Miami’s Supertall Race: Why Delano Is Positioned to Lead Downtown
Last Updated: March 2026
What makes Delano stand out in Miami’s supertall tower boom?
Miami is experiencing the most significant supertall construction wave in its history, with multiple towers exceeding 80 stories simultaneously under development or in pre-sales. Waldorf Astoria at 100 stories will be the tallest residential tower south of New York. Delano at 90 stories sits immediately adjacent. Together with several other towers, downtown Miami’s skyline is being permanently redefined within a 3-5 year window.
What separates Delano from generic supertall projects is the brand translation. The original Delano South Beach, designed by Philippe Starck in 1995, essentially invented the concept of the boutique hotel. Its lobby, pool, and public spaces became cultural reference points that influenced hospitality design globally. Bringing that sensibility to a 90-story residential tower is ambitious — and if PMG executes to their usual standard, it will create something genuinely distinctive in a market that sometimes defaults to interchangeable luxury.
How does Delano’s pricing compare to Waldorf Astoria and other supertalls?
The pricing hierarchy among downtown’s supertalls follows a clear ladder. Waldorf Astoria starts above $1M with average prices per square foot in the $1,400-$2,500 range. Delano starts at approximately $800K with averages around $1,100-$2,000 per square foot. Okan Tower offers more accessible entry points starting around $400K. Aston Martin resales range broadly from $800K to $50M+ depending on the unit.
The gap between Delano and Waldorf is instructive. Both are PMG developments, both are branded, and both sit in the same submarket. The $200K-$400K price gap buys you Hilton’s most prestigious brand versus Accor’s most iconic lifestyle brand, and 10 additional stories of height. For many buyers, the Delano aesthetic — more playful, more design-forward — may actually resonate more strongly than Waldorf’s traditional luxury positioning.
Who is the developer behind Delano Residences?
Property Markets Group (PMG) is one of Miami’s most active luxury developers, led by Kevin Maloney and Ryan Shear. Their portfolio includes E11EVEN Hotel & Residences (delivered), Waldorf Astoria Miami (under construction), and multiple previous projects in New York City. PMG’s business model centers on branded residential partnerships — they believe, correctly, that hotel and lifestyle brands add tangible value to residential product through service standards, design quality, and global name recognition.
What I appreciate about PMG’s approach is consistency. They don’t cut corners on finishes, they deliver on schedule (E11EVEN hit its delivery timeline), and their sales teams are transparent about pricing and availability. In a market where some developers overpromise and underdeliver, PMG’s track record is a genuine competitive advantage. Buyers are paying for execution certainty as much as for the Delano brand.
What will downtown Miami look like when these supertalls deliver?
By 2029, downtown Miami’s skyline will be fundamentally different from what exists today. The district will have at least four towers exceeding 80 stories, creating a genuine CBD silhouette visible from every approach to the city. More importantly, the population density these towers bring — an estimated 5,000-8,000 new residents in the World Center submarket alone — will support the street-level retail, dining, and cultural programming that transforms a collection of towers into a neighborhood.
PMG’s bet is that concentrated development creates a flywheel effect. More residents attract more retailers. More retailers attract more residents. E11EVEN nightclub established the entertainment anchor. E11EVEN Hotel proved people will live in the district. Waldorf and Delano will bring the prestige residential critical mass. Whether this plays out on schedule depends on macro conditions, but the vision is sound and the capital commitment is real.
Should buyers choose Delano or wait for later projects?
The answer depends on your timeline and risk tolerance. Delano’s current pre-construction pricing represents the lowest entry point the building will offer. By the time the tower tops off, prices will have escalated 10-20% based on standard developer pricing curves. Waiting means paying more for the same unit. However, waiting also means more information — you’ll see construction progress, absorption rates, and market conditions with greater clarity.
My general advice: if you’re comfortable with PMG’s execution track record and you’re attracted to the Delano brand positioning, earlier is better. Pre-construction leverage is the fundamental advantage, and the deposit structure is manageable. If you need to see a finished product before committing, Aston Martin Residences is already delivered and available for immediate occupancy. Contact me at 305-321-7655 for current availability at both buildings.
Speak with Adrian Sanchez
Contact WIRE Miami for current pricing, availability, and preferred access to Delano Residences Miami.
Call 305-321-7655