fresh oysters and scallops.

Great for a special night out, El Cielo Miami is a Michelin-starred diner in the heart of downtown Miami serving up modern Colombian cuisine in a warm, earth-toned dining room. For casual (but excellent) New York-style pizza, Miami Slice has gourmet pies with a heavenly crust, and MOTEK, a sunny Mediterranean diner has salmon skewers, four types of hummus, and an Arayes burger that won People’s Choice at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival.

Exciting Arts and Entertainment
Bayside Marketplace is a fixture in the downtown Miami area, and the waterfront outdoor retail and entertainment district is a convenient place to get drinks and a bite to eat before catching a Miami Heat game. Besides basketball, art reigns supreme in Miami too. The Perez Art Museum is a perennial favorite for modern and contemporary exhibits, and Verde, the museum’s restaurant, has a spacious patio for al fresco meals.

Another area attraction is the Phillip and Patricia Art Museum, a family-friendly venue with a 250-seat planetarium. Bayfront Park is a popular place to hang too. The park’s amphitheater is often the location of huge concerts, and the park is a great location for leisurely walks and bike rides. And a more recent addition to Downtown Miami’s landscape is the Miami Observation Wheel, which offers 42 glass gondolas with sweeping views of the city.