Real Estate Industry News

The first Standard Hotel opened its doors in 1999, and ever since, has since disrupted the boutique hospitality industry with its ultra-cool brand of design, community and culture. Today, it has locations throughout the US, the UK, Maldives, Thailand—and will be opening its first residences in Miami, in partnership with Rosso Development.

The 12-story building, set to break ground in 2022 with expected completion by mid-2023, will be located at the heart of Midtown, centrally positioned between The Design District and Wynwood. It will feature 228 pied-à-terre-style residences ranging from studios to two bedrooms—ranging from 432 sq. ft. to 965 sq. ft. in size, and from $329,000 to $829,000 in price—designed by Arquitectonica and Urban Robot. It will be the first property in the area to recognize the Flexible Living movement, which allows owners to lease out their units for as short as one month. Residents will also gain access to The Standard’s “Friends with Benefits” program, which earns them preferred pricing at all The Standard hotel properties around the world.

We spoke to Amar Lalvani, Executive Chairman of Standard International, to learn more:

The Standard is present in all the top cities in the world. What made you decide on Miami as your first location for your expansion into residences?

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There is no better place to launch The Standard Residences than Miami, which has emerged as one of the most dynamic cities in the world, and just a place we love. We’re no strangers to the market as Miami has been home to The Standard Spa, Miami Beach for almost 15 years and is one of our most beloved and special properties. It’s a place that people come to and never want to leave which is what we’re creating with our first residences. A Standard that you never have to leave!

What made The Standard decide to get into residences?

We have contemplated the possibility of developing Standard Residences for many years but hadn’t found the right moment or opportunity. Somehow this crisis created the right moment to reinvent living with so many people enabled to live a more flexible lifestyle and less tied down to a specific place. We, of course, at the same time must recognize how brutally difficult the pandemic has been for so many. But this moment in time, companies are waking up to the realities of remote or hybrid work and the next generation of creative, knowledge professionals are embracing the new dynamic full force. And I do not see them ever returning to the status quo. Our first three residential projects are in cities that are on the forefront of this fundamental transition: Miami, Lisbon and Austin (The Saint Cecilia Residences under our Bunkhouse brand). All places we would personally choose to live or have a pied-à-terre.

What made you decide on Midtown for your location?

[We] pride ourselves on anchoring emerging neighborhoods which is what we will do in Midtown. It is vibrant, youthful, and pedestrian-oriented with easy walking access to the Design District and Wynwood. Neighborhood dynamics that are rare in Miami. But somehow it still lacks that social and cultural hub. And that’s what we do best.

In building a property during these Covid times, what were some of the things you had to consider, or changes you’ve had to put into place to adapt to these times?

We’re looking at this for the long term and take the optimistic view that with vaccines and therapeutics, Covid will be something we get past or at least learn to safely live with. Having said that, we’ve focused on our outdoor spaces, namely the rooftop pool as well as our wellness offering given people’s desire to care for themselves. We have an infrared sauna and a pickle ball court as well. Karaoke, too. Joy and togetherness will be an important part of healing in the coming years.

The Standard is known for its social experiences. What are some of the unique activities or experiences residents can expect here?

Much like our hotels, The Standard Residences, Midtown Miami will have a vibrant thoughtfully designed and activated lobby that will offer a venue for residents to connect, work and socialize. The rooftop will feature a stunning pool that will be both a serene escape and lively scene, depending on the day and hour. This particular property will have a robust wellness offering that will include a state-of-the-art sweat room and fitness center, an infrared sauna, an indoor pickleball court, and yoga and stretch studios.

At The Standard, we are known for our social programming as well. We will have the karaoke bar I mentioned, as well as a screening room, to bring the community together. The ground floor of the property will have 10,000 square feet of retail and dining carefully selected by our in-house team. A dedicated Standard concierge will be available around the clock to assist owners. Lots of stuff for dogs, too. Seriously, very pet-friendly like our hotels.

How has the reception been? Are the buyers mostly local from Miami, from different parts of the US, or from overseas?

The response has been incredible. The residences are already 50% reserved within a few weeks of launching. We are seeing strong domestic buyer demand from areas including New York, California, Massachusetts and the Midwest.

Where are you planning to open your next residences next?

We have residences in the works in Lisbon to coincide with the opening of The Standard, Lisbon there which will be stunning. Such a perfect city for us. A place we certainly never want to leave… except for visits to Miami, of course.

Congratulations on the opening of the Hua Hin property, and soon Bangkok! Do you have plans of opening in other cities in Asia in the future?

Thank you. Hua Hin came out just magical and Bangkok will be an absolute stunner, located in the tallest building in Thailand with sweeping views of the city. Next up in that part of the world will be The Standard, Singapore and The Standard, Melbourne (Australia, not Asia of course). Both are coming along very nicely and once again will be anchors for their neighborhoods. The Singapore property is an urban oasis just steps from the buzzy Orchard Road and Melbourne is in the heart of Fitzroy which is absolutely the coolest part of the city with a rich cultural and punk rock music history which we love. We also developed a new, thoughtful chill brand, The Peri Hotels, which we launched during the pandemic in Thailand—in Hua Hin, and adjacent to a stunning national park in Khao Yai. More Peri’s to come, too, in that part of the world.

           The Standard Residences Midtown Miami will be located at 3100 NE 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit  www.thestandardmiamiresidences.com