A Spanish Influence on Biscayne Bay

As Related Companies moves full speed ahead in Manhattan with construction at Hudson Yards, its sister company in Miami is working to enhance the skyline there.

On a site overlooking Biscayne Bay on the cusp of the Miami Design District, The Related Group will soon begin work on Baltus House.

It offers views of the bay a quarter-mile away, with 167 units in what promises to be the first Spanish-designed luxury condo project for the Design District.

Related is partnering with Spanish modernist designer Javier Martin for interiors for both common and residential spaces. Martin’s brand, the Baltus Collection, is known for its clean lines, generous proportions and dynamic materials.

Jorge Perez, Chairman and CEO of The Related Group, selected Baltus for interiors after working with Martin on his own penthouse. The 15-story tower, designed by Cohen Freedman Encinosa & Associates Architects, takes its cues from the environment.

“It’s designed as a state-of-the-art cruise ship, with balconies overlooking the bay,” says Carie Smith, project manager. “It will be flowing from the outside in, with Spanish-influenced artwork and products in the lobby and hallways.”

Common areas of Baltus House will feature art pieces from Perez’ private collection. Also on display will be artwork by Barcelona artist Lluís Barba and a garage mural by Venezuelan artist Jaime Gili, as well as work by Javier Martin Jr. State-of-the-art technology will print oversized images onto fabric that will be applied directly onto doors and hallway paneling.

The project’s on a fast track, with completion of all condos, each designed by Martin, now projected for 2015

“Furnishings for condominiums will be designed and made to order to fit the customer’s personality and the dimensions of the unit,” she says. “They’ll each get the full effect of Baltus design.”

Half its units were reserved in 30 days, in part because of Martin’s design sensibilities, but also because of a smart marketing strategy:

“They range from $199,900 for studio at 500 square feet, to three bedrooms and 1,800 square feet up to $400,000 to $500,000,” she says.

At prices like that, the rest won’t be around for long.

For more information, go tohttp://www.baltus-house-condos.com/

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