Just southwest of Downtown Miami lies the city of Coral Gables, developed by real estate planner George Edgar Merrick during the 1920’s. The city became one of the first planned communities in the United States, utilizing the multi-storied, stuccoed surfaces of the Mediterranean Revival Style. As a result of Merrick’s generosity and connections as Coral Gables’ county commissioner, the city is home to the University of Miami, which is credited to Merrick via his donation of 600 acres of land as well as $5 million.
In addition to the University of Miami, which is still located in Coral Gables, the city is also home to the luxurious Village of Merrick Park and the historic Venetian Pool. However, by late 2014 Coral Gables will also be home to another Merrick namesake—Merrick Manor. The development will be the city’s first luxury condominium project since Miami’s recent building industry boom, blending contemporary living with classic, Mediterranean style.
In late January Merrick Manor celebrated the grand opening of its new sales center with a cocktail party hosted by the project’s developers, The Astor Companies and Cervera Real Estate. The event drew more than 1,200 real estate professionals as well as interested buyers and community members. Guests were invited to enjoy a spread of champagne and hors d’oeuvres while touring the new facility. Located just steps from the Village of Merrick Park (which includes notable boutiques such as Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Tiffany & Co., Gucci and more) on Ponce de Leon Boulevard, the Merrick Manor Sales Center soiree proved to be an excellent indication of the luxury apartments to come.
The sales center doubled as a showroom during the event, mimicking the look of the impending 180-unit development with full-scale replica kitchen, bathroom and “sneak-peek” renderings, crafted by designer Michael Wolk. Guests were also able to get a look at a few of the interior amenities such as the sample Grohe® and Duravit® plumbing fixtures, Snaidero® Italian cabinets and vanities and built-in Bosch® stainless steel appliances. The vision for Merrick Manor is a seven-story, mixed-used site complete with 10 floors and apartments ranging from 790 to 1,200 square feet. The project will also include 11,740 square feet of retail space and 5,946 square feet of office space.
Other amenities provided inside the apartments are custom wood entrances with wrapped LED lighting, quartz counter tops, a white quartz waterfall island, marble bathrooms and spacious balconies. In keeping with the current luxury apartment trend which blends the comforts of home with the conveniences of an upscale hotel, residents will also enjoy the 5th Floor “Merrick Retreat and Entertainment Complex," featuring a landscaped skyterrace pool, indoor/outdoor fitness center, al fresco yoga studio and outdoor entertainment area (complete with summer kitchen and barbeque). While prices for the apartments will range between $215,000 and $486,000, nearly 70% of the units have already sold. Construction on Merrick Manor will begin this summer.
