You know I love old homes and have a passion for historic preservation. Cuban Tile is one of the popular flooring materials of the known "Spanish Mediterranean Revival" homes found in Miami - not to be confused with Historic Cuban Barrel Tile used for roofs (see article).

*photo courtesy El Nuevo Herald - FOTOSGALERIA - losas de la Habana*

Cuban Tile flooring is popular in South Florida and found in historic 20's homes as well as 30's, 40's and 50's and although the patterns are not as intricate as their historic counterparts, it's a great material nevertheless.

Trying to find the history of Cuban Tile, my mom brought me an article written by Sarah Moreno for El Nuevo Herald that gives great information from a gentleman by the name of Arturo Hernandez who has researched and documented these beautiful historic floors. Hernandez claims that Cuban Tile known also as cement tile, Encaustic Cement Tile or Hydraulic Mosaic Tile can be traced to Cataluña back to mid 19^th century where The Industrial Revolution allowed for the technical innovation and mass production of these tiles that did not need to be fired. Even known architect Gaudi, designed floors with cement tiles that looked like Persian rugs.

I was also recently contacted by Lundy Wilder, a maker of cement tile who has a beautiful site that includes not only history, but also an array of patterns for modern installation.

Until the 1920's, colorful mosaico encaustic tiles were considered high-end ultimate flooring that decorated the palaces of the Tsars, the mansions of the Côte d'Azure, Gaudi's Barcelona and Berlin's official buildings. Later on, the encaustic cement tile expanded as a creative and durable flooring all over Europe, and the French, Spanish and Portuguese colonies. Around the 1950's the mosaic hydraulic lost importance and was replaced by less labor intensive, and less colorful floors. The beginning of this century, the trend for authentic products and 'green' flooring has brought attention back to the encaustic cement tile. Recent storms along the Gulf Coast have raised awareness of durable, waterproof architecture. We hope to spread the word. We have first hand knowledge of the need for sensible flooring along coastal U.S. Additionally; this type of tile flooring is perfect for high traffic areas and any place where discriminating people gather.

Cuban tile is a mixture of Portland cement, marble powder and earth pigments for coloring. The end result can be as shiny as Terrazzo floors and as beautiful as hand painted tiles. The restoration of Cuban Tile Floors can be an intricate project depending on the tile design, but I have now given you a great resource if you need to replace or compliment existing flooring with www.VillaLagoonTile.com

The material is easy to make and fairly inexpensive, does not require heavy machinery and is considered green because of the recycled marble powder and the fact that it does not require firing. The endurance is amazing - to think that all those historic homes were thinking "green" and didn't even know it!

There are many stories why cement tile is called "Cuban Tile" here in Miami and one of the theories is that Cuban Tile was entrusted as a special order to Cuban manufacturers who would hand make these tiles for residential applications in Miami. Next time you walk into a historic home in Miami or read a miami real estate description that includes "cuban tile", you will know a little about the history of Cuban Tile, how these were made and how it is possible to restore them.

Thanks again to Lundy for sharing his beautiful website, and here's a silent video on the making of cement tiles in Morocco.

Other Historic Preservation Posts:

• Historic Cuban Barrel Tile

• Lime Paints - another important element for historic homes

• Use of awnings for your historic house

• Please don't use the wrong window

• Cuban Tile Flooring - history and applications

We would like to announce Miamism Team's new home - Majestic Properties.

It was time for a change, a change that would compliment not only our business and marketing style, but a change that would benefit each one of our clients individually.

Coldwell Banker was good to us and we are the first to admit that, it offered a strong corporate backing that Rick and I were used to with our prior corporate lives as an architect and accountant, but there were also limitations and we had to think past our personal comfort and look into the future of our business as well as the type of service we offer our clients. (in other words.....the decision was by NO means easy).

Because Miami Real estate has changed, so has the way we conduct business in a way that benefits you, our client, even in a down market. We have learned that this business is not so much about us, but about you. We still hit the streets the same way as before, but we also blog and are very active in the social networking aspect of the Internet. We have had to think outside the box and use the tools before us in way no one else has, putting us at the forefront of the industry. (I know, I know....tooting my own horn is not polite). Majestic Properties will not only support our new methods, but welcomes them and will help us customize marketing strategies one client at a time and expose ourselves to every new marketing medium available to be able to offer better service.

We found a company that will compliment our style. Majestic Properties is a respected full-service real estate organization that focuses on providing the highest level of service by employing cutting edge resources. Talk about a match made in heaven!

They have an amazing reputation in South Florida, with beautiful high design offices in the Design District and Miami Beach; and in 2006, INC 500 Magazine ranked the company fastest growing, privately held, full-service real estate company in the United States.

Majestic Properties successfully identifies industry trends in residential and commercial markets, incorporates cutting-edge technological tools, hires passionate and dedicated agents and staff and plays a prominent philanthropic role in the community. It boasts an internal Advertising and PR agency, a one-stop marketing shop for Majestic agents and clients. Additionally, Majestic helps customers from all over the world with financing and mortgage, and then there's an interior design team and furniture showroom. From real estate to marketing to financing to design, Majestic Properties offers it all.

We also have a new Miamism Team member! Karen Alvarez, who, as our buyer's agent, will compliment our growing business and help us provide even better service. Karen is known in the industry for her superior business ethics and outstanding customer service.

Making a change is never easy. It was especially difficult for us because we did not want our customers to be affected in any way. We are looking forward to using all the positive energy we are getting from to help our business expand to the next level.

We wanted to share a Miami real estate deal for sale now in 4 Midtown, one of Midtown Miami's new highrise buildings. This tower received its certificate of occupancy in February 2008 and people are already moving in and making this fabulous building their home.

How do we define a Miami Condo Deal?

In our opinion, a deal is when you can purchase a property for a lot less than similar properties in the same building. In the case of a high-rise like 4 Midtown, we look at the same line of units and see what these are priced at.

A little history on the project

4 Midtown was designed by John R. Nichols of Nichols Brosch Sandoval & Associates, Inc. architects and planners, based in Coral Gables, Florida - and its concept is:

Midtown's urban design is reminiscent of New York SoHo district with a Miami Twist. The pool deck is a true urban oasis nestled seven stories high. The architecture with it's wide expansive opening that emphasizes the panoramic views of Downtown and Biscayne Bay. With a modern minimalist lobby, and custom finishes that pay attention to detail.

Details about this Miami-Condo Deal

3301 NE 1st Avenue, unit 2615 - Miami, Florida 33137

Priced at $425,000 $400,000

Unbelievable bay and city views from this 26th floor new, and never lived in Midtown 4 condo. Full-amenity building just South of Miami's Design District, centrally located close to Miami Beach, Downtown Miami and both airports. Two bedroom, two bathroom condo with split bedroom plan, high ceilings, Italian kitchen, porcelain tile floors and wrap around balcony overlooking Biscayne Bay.

Similar units in the same line are priced as follows:

• Unit number 1515 $490,000
• Unit number 1715 $500,000
• Unit number 1815 $505,000
• Unit number 2015 $515,000
• Unit number 2215 $525,000
• Unit number 2315 $530,000
• Unit number 2715 $545,000
• Unit number 2918 $550,000

Unit 2615 is being sold for $45,000 under pre-construction price, and although the seller is selling for less than he paid, this sale is not contingent on lender approval.

Unit Features

• Floor-to-ceiling impact-resistant glass windows
• Generous private terraces
• Italian kitchens with stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry and stone counter tops
• High-end energy-efficient appliance package
• Nine foot high exposed concrete ceilings
• Master baths with ceramic tile flooring and modern fixtures
• Spacious walk-in closets
• Pre-wired for electric, cable, high-speed Internet
• 1,371 square feet with 270 sq.ft. balcony
• 2 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms
• Built in 2008

Building Amenities

• Modern minimalistic Lobby
• Custom finishes
• Rooftop swimming pool with Downtown and Bay views
• Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room
• State-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the pool
• Out-door gathering spaces
• High speed elevators
• Covered parking
• Concierge
• Valet
• Private storage facilities
• Ground-level retail 24-hour security

Even for experienced Miami Realtors, visiting new condos is always exciting. I for one love to check out the finishes and the preliminary design flaws. Then I tear them apart with my clients, from finish choices to distribution problems.

This week I had the pleasure of visiting Marina Blue, designed by none other than Arquitectonica. Located at 888 Biscayne Boulevard, in what Miami Realtors refer to as ˜the gridlock, because it is right across from the American Airlines Arena, Bayside Marketplace, The Center for Performing Arts, the new Museum Park, and the exit to I-395 that takes you to Miami Beach. I have to admit that the traffic is always a little intense, but what else do you expect for downtown Miami?

I figure if you dont want the action, excitement and traffic, this may not be the building for you. On a positive note, you do have the People-Mover right behind the building that takes you through downtown Miami and possibly to the talked about Wholefood Market Place that is rumored to be built nearby. The concept of this grouping of buildings which include:

The Marquis, Ten Museum Park, 900 Biscayne and Marina Blue

Is Green Urbanism - walkable communities close to everything, close to the action and with good public transportation.

I admit I was impressed with the finishes and the scale of the spaces. The lobby was austere and grand, the hallways were not finished, doors not painted (but we expect that from a newly finished building) and the common areas almost completed. The skybeach, although a sexy concept, in my opinion will not last long. (the wind is always powerful and to keep the sand off the interior common areas is going to be tough) - I hope they prove me wrong.

Heres some pictures of the pool areas and their views:

We saw a one bedroom unit on the 5th floor and even that one had an amazing view:

The kitchen finishes were not impressive and the choice of granite not my favorite, but the master bath was great and left nothing to be desired (with marble floor and counters, double raised sinks with designer faucets, bidet, and huge shower called a ˜wet room).

Lastly, here’s a picture of the lobby (I have to tell you that the concierge was a little nervous to be included in the photo). The use of stone, exposed concrete, wood and light was absolutely perfect!! (there are some unfinished planter looking thingies that don’t need to be there, I’ll see what they turn into).

Here are the developer specs for the building:

MarinaBlue is a spectacular 60-story curvilinear landmark featuring spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom floorplans, including gorgeous penthouses and lofts¦ all complemented by world-class amenities, including the unique and extraordinary SkyBeach.

Amenities and Services:

• Beautiful reception lobby with custom-made furnishings
• Spectacular views from every unit, with full width balconies, and floor-to-ceiling glass for unobstructed views
• Concierge and valet services
• Private storage facilities
• Semi-private high speed elevators
• Private Cyber Center, a separate conference and communications facility with state-of-the-art business equipment and small meeting capability

SkyBeach Features:

• Stunning pool looking over Biscayne Bay
• Lap pool, beach volleyball, barbecue
• Lush tropical garden, plunge pool
• Indoor-Outdoor Skylounge and party room with bay views
• Fully-equipped Game Room, fitness and cardio center
• Yoga-Aerobics studio with lofted ceiling and glass-wall view over Biscayne Bay

Residence Features:

• 9 high ceiling with smooth finish, 10 high in the upper floors, 18 high in the lofts
• Pre-wired for ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Pre-wired for cable television and phones in bedrooms and living areas
• Pre-wired for high-speed data
• Energy-saving, impact resistant glass
• Ventilated closet shelving system
• High-efficiency heating and air-conditioning system
• Fire sprinklers and smoke detectors
• Solid core entry door

Custom Kitchen and Bath Features:

• The elegant kitchens are appointed in a style that matches the beauty of the building and features granite counters, European-style cabinets, stainless steel sink and full capacity washer and dryer
• Designer appliances
• The fantastic Master Bath is a retreat within your home in the sky, and features marble floor, double sink vanity with marble top and raised sinks with designer fixtures
• Complementing your Master Bath retreat is a resort-style ˜Wet Room with shower and bathtub enclosed in glass

According to the FBI, Florida is amongst the top 10 mortgage fraud states in the United States. It is our duty to report it and put a stop to it. Mortgage Fraud is a felony and playing the ignorant role is no longer acceptable. We hear nightmares about Miami Real Estate, and some people don't report it because they don't know how.

What is Mortgage Fraud?

As per the FBI:

"Mortgage Fraud is defined as the intentional misstatement, misrepresentation, or omission by an applicant or other interested parties, relied on by a lender or underwriter to provide funding for, to purchase, or to insure a mortgage loan"

(please read the link to the FBI website because it is informative and educational)

How do you report Mortgage Fraud in Miami-Dade County?

The Office of the Mayor has formed a Mortgage Fraud Task Force whose mission is to reduce mortgage fraud and prevent victimization of individuals and businesses.

You can fill-out THIS FORM, and it will be routed to the Miami-Dade Police Department, Economic Crimes Division and either handled directly or forwarded to the proper law enforcement department on a case by case basis.

Watch the video with Mayor Carlos Alvarez

There are some older buildings in Miami Beach that make a statement, The King Cole is one of them. Built in 1963, it represents the MiMo style (Miami Modern) because of its concave shape where the views from the waterfront units are framed beautifully.

There are a lot of people that argue that the building was designed by Morris Lapidus, because its shape resembles Lapidus' Fontainebleau, but it wasn't. I am still doing some research to find out who the original architect is - if anyone reading this article knows, please feel free to jump right in and let me know. I even asked known architectural critic, Beth Dunlop and she confirmed The King Cole was not designed by Morris Lapidus.

Now to the details. The King Cole Condo has an incredible marina and you can see from this aerial that it accommodates big boats. The slips are privately owned, some are for sale and can dock up to 65 foot vessels. It is a full amenity building with:

• heated pool
• 24-hour valet-parking
• gym overlooking the water
• children's playroom
• solarium
• saunas
• marina
• doorman security

It is located on the Southeast corner of Normandy Island in Miami Beach at 900 Bay Drive.

This Luxury condominium has been going through major renovations including a face-lift where all the balcony railings were changed to hurricane impact glass. The Lower Lobby, where most building amenities are housed, is also going renovations including finishes. In a few months, the building will be restored to its original grandeur.

A lot of people relocating to Miami, especially Miami Shores, always ask me if I can recommend a pediatrician. Obviously, choosing a doctor is always very personal but having a doctor that is close by and responds quickly to emergencies is one of the most important factors when dealing with sick kids.

So here is my plug for an awesome Miami pediatrician and friend. Shores Pediatrics is run by Dr. Laura Fernandez-Ortiz who not only has children of her own, but is an active Miami Shores resident. You will see her at all the community events from the Christmas Lighting ceremony to Unity Day.

Dr. Laura gives her medical practice that personal touch that so many other doctors are loosing because all they think about is money. She will take her time with your children and discuss preventive medicine. She has trained under the best doctors and I trust her with my own without even blinking an eye. You can also tell a lot about the doctor by the staff they choose and you can rest assured that at Shores Pediatrics you will experience the best care possible (I'm not exaggerating), from the nursing staff to the receptionist, they know how to deal with patients and will learn your name as well as your kids' in no time.

Her practice is temporarily located in Hollywood at 4801 Hollywood Boulevard -(which is 15 to 20 minutes away from Miami Shores).

The good news is that Shores Pediatrics will move to their permanent location in Miami Shores on November of 2008. The address will be 209 NE 95th Street, Miami Shores, FL 33138.

You can reach Shores Pediatrics and Dr. Laura Fernandez-Ortiz at (954) 987-8740 and visit her website at www.ShoresPediatrics.com

One of the main complaints we hear from people relocating to Miami is that they can't deal with Miami drivers so Rick and I came up with the perfect solution......If you can't beat them, join them!

Here are some basics you'll need to learn to be able to drive in Miami without loosing your mind. These should make the transition much easier and once you start practicing, you will feel right at home.

1. Never, under any circumstance, drive with both hands on the wheel. (2 hands on the wheel mean "weakness" and they will spot you a mile away).

2. Make sure you have a cell phone on one ear. (hands-free devices are for wimps)

3. Use the other hand to do either of the following: women can apply make-up or pluck eyebrows and men can shave or pick their nose.

4. Never, under any circumstance use your blinker (turn signal) - we like surprises here in Miami, just change lanes without notice and the other drivers will respond with friendly signs.

5. If you are on the highway and cars are passing you on the left, make sure you move over to the furthest left lane to slow traffic down......this should upset plenty of drivers, just smirk and wave if you dare.

6. Sign language not only is acceptable but it is expected, only keep in mind that some drivers do pack heat, you may find yourself chasing bullets.

7. Don't ever turn right from the right lane, add excitement to your life - being in the wrong lane to turn is more acceptable.

8. Yellow light means PUNCH IT!! Slow down and you WILL cause an accident!

9. If you see a police car, don't drive patiently behind them, speed up and pass them as quickly as you can while waving with the hand holding the cell phone.

10. If you ever get stopped by the police, don't start making excuses. Miami police love the truth - just tell them to hurry up with the ticket, you have places to go and people to meet.

So stop complaining, be a little more assertive with your driving and soon enough you will not understand how you were able to drive anywhere else. Driving in Miami will feel like home.

Most of you know that I have a bachelors degree in architecture from The University of Miami. The Dean of the school of architecture is Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, from the firm DPZ and best known for their unbelievable urbanism concepts.

I studied with The Luis and Jorge Trelles as well as Teofilo Victoria and Andres Duany and the concept of "New Urbanism" was drilled into us from day one at UM. I recently found an article by Time.com where Andres Duany was interviewed and explains a bit about New Urbanism.

Andrés Duany is writing the blueprint for a greener human habitat. The Miami-based architect is the co-founder, with his wife Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, of the firm DPZ, and over the years he's become a leader in what's called New Urbanism. It's a philosophy of design that tackles not so much buildings themselves as the entire built environment. Duany and his peers in New Urbanism want to stem suburban sprawl in favor of medium-density towns and neighborhoods where houses, offices, shopping and leisure activities would all be within a walkable space. The automobile - which is responsible for a significant portion of most Americans' individual carbon footprint - would become an option, not a lifeline. "This goes beyond simply having cars that will pollute less, like hybrids," says Duany, a voluble 58-year-old who grew up in Cuba before moving to the U.S. in 1960. "It means not having to drive." (Hear Duany talk about New Urbanism on this week's Greencast.)

How is this "New Urbanism" relevant to Miami Real Estate? SIMPLE. Miami is a HUGE city; the amount it takes you to travel from one end to the other could be in excess of 2 hours in rush hour traffic. That could mean INSANITY for anyone relocating to Miami-Dade County who doesn't know any better. Within Miami, there are plenty of self-sustaining neighborhoods and people throughout the years have chosen to live, work and play in those areas to avoid the whole commute issue.

Of course Rick and I will ask our customers where they plan to work and what schools they are looking for their kids because this is crucial for the commute. In a perfect world of design, when we are talking about the typical American family, both parents would work near their place of residence and they would choose a school for their kids where they live. In Miami it has gotten out of hand. You see a parent working in Downtown Miami and the other in Fort Lauderdale - typically they choose to live in the middle of their commute but this is far from the "new urbanism concept".

The romantic architect in me favors these mixed-use projects and self-sustaining "walkable" communities. But that romantic side is in constant disagreement with the practical side of me that says "that could only happen in a perfect, fictitious world". From our friends in Miami Shores whose husband was just transferred from Fort Lauderdale to El Doral, or the Barry University professor who has to commute to Miami Shores from Miami Beach every day. Where we choose to live to lessen the impact of a commute is an extremely important decision and one that deserves delicate scrutiny.

As for New and Green Urbanism, I will keep encouraging and dreaming and will certainly support it, but know that reality will win in most cases.

The goal for this year's Miami Country Day School Walk for Cancer  was $50,000.  As of the preliminary tally, Miami Country Day School had raised over

$112,000!!! 

Can we say wow!  I was helping The Heidi Hewes Woman's Cancer Association with the counting of the money and we all had goose bumps!

Those kids worked so hard and everyone should be so proud!  You could hear the kids cheering in the loud-speaker "Do it for Harry!"  The walk this year is dedicated to Harry Greenberg, a senior at MCDS who has recently lost his leg to cancer.

To think that all that money will go towards cancer research and to the efforts of finding the cure.  My hat goes off to everyone involved.

CONGRATULATIONS MIAMI COUNTRY DAY!!

Here you can see the students hard at work filling out sponsor sheets and collecting money.

Heidi Hewes' members counting money for preliminary tally

The Head of Miami Country Day, Dr. John Davies, promised to shave his head if the students met their $50,000 goal.

Not only did they meet their goal, but they more than doubled it!

CONGRATULATIONS ONCE AGAIN MIAMI COUNTRY DAY!

**take a look at The Miami Herald's photos from today**