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.
They’re already expanding the brand globally — they 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
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. Check out our detailed floor plans for every unit type.
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. Two signature restaurants, a cocktail bar, a café, chef’s kitchen with private dining, outdoor kitchen and dining area, residents’ lounges — the food and beverage program alone would make this project stand out.
Then there’s the wellness component. An expansive wellness center with 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, plus sun and garden pools. A custom Mercedes-Benz race car simulator. 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 is Southside Park, being reimagined by Field Operations — the same landscape architecture firm behind the High Line in New York. The park spans close to 2 acres, one of the largest green spaces in all of Brickell. It connects directly to the Underline, Miami’s celebrated linear park.
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. You’re in the epicenter of Miami’s most dynamic neighborhood. See our full neighborhood guide.
My Pre-Construction Timing Strategy
Here’s something I always tell my clients about pre-construction: 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.
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
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.
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 working with an outside broker like me costs you nothing extra. The developer pays the commission whether you use a broker or not.
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. 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.
Reach out directly at 305-321-7655, via WhatsApp, or through our contact form.
Ready to Learn More?
Schedule a private consultation to discuss Mercedes-Benz Places Brickell.
Request Information