Miami International Boat Show

The Miami International Boat Show was held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center, Miamariana at Bayside from February 15-19, 2007. Produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the principal trade association of the recreational marine industry, the event included product showcases, give-a-ways and seminars. With over 100,000 attendees, this premiere event highlights South Florida’s love of water sports. Future residents of EPIC will not only enjoy fast access to similar events, magnificent views courtesy of Biscayne Bay and the Miami River, but boating and aquatic lovers will also enjoy EPIC’s private boat dock with personal dock master. Find out more on EPIC or the Miami International Boat Show.

EPIC Construction Update

Well on its way to towering above Miami’s downtown, construction on the 54-story EPIC Residences & Hotel is on schedule to open in winter 2008.

The columns and shear walls through the 7th floor are complete. Electrical, duct work, plumbing and block work are currently being preformed on the first through fourth floors. Additionally, window system and interior wall framing have commenced.

“We’re excited to showcase the incredible lifestyle we’re creating in downtown Miami,” said Veronica Cervera, president of Cervera Real Estate, the exclusive sales agent. “With access to Miami’s beautiful waters, fine dining, entertainment and relaxation right in their very own lobby, future residents will have the best the city has to offer just an elevator ride away.”

For more information, call (305) 400-7399 or visit online at EPIC

Zen Living in Miami

Relax, Re-energize and Reconnect...Miami style

Relax...with a little Spa time at one of these HOT Salon/Spas.

Brownes & Co. Apothecary is an exclusive hair and skin care boutique with an onsite hair salon (also offering manicures and pedicures) and yoga studio.

Ugo DI Roma Salon & Day Spa, a “full-service spa offering the perfect blend of luxury and technology”.

Body Sense offers luxurious spa treatments such as a mud wrap, seaweed salt scrub, therapeutic massage, alternative medicine and weight loss aids.

Sona MedSpa is “where medical technology meets luxury spa”, offering Botox treatments plus treatments to remove acne, veins, wrinkles and hair.

Re-energize...with food and fitness at these HOT spots.

David Barton Gym if you want to work out while spotting celebrities.

Proper Form offers the opportunity to get fit without the distractions of the usual gym atmosphere. One on one personal training is their specialty.

Pilates South Beach offers a great workout designed for posture and stamina. The studio also offers a certification program in addition to regularly scheduled classes.

Sushi Samba Dromo is a fairly new Latin-Asian fusion restaurant taking the area by storm.

El Rancho Grande is authentic Mexican cuisine and a longtime favorite in the area with memorable margaritas.

Tantra's decor is middle eastern, but their aphrodisiac menu options are a compilation of foods from all over the globe.

Reconnect...with nature.

If you’re just looking for a nice relaxing day outdoors then you head to the Fairchild Tropical Garden. It’s an 83-acre garden that offers a respite from the city life where you can see plants from around the world, 700 of the 2,600 known palm-tree species as well as the migratory bird sanctuary.

EPIC Miami’s Master Developer Ugo Colombo

A native of Milan, Italy, Ugo Colombo moved to Miami in 1983. He originally became known for his luxury residential projects along some of Miami’s hottest waterfront spots.

Many of the residential projects Colombo completed in the 1990s became primary and second homes to wealthy Latin Americans and Europeans. He has a business degree from the University of Miami and shows his entrepreneurial spirit through his love of real estate, luxury cars (The Collection) and glass manufacturing (Glasswall).

Ugo Colombo has come to define and dominate the niche, high-end condo market. His creations are quoted as representing prime examples of legendary living. His latest venture with EPIC Miami Hotel and Residences reflects this perfectly. Colombo’s “legacy of unfailing perfectionism” makes the EPIC condos premier luxury real estate.

Some of his previous residential developments in Miami included the likes of the Santa Maria and Bristol, gracing the Brickell Avenue skyline and Grovenor House in Coconut Grove. The EPIC project blends Ugo’s talent and eye for perfection beautifully.

Additionally, the development will feature a public waterfront walkway that would connect to the river walk which will eventually connect several miles of riverfront projects.

Colombo’s CMC Group combines forces with father and son team Alfredo and Diego Lowenstein of Lionstone Development and Amancio Ortega’s Ponte Gadea Group. The 54-story, 342 unit building - the first in the project - is slated for completion in the winter of 2008.

An EPIC History in Miami

Waterfront property in Miami has enjoyed several eras of popularity. These days, with the breathtaking ocean views, beaches, and proximity to endless activities and hot spots, it’s no wonder people continue to come back. With the current EPIC Residences and Hotel under construction, history is merely repeating itself – although with greater luxury.

However, what is not as highly publicized about the area is its rich history.

Thousands of years ago the Tequesta, a Native American tribe, lived along the areas now known as Broward and Miami Counties. There is also evidence that suggests they inhabited a village in the Florida Keys. Originally descended from Tainos who came from the Bahamas, the Tequestas were a people with a simple life and diet. When Spain surrendered Florida to Britain in 1763, the remaining Tequestas, along with other Indians that had taken refuge in the Florida Keys, were evacuated to Cuba. After the demotion of the DuPont Plaza Hotel, various artifacts were uncovered.

The Epic Miami site is also the former site of the famed Royal Palm Hotel. In the late 1990’s the property was sold to developer Michael Baumann. During a routine archeological investigation, a small prehistoric feature – The Miami Circle - which is 38 feet in diameter was discovered. Discovered in 1998, the area is estimated at 1,700 to 2,000 years old. Baumann sold the property to the city for $26.7 million to preserve the circle.

Today, construction is well under way for the EPIC Residences and Hotel. The first 342-unit tower is scheduled for completion in Winter 2008; a second nearly 600-unit tower is planned to be constructed afterwards.