Five Great Miami Beach Options for Environmentally Friendly Driveways

Miami Beach Options for Environmentally Friendly Driveways

Being eco-conscious does not have to begin only at your front door. With a bit of imagination and openness, driveways can also be environmentally friendly and visually appealing. Green driveway options control runoff, prevent flooding and replenish groundwater by using permeable materials. When surface water is absorbed, the soil below filters the water and prevents harmful chemicals from contaminating groundwater or the water in storm drain systems. A green driveway also prevents the heat buildup that happens with traditional materials – perfect for the multitude of inviting and bright days in sunny/idyllic Miami Beach, which was ranked as the fifth greenest American city. These upgrades can also influence how quickly your Miami Beach home sells. Explore these eye-catching and affordable options to put a sold sign on your home much faster than your neighbor can.

Grass

Grass may seem like an odd choice for a driveway because part of the purpose of a driveway is keeping cars off the lawn. Grass paving works a little differently from a standard lawn, though. Rather than simply planting grass in the ground, a grass driveway has several layers. The first is a layer of sand, and over this sandy layer lies a plastic mesh that has holes filled with a sandy loam. The grass grows through the mesh, which supports the car and protects the roots of the grass. The holes allow water to pass through the soil, while the layers of grass and sand filter runoff. Saint Augustine grass thrives in droughts and is not bothered by extreme salt levels. Centipede varieties do not need to be mowed and are low maintenance. Bahia grass thrives in sandy soil and is known for being resistant to insects. If your driveway does not have shade, consider Buffalo grass, which thrives in direct sunlight.

Pavers

If a grass driveway is too out of the box for you, permeable concrete pavers are another great option. This traditional-looking alternative allows for drainage through the gaps between the pavers. Just as with a grass driveway, you will need a bottom layer for support. Think crushed stones or sand. The pavers provide a blank canvas on which you can create a tiled look or a natural one with grass growing between each paver. It is best to keep the gaps clear of debris for optimal water drainage. If grass is not a suitable option, consider using bricks.

Porous concrete

A great eco-conscious choice that will match the other driveways in the neighborhood is porous concrete. Consisting of about the same materials as regular concrete, a porous option is comprised of crushed rocks and just enough cement to hold the material together. Water can pass through the resulting gaps.

Gravel and sand

The goal of a permeable driveway is to allow for water drainage. Gravel and sand are inexpensive and easy-to-install options. They may require regular sweeping and raking but add visual interest through a variety of colors. Try to find stones that are as smooth as possible for more effective water drainage.

Groundcover plants

If grass isn’t your style, groundcover plants are a great alternative. Whether flowering or foliage, these low-growing plants kill weeds and can be used as driveway material. Ferns are also a great option. Explore foxtail ferns that work well in or out of the sun, or garden ferns that are ideal for your driveway’s foundation. Junipers and perennials grow low and wide for easy maintenance.

Plastic-Free Miami Beach

One of the most unique characteristics of Miami Beach is the dedication to incorporating art and beauty into every facet of home. Even largely forgotten driveways can be a study of curb appeal in the Sunshine State. Let’s do our part to help the environment through the decisions we make every day and through our choice of materials for our homes that will last for years. Welcome guests and loved ones with these environmentally friendly options before they step inside your beautifully appointed home.

Located in the North Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach, Urban Resource is a plastic-free business that is dedicated to helping sellers explore green options to maximize real estate investments. The Plastic-Free Miami Beach program seeks to eliminate single-use plastics from all residences and businesses. The first level is for businesses to remove straws and bags. The second is to remove another item unique to that business. The third level is to be completely free of plastics. Once a consultant visits a business and discusses sustainable efforts to help the environment, the business is inspected and given a wooden plaque to signify their dedication to the longevity of their community.

Talk to your local Miami Beach experts at Urban Resource to explore environmentally friendly driveway options to sell your home quickly. Founded in 2003 by the brother and sister team of Daniel and Laura Veitia, Urban Resource is Miami Beach’s most trusted real estate and property management company. Located in the neighborhood of North Beach in Miami Beach, each expert is dedicated to getting you the optimal return on investment for your real estate asset.

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Top Landscaping Trends for Curb Appeal That Wows Potential Buyers in North Beach, Miami Beach

Curb Appeal That Wows Potential Home Buyers in Miami Beach

A first impression is made in under seven seconds. In real estate, if a home does not appeal to buyers stepping out of their car – even if the interior is spectacular – the sale may be lost for good. Curb appeal is the fastest way to gain interest through maintenance, attention to detail and visual appeal. In Miami Beach, which was voted as the Most Visual City in America, every lawn is as impressive as the one next door. Sellers need to present an oasis in the back and front yards, where loved ones can enjoy the subtropical weather. Don’t just upgrade your house when you are selling or remodeling, explore the latest Miami Beach landscaping trends to boost your curb appeal, too.

Create an oasis

Hygge, a term that conveys the feeling of calm and tranquility, is about comfort during winter. South Floridians only experience a few hours or days of cold weather each year, making hygge somewhat of a challenge. Focus instead on the warm feeling of togetherness and fun that is the hygge state of mind. A serene garden or lawn invites water features, such as fountains and Zen ponds. String a few lights around palm trees or in your gazebo. Plant flowers and herbs to fill the air with their alluring scent. Go native with purple coneflowers, canna lilies and beach sunflowers for a burst of local color. Buy or repair lawn furniture and place pieces in a circle to provide closeness. To make your home a real showstopper, join the Miami Beach trend of outdoor art. From murals to sculptures, Miami Beach is one of the few American cities that has a public art program that has gained international recognition. Go avant garde with a mermaid or industrial sculpture or give loved ones blank canvases to create masterpieces you can display in your garden. Just make sure that your selections have wide appeal and are family friendly.

Use color wisely/tastefully

Miami Beach is tropically retro with an infusion of global style. Given the rich architectural history of Art Deco and Miami Modern (MiMo), so many yards and homes in Miami Beach use bold and bright splashes of color because everything else is kept white or neutral. Give a wink to history with the bold use of color in your exterior. Front door color transitions/welcomes the world at large into your home; this is where style truly matters. Consider a pale yellow or peach for the exterior door. An aqua or red door will make a statement and pique interest about what the inside of the home looks like. If that is too much, try a brightly hued front door rug, porch plants or shrubs/hedges.

Reconsider fencing

The right fence can send the perfect message to a potential buyer. A picket fence is nostalgic and modern at once. It is best in most cases to paint the pickets white, but for a more unique yet uniform look, paint them the same color as the house’s trim. Go bolder with a wrought iron fence for a sophisticated look or create a living fence for an eco-conscious option. Allow your garden to grow over and through the fence. Whether it is wood, iron or greenery, match your fence to the style of your home for a welcoming look.

Go greener

Thanks to the subtropical climate, vegetation/nature flourishes in Miami Beach. If you don’t plan on selling in the foreseeable future, consider planting trees, vegetation and flowers to benefit the environment. They will also greatly add to your resale value. For the right trees for your outdoor space, go big with a live oak, medium with seagrapes, or make a big statement with a small tree such as a Florida privet. You could also explore planting a mango, avocado or citrus tree. Miami Beach is so dedicated to a greener tomorrow that on Arbor Day, the city often gives away plants and trees. From vines to shrubs, Florida vegetation is colorful and will add local charm to your yard. Explore the botany rainbow with Carolina jessamine or coral honeysuckle for fragrant vines, wild coffee shrubs, and pentas.

Upgrade your curb appeal with the right landscaping trends for 2020. Located in the North Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach, Urban Resource is dedicated to helping sellers explore landscaping options to maximize real estate investments through increased curb appeal. Not only do our experts work in Miami Beach, they also live and play here. You can see them on the school run or walking their dogs in the neighborhood. Talk to your local Miami Beach experts at Urban Resource to upgrade your curb appeal with the right landscaping trends for 2020 to increase your resale value.

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2020 Home Trends That Will Add Value to Your Property

2020 Home Trends

The new year is just weeks away. Designers are reviewing 2019’s trends and figuring out which ones will be tweaked, and which will be given their walking papers. The frontrunners may surprise you.

Earth tones and black

Every year, Pantone announces their selection for Color of the Year. Living Coral was the winner in 2019. However, many designers have seen the same colors used in homes and condos enough to know that earth tones and black will remain popular in 2020. This may be part of the eco-conscious trend of sustainability and going back to nature’s offerings. Shades of brown, green, blue, orange, red and tan are ideal for living rooms and dining rooms. Black is a bold color perfect for grounding any space. It enhances colors and shapes. Think of an ebony sculptural piece of any scale, a dramatic accent wall or small touches, such as black typing ribbons around lampshades. To spruce up your house or condo for sale, get out your paintbrush and select the hue(s) you could enjoy for the next few weeks or months. Keep in mind that Miami Beach was voted the least uptight American city by RentCafe.com. Homebuyers are drawn to the Magic City for its welcoming and creative use of unique colors. Experiment with aquas, corals and pastels. Make your home stand out with color.

Conversation islands

During the 1950s, the popularity of open concept kitchens and kitchen islands began to grow. In the debate about open concept or closed kitchens, islands remain an agreed upon point. Islands provide space to prep meals and to store non-perishable food. T-shaped islands have been the most popular for most of the recent decade. However, the issue with some loved ones and guests not being able to add to conversations has made square islands the projected trend for 2020. If a remodel is not in your future, t-shaped islands can be tweaked by placing chairs or stools in the corners to make conversation easier.

Kitchen cabinets

Speaking of the kitchen, cabinets are always a worthwhile upgrade because they take up quite a bit of prime real estate in any condo or home. Cabinets can make a home look modern or dated. However, a few coats of paint and a couple adjustments will have any kitchen looking on-point. In an all-white kitchen, pops of turquoise, lemon or black can be a revelation. If you would prefer to stick to classic white or neutral palettes, change the hardware. Handles can break up the natural finish of the wood and clash with backsplashes. Cut-out options, brass and touch releases are predicted to be big in 2020. If you are considering a complete revamp, cabinets with glass doors are enjoying a comeback from the 90s. They are part of the minimalistic movement of making the most of what you already have in the heart of your home.

Flooring

Flooring will be getting quite a bit of attention in 2020, with texture and character being touted as the next big things. Predicted popular textures include hand scraped, wire brushed and distressed flooring. Bamboo, cork and engineered wood are eco-friendly materials home and condo owners should consider for new floors. Wood tones that will gain momentum in 2020 include whitewash and espresso. Blonde wood is expected to be popular for its ability to hide scuffs and enhance any decor. Vinyl has come a long way and mimics more expensive materials like marble and wood. Consider that wider planks give the illusion of more space, as does placing planks at a diagonal.

When it comes time to sell your home or condo, you want to have an extensive local and international network with high-quality members. Urban Resource Real Estate Brokerage features style experts who deliver the best outcomes quickly and easily because they know the local inventory better than anyone. Our licensed Realtors® and style experts, located in the North Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach, are ready to make your home wow the market.

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The Normandy Fountain Business Association: Urban Resource’s Involvemen

The Normandy Fountain Business Association is a supportive collaboration growing out of the businesses of the Normandy Fountain district in North Beach, Miami Beach. The NFBA is a Nonprofit Organization encouraging future community success by being a good neighbor now. From Salsa Saturdays to supporting educational opportunities for small businesses, this neighborhood powered foundation is just beginning.

Experienced Leaders

The NFBA may be a newly developed enterprise but its members are seasoned and have been a dedicated force in elevating the community. The revitalization of the North Beach Bandshell – a local venue for exceptional arts and entertainment – was strongly supported by the owners of Urban Resource who are devoted to furthering funding, project growth and revitalization within Miami Beach communities.

Urban Resource, located in the heart of the North Beach neighborhood, is one of the driving forces of the Normandy Fountain Business Association. As a Real Estate and Property Management company, Urban Resource has the unique perspective of looking at the community through the eyes of residents as well as through the lens of the community as a whole. The heart of Urban Resource is in revitalizing the neighborhood of North Beach.

“North Beach has a natural appeal and character that is quite unique, offering residents a lifestyle that is active, familial, & full of life.” – Laura Veitia, VP/Broker of Urban Resource

Building on an Inspired Foundation

North Beach, Miami Beach development took the spotlight when the city began heavily remodeling the Normandy Isle area. The project centered on the Normandy Fountain, whose restoration began after encouragement from the Mayor’s Blue-Ribbon Panel of North Beach. The goal of these city-funded community activations was to create a pedestrian focused environment for the local residents and businesses to fill. The city continued its support by extending small business grants towards the creation of projects and community events for continued growth. The walkable district is now home to over 60 small businesses.

When the city announced budget cuts this past season a small, core group of Normandy Fountain businesses came together to continue to support and activate their community. As community members themselves, these small business owners committed to investing their resources to pick up where the city left off. Their initial charitable donations totaled $15,000, $5,000 of which was donated by Urban Resource.

As a new endeavor, incorporated just this past October, the NFBA has already inspired a sense of togetherness through a developing calendar of interactive events, live music, and community sponsorships. Salsa Saturdays have become one of the most popular recurring events, garnering police involvement at the first-ever foundation salsa fundraiser. Local officers got onstage to drum and salsa with Tito Puente Jr., and the moment went viral.

The growth potential of resonating with the city-at-large by building the neighborhood from within is a key focus of the Normandy Fountain Business Association. The structure of the district with its wide family-friendly sidewalks will make residents see local businesses in a personal way. These pedestrian elements have been built-in to encourage people out of their cars and into the engaging streets of their neighborhood.

What Awaits You

Residents are enthusiastic about the NFBA calendar of events, but the Association doesn’t just put on parties and fundraisers, it supports the day-to-day growth of its vibrant businesses. Through the timeline of city and community development, small businesses have learned that supporting one another benefits them as a whole. By sharing resources and developing a community strategy, the small businesses of the Fountain District have collaborated to lift one another up and share in the creation of promotions and partnerships that enhance the experiences of local patrons.

Locals enjoy walking Normandy Isle and tasting food from local bistros. Visiting local bars for hand-crafted drinks, taking advantage of artisan shopping at the many boutiques – even running their errands – is all possible while supporting local markets, salons, and offices.

The city’s constant evolution is a positive force; a strong one that can potentially sweep up local businesses. Shifting tides create dynamic opportunities and strengthen connections. The NFBA community activations and events showcase the creativity and industrious efforts of its businesses to build lasting relationships with the residents of their community.

Lighting Up the Community

As the holidays approach, collaboration and community-caring shine. This Year’s Normandy Fountain lighting festivities on Sunday, December 1st, were the area’s best display of lights to-date. The festival was very highly anticipated. It began with a local business artisan market and ended with musical celebrations and the illumination of the Fountain, Christmas Tree, and Menorah. The local Mimo Music school hosted holiday performances by their students and Temple Moses provided traditional Hanukah songs.

The Normandy Fountain district Menorah story is one that mirrors the efforts of the NFBA. The diverse neighbors of North Beach decided a Menorah needed to be built. Plans were drawn up and donated by a local architect, Reines & Straz, to reflect the beauty and design elements of the fountain. The lumber for the project was donated by another local business, Painting With A Twist. A local builder donated his discounted services and funding for the project’s needs were covered by local donors.

This lovely testament to community collaboration is a reflection of the centering force of the Normandy Fountain Business Association; we are strong when we build together.
Urban Resource is a family of local experts deeply and lovingly involved in the local community. The Urban Resource team is here to help with any and all of your Real Estate and Property Management needs. UR places an emphasis on investing back into the community they serve through development projects, community activations, fundraising events, and more.
For information about the NFBA, its mission, upcoming events, and projects, click here.

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Upcoming Events in Miami Beach, FL – December 2019

Events in Miami Beach – December 2019

Can you believe 2019 is almost over? Before the year wraps up and we all settle in for the holiday season, there are plenty of events within the neighborhood to check out.

Art Basel

Miami Beach Convention Center
December 5 – 8

Artists and curators from all over the globe come to Miami during the first week of December for Art Basel, now celebrating 17 years on Miami Beach. World class galleries send art to be featured during the main show at the Miami Beach Convention Center, which opens to the general public on Thursday, December 5.

The show in Miami Beach marks the only North American show and is a sister city to the original Basel in Switzerland. The original fair has grown and is now officially expanded passed Miami Beach into an entire Miami Art Week, with galleries in Wynwood and Little Haiti hosting satellite fairs showcasing modern and contemporary art.

Apart from the main convention center show, Miami Beach hotels, museums, and the New World Symphony are hosting events as well. For more information, visit the Art Basel or Miami and Beaches website.

North Beach Boat Parade

Western shoreline of North Beach, with the finale at Fire Station #4 at 69th Street
Saturday, December 7

The sixth annual North Beach Boat Parade takes place on Saturday, December 7! The event features a parade of decorated and well-lit boats that begins north of the Stillwater peninsula and extends down the western shoreline of North Beach.

Guests can enjoy the festivities by viewing on the shore or by boat. Not only are guests on the shore enjoying the well-lit boats, those on the water can enjoy the homes decorated for the holidays! Once the parade leaves Stillwater peninsula, it continues around Biscayne Point, Normandy Shores, Normandy Isle, and along the eastern shore of Allison Island.

The event is free to attend and runs from 7 – 9 pm.

HoliGay

LGBT Visitor Center / Pridelines at 1130 Washington Avenue
Thursday, December 12

On December 12, the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) is hosting the 10th annual HoliGay celebration and toy drive. The event is a collaboration between the MDGLCC, Pridelines, and the LGBT Visitor Center and will benefit the Miami Beach Police Department’s Children’s Holiday Relief Fund.

The HoliGay event kicks off at 6 pm and will feature complimentary food courtesy of Starbucks, South Beach Group Hotels, and Crepemaker. There will also be complimentary beverages and enjoy a visit from Santa – who will definitely be posing for selfies – plus sounds from DJ JesiMixx.

Entrance to the event is a new, unwrapped toy or a $20 donation. RSVP requested at www.gaybizmiami.com.

Milonga at the Fountain

Normandy Fountain
Saturday, December 14

Prism Creative Group is transporting a piece of Argentina to Miami Beach on Saturday, December 14. Prism and the City of Miami Beach are hosting a Milonga at the Normandy Fountain, complete with live Tango and Argentine bites.

The event will feature a free tango class at 6 pm with Diego Santana Tango, beginning at 6 pm. Following the class, there will be a live performance by True Tango, showcasing traditional Argentine sounds. Of course, no event would be complete without food; Guests can enjoy choripan, empanadas, and Argentine asado.

Event is free with RSVP! Reserve your spot here.

The Heavy Pets Holiday Ball

North Beach Bandshell
Saturday, December 21

Right before the holiday week begins, head over to the North Beach Bandshell on Saturday, December 21 for the Heavy Pets Holiday Ball. Part concert and part toy drive, the event will feature live music from two South Florida local bands.

The show will feature live performances from local groups including Roosevelt Collier, whose sounds mixes elements of rock, blues, and gospel. Headlining the show are The Heavy Pets, a local rock and roll group who have been recording and performing in South Florida since 2013.

Proceeds from the show will benefit the Miami Beach Youth Music Festival taking place in February. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy or purchase raffle tickets to participate. These toys will make their way to the Lotus House, a shelter and resource center that benefits homeless women and children in Miami.

This event is all ages and kicks off at 7 pm, with tickets starting at $20 advance + fees or $30 day of show.

As sponsors of the Normandy Fountain Business Association and the North Beach Bandshell, Urban Resource is committed to fostering community throughout the year. The Urban Resource team is dedicated to creating a place where locals and business owners can thrive. With these community events, we hope everyone can enjoy living and working in the North Beach, Miami Beach community.

From our family, Urban Resource, to yours: we look forward to seeing you around town, and happy holidays!

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Multi-family Investment Building For Sale in North Beach, Miami Beach - Ocean Bay 8260 Byron Avenue

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Town Center South Neighborhood of North Beach, Miami Beach - What Real Estate is available?

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