Ugo Colombo Brings Italian Design To Miami’s Cosmopolitan Skyline

Downtown Miami’s hottest neighborhood celebrates a true architectural icon with the highly-anticipated Brickell Flatiron on track for completion this summer. Nestled in the heart of Brickell, this luxury sky oasis is set to revolutionize Miami’s iconic skyline. Developed by the visionary mastermind, Ugo Colombo and designed by Luis Revuelta, Brickell Flatiron will showcase a 64-luxury tower with top-of-the-line materials and finishes hailing from Milan. Haute Living caught up with one of the Magic City’s visionary masterminds who dished on what sets the renowned Brickell development apart from others in the city, the inspiration behind the iconic project and what’s next for him.

HL: What sets Brickell Flatiron apart from other developments in the city?

UC: Since arriving in Miami, I have envisioned Brickell’s potential as a high-end residential neighborhood. Our development firm, CMC Group, began investing here in the early-1990s with Bristol Tower and Santa Maria – the first luxury towers to rise in this part of the city. We took a risk at the time, but we felt that this setting could be unique for its urban environment and proximity to the water. We believed that Brickell would be capable of luring premium buyers, provided that we delivered a premium product.

At the time, downtown Miami was not proven as an urban neighborhood. Our firm viewed Brickell and Downtown as a ‘blank canvas’ that would one day come to life as a vibrant residential and commercial district where streets were alive 24 hours a day. Today, those dreams are a reality. More than 150 towers have since risen as Miami’s urban core has become a mini-Manhattan. It was only a matter of time, given Miami’s land constraints and the trend toward urbanism. In the 25 years that have passed, the Brickell brand has become synonymous with luxury living, premium dining and retail, and international tourism and business.

Brickell Flatiron, our newest development getting ready to deliver this summer, will benefit from top-notch amenities, premium imported finishes and functional living spaces. But above all, it will stand out for its unique lifestyle – it will be woven into the urban landscape. Our residents will walk outside their door and find themselves in the heart of a major city – a few steps away from the best shopping, restaurants and nightlife that Miami has to offer.

HL: What was the developing process like and the inspiration behind the iconic project?

UC: CMC Group has always developed at our own pace, typically building only one or two developments at a time. Some firms race to build the most product in the shortest amount of time, but we believe there’s value in being deliberate when it comes to planning, designing, constructing and selling a project. This allows us to emphasize the highest degree of quality over speed and volume. If a project takes a little more time and money to construct, so be it. In the end, the finished product will be stronger and more valuable to the end user.

In terms of inspiration, I like to think a real estate development is a reflection of a moment in time. That has been the case with all of our projects, and I believe Brickell Flatiron is a reflection of Miami’s coming of age as a cosmopolitan city with a thriving downtown at its heart. The name echoes Manhattan’s famous Flatiron building – and the similarities go well beyond the shape. In Brickell, you can live without driving, you have public transportation across the street from your building, you can walk to 20 amazing restaurants in the neighborhood. The lifestyle is becoming very much like New York – except you can be at the beach in minutes!

HL: How will residents get to experience the ultra-luxurious Italian experience at Brickell Flatiron?

UC: Brickell Flatiron will benefit from top-notch amenities, premium imported finishes and functional living spaces. We pay particularly close attention to sourcing the best materials from Italy– Italian marble, Venetian stucco, and the highest quality glass available in the market. I have personally handpicked every detail to make sure we deliver the best quality product.

HL: As one of Miami’s key developers, what do you see next for the city?

UC: In line with what we’ve experienced over the past 25 years, Miami will continue to grow as well as it’s skyline. The city’s population is expected to eclipse to 100,000 in the next three years. I also imagine we will see further innovation in construction and engineering techniques, which will continue to raise the bar when it comes to design, amenities, and efficiency.  

HL: What’s next for you and your projects?

UC: We’re seeing luxury buyers today moving away from the beachfront and placing great value on the benefits of urban living – proximity to offices and hotels, arts and culture, shops and restaurants. Many of these buyers are coming from cities like Chicago, New York and Boston. The urban lifestyle is familiar to them, and they can purchase a top-line unit in Miami for far less than what it would cost in New York.

As far as what’s next for me, my main focus right now is putting the finishing touches on Brickell Flatiron. We’re looking forward to seeing it deliver and open to residents this summer.