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

Why Brickell Matters

1. Brickell’s evolution illustrates the transformation of Miami from a frontier settlement to a modern global city.
2. Its geography—on Biscayne Bay, immediately south of the downtown core—made it ideal for early estates, then for financial and commercial investment.
3. 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:

1. Hire an immigration attorney to prepare and file the I-526 petition.
2. Submit the $1,050,000 investment via wire transfer to the project’s escrow account.
3. Await USCIS approval of the I-526 form.
4. Receive a conditional green card for the investor and qualifying family members.
5. File the I-829 petition within two years to remove conditions and secure permanent residency.
6. 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.

Abitaro Launches Fractional Luxury Ownership in Brickell from Just $68K – A New Way to Own in Miami

Miami’s Brickell district is known for its luxury towers, world-class dining, and unmatched energy. But with rising prices, many buyers have found the dream of owning in Brickell out of reach — until now.

Habitat Group, the award-winning developer behind projects such as Smart Brickell I, Smart Brickell II, Smart Brickell III, Parkside Brickell, Millux Place Miami, and Season One Brickell, has introduced Abitaro — a modern fractional co-ownership model that lets you own a luxury, fully furnished condo in Brickell starting at just $68,000.

What Is Abitaro?

Abitaro is an innovative real estate ownership program designed for those who want the benefits of owning a second home without the high cost or hassle of sole ownership. Each residence is divided into eight shares (1/8 ownership), giving you:

• Guaranteed usage for several weeks per year
• Fully furnished luxury apartments in prime Brickell locations
• Complete property management and maintenance handled for you
• Guaranteed 9% annual return during periods you lease back your share
• Flexible payment options, including interest-free installment plans

When you’re not using your residence, Abitaro’s exclusive rental program can generate passive income for you.

Why Brickell?

Brickell is one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in the U.S., ranked among the top global financial districts outside New York City. It’s home to:

• The largest concentration of international banks in the U.S.
• Over 1,400 multinational corporations
• A thriving hospitality and dining scene, from rooftop bars to Michelin-rated restaurants
• Luxury shopping at Brickell City Centre and Mary Brickell Village
• Annual events like Art Basel, Miami Open, Ultra Music Festival, and Formula 1 Miami

For investors, Brickell’s high rental demand and year-round tourism make it a prime location for generating consistent returns.

Featured Properties in the Abitaro Portfolio

Currently, Abitaro’s fractional ownership opportunities are available in Smart Brickell I, with more locations planned. Smart Brickell offers:

• 23 floors and 100 luxury units
• Rooftop pool with Miami skyline views
• State-of-the-art fitness center and spa
• Fully furnished residences with short-term rental flexibility (nightly, weekly, monthly)

Available units include studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom floor plans, with share prices ranging from $68,000 to $122,000, depending on size and view.

How the Co-Ownership Model Works

1. Choose Your Property – Select from a curated collection of fully furnished residences.
2. Purchase Your Share – Each share represents 12.5% ownership (1/8) of the property.
3. Enjoy Flexible Usage – Use your property for several weeks per year, or opt for the leaseback program for passive income.

Example:

• Unit 305 (Studio, 442 sq ft) – Shares from $68,000
• Annual Net Income (Leaseback) – Projected returns from rental program, minus HOA, taxes, and maintenance.

Leaseback Program – Earn While You’re Away

Owners who participate in Abitaro’s leaseback program can earn a guaranteed 9% return annually on their share price when the property is not in use. You can choose:

• Full Leaseback – 45 days per year for income
• Hybrid Use – 30 days leaseback + 15 days personal use

Maintenance is a fixed $900/year per share, covering operational and administrative management.

Why Co-Ownership Is Growing

According to recent studies:

• 26.7% of U.S. home purchases now involve co-buyers
• 14% of buyers in 2024 purchased with friends (up from 4% in 2022)
• The top reasons: financial benefits (78%), property access (41%), and social factors (37%)

Abitaro taps into this trend, offering affordable access to Miami’s luxury market without sacrificing lifestyle or investment potential.

The Bottom Line

With Abitaro, owning in Brickell no longer requires millions in cash or the burdens of full-time property management. For as little as $68,000, buyers can secure luxury living, flexible usage, and guaranteed income potential — all backed by Habitat Group’s 20+ years of experience. If you’re interested in security a unit at Smart Brickell I for fractional ownership, contact us at [email protected].

Swire Properties Sells Prime Brickell Development Site to Kerzner International for $45M

Swire Properties has completed another major land sale in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood, continuing its shift in focus toward its flagship holdings on Brickell Key. On August 5, 2025, the Hong Kong–based developer sold a 1-acre development site located at 9 Southeast 6th Street for $45 million to Kerzner International, the Dubai-based hospitality group led by CEO Philippe Zuber. The transaction equates to approximately $1,043 per square foot.

The property sits in a prime location just steps from Brickell City Centre and was previously approved for 350 residential units and 180 hotel rooms. Its strategic positioning in the heart of Miami’s financial district makes it one of the most sought-after parcels in the area.

Kerzner International — best known for its global luxury resort brands including Atlantis and One&Only — has not yet disclosed its development plans for the site. Given Kerzner’s history of delivering high-end hospitality projects, the parcel could be the future home of a flagship luxury hotel, branded residences, or a mixed-use tower.

The deal marks the latest in a string of non-core asset divestments for Swire Properties as it refocuses development and investment efforts on Brickell Key. Swire has been a major force in shaping the Brickell skyline, most notably through the multi-phase Brickell City Centre project.

With Miami continuing to attract both domestic and international investment, this sale underscores the strong demand for prime development land in Brickell — and signals that the neighborhood’s transformation is far from over.

Selva Nightclub to Debut in Brickell Above Amazónico Miami

Brickell is about to get a lot louder after dark.

This Fall, the vibrant financial district will welcome its first true nightclub — Selva, a high-energy nightlife concept described as “the dark side of the jungle.” The nightclub will be located above Amazónico Miami, a rainforest-inspired restaurant opening in September 2025 at 800 Brickell Avenue.

Selva is owned and operated by the team behind Amazónico, an internationally renowned restaurant brand with locations in Madrid, London, Dubai, and now Miami. Known for lush interiors, exotic flavors, and elevated dining, Amazónico brings the Amazon rainforest to life — and Selva promises to take that same jungle energy into the night.

While details remain limited, Selva’s official website teases a mysterious, immersive atmosphere that blends music, glamour, and tropical edge — perfectly aligned with Brickell’s evolving identity as a luxury lifestyle destination.

This marks a major shift for Brickell, which, until now, has been largely without a dedicated nightclub scene. With Selva’s arrival, Brickell residents and visitors may no longer need to travel to Wynwood or South Beach for an upscale nightlife experience.

Amazónico and Selva will both be located at 800 Brickell Avenue, in the heart of Miami’s urban core. As the lines between fine dining and nightlife continue to blur, this dynamic duo is poised to become a game-changer for the area.

Stay tuned for updates as more details — and opening night announcements — are revealed.

Mexican-Inspired Steakhouse Toca Madera Coming Soon to Brickell

Amid Brickell’s already sizzling fine dining scene, a bold new player is preparing to make its debut: Toca Madera, a high-end, Mexican-inspired steakhouse from hospitality powerhouse Noble 33. The restaurant is rising from the ground up in a newly constructed three-story building directly south of the iconic Brickell Flatiron tower, as confirmed by signage on the construction fence.

Known for its sultry design, theatrical flair, and bold, elevated take on Mexican cuisine, Toca Madera has become a go-to destination in cities like West Hollywood, Las Vegas, and Scottsdale. The Brickell location will mark the brand’s first Miami location—but not Noble 33’s first foray into the Magic City. The hospitality group already operates two highly popular restaurants in Wynwood: Sparrow Italia, known for its coastal Italian flavors, and Casa Madera, an immersive, high-energy dining experience. Both have quickly gained traction among locals and visitors alike.

Toca Madera Brickell is being developed as a ground-up, three-story flagship restaurant—an increasingly rare move in a dense urban district where most eateries adapt existing spaces. The site itself carries historical significance: it was previously home to the sales gallery for Brickell Flatiron, the 64-story luxury condo tower developed by Ugo Colombo’s CMC Group. The gallery once served as a stylish pre-sales hub for what would become one of Brickell’s most architecturally distinctive towers. With the sales center gone and the lot cleared, the space has now been reimagined as one of the neighborhood’s most anticipated new dining destinations.

While details about the restaurant’s interior design and rooftop potential are still under wraps, Toca Madera is expected to follow the brand’s signature format—complete with dramatic lighting, immersive décor, handcrafted cocktails, and vibrant, upscale energy that often transitions seamlessly into nightlife. Given the building’s scale and positioning within the Brickell core, this new location is likely to become a hotspot for upscale dinners, evening celebrations, and weekend indulgence.

No official opening date has been announced, but construction appears to be progressing rapidly. As Noble 33 expands its Miami footprint, the arrival of Toca Madera promises to raise the bar for Brickell’s evolving dining landscape.