Prior to the building opening, the sound of 'Thank you for calling Forma, Miami's highly anticipated luxury residential residence in the heart of Edgewater,' was the greeting on voicemail, as neither the leasing team nor management could be reached by phone.
My initial move-in was scheduled for December 1st. Despite months of attempts to confirm details, just days before Thanksgiving, I was abruptly informed the building would not be ready. This forced me into temporary housing while still paying full rent. My belongings were inaccessible for nearly three weeks, and I had to persistently advocate for a move-in date--a level of effort that should never have been required from a paying resident.
Once I moved in, the challenges only increased:
Damage to My Car: An illegally parked truck caused damage to my vehicle, and instead of offering support, the building's chief engineer placed the blame on me.
Unreliable Moving Company: The building's recommended movers arrived late, resulting in a chaotic and incomplete move-in process.
Non-Functional Smart Features: The advertised smart home features, which were part of Forma's luxury promise, were non-operational, requiring lengthy resolution efforts.
While initial resident events and concierge services showed promise, the positive experiences quickly deteriorated, with numerous issues becoming apparent:
Delayed Amenities: Promised amenities have been consistently delayed, with no clear timelines provided and repeated assurances left unfulfilled.
Absent Management: Kevin Reichart, a national development manager with a construction background rather than luxury residential expertise, has been largely absent. Furthermore, there is no on-site property manager to address resident concerns effectively and those who are onsite hide in there offices which residents can not access.
Reduced Concierge Quality: The removal of the chief concierge, who initially elevated the experience, has led to a drastic decline in service and knowledge.
Sewage Smells: Persistent and unpleasant sewage odors in common areas tarnish the living experience, falling far below the promised standard of luxury.
Other notable concerns include:
Event Charges: Events that were initially advertised as complimentary have unexpectedly become paid, disappointing residents who were drawn in by the promise of free community activities.
Misleading Discounts and Partnerships: Discounts and partnerships promoted via the resident app often turn out to be exaggerated or entirely false, undermining trust.
False Promises About Amenities: Residents have been repeatedly misled about the readiness of amenities, both in elevator conversations and other communications, creating frustration and unmet expectations.
Missing Bike and Scooter Rentals: Despite being advertised on Forma's website, free bike and scooter rentals--an enticing feature for many--are nonexistent.
No Weekend Bartender: The promise of a weekend bartender to enhance communal spaces has yet to materialize, diminishing the value of these areas.
Broken Garage: Ongoing issues with the parking garage, including malfunctioning access and lack of updates on repairs, have caused unnecessary inconvenience and concerns about safety.
Unreliable Mail Services: Delayed or missing mail and packages are an ongoing frustration for residents.
Unprofessional Behavior: Residents who voice concerns often become the subject of gossip among staff, a shocking and unacceptable breach of professionalism. Management seems to forget that this is not just a building--it is our home.
Despite small efforts to address some concerns, the ongoing challenges have been profoundly disheartening. As a current resident, I hold out hope for meaningful improvements, particularly in communication, transparency, and accountability. Forma has the potential to live up to its promises, but it requires a dramatic shift in approach to provide the luxury experience it marketed. read more