O Residence keeps a low profile for a nine-story building. Completed in 2017 at 9821 E Bay Harbor Dr, its 36 residences were developed by S2 Development with BH-LK Investments and designed by architect Charles Benson — a name Bijou watchers will recognize, since Benson co-designed that tower too. The mix runs one to three bedrooms, and the building's personality is practical luxury: strict long-term rental rules, a small-dog pet policy, and a waterfront position minutes from Bal Harbour. Both buyers and long-term renters will find inventory at O Residence, and the numbers tend to work for people who actually...
O Residence keeps a low profile for a nine-story building. Completed in 2017 at 9821 E Bay Harbor Dr, its 36 residences were developed by S2 Development with BH-LK Investments and designed by architect Charles Benson — a name Bijou watchers will recognize, since Benson co-designed that tower too. The mix runs one to three bedrooms, and the building's personality is practical luxury: strict long-term rental rules, a small-dog pet policy, and a waterfront position minutes from Bal Harbour. Both buyers and long-term renters will find inventory at O Residence, and the numbers tend to work for people who actually live in their homes.
O Residence Frequently Asked Questions
❯ Who is Charles Benson, the architect?
Charles Benson is the Miami architect behind O Residence's nine-story design — and he is not a one-building name on the island. Benson co-designed Bijou Bay Harbor alongside Luis Revuelta, giving him two completed towers in Bay Harbor Islands. His work here favors clean modern lines, glass railings, and efficient floor plans over architectural theatrics.
❯ What is the rental policy at O Residence?
Long-term only: leasing once per year with a 12-month minimum, and owners may lease after purchase. No short-term program — turnover stays low and the hallways quiet.
❯ What is the bedroom mix?
Thirty-six residences break down to roughly six one-bedrooms, twenty-two two-bedrooms, and eight three-bedrooms. The two-bedroom is the workhorse of the building — the right size for full-time island living without the carrying costs of a sprawling waterfront unit.
❯ Are pets allowed at O Residence?
Yes, with limits: the pet policy allows dogs up to 20 pounds, with possible additional restrictions. Owners with larger dogs should confirm the current rules and any grandfathering provisions with the association before buying.
❯ How far is O Residence from the beach and Bal Harbour Shops?
Minutes by car or bike. The building sits on the east side of the islands with quick access to the Bal Harbour Shops, Surfside and Bal Harbour beaches, houses of worship, and the Kane Concourse restaurant strip. The A-rated Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center is close enough to matter for young families.
❯ What should buyers know about HOA costs?
Maintenance runs about $1.30 per square foot per month, varying by unit. Review the association's reserves, insurance costs, and any planned capital projects — the financials matter as much as the finishes.
Key Facts
- Address: 9821 E Bay Harbor Dr, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154
- Neighborhood: Bay Harbor Islands (east side), near Bal Harbour
- Developer: S2 Development & BH-LK Investments
- Architect: Charles Benson
- Stories: 9
- Residences: 36
- Completed: 2017
Nine Stories, Thirty-Six Front Doors
O Residence occupies a useful middle ground: taller and more amenitized than the garden-style co-ops, but far more intimate than the big resort towers elsewhere in South Florida. Thirty-six homes means the common areas stay calm, the board stays reachable, and resales don't compete with a dozen identical listings at once.
Residences favor straightforward luxury — open kitchens, split-bedroom layouts, and balconies that catch the bay breeze — over the gadget-heavy approach of some newer buildings. For buyers comparing architects, Bijou Bay Harbor is Benson's co-designed sibling; for a newer east-island alternative, see Sereno Residences.
Built for Long-Term Living
Everything about O Residence's rulebook says the building wants residents, not revolving guests: one lease a year, twelve-month minimums, and a pet policy sized for actual pets. That predictability is a feature for owner-occupants and long-term landlords alike — turnover is low, and the community feel is closer to a neighborhood than a hotel.
It also means investors chasing nightly or monthly income should look elsewhere — and that is fine. Bay Harbor Islands has buildings for that strategy too. This building is for the buyer who plans to stay awhile, and the resale history suggests the market respects the distinction. Another established island option: Onda Bay Harbor on the east waterfront.
Explore our comprehensive list of New and Pre-Construction, A Class Office Space, and Most Expensive Neighborhoods.
Also Check Out These Useful Links:
Miami Dade County Appraiser Property Search
Broward County Property Appraiser Property Search
WPB County Property Appraiser Property Search
