Developer McKafka sues architect I.D.E.A., alleging construction delays and defects at the Crimson in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood
Posted on April 18, 2017 by Sheryl Barr
Source: https://therealdeal.com, April 17, 2017
By: Francisco Alvarado
An Aventura-based architecture firm allegedly left McKafka Development Group hanging, delaying construction on its 90-unit high-rise called the Crimson in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood, according to a lawsuit.
McKafka, through its limited liability company Alpine Estates, accuses International Design Engineering and Architecture, or I.D.E.A. for short, of breaching its contract and negligence, in the lawsuit filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court last month.
Stephane L’ecuyer, I.D.E.A.’s principal, did not return two phone messages seeking comment. McKafka principal Stephan Gietl also did not respond to The Real Deal, but his lawyer Bruce King said, “We had several discussions to get a resolution and have been unable to do so.” He declined further comment.
According to the lawsuit, McKafka hired I.D.E.A. on Feb. 8, 2013 as the architect of record and Facchina Construction of Florida as the general contractor for the Crimson. However, the architecture firm performed poorly, the lawsuit alleges. The Crimson, at 601 Northeast 27th Street, remains unfinished today.
“I.D.E.A. failed to timely coordinate with or respond to Facchina, prepared incomplete or inconsistent drawings and specifications, and failed to perform in a manner consistent with the design schedule,” the lawsuit states.
McKafka alleges that I.D.E.A. also failed to timely respond to requests for information, change order requests, or provide staff to ensure continuity of service. In addition, according to the suit, I.D.E.A. improperly designed the garage ramps that led to substantial structural changes. The company also improperly designed the temperature control system, resulting in high humidity in the condo units, the lawsuit alleges.
Other significant revisions at the Crimson included the relocation of piles and beams and the redesigning of the height of the building’s stairs and the size of an emergency generator room, McKafka alleges. As a result of the repairs and revisions, the project was delayed and Facchina charged the developer for the delays, as well as additional construction costs, according to the suit.
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Crimson construction begins in Edgewater
Developer targeting young professionals, investors as condo buyers
January 23, 2014 09:45AM
By Eva Cantillo
Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado, Commissioner Marc Sarnoff and mckafka principals Stephan Gietl and Fernando Levy Hara at The Crimson groundbreaking ceremony (credit: Eva Cantillo) and a Crimson rendering
One of numerous developers building a condo tower in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood, mckafka Development Group is targeting young professional buyers seeking a “different lifestyle” for its Crimson project.
The Real Deal attended Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony for The Crimson, a luxury waterfront development at 601 Northeast 27th Street. Mckafka’s Stephan Gietl and Fernando Levy Hara hosted the event. Guests included Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado, city commissioners Marc Sarnoff and Keon Hardemon and several representatives from ISG World, which is handling sales at the project.
The Crimson is designed as a high-tech condo building that caters to young professionals, which in turn could generate interest from investors. The building only includes 90 units, while surrounding projects have between 150 and 300 condos.
“It’s a different lifestyle you’re buying into,” Gietl told The Real Deal. He described the project as “intelligent luxury,” with unit designs that are “very detailed, focused and high-quality.”
Designed with European elements, The Crimson emphasizes both style and functionality, according to Gietl. Residents can choose from one, two or three-bedroom layouts, as well as six penthouses and townhome designs. Other project amenities include a cyber café, electric car charging stations and a zen room.
Mckafka has received LEED Gold certification for The Crimson, Hara told The Real Deal. It is the first Edgewater development to receive that designation.
The company incorporated features it hopes would benefit the public, including a waterfront promenade and fountain, according to Hara.
“Edgewater is now the hot spot in Miami,” Hara said.
The Edgewater neighborhood stretches from Northeast 17th to 37th streets. There are currently 10 condo towers currently proposed for the area, including Related’s Paraiso Bay, Melo Group’s Bay House and Eastview Development’s Biscayne Beach.
“Edgewater will be the next Wynwood or Midtown,” Regalado said during the ceremony.
Mckafka acquired the future Crimson site through a foreclosure auction. Inspiration for the name came from the colors associated with Harvard University, where Gietl and Hara first met.
The Crimson’s groundbreaking was one of three held on Wednesday, underscoring Miami’s current state of rapid growth. Developers of the Bond at Brickell and SLS Brickell also kicked off construction.
Mckafka expects The Crimson to be completed by the second quarter of 2015.