Miami Real Estate Developer Ugo Colombo Talks Concrete and Condominiums During Brickell Flatiron Foundation Pour

Ugo Colombo is one of South Florida's most influential developers. From Milan, Italy, he came to the United States in 1983; three years later founding CMC Group, a fully-integrated real estate development company.

Colombo has created many luxury propertiesÔÇöEpic Residences and Hotel, a condominium and hotel; the Santa Maria and Bristol Tower; Grovenor House in Coconut Grove; Porto Vita, a Mediterranean-style village in Aventura; and Beach House 8, a boutique condominium on Miami Beach. He owns The Collection, a top performing luxury car dealership housed at 4000 Ponce, an office/retail space.

Currently, Colombo is developing Brickell Flatiron, a 64-story glass tower with 549 residences within walking distance from Brickell City Centre ' and it's preparing to go vertical. 

Last weekend, Colombo and a crew of about 700 construction workers from general contractor Moss & Associates effectively stopped traffic for 24-hours in the heart of Miami to conduct a massive concrete foundation pour, which paved the way for vertical development to begin.

We sat down with Colombo during the massive operation to get his insight on his approach to design and development. Here's what he had to say:

Q:  How would you describe your approach to the development process?

A: Maybe it's my Italian blood, but I prefer to take painstaking measures that ensure every project detail falls into place. I believe that my work is a reflection of my values, so I get very involved in the entire development process and rarely take a back seat. I am committed to seeing a well-thought-out vision executed through quality design. My ultimate goal with any project is to build timeless, livable works of art.

Q: What is your favorite part about the development process?

A: The process of selecting the materials and finishes. I am a stickler for perfection, so we travel to Italy to hand select interior materials, finishes and customize the cabinetry. Upscale European design, innovative technology, and top-of-the-line appliances is what our customers have come to expect. I appreciate those who appreciate the effort and time we put into our buildings, so I always go the extra mile.

Q: What do you think sets your buildings apart from other developments?

A: Our commitment to quality & innovation. We take our time on each project, paying attention to every single detail from the finishes to the technology. Attention to the smallest details has become CMC Group's mark of distinction. Buyers recognize that our projects are built to last.

Q: What is your favorite building feature at Brickell Flatiron?

A: The 64th floor rooftop amenities level. As one of the tallest residential buildings in Miami, the rooftop at Brickell Flatiron houses an incredible pool, spa and fitness center. Soaring 700 ft in the sky provides spectacular views that can be appreciated even while running on the treadmill.

Q: What is your design philosophy?

A: I always begin building from the inside-out. I feel that quality & effortless functionality are the essential ingredients of a memorable, elegant living space.

Q: What is your vision for Brickell Flatiron

A: Once complete, Brickell Flatiron will be a retreat in the center of one of the most desirable parts of Miami. We're not offering gimmicks; we are offering a high-quality product, timeless design, and an unmatched location. Our buyers will benefit from the prestige of living in Brickell ' a brand synonymous with an upscale, urban lifestyle ' which is known on an international level and is sure to maintain its reputation and value.

Q: Last queston: favorite Brickell eatery?

A: Zuma. Not just because it is located in one of my developments (EPIC Residences & Hotel). It really has some of the best sushi I have ever tasted.

During the pour, the strip of SE 11th Street between the project site and the sales center was temporary closed and normal traffic flow did not resume until pouring concluded late Saturday evening. 

When it was all said and done, nearly 150 mixing trucks carrying 1,250 truckloads rotated in shifts to bring approximately 12,500 cubic yards of concrete weighing more than 50 million pounds into a massive excavated hole for the tower's concrete mat, which sits on top of 700 100-foot-deep steel pilings.

Upon its completion in 2019, Brickell Flatiron will be one of the tallest residential towers in the U.S., Hovering 736-feet above street level. With its distinct flatiron shape and prominent position at the epicenter of downtown Miami's Brickell Financial District, the 549-unit building was designed by architect Luis Revuelta and interior architect Massimo Iosa Ghini of Italy's Iosa Ghini Associati. 

Units range from 1- to 5-bedroom condos, with a limited collection of penthouse and duplex residences available, measuring up to 6,246 square feet in size. All units will be adorned with the finest materials, including Italian-made custom cabinets, stainless steel appliances, Italian marble floors, high ceilings with recessed lighting, custom Italian doors, energy-efficient windows, and glass balcony railings.

Brickell Flatiron's 64th-floor rooftop Sky Spa, Sky Pool and Sky Gym will offer residents inspiring 360-degree panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami's glimmering cityscape. Residents will have access to a host of therapeutic services and other offerings including private steam, sauna and locker facilities, and a 6,300 square foot state-of-the-art fitness center with Pilates, yoga and aerobics studios.

Additional features will include a resort-style lap pool and children's pool on the 18th floor, access to the Flatiron Theater with stadium seating, an executive meeting room, a billiard and cigar room, a wine cellar, a 24-hour concierge and parking valet, on-site vehicle washing and detailing, and electric car-charging stations.

Unit prices range from $465,000 to $2.5 million, with penthouses priced up to $15.5 million.

For more information about Brickell Flatiron, including preconstruction sales opportunities, please contact Cervera Real Estate at 305.400.7400, or visit the project's sales & design gallery at 1001 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33130. Learn more at www.brickellflatiron.com. 

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