GUARANTEED ABOUT TO MAKE HISTORY... NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN SOUTHEAST FLORIDA

You can sit back, relax, take a nap, read a good book instead of focusing for several hours on road travel!  If you haven’t heard this yet, by  mid-2017, you no longer have to drive to Orlando or from Miami to Ft Lauderdale, to West Palm Beach, as Brightline, the new name for All Aboard Florida trains, will accommodate you very well. 

Brightline will launch with five, four-car trains with capacity for 240 passengers each. The service plans to double that by June 2018, with ten sets of seven-car trains that can hold 356 passengers.  The whole route is about 235 miles.

They will have colorful exteriors, easily identifiable.  Cost to build, and thereby hugely change the economics of the area for the better, you ask?   $3BB.  The good news is that it will bring new developments in the station areas, from condos to commercial spaces.  Anticipated benefits include easing road congestion and alleviating pressure on crowded airports.

Using the Brightline trains will make a trip from Miami to Ft Lauderdale less than 30 minutes.  Miami to West Palm Beach will take less than 60 minutes.  Miami to Orlando will take about 3 hours on the Brightline.  With the younger generation less “car prone,” this will be a bonus for them.

Features include 

·       complimentary Wi-Fi

·       power outlets at each seat

·       food and beverage options

·       bicycle and luggage storage

·       wheelchair accessibility

·       cars will also be pet friendly.

The trains, designed by the Rockwell Group, are being built in Sacramento by Siemens. Construction has begun on stations in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, and on connecting urban centers that developers hope will become dining and shopping destinations. Another station will be next to Orlando International Airport.

All Aboard Florida is a wholly owned subsidiary of Florida East Coast Industries, which is involved in a range of infrastructure, transportation and real estate businesses. The project is being funded by private investors through the issuance of $1.75 billion in tax-exempt bonds and directly from the parent company. The company expects to become profitable in the first couple of years as it adds more trains and ridership increases.

Trains were the primary mode of transportation in the USA until after World War II, when cars and airlines took over the roads and skies. Federally funded Amtrak has remained the predominant interstate passenger train system, but it does not offer the kind of high-speed service found in Europe and Asia.

The closest thing the USA has to high-speed trains is Amtrak's Acela on the northeast corridor, which can go as fast as 150 mph. Brightline trains will not be high-speed, but its express service will be able to go up to 125 mph.

 

SOUTHAMPTON FORMER ART DECO THEATER BUILT IN 1930 FOR SALE FOR $35,000,000

 

Built around 1930 by socialite Ethel Tyng, the auditorium had 20’+ high ceilings and a cork floor for acoustics and in its latest life became a stunning Great Room. “Houses of the Hamptons, 1880-1930” states that as a theater presentations included concerts, plays and other performances.  The estate must have been a Southampton hub of culture.

CBS Founder, William S. Paley, is a former owner.  Paley was a glamourous figure, a visionary who made CBS a dominant force in radio and tv.  This estate was an impressive showcase, and not Paley’s only residence.

Located on seven acres, the three-bedroom, 5500 sq ft house encompasses a pool, pool house, guest cottage, garage with staff quarters, greenhouse and caretaker’s cottage.

The style of the day was Art Deco, and in keeping with that style, some details remain such as a peacock insert on the front door.

Now owned by a former Morgan Stanley Managing Director, who bought Paley’s property in the 1990’s, the seller says it is on the market now because, “we just think it’s time.”

Looking for a historic home?  There are currently six properties in Palm Beach and one in Gulf Stream that are listed for between $11,900,000 and $59,000,000.  Other historic homes in Palm Beach County are listed from $34,900 (2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 800 sq ft) and up.  For more information and showings, or to learn more about listing your property, contact Marilyn Jacobs at 561-302-3388.  Marilyn is with Weichert Realtor Health & Joseph in Wellington, Florida.

1930's GEORGIAN-STYLE PALM BEACH HOUSE UP FOR AUCTION

Georgian-style 201 Banyan Road, a block from the Lake Worth Lagoon with deeded beach access, was built in 1930 but renovated and expanded.  6 bedrooms, 8026 total sq ft, on northwest corner of South County Road. 

Property will be auctioned in Manhattan at 7 pm, November 11 at the St. Regis Hotel, 2 E 55^th St in Manhattan, 6 pm is registration.  Reserve price is $7MM and must be sold for that amount or more.  However, owner has option to sell it for less and winning bidder will pay a 5% premium.  Should close in 21 days. 

Potential buyers must pre-register with $350,000 deposited in an escrow account to be able to bid – can be by phone or via a representative.  Saturdays thru Nov 7, bidders can tour the house by appointment.  For more details call Marilyn at 561-302-3388. Beautiful historic property.