Throwback: Brickell Condos Construction Update (October 2014)
Step back in time to 2014 — an era when Miami’s Brickell neighborhood was buzzing with cranes, concrete, and the promise of a new skyline. In this throwback video, filmed on October 22, 2014, I drove through Brickell with a GoPro camera mounted to my car’s hood, capturing the incredible transformation that was just beginning to take shape.
What makes this video special is the rare perspective — seeing Brickell before the dust settled. You’ll notice empty lots that are now luxury high-rises, cranes that have long since disappeared, and streets that were just starting to buzz with new life.
Watch the full Brickell Condos Construction Update video above to see just how far the neighborhood has come. For anyone who remembers the excitement of Miami’s condo boom in the mid-2010s, this video is a nostalgic glimpse back at the moment it all began.
Kerzner International Announces SIRO Brickell — a Wellness-Focused Landmark Coming to the Heart of Brickell
Brickell’s evolution into a world-class urban destination continues with the announcement of SIRO Brickell, the first U.S. outpost of Kerzner International’s wellness-driven hospitality brand. Following the $45 million acquisition of a prime site previously owned by Swire Properties, Kerzner has now revealed plans for a transformative mixed-use project that will blend fitness, recovery, and luxury living in the heart of Miami’s Financial District.
A New Kind of Urban Retreat
Scheduled to open in 2030, SIRO Brickell will feature 180 hotel rooms, 350 branded residences, and state-of-the-art fitness and recovery amenities. The project marks the fourth in SIRO’s expanding global pipeline—joining upcoming destinations in Los Cabos, Riyadh, and Tokyo—and will serve as a showcase for the brand’s mission to redefine hospitality through wellbeing, performance, and purpose-driven living.
According to Kerzner International CEO Philippe Zuber, “SIRO is our disruptor brand; designed to meet the evolving demands of a new generation of travelers who prioritize wellbeing, performance and purpose.” Miami, he added, offers the perfect stage for the brand’s U.S. debut.
Local Expertise, Global Vision
To bring the project to life, Kerzner has partnered with Miami-based 13th Floor Investments and Forse Holdings as local development partners. Both firms bring extensive experience shaping high-impact destinations across South Florida. 13th Floor, led by Managing Principal Arnaud Karsenti, has developed several transformative projects including Link at Douglas and Casa Cipriani Miami. “Brickell has become one of the world’s leading global destinations,” said Karsenti. “This makes it the ideal location to launch SIRO’s flagship project in the U.S.”
A Catalyst for Brickell’s Next Chapter
SIRO Brickell will rise at a time when Brickell is rapidly redefining itself as more than just a financial center. The neighborhood—home to some of Miami’s tallest towers, most exclusive residences, and a growing roster of world-class dining and retail—continues to attract global attention. The addition of a wellness-focused brand like SIRO further diversifies Brickell’s lifestyle offerings, catering to travelers and residents who value balance, health, and design-led living.
The Miami debut of SIRO comes amid a wave of U.S. expansion for Kerzner International, whose other flagship brands include Atlantis, One&Only, and Rare Finds. Later this year, Kerzner will unveil One&Only Moonlight Basin Resort and Private Homes in Montana, followed by a new property in New York’s Hudson Valley—further cementing its reputation for redefining luxury and lifestyle experiences around the world.
Milestone Achieved: Foundation Pour Completed for The Residences at 1428 Brickell
The skyline of Miami’s Brickell district just took another leap forward. Last week, developer Ytech and contractor Coastal Construction completed the foundation pour for The Residences at 1428 Brickell, a 70-story luxury condominium tower that is poised to become a new icon in the city’s high-rise landscape.
A Historic Pour: Size, Scale, and Logistics
The continuous pour began on September 26 and lasted 33 uninterrupted hours, marking what is likely the largest mat foundation pour ever executed in Brickell.
Over 13,000 cubic yards of concrete were placed.
To maintain the flow, more than 1,300 concrete truck deliveries cycled between the site and the plant, while five placing booms managed the concrete distribution on-site.
The foundation also incorporated 2,700 tons of reinforcing steel to anchor the future superstructure.
This kind of logistical orchestration—coordinating trucks, concrete mixing, boom placement, and continuous pour operations—is a feat of engineering and project management. It signals that the development team is confident in moving forward quickly into vertical construction.
Design, Sustainability & Residences
Here’s what we know so far about the design, residential layouts, and sustainability features:
Developer & design team: Ytech (led by CEO Yamal Yidios) is behind the project. Arquitectonica is the architect, ACPV ARCHITECTS (Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel) is handling interiors, and ArquitectonicaGEO is in charge of landscape architecture.
Height & units: The tower will rise to 861 feet and will house 189 residences, with unit sizes ranging from 1,800 to 4,000 square feet, all facing east toward Biscayne Bay.
Facade & sustainability: The building features a flowing, wind-inspired façade and includes a “Solar Backbone”—approximately 500 photovoltaic-integrated windows spanning nearly 20,000 square feet along the west façade.
This solar system is projected to generate 175,000 kWh annually, offsetting around 4,700 tons of CO₂ and saving the equivalent of 3,000 barrels of oil each year.
Amenities: A 80,000-square-foot wellness club is planned to support resident health and relaxation.
Why This Pour Matters
This foundation pour is more than a construction milestone—it sets the stage for the rest of the build. Successfully completing a massive mat pour demonstrates:
Technical competence and risk mitigation — the project team (developer, contractor, engineers) have shown they can coordinate a large, continuous operation without delay or major disruption.
Investor / buyer confidence — big foundational milestones often serve as a signal to the market that the project is well underway and viable.
Momentum for the Miami skyline expansion — in a market where height, luxury amenities, and sustainability are key differentiators, this project stakes a claim early.
Masaveu Acquires Wendy’s Site in Brickell for $24 Million, Completing Major Block Assemblage
In a significant Brickell land deal, Masaveu Real Estate US has acquired the Wendy’s property at 200 SW 8th Street in West Brickell for $24 million. The transaction, which closed last week, gives the Spanish investment firm control over nearly an entire block along Southwest Eighth Street — a key corridor in one of Miami’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.
Details of the Acquisition
Purchase Price: $24 million
Buyer: Masaveu Real Estate US, the American arm of Spanish conglomerate Corporación Masaveu
Seller: A group including Inpetros LLC, Berlin Capital LLC, and CNG of Ottawa LLC
Property: 3,611-square-foot Wendy’s building situated on approximately 0.6 acres at 200 SW 8th Street
Zoning: Allows up to 150 units per acre and buildings up to 48 stories
The Wendy’s restaurant remains in operation, but the sale signals a long-term redevelopment play in one of Miami’s densest urban districts.
Masaveu’s Expanding Brickell Footprint
This purchase follows a series of recent acquisitions by Masaveu along Southwest Eighth Street:
268 SW 8th Street — acquired for $15.5 million earlier this year
242 & 250 SW 8th Street — purchased in prior transactions
Air Rights — Masaveu also controls 22,050 square feet of air rights over adjacent parcels, adding the potential for another 48 residential units
With the Wendy’s deal completed, Masaveu now owns about 1.4 acres spanning multiple addresses, giving it a commanding position to shape future development in Brickell Miami.
Development Potential
Thanks to favorable zoning, the assemblage offers significant opportunities for high-density development. Masaveu could pursue:
Luxury condominiums
High-rise multifamily rentals
Mixed-use projects incorporating retail, office, or hospitality
The zoning framework, coupled with the air rights Masaveu has already secured, allows for major vertical development potential. While no immediate redevelopment plans have been announced, the acquisitions strongly suggest a long-term vision for a transformative project in the heart of Brickell.
Why the Deal Matters
The $24 million Wendy’s purchase highlights several important real estate trends in Miami:
Assemblage Strategy: Acquiring smaller parcels over time to enable large-scale redevelopment.
Urban Infill Demand: Even fast-food sites in central neighborhoods are prime targets for redevelopment.
International Capital: Global investors, particularly from Europe and Latin America, continue to bet big on Miami real estate.
Zoning Leverage: Air rights and density bonuses are crucial tools for maximizing value in high-demand submarkets.
Conclusion
The sale of the Wendy’s site in Brickell is about far more than burgers and fries. It represents a strategic land play by a global investment firm with deep ties to Miami’s future growth. With nearly an entire block now under its control, Masaveu is positioned to deliver one of the next major mixed-use developments in Brickell.
The History of Brickell Miami
Brickell is one of Miami’s most dynamic neighborhoods — its Financial District, high-rise residential core, and evolving cultural and economic center. Its evolution from indigenous settlement through family homesteading into the dense urban neighborhood it is today is a story of land, development, and transformation.
Early Inhabitants: The Tequesta
Before European settlement, the area now known as Brickell was inhabited by the Tequesta people. Archaeological evidence shows they lived along the Miami River and Biscayne Bay for over 2,000 years.
One of the key sites is the Miami Circle, located at the opening of the Miami River to Biscayne Bay at Brickell Point. It is an archaeological site of a Tequesta structure (a hut) with post holes and is associated with a burial mound.
William Barnwell Brickell and Mary Brickell
The Arrival of the Brickell Family & Early Development
The Brickell neighborhood is named after William Barnwell Brickell and Mary Brickell (née Mary Adelaide “Mama” Bulmer). William Brickell purchased over 600 acres in what would become Brickell in 1870.
In 1871, the Brickells moved to the mouth of the Miami River, establishing a home, trading post, and acquiring large land holdings that stretched south toward Coconut Grove. Their land included current Brickell and surrounding areas.
William Brickell died in 1908; Mary Brickell then managed and developed their extensive real estate, including areas known as Millionaire’s Row and Brickell Hammock.
Millionaire’s Row & Early 20th Century
In the early 1900s through the 1910s, Brickell Avenue was lined with large winter estates owned by affluent northerners. This stretch became known as Millionaire’s Row.
Among notable residences were estates belonging to William Jennings Bryan and others. Many of these mansions were built for seasonal use. Over time, most of them were removed, replaced by denser residential and commercial structures.
The Brickell Apartments, built and opened in January 1917 by Charles Brickell, are an example of early denser housing. The building was designed in the Moorish style; it offered modern conveniences of the time (private baths, electric lights, elevator) and occupied land that had been created by shoreline fill.
Mid-Century Changes
After World War II, many of the single-family mansions and estates on Brickell Avenue and adjacent areas were gradually replaced by denser development—apartments, offices, retail. The area began to transition away from the exclusive winter homes toward more permanent, mixed uses.
Some historic structures were demolished during this time. For instance, the Brickell Apartments (1917) were eventually razed in 1961 after being sold and left vacant.
The Modern Era: Financial District & High-Rise Boom
Beginning in the 1970s and accelerating in the 1980s, Brickell evolved into a major financial district. Tall office towers, banks, international finance companies, and corporate headquarters brought increased commercial presence. In the 1980s, Atlantis on Brickell – known for its glass façade and 5-story palm court cut out of the building – became one of the most recognized condo buildings in Brickell thanks to hit TV show Miami Vice, which debuted in 1984.
Simultaneously, residential towers, mixed-use complexes, hotels, and retail spaces multiplied, especially south of SE 15th Road (Broadway) and along Biscayne Bay.
Major mixed-use developments include Mary Brickell Village (opened mid-2000s), and Brickell City Centre, which opened in 2016, spanning over 9 acres with shops, restaurants, lodging and residential components.
Preservation & Archaeology
The Miami Circle and associated Tequesta archaeological sites remain important. They provide confirmation of ancient habitation and have been the subject of preservation and sometimes of controversy as urban development presses up against them.
The Brickell Mausoleum (located at 501 Brickell Avenue) is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Brickell Today: Density, Identity, and Urban Growth
Brickell is now one of the densest neighborhoods in Miami.
It is anchored by high finance, foreign consulates, international business, luxury residential tower developments, and strong retail/restaurants.
Newer office towers like 830 Brickell (completed in 2023) are evidence of ongoing growth.
Key Dates & Timeline
Period
Key Events in Brickell History
~2500+ years ago
Tequesta inhabit the area; Miami Circle site established.
1870
William Brickell purchases large land parcels in area.
1871
Brickell family establishes trading post at south bank of Miami River.
1896
Florida East Coast Railway extension to Miami; greater growth begins.
1910-1920
Development of Millionaire’s Row; early apartment buildings like Brickell Apartments.
Mid-20th century
Mansions give way to more dense residential and commercial uses.
1970s–1980s
High-rise boom; Brickell emerges as financial district.
2000s-2010s
Mixed-use developments; retail, restaurants, and large residential towers. Mary Brickell opens in May 2006; Brickell City Centre opens in November 2016.
2020-Present
Completion of Class-A office tower 830 Brickell brings relocating major financial, legal, and tech firms. Branded luxury condos launch sales (St. Regis, Baccarat, Mercedes-Benz).
Why Brickell Matters
Brickell’s evolution illustrates the transformation of Miami from a frontier settlement to a modern global city.
Its geography—on Biscayne Bay, immediately south of the downtown core—made it ideal for early estates, then for financial and commercial investment.
It also encapsulates tensions common in cities: preservation vs. development; ancient heritage (Tequesta, Miami Circle) vs modern vertical growth.
It will be exciting to see what the next 20 years have in store for the Brickell neighborhood!
Blackstone Acquires EAST Miami Hotel at Brickell City Centre
Miami’s hospitality market scored another major deal today with news that Blackstone Real Estate has acquired the EAST Miami hotel from Trinity Investments and Certares Real Estate Management. The 352-key property, which includes 89 serviced apartments, is the flagship hotel at Brickell City Centre, the $1.1 billion mixed-use development that has helped transform the heart of Miami’s financial district. Since opening in 2016, EAST Miami has become known for its sleek guestrooms, residences, and its iconic rooftop bar, Sugar, a staple of the city’s nightlife scene.
Trinity and Certares purchased the property in 2021 from Swire Properties for approximately $174 million. Deed records reflected a base price of $120.3 million, with the higher figure likely including furniture and fixtures. Under their ownership, the joint venture implemented operational and management enhancements that significantly boosted the hotel’s financial performance. Within the first full year, net operating income jumped by more than 60 percent, showcasing the strength of Miami’s hospitality rebound and their ability to reposition high-quality lifestyle assets. The sale also represents the first fully realized asset by Trinity GP Fund I, L.P., marking an important milestone for the firm.
For Blackstone, the deal underscores its growing conviction in the Miami market. Scott Trebilco, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone Real Estate, highlighted the neighborhood’s transformation, driven by strong population and employment growth as well as booming leisure and entertainment demand. The acquisition aligns with Blackstone’s broader South Florida strategy, which includes ownership of the W Hotel Fort Lauderdale and a recent $300 million loan to support renovations at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne.
The acquisition of EAST Miami not only strengthens Blackstone’s foothold in the region but also reflects the rising prominence of Brickell as a global business and lifestyle hub. What was once a strictly financial district is now a dynamic neighborhood attracting international investors, luxury retailers, and world-class hospitality brands. By securing one of its crown-jewel hotels, Blackstone has placed a strong bet on the continued growth and appeal of Miami’s hospitality sector.
Colette Brickell: Meta Development Plans Boutique 38-Residence Condominium on Brickell Avenue
Earlier today, I drove past a development site at 1870 and 1880 Brickell Avenue and noticed new construction signage along the perimeter fencing. While the signage only displayed the Meta Development name, this site is expected to become Colette, an exclusive 38-residence condominium in Brickell. According to prior announcements, sales were slated to begin in September 2025, though no official launch date has yet been confirmed.
A Boutique Luxury Offering
Colette is planned to feature three- and four-bedroom residences starting at 1,900 square feet, with layouts designed for spacious city living. The project will also include two penthouses, each offering expansive layouts and elevated vantage points over Brickell and glimpses of Biscayne Bay between the surrounding towers.
The building has been designed by OSPA (Porto Alegre, Brazil), known for blending natural materials with modern architecture. Colette’s design incorporates greenery, concrete, wood, and glass for a contemporary aesthetic that balances warmth with sophistication. Future residents will enjoy curated wellness and leisure amenities tailored to the modern Miami lifestyle.
Developer Track Record
Meta Development is also the team behind Opus Coconut Grove, another boutique luxury project that has gained attention for its scale and architectural pedigree. With Colette, the developer is expanding its portfolio into Brickell, bringing a similarly thoughtful approach to design and exclusivity.
Why Brickell?
As Miami’s financial and cultural hub, Brickell continues to attract buyers seeking a mix of waterfront living, walkability, and a vibrant urban lifestyle. The neighborhood is home to high-end dining, luxury hotels, and international businesses, making it one of the most desirable addresses in the city. Colette’s location on Brickell Avenue offers proximity to Biscayne Bay while still being steps from the neighborhood’s energetic core.
Colette at a Glance
Developer: Meta Development (developer of Opus Coconut Grove)
Architect: OSPA (Porto Alegre, Brazil)
Location: 1870 & 1880 Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL
Residences: 38 total, including 2 penthouses
Layouts: 3–4 bedrooms
Sizes: Starting from 1,900 square feet
Sales: Previously slated to launch in September 2025 (no official date confirmed)
Final Thoughts
With just 38 residences, Colette is poised to offer rare exclusivity in the Brickell market. While no firm sales launch date has been announced, the recent site activity and past announcements indicate that Meta Development is moving forward with its plans for this highly anticipated condominium.
Miami Police Department Creates East District, Adding 300 Officers to Brickell, Downtown & Edgewater
Miami is entering a new era of public safety. In late August 2025, Miami Police Chief Manny Morales announced the formation of a new East District, consolidating Brickell, Downtown, and Edgewater into one unified zone handling approximately 120,000 service calls annually.
To strengthen response capabilities and visibility, the department plans to hire 300 new officers over the next three years, assigning many to this new district. Chief Morales expects the East District to be fully operational by the end of 2025.
The Downtown Development Authority is supporting the effort with enhanced surveillance infrastructure, funding for overtime, and even a drone to bolster public safety efforts.
What This Means for Brickell, Downtown & Edgewater
1. Enhanced Safety & Visibility
More boots on the ground: Expect greater street presence, with officers patrolling on foot, scooters, and bikes.
Deterrence through presence: Police visibility encourages more people to get out and enjoy their neighborhoods.
2. Faster, Smarter Response
With dedicated staffing and new technology, response to violent incidents — such as the recent stabbing at Icon Brickell Tower 3 or April’s shooting near Brickell City Centre — should improve.
3. Greater Community Investment
The Downtown Development Authority’s involvement signals investment in long-term city safety infrastructure — not just policing, but tools like cameras and drones.
Potential Trade-offs & Concerns
1. Budget Pressure & Resource Allocation
Approving funding for 300 new officers (~100 per year through 2028) will likely require creative budgeting — potentially from federal grants or reallocating city funds.
Without community input, some residents may worry this investment sacrifices other pressing needs like affordable housing or parks.
2. Community Trust & Oversight
Miami’s police department has a documented history of oversight challenges, including reform efforts stemming from a 2016 consent decree with the DOJ over excessive force.
Expanding staffing without reinforcing accountability, transparency, and community policing might undermine trust.
3. Equity & Neighborhood Disparities
Brickell is dense, affluent, and highly visible. By contrast, Edgewater, while growing fast and appealing with historic and luxury developments, has fewer resources and less political clout.
Ensuring equitable distribution of officers and services — especially to under-resourced communities — will be key.
Final Thoughts
Miami’s launch of the East District marks a bold statement: the city is scaling its public safety infrastructure to match rapid urban growth. For residents and businesses in Brickell, Downtown, and Edgewater, this could mean fewer crime fears, safer streets, and enhanced neighborhood confidence.
But the success of this initiative won’t hinge on headcount alone. It will depend on equitable deployment, transparent oversight, and robust community engagement to reinforce trust — especially in neighborhoods like Edgewater that are rapidly evolving but historically underserved.
EB-5 Investment Opportunities Now Available at ORA by Casa Tua in Brickell
ORA by Casa Tua, the highly anticipated luxury condo development in the heart of Brickell, has announced a select number of EB-5 investment opportunities for qualified foreign investors. The program provides international buyers with a unique pathway to U.S. permanent residency while investing in one of Miami’s most talked-about new projects.
What Is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program?
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, created by the U.S. Congress in 1990, is designed to stimulate the American economy through foreign investment and job creation. By making a qualifying investment that generates at least 10 full-time jobs, foreign nationals—and their immediate family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21)—can become eligible for a U.S. green card and eventual citizenship.
Benefits of the EB-5 visa include:
Legal status in the United States
A direct path to permanent residency and U.S. citizenship
No need for visa sponsorship
Freedom to live and work anywhere in the country
Education and career opportunities for children
Investment Requirements for ORA by Casa Tua
To participate in the ORA by Casa Tua EB-5 project, investors must commit $1,050,000, with funds verified as coming from legal and lawful sources. In addition, there is a $70,000 administrative fee, legal fees ranging from $20,000 to $25,000, and a USCIS I-526 application fee of $12,160.
Key details:
Minimum investment: $1,050,000
Admin fee: $70,000
Legal fees: $20,000 to $25,000
Application fee: $12,160
Target capital return: 0.25%
Investments are placed “at risk,” as required by the EB-5 program. Should an application be denied, the capital contribution is returned, though administrative and legal fees are non-refundable.
Application Process
The EB-5 application process typically follows these steps:
Hire an immigration attorney to prepare and file the I-526 petition.
Submit the $1,050,000 investment via wire transfer to the project’s escrow account.
Await USCIS approval of the I-526 form.
Receive a conditional green card for the investor and qualifying family members.
File the I-829 petition within two years to remove conditions and secure permanent residency.
Upon completion of the investment term (typically five years), the capital is repaid.
About ORA by Casa Tua
Located at 1210 Brickell Avenue, ORA by Casa Tua is being developed by Fortune International Group and is expected to be completed in late 2028. The project will feature fully furnished studios to four-bedroom residences with flexible ownership options, elevated dining by the Casa Tua brand, a gourmet market, rooftop lounge, and a one-of-a-kind sky park at the center of the building.
With its blend of soulful dining, wellness, and design, ORA by Casa Tua promises to be a first-of-its-kind lifestyle destination in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood.
Final Thoughts
For international investors seeking both a U.S. immigration pathway and a stake in Miami’s booming real estate market, ORA by Casa Tua’s EB-5 investment offering presents a rare opportunity. With its prime location, world-renowned branding, and strong development team, ORA is positioned to become one of Brickell’s most iconic residential projects.
