Miami Real Estate Guide: Miami Design District

The Design District is also known as Buena Vista, its historic name. By the late 1980's, the area had succumbed to urban decay, although a revival took place in the late 1990's that brought new design and art stores into the area. Over the past decade, the district has grown in popularity and is know one of the most desirable areas of Miami real estate for art and culture enthusiasts. It was Craig Robins who is typically credited with the rejuvenation of the area. This art-loving developer began by purchasing a large number of the run-down and delipitated buildings in the district and then worked tirelessly to persuade designers like Holly Hunt to relocate to the area.

During an interview with ArtNet Magazine, he explains the turning point that allowed the Design District to become what it is today: "We've had a vision for the Miami Design District for years and we've been working towards realizing that vision. During the process, there have been many turning points. First, there was the importance of establishing the community as an international center for furniture design. Next there was the desire to bring art and culture in general to Miami. As the neighborhood became more established with its central location and urban layout, we attracted some great restaurants. The incorporation of fashion into a community already grounded with art and culture was a natural next step."

The Design District is home to many art galleries, such as the Art Fusion Gallery, which exhibits over 30 artists from around the world in a 4,000-square-foot gallery. 101/Exhibit, established in 2008, has quickly become a landmark in this renovated area of Miami and displays contemporary fine art. One of the most popular arts events in the district is the Art & Design Night, which is held the second Saturday of every month and gives galleries and design showrooms the opportunity to open their doors for refreshments and music. This wonderful event is just one of the many ways the Design District creates a comfortable and fun community setting for residents and visitors alike.

The first luxury retailer to move to this renovated Miami real estate was Christian Louboutin in 2009. Other retailers followed suit over the next couple of years, including Yohji Yamamoto, Sephora, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton, which closed its Bal Harbour Shops store to relocate to the Design District. According to Craig Robins, there are plans to bring up to 50 luxury retailers to the district by 2014.

Want to live in the heart of Miami's thriving Design District? There are a number of luxury condos for sale in the area today, including the Midtown Miami 2, Quantum on the Bay, Opera Tower and Paramount Bay. Quantum on the Bay is a stunning 51-story tower over Biscayne Bay in the heart of the Design District. This property was designed by the world-renowned firm Nichols, Brosch, Sandoval and Associates and every detail and amenity was designed to fit with the young and stylish Design District. Paramount Bay is another one of the latest waterfront condo developments in the district and features Smart Building technology, housekeeping, a state-of-the-art fitness center, valet, security, a club house and more. The tower was designed Arquitectonica while interiors were envisioned by Lenny Kravitz with Kravitz Design Inc. This luxury condomium promises to redefine Miami living. With its amenities, stylish design and prime Miami real estate, available condos at Paramount Bay are selling quickly.