Ugo Colombo’s CMC Group has completed the Vita at Grove Isle condominium project in Miami’s Biscayne Bay, finalizing a development that faced opposition and legal challenges from nearby property owners for over a decade.
The 65-unit luxury building is now finished, with 85 percent of its units presold. According to the developer, only ten units remain available, with prices starting at $6.5 million and reaching up to $22 million for the penthouse. Sales and marketing are being handled by Cervera Real Estate and CMC Real Estate.
CMC Group obtained $239 million in financing from Bank OZK two years ago to fund construction. The project’s completion marks a milestone after years of legal disputes, which continue in court. Earlier this year, residents filed another lawsuit against the city of Miami, arguing that permits were granted without required land platting on the private island where Grove Isle is located.
Previously, a developer demolished a residents’ club—which included amenities such as a hotel, restaurant, pool, and tennis courts—to make way for the new condos. Homeowners claimed they lost access to these facilities despite being required to join the club. Settlements reached in 2020 allowed development to proceed.
In response to concerns about lost amenities, CMC rebuilt the facility as Grove Isle Racquet & Yacht Club. The new club features tennis courts, a fitness center and spa, poolside bar and lounge, and will add La Sponda restaurant from Gioia Hospitality Group next year.
Residents have also argued that adding Vita brings Grove Isle’s total residential units to 589—exceeding the cap of 575 set by an agreement made by original developers in 1977. Loss of bay views and potential impacts on property values are central concerns among homeowners. David Winker, an attorney representing them, told Coconut Grove Spotlight in February: “the project lacks ‘setbacks or other elements that would come along with platting.’”
Despite objections from some residents regarding setbacks and views, overall home prices in Coconut Grove have continued rising while ultra-luxury real estate markets elsewhere have shown less consistent performance.
Vita is reportedly the only luxury condo building completed in Coconut Grove this year. According to the developer’s statement, most buyers are domestic customers—including local estate owners downsizing into low-maintenance homes—and many are attracted by large floorplans and interior finishes selected personally by Ugo Colombo.
Colombo began his Miami condo development career with Bristol Tower and Santa Maria in Brickell during the early 1990s; his firm has since developed projects like Porto Vita, Grovenor House, Epic Hotel & Residences, and Brickell Flatiron. CMC typically develops no more than two projects simultaneously; its next planned venture is Four Seasons Private Residences Coconut Grove with partner Fort Partners.
