$2.5 Billion Construction! How Citadel’s Miami Supertall Stacks Up—in Miami, Florida, and the U.S.
Citadel Chief Executive Officer Ken Griffin recently told Bloomberg that Citadel’s planned headquarters tower on Brickell Bay Drive will cost about $2.5 billion. The Foster + Partners–designed supertall is approved to reach 1,049 feet—Miami’s current FAA maximum—and, per recent filings/coverage, is planned for 58 floors (mixed office and hotel).
Would $2.5 Billion be the Most Expensive in Miami?
Very likely, yes. Among publicly reported tower budgets in Miami, nothing else approaches $2.5 billion. As a reference point, the 868-foot Panorama Tower opened with an estimated $800 million budget—far short of $2.5 billion—underscoring how extraordinary Citadel’s figure is.
Bottom line (Miami): Citadel Tower is poised to be the most expensive single tower ever built in Miami based on available public reporting.
Would $2.5 Billion be the Most Expensive in Florida?
Also very likely. Florida has seen mega-projects, but publicly disclosed single-tower budgets at or above $2B are exceptionally rare. At ~$2.5 billion, Citadel’s tower would almost certainly set a new statewide benchmark for a lone high-rise building.
Would $2.5 Billion be the Most Expensive in United States?
No. A few U.S. towers have exceeded $2.5 billion. Notably One World Trade Center reportedly cost about $3.8 billion while One Vanderbilt in NYC is cited to have cost around $3.31 billion. That places Citadel’s $2.5B below the national peak but squarely in the ultra-elite cost tier.
Height & Floors—and Why 58 Stories at 1,049 Feet is Wild
Citadel Tower will match Miami’s other two headline supertalls—Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami (100 stories) and 888 Brickell (90 stories)—at 1,049 feet. But Citadel plans only 58 floors to reach the same height. That implies very tall floor-to-floor heights (think large trading floors, showpiece lobbies, amenities/crown, and mechanical volumes) compared with slender residential towers that pack more floors into the same height.
To illustrate the “tall floors” idea, here’s a rough average height per floor (simply total height ÷ floor count; this is an approximation because spires/crowns/mechanical levels vary by building):
For context with prominent U.S. office supertalls (which also favor taller floor-to-floor dimensions):
Comcast Technology Center (Philadelphia) — 1,121 feet / ~60 stories ≈ 18.7 feet per floor
Salesforce Tower (San Francisco) — 1,070 feet / 61 stories ≈ 17.5 feet per floor
Bank of America Tower (NYC) — 1,200 feet / 55 stories ≈ 21.8 feet per floor
One Vanderbilt (NYC) — 1,401 feet (including the spire) / 59 stories ≈ 23.7 feet per floor (Note: roof without the spire is 1,301 feet / only using roof height ≈ 22.1 feet per floor)
Takeaway: Citadel’s ratio sits right in the pocket for modern, trophy-grade office supertalls, and miles above typical residential floor-to-floor averages. The same 1,049-ft cap yields 58 office-caliber floors at Citadel versus 90–100 residential floors at 888/Waldorf.
Why the $2.5 Billion Price Tag Makes Sense for an Office Supertall
Program & quality: Large trading floors, premium MEP systems, high-spec curtain wall, and signature public/amenity spaces drive costs far above typical condo towers.
Inflation & scope: Griffin himself cited construction inflation and design enhancements as drivers from an earlier ~$1 billion idea to ~$2.5 billion today.
Benchmarking: Compared with top-tier U.S. office icons (One Vanderbilt, One WTC), the budget level is consistent with world-class corporate HQ ambitions.
The Citadel Tower at 1201 Brickell Bay Drive in Brickell Miami is currently in permitting and design refinement stages, and Griffin recently noted construction is expected to begin mid-to-late 2026. While a firm “completion date” has not been publicly reported, early filings suggest a typical build-out of five or more years, which would place full completion in the early 2030s.
888 Brickell by Dolce & Gabbana Unveils Spectacular New Promo Video Redefining Miami Luxury
The recently released 4-minute promo video for 888 Brickell by Dolce & Gabbana delivers a cinematic preview of what’s set to become one of Miami’s most iconic towers. Rising 90 stories and 1,049 feet tall, this ultra-luxury development marks the first-ever Dolce & Gabbana residence and hotel tower in the United States. The video captures the essence of Italian craftsmanship fused with Miami’s vibrant energy—showcasing the building’s Roman travertine façade, black metal cladding, and signature golden crown, all designed to make a bold architectural statement in the heart of Brickell.
Inside, the video reveals what the developers call a “world onto its own,” where every space evokes a distinct mood inspired by Dolce & Gabbana’s design heritage. Each residence will come fully furnished and finished by Dolce & Gabbana, with buyers able to choose from four curated palettes, including Sahara Noir and Travertino Giallo. The film also highlights over 115,000 square feet of amenities—from Miami’s first indoor paddle court and signature dining venues to a wellness center, Rolls-Royce house car, and the much-anticipated Dolce & Gabbana Hotel component. Together, these elements redefine the meaning of luxury living, blurring the line between home, hospitality, and high fashion.
Developed by JDS Development Group, the tower reflects the company’s reputation for engineering excellence and skyline-shaping projects. Beyond its design and amenities, 888 Brickell’s location places residents steps from Miami’s financial hub, fine dining, and culture, positioning it as a symbol of the city’s global rise. The video’s message is clear—this is more than a residence; it’s a lifestyle statement. Watch the full promo below and see how Dolce & Gabbana is reimagining luxury living in Miami.
Meliá Residences Miami: Former Visions at Brickell Station Rebrands Under Global Hotel Brand
A new name is reshaping one of Brickell’s most intriguing condo-hotel projects. The development formerly known as Visions at Brickell Station has officially been rebranded as Meliá Residences Miami, marking the U.S. debut of Spanish hospitality giant Meliá Hotels International in the branded-residences sector. The rebrand brings renewed attention to the project—and reflects a broader movement toward hotel-serviced luxury living in Miami’s urban core.
A New Chapter for a Brickell Development
Located at 1120 SW 3rd Avenue, just steps from the heart of Brickell, the property is being developed by Urban Network Capital Group (UNCG), led by Robert Thorne. What began as an independent condo-hotel concept has evolved into a globally backed venture under the Meliá flag, bringing with it the prestige and hospitality standards of a brand with more than 350 hotels across 40 countries.
Under the new branding, the project will deliver approximately 110 fully furnished residences, blending the comfort of private ownership with the services and amenities of a luxury hotel. The residences will range from studios to one-bedroom layouts, each eligible for inclusion in a hotel-style rental program managed by Meliá.
Lifestyle and Amenities
As Meliá’s first branded residences in the United States, the project sets a new standard for hospitality-driven living in Miami. Residents will have access to a curated collection of amenities, including an infinity-edge rooftop pool, wellness center, on-site dining options, 24-hour concierge, valet parking, and a lobby designed to reflect Meliá’s contemporary Mediterranean aesthetic. The combination of hotel-level service, design, and rental flexibility makes it particularly attractive to international buyers and investors seeking turnkey ownership in one of Miami’s most connected districts.
A Strategic Move in a Competitive Market
The rebranding to Meliá Residences Miami represents more than a name change—it’s a strategic repositioning in a rapidly evolving market for branded residences. Miami has become a global epicenter for luxury developments tied to hospitality and fashion brands, with recent launches from Baccarat, Waldorf Astoria, and St. Regis Residences Miami reshaping the skyline. For UNCG, aligning with Meliá adds instant brand equity, international reach, and a distinct identity in a competitive Brickell marketplace.
Meliá’s First U.S. Branded Residences
For Meliá Hotels International, this Miami project represents a milestone—the company’s first entry into the U.S. branded-residences market. Long recognized for its upscale resort and urban hospitality offerings, Meliá’s expansion into residential development underscores a global trend toward merging luxury hotel management with real estate ownership. The brand plans to replicate the model across key North American markets following its Miami debut.
“Private homeownership with the benefits of a fully serviced hotel environment” is how Meliá describes its branded-residence philosophy. In practical terms, that means residents enjoy access to resort-style amenities and staff while maintaining the freedom to live full-time or rent out their unit through the Meliá management platform. This model aligns closely with investor preferences in Miami, where flexible usage and rental income potential drive much of the demand.
The Allure of Brickell
Brickell continues to attract global attention as one of Miami’s most desirable neighborhoods for luxury living. Once known primarily as a financial hub, it has evolved into a lifestyle destination, home to Michelin-starred dining, vibrant nightlife, and architectural landmarks. Projects like Meliá Residences Miami reinforce Brickell’s appeal by offering a fusion of hospitality, design, and investment opportunity within walking distance of the city’s top attractions, including Brickell City Centre and the Underline linear park.
What Buyers and Investors Can Expect
For buyers, Meliá Residences Miami represents an opportunity to own a branded property with international recognition, exceptional management standards, and potential income generation. For investors, the project’s hybrid condo-hotel model may provide an appealing balance between personal use and returns. While pricing details have not yet been released publicly, the rebrand is expected to place the property in a more premium category than its previous iteration as Visions at Brickell Station.
As with all branded residences, buyers should consider factors such as ongoing service fees, rental program terms, and projected occupancy rates. However, with its combination of location, brand prestige, and management structure, Meliá Residences Miami is poised to attract strong interest from both domestic and international clientele.
Construction and Timeline
According to recent updates, construction is expected to be completed within roughly 20 months, with the developer targeting full sellout by that time. UNCG has reportedly secured approximately $30 million in construction financing to advance the build and aims to maintain momentum through the rebrand launch and heightened broker incentives.
A Sign of the Times
The rise of branded residences has been one of the defining real estate trends of the past decade, particularly in global lifestyle cities like Miami, Dubai, and London. By partnering with an established hospitality group like Meliá, developers gain access to an existing base of loyal travelers and an elevated service platform that commands premium pricing. For buyers, it offers peace of mind, consistency of experience, and a globally recognized brand that supports resale value.
The transformation of Visions at Brickell Station into Meliá Residences Miami encapsulates that trend—one where the lines between hotel and home continue to blur, and where the world’s leading hotel brands see opportunity in Miami’s ever-expanding skyline.
Conclusion
The debut of Meliá Residences Miami signals not just a rebrand, but a reinvention of what urban luxury living can look like in Brickell. With a renowned global brand, elevated amenities, and flexible ownership options, the project is well positioned to capture the growing demand for branded residences in South Florida. For those watching Miami’s real estate market, it’s another reminder that the city’s evolution as a world-class destination shows no signs of slowing down.
OKO Group and The Bastion Collection Partner to Launch Seia and Seia Club at 830 Brickell
OKO Group, the international real estate firm founded by developer Vlad Doronin, has announced a landmark partnership with The Bastion Collection—a global leader in fine dining and luxury hospitality distinguished by 10 Michelin Stars and 3 Michelin Keys—to introduce two world-class destinations at 830 Brickell, Miami’s premier 55-story Class A office tower.
A Signature Culinary and Social Destination
The partnership will debut Seia, a contemporary Italian restaurant, and Seia Club, an invitation-only private members’ club, both perched atop 830 Brickell on the 54th and 55th floors. Designed by Zervudachi, Roberts & Macadam London, these interconnected spaces promise sweeping panoramic views over Miami’s glittering financial district and Biscayne Bay. Both concepts are slated to open in 2026.
Developed by OKO Group and Cain International, 830 Brickell is the first new office tower of its kind built in Miami in more than a decade. The 55-story skyscraper has already attracted a blue-chip tenant roster including Microsoft, Citadel, Kirkland & Ellis, Thoma Bravo, Santander Bank, and Marsh, cementing Brickell’s reputation as the “Wall Street of the South.”
Seia: Contemporary Italian Dining with Panoramic Views
Named for the Roman goddess of sowing seeds, Seia will celebrate Italy’s rich culinary traditions through the lens of nature’s seasonal rhythms. The 178-seat restaurant—led by The Bastion Collection’s Michelin-starred culinary team—will feature timeless Italian flavors elevated with contemporary flair. Diners will enjoy 180-degree terrace views that capture Brickell’s vibrant skyline and the breezes that define Miami living.
Complementing the main dining experience, 830 Brickell tenants will also have access to an exclusive all-day café, further weaving world-class hospitality into the tower’s daily rhythm.
Seia Club: Miami’s Next Great Private Members’ Experience
Set directly above Seia, Seia Club will redefine exclusivity in Miami. The invitation-only club is designed as a discreet haven for professionals and tastemakers alike—serving as a quiet retreat for business meetings by day and transforming into a refined social scene by night. Members will enjoy access to private dining areas, curated cultural programming, and priority reservations at Seia. Pre-opening member inquiries can be directed to [email protected].
A Partnership Between Two Global Powerhouses
For OKO Group’s Vlad Doronin, the partnership marks another milestone in his mission to elevate Miami’s global standing.
“With 830 Brickell, we set out to deliver an international calibre of architecture and lifestyle to the heart of Miami’s financial district,” said Doronin. “Partnering with The Bastion Collection to develop Seia and Seia Club introduces a new benchmark for culinary and exclusive social experiences in the city.”
Jamal Daniel, Owner of The Bastion Collection, echoed that vision:
“This project is an extraordinary opportunity to bring our culinary and operational expertise to Miami’s most prestigious address. By day, Seia will serve Brickell’s corporate clientele. By night, it will become a destination for those seeking an elevated social experience.”
The Bastion Collection’s Proven Legacy
The Bastion Collection already holds a strong foothold in Miami through its acclaimed Design District establishments—L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, the city’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant, and Le Jardinier, a one-Michelin-star concept. Globally, the group operates Michelin-recognized restaurants in New York, Houston, and Geneva, and continues to expand its portfolio of epicurean experiences.
About 830 Brickell
Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture with interiors by Iosa Ghini Associati, 830 Brickell spans 640,000 square feet and offers world-class amenities—including a wellness center, conference facilities, and 24-hour concierge service. The tower’s rooftop restaurant and club will crown Brickell’s skyline as the epicenter of business meets lifestyle.
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!
