It’s the end of an era, but the beginning of another. The last high-rise to be built in South of Fifth due to zoning restrictions is now open to residents. Miami-based development firm Terra has officially completed construction of its newest luxury development, GLASS, an 18-story boutique condominium with only 10 full-floor units designed by architect Rene Gonzalez.
The 1990s, an era of choker necklaces and grunge, saw the rise of the South of Fifth enclave, which has emerged over the past decade as the most expensive section of Miami Beach. GLASS marks the end of the South of Fifth development cycle, as it’s the last high rise that can be developed in the area due to zoning restrictions and the abundance of preserved buildings.
And this property is not packed to the brim with homes. “GLASS embodies Terra’s approach to responsible development that strengthens neighborhoods through innovative design and planning,” said Terra President David Martin. “We could have built up to 45 units on this site, but downscaled to only ten units.
Designed by Miami architect Rene Gonzalez and featuring landscape designs by Raymond Jungles, GLASS’s aesthetic reflects its setting at the intersection between the Atlantic Ocean and the South of Fifth district’s urban grid. Patterned glass appears to fade toward the sky, and the building’s entrance references the waves with the use of porous Coquina stone interspersed with blue Macauba quartzite.
“The inspiration for GLASS has everything to do with the beauty of the building’s surroundings; we wanted to create a substantial and substantive piece of architecture that pays deference to its environment and urban condition,” says Gonzalez. The building’s first five floors house common areas, including the lobby, pool and gym. The resident’s amenities deck features lounging and sunning areas, swimming pool, spa and lush landscaping. Personalized services include an onsite estate manager, pool and valet services, housekeeping and maintenance, 24-hour security, and a resident beach club with attendant service and 20 reserved umbrellas and chairs.
