Urban Infill: A Dream Come True For Miami’s Real Estate Market

If you’ve always dreamed of building your own home and always dreamed of living in Miami, you’ve probably never dreamed of doing them at the same time. Although Miami is a hot spot for luxury waterfront properties and breathtaking condos with a few, Miami doesn’t necessarily have acre and acres of land available for new residential developments. However, in recent years small developments have been creeping into the mainstream, allowing people to build brand new properties on existing Miami land, allowing them to be central to beaches, shopping, restaurants, parks, great schools, and nightlife. It’s the best of both worlds, and something millennials and baby boomers are getting really excited about.

By definition, urban infill is made to “fill in” space that is currently occupied by existing land. It is a way to build community and bring economic growth to a particular area. Miami can benefit greatly from this growing trend since there are pockets all throughout the city that aren’t quite big enough for full-scale residential developments but are optimal spaces for smaller, more modern communities that don’t take up as much room.
Millennials are especially interested in Miami’s urban infill development for many reasons. They prefer to live close to where they shop, work, and socialize. They want to live close to public transportation and within walking distance to everyday conveniences like grocery stores, salons and banks. They flock to Miami to experience the “big city” feel, and then when they move up professionally, make more money and start their family, they’re hesitant to move out to the suburbs and uproot their foundation. This is why urban infill works so great for this generation because millennials are looking to upgrade their living space without leaving the city. They are perfectly content with smaller, more modern homes as long as it allows them to stay connected to the people and places that are important to them.

Baby boomers are another group of people who are leading the trend in urban infill development. These empty nesters now have a lot of space and a lot of free time, and downsizing to smaller developments in the city makes perfect sense. They want smaller and more convenient housing that puts them closer to the things they want to do, after years of basing their living location on the needs of their children. Moving into urban infill developments in Miami allows baby boomers to be close to the beaches, shopping and a variety of restaurants while providing them with affordable and realistic space to enjoy their retirement.
With the rising trend of urban infill development in Miami, homebuyers now have the option to build a property that makes sense for them in the city that they’ve grown to love. Smaller, more customizable homes and developments are desirable to many families who want to be fully immersed in the high energy of the city and don’t want to move out to the suburbs just to have the home of their dreams.

The post Urban Infill: A Dream Come True For Miami’s Real Estate Market appeared first on Urbany Miami.

from Urbany Miami http://www.urbanymiami.com/urban-infill-a-dream-come-true-for-miamis-real-estate-market/

Big Changes!

On February 3, I closed the doors of GreenBridge Architects and rejoined DeStefano Architects in Portsmouth, NH as the Manager of the Residential Studio. It’s an exciting time to be returning. The firm is growing their staff and the reach of their work. The residential studio is an exciting place for me to expand and use my knowledge of green design and the changing practice of residential and especially coastal design. I also get the added benefit of working with an amazing team of brilliant architects.

Lisa DeStefano and I have a long history and friendship. I first joined her firm in 2002 when I moved to the area. I worked with her for over 5 years, and learned volumes about the design of fabulous homes, coastal design…and being from the Midwest, I also had a lot to learn about sloping terrain! Throughout my launching GreenBridge and the ups and downs of having my own practice, Lisa has been a steady resource and supporting friend. I treasured her input and learned from her processes. She is one of the cornerstones of my career and I’m thrilled to be working with her again.

A few of my favorite projects from my DeStefano years…

A major addition and renovation for a family home in Kittery Point, ME.

Haymarket Square

A condominium project at a downtown Portsmouth location

And some memorable GreenBridge work:

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An addition for an historic home in Newburyport, MA

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Another addition in Newburyport

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A master suite addition in Kensington, NH

I’ve had a wonderful six years at GreenBridge and have been blessed to have some of the most amazing projects and clients. I’ve loved the process of working with them to make their homes more beautiful and work better for their families. I’ve also made some great friends, both clients and allied professionals. Lisa Kawski, Hilary Ward, Sarah Holden, Holly Gagne and Elena Bachrach were some of those allied professionals I met along the way, who became my friends for life. Thanks guys!!

I hope to continue writing the greenbridge blog. At its origin, the name GreenBridge represented the connection of the architect, clients, designer, builders and systems to build great buildings. This concept continues to define my work, so although the firm will not continue, the greenbridge concept (and blog) will.

I hope that you’ll contact me at my new digs. We’re right next to Starbuck’s in Portsmouth (and within spitting distance of 2 other amazing coffee/pastry shops). When you’re in the area, I’d love to meet you for a quick cup.

Best wishes for a healthy and happy year!

Juli MacDonald. DeStefano Architects. 23 High Street. Portsmouth, NH

“to see the original article please visit here “: Big Changes!