Coming soon to the west side of Miami Lakes: 37 single-family luxury homes to be built inside a gated community, with some residences on a private island.
Councilman Luis Collazo called part of GT USA’s project “a mini-Star Island,” comparing it to the exclusive residential enclave in Miami Beach, before the council unanimously approved the plan on Oct. 10.
Sixteen houses will rise along Northwest 162nd Street, between Northwest 87th Avenue and Northwest 84th Avenue.
Of the 21 homes planned for the island just south of that street, four will be custom residences.
Though the island will be gated, the roads will remain public, owned and maintained by the town, and devices will record vehicles that enter.
Called Palma del Lago, the nearly 17-acre neighborhood will be established within the existing Royal Oaks gated community.
Palma del Lago is north of the Madden’s Hammock historic site, which is at the northeast corner of Northwest 87th Avenue and Miami Lakes Drive.
The property is owned by a limited liability company; its registered agent is Betty Dunn, a longtime landowner in the region.
It is an elevated wooded area surrounded by water, and cattle graze nearby.
A 2006 county report described recovered tools and pottery as evidence of Native American life, as well as Spanish colonial artifacts used in trade.
In the 20th century it was a camp and ceremonial site for the Seminoles, the report said.
The new development will be just north and across the lake from that landmark.
One and two-story homes, with three-to-six bedrooms and up to seven baths, will be priced from $1.5 million, according to the developer.
Lot sizes will range from 7,956 square feet to a half-acre.
Buyers may choose from five models and 10 floor plans.
“There is flexibility for multi-generational lifestyles and open floor plans,” attorney Melissa Tapanes Llahues told the council on behalf of the developer.
Construction materials will include open cell foam insulation in attics, LED lighting, low volatile organic compound paints and carpets; HVAC systems with high SEER ratings and low volume toilets.
Lots will accommodate a pool. Large swimming pools may require a setback variance.
Some home exteriors have design touches such as barrel tile roofs, faux balconies and arch doorways.
Houses will have two-or three car garages, two parking spaces each and there will be additional community parking.
A dog park will be private for the new homeowner’s association, Tapanes Llahues said.
During construction, a gate will open at Northwest 162nd Street and Northwest 87th Avenue during working hours.
Current plans call for it to permanently close after the community is built and for residents to enter and exit the area at Northwest 82nd Avenue.
For more information go to PalmaDelLago.com.