Why Mercedes-Benz Places Brickell Is the Smartest Pre-Construction Buy in Miami Right Now

Look, I’ve been in this business for 21 years. I’ve sold over $2 billion in real estate across Miami, New York, and Colorado. I’ve worked with just about every major developer in South Florida — Terra, Lion Development Group, PMG, Swire Properties, and JDS Development Group. And when people ask me right now, “Adrian, what’s the one project you’d put your money into?” — I tell them the same thing every time: Mercedes-Benz Places Brickell.

Here’s why. And I’m going to break this down the way I would if you were sitting across from me at a coffee in Brickell, because that’s how I operate. I don’t do the high-pressure sales thing. I give you the information, I give you the strategy, and I let you make the decision. That’s it.

The Developer: JDS Development Group

Let’s start with who’s building this thing. JDS Development Group is a New York-based firm led by Michael Stern, and they have a track record that speaks for itself. These are the people behind 111 West 57th Street in Manhattan — one of the most stunning residential towers I’ve ever seen, and that’s not just me talking, that’s the entire industry. They also built The Brooklyn Tower, the American Copper Buildings, Walker Tower, and Monad Terrace here in Miami. And now they’re doing Mercedes-Benz Places in Brickell and 888 Brickell Dolce & Gabbana.

What I love about JDS is their commitment to architectural significance. They don’t build cookie-cutter buildings. Every project they do pushes the boundaries of engineering and design, and they work with the best architects and designers in the world to do it. For Mercedes-Benz Places, that means SHoP Architects for the tower design — the same firm behind Barclays Center and the Uber Headquarters — Woods Bagot for the interiors, and Field Operations for the landscape architecture. That’s an A-plus team any way you look at it.

Now here’s something most people don’t know, and it’s something that gives me a unique perspective on this project: I actually sold JDS the land where they’re building Mercedes-Benz Places. I did the deal with the City of Miami fire station that was on that site — helped relocate it so the development could happen. So I was involved before this project even had a name. I know the story behind it, I know the developer personally, and that relationship gives my clients a real advantage when it comes to access, negotiation, and positioning.

The Brand: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Places is the first Mercedes-Benz residential project in North America. Think about that for a second. This isn’t just slapping a luxury logo on a building — although we see plenty of that in Miami, and some of those projects are great. This is Mercedes-Benz actually collaborating with JDS and the design team to weave their design philosophy into every aspect of the project. Their commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and what they call “sensual purity” — you see it in the residences, the common spaces, even the mobility solutions they’re integrating.

They’re already expanding the brand globally — they just announced a massive 12-tower Mercedes-Benz project in Dubai. When a brand like that is expanding this aggressively into residential real estate, it tells you there’s serious long-term value in being associated with it. The first project in any market typically carries the most prestige and the most upside. That’s Mercedes-Benz Places Brickell.

The Product: What You’re Actually Getting

Let me walk you through what the actual residences look like, because the finishes in this project are exceptional. Every unit features up to 10-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, 5-foot deep terraces, engineered hardwood floors throughout, and fully integrated Miele appliance suites. The kitchens are custom-designed by Woods Bagot with polished chrome detailing, black stone countertops, super white-stained red oak cabinetry, and a tinted etched mirror backsplash with integrated technology. The primary bathrooms feature Nero Marquina or Bianco Gioia marble with Duravit fixtures and custom chrome hardware.

You’re looking at studios starting around $755,500, one-bedrooms from $1,395,500, two-bedrooms from about $1,505,500, and three-bedrooms from $2,875,500. When you compare that to what’s being delivered on the waterfront in Brickell — where you’re often paying $2,000+ per square foot — the price per square foot at Mercedes-Benz Places is still very competitive, especially for what you’re getting in terms of finishes, amenities, and brand value.

The Amenities: 130,000+ Square Feet

This is where Mercedes-Benz Places really separates itself. We’re talking over 130,000 square feet of amenity space. That’s not a typo. Two signature restaurants, a cocktail bar, a café, chef’s kitchen with private dining, outdoor kitchen and dining area, residents’ lounges — the F&B program alone would make this project stand out.

Then there’s the wellness component. An expansive wellness center with a series of saunas — hot, dry, and infra-red — an onsen ritual circuit, cabanas, a Himalayan salt room, aromatherapy room, steam room, and a full fitness center. An exclusive rooftop pool for residents, plus sun and garden pools with towel and food and beverage service. A custom Mercedes-Benz race car simulator — yes, really. A recording studio. Padel ball courts. A basketball court. Co-working spaces and library. Screening room. Kids’ room.

And then there’s the service level: Mercedes-Benz house cars, 24/7 concierge and valet, EV charging stations. This is a full-service lifestyle experience, not just a condo building.

Southside Park and the Neighborhood

One of the biggest value-adds of this project is Southside Park, which is being completely reimagined by Field Operations — the same landscape architecture firm behind the High Line in New York. The park spans close to 2 acres, which makes it one of the largest green spaces in all of Brickell. It connects directly to the Underline, Miami’s celebrated linear park, and includes padel ball courts, a basketball court, a dog run, water features, and a children’s playground. Having nearly 2 acres of park at your doorstep in the middle of Brickell is a game-changer.

And speaking of Brickell — everything you love about Miami is within walking distance. Brickell City Centre, Mary Brickell Village, Simpson Park Hammock, the Frost Science Museum, Pérez Art Museum Miami, the Adrienne Arsht Center, Kaseya Center where the Heat play. You’re in the epicenter of Miami’s most dynamic neighborhood.

My Pre-Construction Timing Strategy

Here’s something I always tell my clients about pre-construction, and it applies perfectly to Mercedes-Benz Places right now: the best time to buy is early, and the second-best time is late. The middle is where you lose.

Early in a project, you get the best pricing, the most selection, and the developer is motivated to build momentum. That’s where we are with Mercedes-Benz Places. You’re getting in before the majority of the inventory is absorbed, which means you have leverage to negotiate and you have your pick of the best units and floor plans.

Late in a project, you sometimes get closeout deals because the developer needs to clear remaining inventory. But by then, you’re taking what’s left, and you don’t have the same upside on appreciation because the building is already delivering or close to it.

The middle? That’s when pricing has gone up, momentum is building, and the developer has no incentive to negotiate. You’re paying more and getting less flexibility.

Right now, we’re in that sweet spot where early positioning can make a real difference in your investment outcome. And because of my relationship with Michael Stern and JDS, I can get my clients in the door with access and positioning that you simply cannot get from in-house sales teams or other brokers who don’t have that developer relationship.

Why an Outside Broker Matters

A lot of people ask me, “Adrian, why would I work with you instead of going directly to the sales gallery?” Great question. Here’s the answer.

The in-house sales team works for the developer. Their job is to sell the developer’s inventory at the developer’s prices. They’re not going to tell you which units are overpriced, which floor plans to avoid, or whether there’s a better opportunity across the street. That’s not their role.

When you work with me, you get an advocate. I know the developers personally. I know the product inside and out. I know how to structure the best deal on your behalf. And I can give you honest, objective advice about whether this project — or any project — is the right fit for your goals. My reputation is built on trust and long-term relationships, not on closing a single transaction.

Plus, working with an outside broker like me costs you nothing extra. The developer pays the commission whether you use a broker or not. So the question isn’t “why would I use Adrian?” — it’s “why wouldn’t I?”

The Bottom Line

Mercedes-Benz Places Brickell is a rare convergence of world-class brand, world-class developer, world-class design team, and world-class location. The pricing is competitive for the Brickell market, the amenity package is unmatched, and the timing is right for early-stage pre-construction positioning.

If you’re thinking about Miami real estate — whether as a primary residence, a seasonal home, or an investment — this is a project that deserves your serious consideration. I’m happy to walk you through the available inventory, discuss floor plans, and help you understand how this fits into your broader real estate strategy.

That’s what I do. I’m not just selling units — I’m helping people make smart decisions in a market I know better than almost anyone. Twenty-one years and $2 billion in sales didn’t happen by accident. It happened because I put my clients first, every single time.

If you have questions or want to set up a time to talk, reach out directly. I’m always available at 305-321-7655 or through our contact form. Looking forward to connecting.