FAENA BRINGS HIS MASTER PLAN TO MIAMI

Whitewall Magazine

We’ve been hearing whispers about Alan Faena‘s plans for Miami. The first time was when we visited Faena (the man responsible for transforming Puerto Madero neighborhood of Buenos Aires into an art center and one of the most expensive places to live in the city) in Argentina for our winer 2013 issue. Then at last year’s Art Basel Miami Beach, we visited the construction site where he would bring his magic touch to South Beach.

Last week, the Faena Group (headed by Faena and Len Blavatnik) was ready to reveal more about its plans for Miami, celebrating news like a collaboration with Baz Luhrmannand Catherine Martin, with four days of an Argentine Asado. Long banquet tables were set up under a gorgeous, bright red installation by the artist Manuel Ameztoy. The hand-cut hanging paper blew in the ocean breeze, as guests enjoyed the traditional barbeque (we indulged in the steak and extra chimichurri) from chef Francis Mallmann. Throughout the afternoon, tango dancers (who we had the pleasure of watching in Buenos Aires during our visit last fall) performed on a small stage set up on the lawn.

We learned that Faena House, Miami, to be completed in the fall of 2014, will be an 18-story building with 47 one-to-five bedroom units, including three uniquely styled penthouses with a private rooftop infinity pool. Amenities include, beachfront ocean views, pool for the residents, fitness center, spas, a lounge, and gardens. The balconies and large glass windows and walls surround the building giving residents panoramic views, and the kitchens prove to be ahead of their time, giving off a space age modern vibe. Prices stretch from $2.5 million to $50 million.

Also part of the Miami project is Faena Collaboration, Faena Saxony Hotel, Faena Arts Center, Faena Bazaar, Faena Park, Faena Marina, and Faena Gardens. Four gates surround The Collaboration as well as all of Faena Miami Beach. The gates, designed byStudio Job, an Antwerp based design collective, were done in white steal and debuted during Art Basel last week.