Ugo Colombo’s CMC Group has completed the Vita at Grove Isle condominium project in Miami’s Biscayne Bay, finalizing a development that faced a decade of legal challenges from neighboring property owners. The 65-unit, seven-story luxury building is now finished, with 85 percent of its units presold. Ten units remain available, with prices starting at $6.5 million and reaching up to $22 million for the penthouse.
Sales and marketing for the project are being managed by Cervera Real Estate and CMC Real Estate. Two years ago, a CMC affiliate secured $239 million in financing from Bank OZK to support the development.
The completion marks a significant point in ongoing litigation. Nearby residents re-filed a lawsuit against the city of Miami earlier this year, arguing that permits were granted improperly because required land platting was not completed on the private island. An earlier developer had demolished a club with amenities such as a hotel, restaurant, pool, and tennis courts to make way for the condo building. Homeowners claimed they lost access to these facilities, which they were obligated to join; settlements reached in 2020 allowed the project to proceed.
CMC has since rebuilt the club as Grove Isle Racquet & Yacht Club, which includes tennis courts, a fitness center and spa, poolside bar and lounge, and La Sponda—a restaurant operated by Gioia Hospitality Group set to open next year.
A third complaint raised by neighbors alleges that adding Vita pushes Grove Isle’s total residential unit count to 589—above the 575-unit limit set by a 1977 covenant signed by original developers. Residents have also expressed concerns about losing bay views and potential decreases in property values. David Winker, an attorney representing homeowners, told Coconut Grove Spotlight in February: “the project lacks ‘setbacks or other elements that would come along with platting.’”
Despite opposition, home prices in Coconut Grove continue to rise. According to the release, Vita is the only luxury condo delivered in Coconut Grove this year. The development is attracting domestic buyers—including local estate owners seeking lower-maintenance homes—with large floorplans and finishes selected under Ugo Colombo’s supervision cited as key selling points.
Colombo began his condo development career in Miami during the early 1990s with projects such as Bristol Tower and Santa Maria in Brickell. His firm has also developed Porto Vita, Grovenor House, Epic Hotel & Residences, and Brickell Flatiron. Currently focusing on two projects at once, CMC Group’s next venture is Four Seasons Private Residences Coconut Grove in partnership with Fort Partners.
