The Murano Grande was conceived as a larger follow up to The Related Group's original South Fifth Masterpiece- The Murano at Portofino.  A unique luxury building- with it's own design, architectural style, and amenities- the Murano Grande South Beach is a  luxury condominium building located at 400 Alton Road, just South of Fifth Street. 

No detail was spared in the construction of the Murano Grande, from the unique design of the shared spaces (conceived by The Rockwell Group), to the form and modern layout of the two story lobby.  The Murano Grande evokes a contemporary feel, with a strong emphasis on the preservation of large open spaces.  The lobby features a 24 hour security desk, as well as a concierge service desk.  Since the building was completed in 2003, I have had the priviledge of representing many of it's sellers and buyers.  Almost all of my clients have LOVED living here.

10 Reasons why The Murano Grande South Beach is one of the most popular Miami Beach luxury condo buildings:

• 1.  The strong management staff- Top notch and long-term employees.
• 2.  Top-tier amenities- including Tennis Courts, beautiful waterfall pool deck, and a well appointed gymnasium.
• 3.  Incredible Views of downtown Miami, Biscayne Bay, Fisher Island, Star Island, and the city of Miami Beach.
• 4.  Location- South of Fifth Street yet right next to the Miami Beach marina and the Fifth & Alton Shopping Center.
• 5.  Amazing kitchens- Featuring Miele Appliances, high end cabinetry, and large granite countertops in every condominium.
• 6.  Hurricane Impact Windows throughout the entire property.  This one feature puts this condo building one notch above all others built prior to the passage of the stricter construction codes of 2001.
• 7.  The separation of traffic among three towers- with elevators opening to semi-private and private foyers.
• 8.  Financial Stability- There have been short sales in the building in the past year, yet the condo association is well managed and has reduced delinquency rates to under 5% and has strong reserves.
• 9.  Active Social Committees- The Board of Directors and management organize semi-regular social functions aimed at creating a sense of community among full and part-time residents.
• 10. Large Terraces- Every condominium in the building has surprisingly large terraces, with all condos facing the Bay having extra large wrap around balconies.

Currently there are 40 condos available for sale at the Murano Grande. View the Listings.

As a former resident and owner at The Murano, I've experienced intimately this very special boutique luxury building.  Located at the Southernmost western end of South Beach, right where government cut intersects with the island of Miami Beach.  As the name implies, The Murano at Portofino was inspired by the beautiful Italian blown glass. The architecture of the Murano condo building very much echoes this, with unique green tinted windows and curved glass throughout.

A few of the reasons why the Murano's price points have barely been affected by South Florida's real downturn:

- An exceptionally well managed property with a long-time on-site management staff that takes pride in working at THE premier Bayfront building in South Beach.  From the moment you enter the reception area, the valet staff, the concierges, and front desk staff are almost always impeccable and provide first class service to residents and their guests.

- A boutique property with owners that are incredibly loyal and proud of the building.  Consisting of only 187 individual condominiums, this fosters a sense of intimacy and friendship among residents.  There is a very active social committee that hosts several resident-only parties during low and high seasons.

- The Piaggia Beach Club, which hosts various ultra-chic parties around a salt water pool.  The Piaggia managment and staff are professionally trained in the South of France.  The ambiance, food, and service at this beautiful beach club is unique to The Murano at Portofino (note that guests are always welcome).

- The building was completed in 2001, with relatively few condo units subject to the kind of speculative buying and selling that occurred during the real estate boom and bust cycle of recent years.

- Low maintenance dues for a luxury building, with an annual budget surplus, almost no delinquency rates, and a very strong reserve fund for replacing equipment and impeccable maintenance of common areas.

- A first class & expanded / remodeled gymnasium, spa, and main lobby.  Also, the fresh water main pool deck (facing Biscayne Bay) is one of the most beautiful and impressive in all of Miami Beach.

- Two sunken, 24 hour lit tennis courts.  As a matter of fact, these are so impressive that the building is home to serveral current and former ATP ranked tennis players.

- A contemporary and consistent interior design throughout the building- with plenty of Murano glass pieces to highlight the architectural uniqueness of the building.

- High-end contemporary cabinets and fixtures in all of the condo units.  These include Poggen Pohl Kitchens, Miele Appliances, Subzero refrigerators, and expansive floor to ceiling windows and sliding glass doors.

For the next few weeks, I'd like to highlight the significant sales movement that we are seeing in the premier luxury waterfront condominium buildings in the South of Fifth Street neighborood in South Beach.  The most sought-after buildings in this highly desireable area are the Continuum North and South Towers, The Apogee South Beach ultra-luxury condos, The Murano at Portofino, The Murano Grande, and finally Icon South Beach.  Below are the past twelve months closed sales (and two pending sales) for the Continuum North Tower, which was completed in 2008.  Many (subjectively speaking) consider the North Tower to be a slightly more desireable due to it's finishes, better overall attention to details by the builder, and a few of the more modern "smart" building amenities that were not available when the Continuum South Tower was completed in 2001.

The Continuum is a one of kind luxury waterfront condo community with twelve acres located directly on the Ocean at the southernmost tip of Miami Beach.  Featuring two oversized lagoon pools, the largest private fitness facility in Miami Beach, two sunken tennis courts, a private lap pool, a private restaurant, and many other amenities, click here for more information about The Continuum North Tower .

The Sales Data for the past twelve months is listed below: