ARTFUL LIVING
INVESTMENT IMPRESARIO CHAD LOWETH FUSES HIS LOVE FOR ART WITH HIS BUSINESS EXPERTISE TO CREATE A STUNNING NEW SPEC HOUSE IN OLD CUTLER BAY.
It’s never too late for a new beginning, and Miami residents are always chasing that next big thing. An avid art collector and patron, Miami-based entrepreneur Chad Loweth opened the Scenario Gallery in Wynwood last year to bring a handpicked set of prominent international artists and collectors together with a fresh approach to programming and exhibitions. Yet as a businessman who spent decades in finance and hedge funds, Loweth also excels at teaching emerging collectors about the investment value of contemporary art and how to navigate its market with finesse. His foray into residential real estate development merges his skills in art and commerce—as evidenced in his newest property, the Balada House, a tour de force in Old Cutler Bay with interiors by design dynamo Karla Pohlmann; listed at $18 million, it’s slated for completion later this year. We asked the developer and the designer about creating an artful approach to life. Why Old Cutler Bay? Chad Loweth: It’s one of Coral Gables’ greatest gated communities—surrounded by state parks, accessible via the historic Old Cutler Road, and a paradise for boaters. It’s also one of the most desirable communities to raise a family, with its centuries-old banyan trees that look like something out of a
fairy tale, its highly acclaimed schools, great shopping, and wonderful restaurants. How would you describe the grounds at Balada? CL: Unique. A double lot on a corner cul-de-sac with no neighbors across the way and facing an untouched state park of protected land. It’s privacy at its utmost. What’s your vision for the houses you develop in this area? CL: This is the fifth property I’ve developed in Coral Gables. My vision from the beginning was to develop houses with a modern feel, open floor plans, and elements of warmth, [with] a blend of natural materials that reflects the surrounding nature. An indoor-outdoor lifestyle was always part of the idea, allowing residents to have their boats docked right in the backyard with a straight path to the bay. Highlights in the Balada House include a flexible layout within approximately 10,000 square feet, seven large bedrooms— including a stunning master bedroom overlooking the park and water—seven bathrooms, private balconies, an incredible gym area, a library, and a wine cellar. How do the interiors of the home reflect the big-picture vision? Karla Pohlmann: It was a natural process to preserve all the open areas and flow of spaces and enhance the beautiful views. I created the façade as a continuation of the interior by observing a coherent language between elements. I was stunned watching the sunset from inside.