Robert A.M. Stern passed away last week at 86, concluding a remarkable 60-year career that spanned the design of schools, libraries, museums, and—most notably—luxury condominiums.
The founder of Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), Stern was celebrated for creating new buildings that evoked the charm and grandeur of earlier architectural eras. His most renowned projects include prewar-inspired residences in New York City, such as the Zeckendorfs’ 15 Central Park West, Vornado’s 220 Central Park South, and Naftali’s Bellemont.
As South Florida’s real estate market blossomed following the pandemic—fueled by an influx of New Yorkers—Stern’s influence followed suit. He left behind a collection of high-end condominium projects throughout the tri-county area, many of which are among the region’s most prestigious new developments.
These projects feature $120 million penthouses, exclusive dining experiences led by Michelin-starred chefs, and private members clubs.
Although these may be Stern’s most prominent contributions in South Florida to date, his work in the region began earlier. In 2003, he designed the Miami Beach Library with a distinctive modern approach, and in 2006, he completed Rafael Díaz-Balart Hall at Florida International University’s College of Law. More recently, in 2023, Stern designed a single-family residence in North Palm Beach’s gated Lost Tree Village for longstanding clients, according to the RAMSA website.
Below is an overview of RAMSA-designed developments currently underway:
Shore Club Private Collection
Witkoff Group and Monroe Capital selected RAMSA to design the Shore Club Private Collection, a luxury condo and hotel project branded by Auberge Resorts and currently under construction in Miami Beach on what developers have dubbed “billionaires’ beach.” The project’s architecture is distinguished by flowing curves, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, and the use of light materials like wood and marble.
Located at 1901 Collins Avenue, the Shore Club will feature a restored building dating to 1939 with 75 hotel rooms, a new 20-story condo tower with 49 residences, and a 6,000-square-foot beachfront single-family home. Residential units will range from 1,900 to over 10,000 square feet. The project has achieved notable sales success, including a pending $120 million penthouse purchase at a record $11,000 per square foot—setting a new high mark for condo sales in Florida.
Ocean Terrace
Following their collaboration on the Shore Club, Witkoff also engaged RAMSA to design the interiors for the forthcoming Ocean Terrace project, co-developed with Alex Blavatnik and Sandor Scher’s Ocean Terrace Holdings. This project, situated between 74th and 75th Streets along Collins Avenue and Ocean Terrace in North Beach, will comprise a 52-unit condominium, 24 condo-hotel units, a 42-key luxury hotel in a restored historic building, and a private members club.
St. Regis Residences, Miami
The Related Group, led by the Pérez family, together with Integra Investments, commissioned RAMSA to design the St. Regis Residences, Miami—a 50-story tower with 152 residences now under construction at 1809 Brickell Avenue. The waterfront project in Brickell is anticipated to exceed $1 billion in total sales.
Initially conceived as two 46-story towers totaling 330 units, the plan was revised in 2022 to a single tower with fewer, but more valuable, residences. Planned amenities include a fitness center, pickleball court, private marina, spa, indoor lap pool, a St. Regis Tea Room, and a private restaurant for residents by Michelin-starred chef Fabio Trabocchi.
Tyko Capital provided $527 million in construction financing for the development last year.
South Flagler House, West Palm Beach
RAMSA is the architect behind Related Ross’ South Flagler House, currently West Palm Beach’s most expensive new condominium development. The twin-tower, 28-story project at 1355 South Flagler Drive will offer 108 residences with a median price of $15 million.
Prices begin at $7.9 million, while the penthouse is listed for $73 million. Planned amenities for South Flagler House include a pool, spa, fitness center, pickleball courts, salon, private dining room, catering kitchen, wine tasting room, library, media room, private offices, children’s playroom, dog run, and a sculpture garden, as detailed in the project’s brochure.
In June, Related Ross Chairman and CEO Steve Ross secured $600 million in financing for the project—one of Florida’s largest residential construction loans this year—from Bank OZK, GoldenTree Asset Management, and TZ Capital. Construction is targeted for completion in 2027.
According to Suzanne Frisbie of Corcoran, who leads sales for South Flagler House, watching the building take shape “is like watching sculpture.”
Read more
