Turkish Developer Shelton Proposes 11-Story Waterfront Luxury Tower in North Miami

Key Points

• Shelton Miami would rise 11 stories with 18 large-format luxury condos averaging 3,000 square feet.

• The developer seeks a Conditional Use Permit to exceed the site’s base density.

• Amenities include a private pier, mechanical parking system, and yacht-club-style services.

Shelton, a Turkey-based real estate developer, is making its U.S. debut with a luxury residential project in North Miami. Known for high-end developments in Bodrum and Ankara, the firm plans an 11-story tower at 1998 NE 135th Street along Little Arch Creek. Designed by Kobi Karp, the project—dubbed Shelton Miami—will bring ultra-large units and yacht-style amenities to a low-density neighborhood. Here's a closer look at the proposal, its challenges, and what it could mean for the area.

A First U.S. Venture With Big Ambitions

• The project proposes 18 residential units, well above the 8.8 units permitted by zoning.

• To reach its unit count, Shelton is applying for a Conditional Use Permit to tap into the city’s density pool.

• Residences will be large-scale, five-bedroom homes averaging 3,000 square feet, with two units per floor from levels three to eleven.

Design and Amenities Reflect a Yacht Club Lifestyle

• Kobi Karp’s design emphasizes open layouts, expansive glazing, and high-end materials like fluted stone, white stucco, and wood paneling.

• Amenities include a private pier and boat services, a pool, gym, sauna, and steam room.

• Parking will be handled by 38 mechanical lift systems, eliminating the need for ramps and optimizing site usage.

• The second floor will house the lobby and shared amenities, elevated above ground-level parking.

Planning Commission Input and Approval Process

• On September 18, the North Miami Planning Commission reviewed the proposal and issued recommendations.

• Final approval is pending from the City Council, with particular attention on density, traffic impacts, and tree mitigation.

• Community feedback focused on parking adequacy and the potential impact on neighborhood character.

Bolstering North Miami

Shelton Miami targets a luxury niche with limited competition in North Miami—large, private residences with high-end amenities and waterfront access. The private pier and yacht-club atmosphere are designed to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking exclusivity. However, success depends on securing density approvals, executing on construction complexities, and gauging true demand in a submarket that typically sees smaller-scale projects.

Shelton’s first U.S. project is a bold bet on the North Miami waterfront. If approved, it could reshape expectations for luxury living in the area. But the path to completion will require navigating regulatory hurdles, delivering on design promises, and convincing the market there’s appetite for ultra-large, yacht-oriented residences in this pocket of Miami.