How ELLE Residences Are Bringing a Touch of Europe to Miami
Vertical Developments' CEO shares insights into the fashion media brand's first real estate venture.
Miami’s condo market is ripe with luxury high-rise developments that attract a high-profile clientele. After Armani, Fendi and many others, ELLE is the latest European brand that wants a slice of the scrumptious Magic City pie.
The internationally acclaimed fashion media brand has chosen Miami for its first ever real estate foray. Developed by Vertical Developments and Urban Network Capital Group, ELLE Residences Miami will blend the iconic Parisian flair with the dynamic energy of Miami’s cultural scene.
Set to rise at 3618 NE Fifth Ave. in the Edgewater neighborhood, the 25-story condo tower will feature 180 turnkey units, 7,290 square feet of retail and 121 parking spaces. Behar, Font & Partners is the architect of record, with The One Atelier—known for real estate projects with Dolce & Gabbana and Karl Lagerfeld, among others—leading interiors.
The developers intend to break ground on ELLE Residences Miami next year, with plans calling for one- and two-bedroom configurations, alongside a collection of penthouses, ranging from 450 to 845 square feet. Prices will start at $525,000 and the owners will be able to rent out their residences on a short-term basis—another emerging trend in Miami—if they want to.
We talked to Vertical Developments CEO Fernando de Nuñez y Lugones about this project and how European brands are making a long-lasting impact on Miami’s luxury condo market.
Tell us more about the European flair behind ELLE Residences Miami.
Nuñez y Lugones: The European flair will be evident in every aspect of the property, from the sophisticated interiors and curated art to the selected furniture pieces and luxurious amenities. The residences are designed with a chevron-patterned flooring that is very much a touch of a classic Parisian apartment, and we’ve brought in some wood, black metal and glass panels that are typical of a classic bistro.
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How will old-continent luxury mix with the local culture at this development?
Nuñez y Lugones: The urban city meets French Riviera lifestyle fostered at ELLE Residences Miami naturally complements Miami’s energy and elegance. Amenities will cater to the city’s love for outdoor living and tropical climate, which is why we have two resort-style pool decks. The project is one of the only few that will have a rooftop pool and an amenity deck at that level in Edgewater, with stunning unobstructed views to the north.
It also has an incredible location that provides access to some of the best things in the city—easy travel to the airport, to the beach, to Miami Design District and more.
The 25-story ELLE Residences Miami will rise in the Edgewater neighborhood. All renderings courtesy of Vertical Developments and Urban Network Capital Group 
In addition to the residential offerings, the building will also include retail spaces. 
ELLE Residences Miami’s grand double-height lobby. 
ELLE Residences Miami will feature one- and two-bedroom floorplans ranging from 450 to 845 square feet. 
All residences will have ELLE Decor-inspired interiors.
Are there any particular European luxury elements that you believe will resonate most with Miami condo buyers?
Nuñez y Lugones: Miami buyers are discerning and prioritize design and aesthetics. I believe the turnkey residences will highly resonate with such buyers as young professionals, creatives, design and fashion enthusiasts, investors and the city’s movers and shakers.
The project’s décor and furnishings, which feature design-influenced interiors inspired by ELLE Décor, bring in key elements of the ELLE brand and are reminiscent of a Parisian pied-à -terre. Additionally, the amenities will have a distinct European feeling.
What other European brands are you collaborating with for this project?
Nuñez y Lugones: ELLE is collaborating with The One Atelier, an interior design firm based in London and Milan, to curate the interiors. The design will incorporate key pieces from several European designers and brands featured on in the ELLE Décor top 100 list. We are also working closely with various ELLE and ELLE Décor editors to bring their perspective and eyes to the design.
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Miami has become a must-be-in location for brands. How does this influence the local multifamily market?
Nuñez y Lugones: The fact that such a prestigious brand like ELLE chose Miami for its first venture into real estate speaks volumes about the city’s appeal and influence. For the local market, the city is definitely witnessing a surge in branded projects, and it has gotten more competitive and brought a new level of design integrity and thought to what is being developed.
To stand out and succeed amid this growth, developments must distinguish themselves not only through their brand associations but also through their unique offerings, such as distinctive amenities and innovative design.
In your opinion, what’s the connection between Florida’s strong economy and European brands seeking real estate investments?
Nuñez y Lugones: Florida’s economy has been ranked as the strongest in the nation for the second consecutive year, making it highly attractive for European brands looking to invest in the U.S. real estate market.
Miami stands out as a prime investment opportunity due to its robust economic prospects, boosted by significant migration, a strong international culture and the relocation of many large corporations to the area. These factors contribute to the metro’s continued growth and position it as an ideal destination for European brands seeking to expand and capitalize on its future economic development.
And how do you expect these brands to impact Miami’s luxury condo market going forward?
Nuñez y Lugones: I believe that developments by European brands will set a new standard in Miami’s condo market. Their innovative and elegant design, combined with the prestige of being associated with a historic and trendsetting name, will redefine the essence of luxury living.
I’m looking forward to seeing how these brands will usher in a new level of style and personality to the city. The entrée of European brands is defining this moment in time.
