Renovations

TBT - Scarface Building Turned Into CVS At 728 Ocean Dr To Open This Weekend

CVS at 728 Ocean Drive

CVS at 728 Ocean Drive

TBT (January 31, 2018) - Two years ago the former Sun Ray Apartments was transformed into a completed CVS. The building was used in the movie Scarface with Al Pacino. Demolition began in April 2017.

Demolition started in April 2017 on the building that was used in the famous chainsaw scene in the 80's movie Scarface starring Al Pacino located at 728 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. The renovation is completed and a brand new CVS will be opening this weekend in February.

Built in 1953 by architect Don Reiff in a post war modern style architecture, the building was used as the Sun Ray Apartments up until the late 1980's when it was converted into a modeling agency office. In recent years the upstairs was vacant and the ground level was used for a Johnny Rocket's Restaurant.

Although much of the back of the building was demolished, the front façade of the structure was saved and renovated to it's original look with brick on the right side of the front. The three Art Deco Portholes have been restored in a white color.

New York based Infinity Group purchased the building in 2015 for $12.4 million.

David Dyer Federal Building In Downtown Miami To Undergo $60M Renovation

David Dyer Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse

David Dyer Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse

Miami-Dade College is spending $60 million to renovate the David Dyer Federal Building and U.S Courthouse that will take two years, according to The Miami Herald.

The neoclassical building was built in 1933 and designed by Paist and Steward with Marion Manley. An addition was added to the West of the building by Spillis Candela & Partners in 1983. The 3 story limestone building features two open courtyards.

The building has been abandoned since 2008 because of mold and asbestos, which was just removed. Beginning in 2016, Miami-Dade College began leasing the building from the Federal Government for 115 years at $1 a year. The college will install flexible-use classrooms, robotics and computer labs, faculty and administrative offices, and a conference center with capacity for 400 people.

Scarface Building Turned Into CVS At 728 Ocean Dr To Open This Weekend

CVS at 728 Ocean Drive

CVS at 728 Ocean Drive

Demolition started in April 2017 on the building that was used in the famous chainsaw scene in the 80's movie Scarface starring Al Pacino located at 728 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. The renovation is completed and a brand new CVS will be opening this weekend in February.

Built in 1953 by architect Don Reiff in a post war modern style architecture, the building was used as the Sun Ray Apartments up until the late 1980's when it was converted into a modeling agency office. In recent years the upstairs was vacant and the ground level was used for a Johnny Rocket's Restaurant.

Although much of the back of the building was demolished, the front façade of the structure was saved and renovated to it's original look with brick on the right side of the front. The three Art Deco Portholes have been restored in a white color.

New York based Infinity Group purchased the building in 2015 for $12.4 million.

Demolition and Renovation Starts On Scarface Building At 728 Ocean Drive

728 Ocean Drive

728 Ocean Drive

Demolition and renovation has started at 728 Ocean Drive after being purchased for $12.4 million in 2015 by New York based Infinity Group. The first floor of the two story building was a Johnny Rockets Restaurant, while the second floor sat vacant. Plans are to turn the building into a CVS.

The back portion of the building is currently being demolished, but the original front façade, including the round Art Deco porthole windows will be restored.

Built in 1953, by architect Don Reiff in a post war modern style architecture, the building was originally three stories with 21 apartments units called the Sun Ray Apartments. The apartment was known for the 1983 Al Pacino movie Scarface, which has the infamous chainsaw scene. 

As South Beach experienced a rebirth during the late 80's, the building was purchased in 1989 by Irene Marie. She renovated the property using preservationist architect Les Beilinson and converted the three story building into two floors and used the top floor for the Irene Marie Modeling Agency and the first floor was a restaurant called the The Booking Table, which later became Johnny Rockets.

In 2011, Irene Marie sold the the building to MER Ocean Drive Holdings for $8 million who then sold it for $12.4 million four years later to Infinity Group.

General Growth Properties Hires Zyscovich Architects To Redesign Bayside Marketplace

Redesign of Bayside Marketplace (Image via Zyscovich Architects)

General Growth Properties has hired Zyscovich Architects to redesign the aging Bayside Marketplace in Downtown Miami. 

The renovation will include the retail and waterfront areas, along with adding two new levels of parking. SkyRise Miami will also be built next to the Bayside Marina.

Bayside Marketplace recently received a $250 million mortgage that will be used towards the renovations and expansion.

Improvements to Flagler Street In Jeopardy

Looking East Down Flagler Street

The Real Deal reports that unless Miami-Dade Commissioners agree to fund half of the $13 million needed to renovate the street then the project could fall apart completely. 

Part of the renovation included repairing and widening the sidewalks, plus adding trees, benches and bicycle racks. 

The project was initiated by the Flagler Street Task Force, which is made up of business owners on the street.