Two Arts District Condo Towers Break Ground

Coral Gables-based H&H Development Co., headed by Harvey Hernandez, is developing Mondrian. In addition to 176 one-bedroom, two-bedroom and loft-style residences, the 18-story tower will contain 10,000 sf of retail space along with studios for artists to work in and art galleries. The estimated construction cost is $60 million.

The one- and two-bedroom units with nine-foot ceilings and lofts with 23-foot ceilings range in size from 738 sf to 1,350 sf. Nearly all contain a work studio and working artists are among the targeted buyers, according to Hernandez. Unit sales prices range from the $200,000s to the $500,000s. "I wanted to create a motivating place that would stimulate the minds of art enthusiasts," Hernandez says.

Units include terraces and walk-in closets. Property amenities include a sun deck with an infinity-edge pool; a sauna, spa and meditation garden; fitness center; yoga and Pilates studio, and a wine cellar. The architect is locally based Fullerton Diaz. A row of vertical windows along the interior elevator lobbies replicate the work of the artist for which the building is named.

Meanwhile, Star Loft Associates Ltd. obtained a $16-million loan from Mellon United National Bank in order to break ground for Star Lofts on the Bay, which is described as a "boutique bay-front condominium." The developer is a Florida general partnership that includes Lauris Boulanger, founder of the construction company that bears his name, which is general contractor for the project.

Units in the 23-story, all-loft tower range from 626-sf studios to a 5,500-sf full-floor penthouse. Selling prices begin in the mid $500,000s and reach to $2.5 million, according to David Hirschfeld, a principal of the development partnership. The property includes a bay-front infinity-edge pool, meditation garden, spa and fitness center and will provide 24/7 concierge service.