Josh's Miami Beach Real Estate Blog

There are some really amazing renovated Art Deco condos for sale in South Beach and there doesn't seem to be too many people talking about them. For this post, I thought I would explore the many great benefits of living in small renovated building. I have lived in both high-rises and small boutique buildings and without hesitation, the small boutique building is still my favorite. In fact, my girlfriend and I live in a really great renovated art deco condo just a few blocks to Lincoln Road and we love it.

There are alot of advantages to living in a smaller building, but I also know they are not for everyone. The first and most important thing is just the convenience of it. There are no long elevator lines to wait it, no valet parking, no annoying neighbors (for the most part) and most importantly no high maintenance fees. I like stepping out my front door and getting on my way. This is just not true when you live in a high-rise building and it takes much more effort to get on your way. I also like not having to put my groceries on a cart, bring them up to the 37th floor, unload them and then have to bring the cart back down. This my my experience at One-Miami, which made me vow to never live in a high-rise condo again.

It's not fair to say that high-rises do have thier advantages. The beautiful views, the great fitness center and the friendly concierge all come to mind. I am also in no way saying that I would prefer to live in a little condo at Tribeca than living in a unit at Apogee, but that's just not realistic. :) I have lived in my fair share of large condo buildings- Flamingo for 4 years, Mirador, One-Miami, etc., so I am basing this on my personal experiences.

I have a few favorites when it comes to renovated Art Deco buildings in South Beach. I keep referring to renovated art Deco because I am talking about buildings that have been 100% renovated and are like new. This includes new wiring, new roof, new plumbing, new central A/C, etc. My all time favorite renovation is Tribeca on 15th and Michigan. It is a small complex consisting of 5 buildings. Each building has just 4 units and there is small pool, gated parking and gorgeous tropical landscaping. The buildings were built in the 40's and renovated just a few years ago.

What's so great about the condos at Tribeca is the design and thought that went into them. The units feel spacious, have modern kitchens and baths and best of all have large terraces. They have alot of charm and detail which is lacking in just about all new buildings these days. There are currently 2 units for sale in the building with prices starting at $399k.

Another one of my favorties is Nolobi Lofts. It it located at 935 Euclid Avenue and was once a Jewish Synagogaue. The building was gutted to it's shell a few years back and is now a brand new buidling with the original charm. There are just 12 units in Nolobi and they all have real hardwood floors, open loft-style kitchens and 11'- 14' ceilings. This extra height in the ceilings make them feel much more spacious than they actually are. Although there is no parking or pool, the maintenance fee is under $200/month. I really love this building and the prices are really good. The last unit sold last month for $265k.

There are a handful of other buildings in South Beach that I would love to talk about, but I'll leave that for another post. For more information on these buildings or anything else, please visit my website. Thanks- Josh