The sun may slip under the horizon, but that is the time when the sky erupts in light. This is not such a bizarre, unnatural notion on July Fourth, when dusk heralds the crackle and sparkle of celebratory fireworks. The grand finale of any festivity around the nation, the pyrotechnics shows are best marveled at with the advantage of some elevation. And what beats an upscale residence in the clouds where the fireworks erupt in red, white and blue.
To mark America’s birthday this year, Haute Residence has curated a list of some of the most lavish properties to watch the fireworks from. Replete with rooftop decks and expansive balconies, these are the homes to thrust you in the center of the celebrations around the country.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, PH01, Miami Beach
Credit: DooArchitecture
Residence PH01 is one of the five penthouses to form the top floor of The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Miami Beach. Boasting over 10,000 square feet of living space, including 4 bedrooms, the $16,900,000 home comes with sweeping vistas of Miami Beach, Biscayne Bay, and Downtown Miami. The penthouse’s large terrace is among its most definitive traits, offering an ideal setting – an outdoor kitchen, a private pool as well as two plunge pools – for a July Fourth BBQ bash.
Three Hundred Collins, PH02, Miami Beach
Another glistening residential development in Miami Beach is 300 Collins with its boutique 19 units. Designed with Danish flair by New York City’s Designer for the one percent, Thomas Juul-Hansen, the resplendent homes come with expansive terraces and balconies for outdoor entertaining and dining and fireworks gazing. Penthouse PH02, listed for $5,300,000, has an added value – the most optimal view of South Beach.
Oceana Bal Harbour, 1001, Bal Harbour
An oceanfront corner unit in the prestigious Oceana Bal Harbour, 1001 flaunts a 1,595-square-foot terrace with unobstructed views of the ocean, Biscayne Bay, the Bal Harbour marine as well as the Miami skyline. Its propitious location make the residence an ideal spot to view several fireworks displays – from those on the beach to those in town. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the unit enhance the vistas, while the development’s many outdoor amenities – from green spaces to a relaxation pool to several cabanas – offer even more opportunities for upscale July Fourth celebrations.
Seaport Residences, PH3, Manhattan
Seaport Residences rise some 53 floors above Lower Manhattan. Designed by Hill West Architects, the building, the latest condominium to tower over the Seaport District, has several penthouses but the most spectacular one – in terms of views – is PH3. Listed for $7,525,000, the unit provides sweeping panoramas to the north, south, east and west. Aside from the several wrap-around balconies, residents can revel at the stunning NYC fireworks though the floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
Level, 37F, Williamsburg
This two-bedroom residence at Level, a new community located in the waterfront enclave of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, vaunts panoramic views of New York City. It is purportedly the spot to catch Macy’s 4th of July fireworks this year, or what the company refers to as “largest display since the Millennial Celebration.”
1000M, 71-PH1, Chicago
Among the newest developments to arrive on Chicago’s cityscape, 74-story-high 1000M allows residents to enjoy the fireworks at the Navy Pier in their slippers and pajamas, if they wish. Sprawling on the 71st floor, the penthouse, priced at $8,100,000, unfolds on nearly 5,500 square feet, including a private terrace for a lively July Fourth soiree.
Wilshire Grand, Los Angeles
The tallest building west of the Mississippi River, Wilshire Grand soars some 73 stories high to conclude its striking shape with a curved roof that breaks with expectations. It's open decks provide a high-end yet homey atmosphere, which comes awash with the bright lights of the downtown LA fireworks.
