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!
Co-founder of Luxury Brand Tory Burch Lists Waterfront Mansion in Miami Beach for $49 Million
Christopher Burch has offered his opulent mansion on Miami Beach’s famed North Bay Road for $49 million. He is the co-founder of the fashion label Tory Burch and the founder and CEO of Burch Creative Capital.
The property located at 5050 N. Bay Road features opulent living spaces, eight bedrooms, and eight full plus two partial bathrooms that perfectly capture South Florida living in the traditional post-modern style.
As you enter the main house, the wood paneling gives off a cozy, warm feeling. Each interior space features exquisite details, from the embroidered drapes and trims to the furniture and artwork. Look for a kitchen with a sizable dining room, a dedicated butler’s pantry with a rotisserie oven, a separate prep kitchen, and a breakfast nook.
The 1,500-square-foot guest house has two entrances and may be set up as four bedrooms, while it is now set up as two separate bedrooms with one living area each.
Beyond the fortifications, you’ll discover immaculately kept grounds next to expansive vistas of Biscayne Bay and 139 feet on the water with a large dock. A rear pool provides a gathering space with a covered grill and pizza oven. The pool next to the house features a hot tub, cold plunge, and steam rooms.
Another Fisher Island Condo Sold at $21 Million
After spending 5.5 years on significant renovations and imported furniture, Igor Olegovich Nesterenko, a businessman in the meatpacking industry from Moscow, sold his Fisher Island property for $21 million.
The unit located at the Palazzo Del Mare unit 7153, features 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, a terrace, a playroom, and a conference room spanning over 7,025 square feet. It also has a private 2-car garage on the parking level of the building and a private cabana near the pool.
Nesterenko spent the 5.5 years refurbishing the condo because Fisher Island only allows for roughly half of a year’s time for construction due to noise restrictions.
Furthermore, much of the furniture was purchased from abroad and was rather large and proved difficult to ship overseas. The bathtub in the master bedroom was fashioned from a solid block of Greek White Thassos marble and was carried into the apartment using a crane. The majority of the furniture was also brought by crane since it was too large for the elevator.
The 7,025-square-foot Unit 7153 located at Palazzo Del Mare was sold to Fana Fisher Palazzo 7153 LLC, managed by a trust in Bellevue, Washington purchased the condo for $21 million equals $2,989 price per square foot.
The trust is under the umbrella of the Fana Group of Cos., a real estate corporation located in Bellevue led by Chairman and CEO Firoz Lalji.
The apartment was designed by Augusto Busnelli of Milan, according to Flikshteyn. The previous owner spent around $10 million on upgrades. The property was last sold in 2011 for $8.3 million.
The Palazzo Del Mare was built in 2007 and with an expansive amenity package including a 9-hole golf course, 18 tennis courts, a marina and yacht center, a gourmet market, 8 restaurants, and Spa Internazionale. A Fisher Island Day School and a mile and a half of pristine beaches.
Fisher Island, America’s wealthiest zip code, is a 216-acre barrier island located across Government Cut from Miami Beach. Fisher Island condominiums are in a class of their own when it comes to ultra-exclusive living in South Florida.
The island, which can only be reached by ferry, boat, helicopter, or seaplane, provides unrivaled protection. All visitors to the island must first be checked by security at the Fisher Island port.
ARod Backed-Grand Station Apartment Tower is Complete and 80% Leased
Construction on Miami’s Grand Station Apartment tower has been completed. Alex Rodriguez and his partner Ricardo Vadio, owners of Rovr Development are the investors behind the $70 million construction project that was built on top of the existing Courthouse Center Garage.
Not only has ARod backed the construction of the project but his company Monument Real Estate Services is also the property Manager of Grand Station Apartments.
In early March 2020, partners for Grand Station obtained a $53 million loan from Saperian Capital to assist with the construction. Since Grand Station received their temporary certificate of occupancy in August, they have reached over 80% leased for the tower.
The tower located at 240 North Miami Avenue rises 30 stories and feature 300 units right in the heart of downtown. The development is a part of a public/private partnership with the Miami Parking Authority, which has assisted in adding an additional 350 spaces for the building totaling 1,200.
The tower features studio to 2 bedroom apartments with a monthly rent that ranges from $1,800 to $2,500. All units boast Italian kitchen cabinets, quartz counters, stainless steel appliances, and an in-unit washer and dryer.
The luxury tower amenities include an indoor pool, rooftop terrace with pool, outdoor kitchen, hot tubs, fitness center, and club room.
Zyscovich Architects and Anillo, Toledo, Lopez LLC are responsible for the design of Grand Station.
Rovr along with the Related Group and Airbnb are the masterminds behind the new development, The District located at 225 North Miami Avenue.
Bentley Residences Unveils New Renderings and More
Bentley…the name alone is enough to make you think of exclusivity, luxury, and performance. Mix that in with high-end luxury development and you have a world-class residential tower that offers more than a living space, but an experience.
Bentley Motors has partnered with Dezer Development to bring residents the very best of the iconic brand by incorporating everything that a 5-star hotel has to offer without the continuing cycle of guests.
Dezer and architect Sieger Saurez spent several months perfecting the exterior diamond-shaped design. Dezer adds, “When we developed plans for the Bentley, we immediately thought of the triangular windows… It’s going to be a diamond that they can see all the way from Cuba when the sun hits on it. It’s going to be amazing. ” He adds, “we’re going to have a hard time outdoing ourselves.” Just from the renderings, we couldn’t agree more!
On September 14th, Dezer met with the City Commission to consider expanding the original site plan as well as reviewing additional transfer of development requests. The expansion would increase the square footage of the building to 616,185 square feet rising 62 stories (instead of the original 60). Two hundred and sixteen condos would along with 821 parking spaces are anticipated.
The most unique concept of Bentley Residences will be the car elevators that lift your car to your condo (very similar to the Porsche Design Tower) or as Dezer refers to it “Dezervator.”
Bentley Development Information
Location: 18401 Collins Avenue
Developer: Dezer Development (Gil Dezer
Architect: Sieger Suarez Architects
Building Amenities:
State-of-the-art fitness center
2 pools with cabanas
Spa
2 Restaurants
Whiskey bar
Cigar lounge
Cinema
Landscaped gardens
Dezervator car elevator
Kid’s lounge
Residence Features:
Seamless indoor-outdoor living floorplans
In-unit multi-car garage with a car elevator directly to each residence
Private balcony, pool, sauna, and outdoor shower
Floor-to-ceiling windows with ocean and bay views
Florida Green Building Council (FLGC) certification
Construction on Bentley Residences will begin in 2023 with an unveiling in 2026. “These buildings are complicated; they take time,” says Charles M. Sieger, President of Sieger Suarez Architects. “It’s not like working on a single-unit family house. They’re very technical and, at the same time, very artistic. You need some experience doing these things. We worked with Bentley to pick up their esthetic, the way they do their stitching, and diamond-shaped signature visual items,” Sieger adds. With more photos and information being released, we can’t wait to see what else Bentley has in store!
Aria Reserve-Tallest Waterfront Twin Towers in the United States are Coming to Miami
I am sure you have heard of the Aria Reserve Towers Miami, and if you haven’t, keep reading. It will truly be the most unique and luxurious towers to grace the Miami coastline. With its modern yet sultry design set directly on Biscayne Bay, it will truly feel like you are living on a resort!
Located at 700 NE 24th Street, Miami’s most coveted area in the Edgewater neighborhood, Aria residents will be able to enjoy Miami’s pristine beaches, Miami Beach nightlife, and the Design District’s shopping. This project is being developed by the Melo Group and designed by Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica with interiors designed by MORADA.
Aria Reserve will be the tallest waterfront twin residential towers in the United States rising 62 stories high. Sited on a 5.2-acre development with 547 linear feet of water frontage, it will offer unparalleled amenities. Melo Group also plans to build a public park from Aria connecting to the Miami Baywalk. The development site was previously known as Island Bay.
The Melo Group has recently launched sales for 321 units in the south tower of Aria. With roughly 800 units between the two towers, pricing for Aria Reserve’s first building will start at $750,000. There are 15 penthouses available starting at $12 million. Units will feature 1 to 4 bedroom floor plans with 1,100 square feet to 2,600 square feet of living space. The penthouses will range from 3,500 square feet to 9,000+ square feet, each including a 3-car garage. Sales for the second tower will be launched based on market demand.
Tower Amenities:
2-acre recreation deck
Lap pool and spa
Gaming center
Playground
Tennis courts
Basketball courts
Paddle courts
Miniature golf course
Wellness center
Gym
Meditation Garden
Residence Features
Unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay and Ocean
Finished residences with two flooring options
All residences include 2 high-speed elevators
All residences include an office/media room
All residences are sunrise-sunset flow-through from East to West
3-month seasonal rentals allowed up to 4 times per year
Construction of Aria Reserve south tower should begin in the spring of 2022 with an anticipated completion date of 2024. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Aria Reserve, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.
Developers for Residences by Armani Casa Report $1 Billion Sellout
Residences by Armani/Casa has set a new record for condo sales in Sunny Isles Beach. With nearly $1 billion in sales, Residences by Armani/Casa has nearly sold out of the luxury condos, which is significantly more than any other new construction tower in Sunny Isles Beach.
Located at 18975 Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles Beach, this 60-story project was completed in late 2019 just before the COVID pandemic shut down travel and events, which also delayed some of the sales/closings for the new development.
According to the President of Dezer Development (Developer for Residences by Armani/Casa), the building was 85% sold when they first started sales in February 2020 but sales got stagnant and the development was selling around 1 unit a month during the pandemic. The sales began to increase once Florida started to open up.
More recently, two penthouses sold in this tower with one at $7 million and the other at $9 million. Among the buyers include Radamel Falcao (Colombian professional soccer player).
About the Residences of Armani/Casa
The Related Group and Dezer Development are responsible for the creation of Residences by Armani/Casa. The project was completed in 2019 and the property was originally purchased in 2016 for a $305 million construction loan from Wells Fargo, which was reported to already be paid off.
This development features 308 luxury condo units with 2,716 to 3,748 square feet of living space. Pricing starts at $1million with 3 to 4 bedroom floor plan options. Residence amenities include Wolf kitchen appliances, Armani-designed sinks, 10 feet deep private balconies, and much more!
Residence Features
Armani Dada designed and fabricated cabinetry
Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer and wine cooler
Elegant imported stone countertops and glass backsplashes
Wolf kitchen appliances
Armani Roca designed sinks and faucets
His and her bathrooms in select residences
Spa-inspired shower with Armani Roca wall-mounted handheld spray and large rainshower in most residences
Marble stone floors, walls, and full stone cladding vanity and stone countertops
High-performance Toto Neorest toilet with integrated bidet technology in the master bath only
Private high-speed elevator access to most residences
Breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and city through floor-to-ceiling glass windows
10-foot deep private balconies with glass railings in all residences
8-foot-high double-door entry to a spacious foyer in select units
Summer kitchen with an under-counter Sub-Zero refrigerator in all residences
Digital thermostat featuring intelligent climate control
Recessed lighting in select corridors and bathrooms
Large capacity full-size washer/dryer in all residences
All residences pre-wired for audio speakers as well as motorized shades and programmed lighting controls in select locations
Smart building technology provides seamless access to select building amenities
Tower Amenities
Oceanfront terrace with heated swimming pool, hot tub, and poolside food and beverage service
State-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
Men’s and women’s dressing rooms with lockers and showers
Private oceanfront restaurant and bar with outdoor seating and in-residence delivery
Exclusive beach amenities, including food and beverage services, chaise lounges, umbrellas, and beach attendants
Two-story Spa with indoor and outdoor treatment rooms
Ocean-view yoga studio with Pilates equipment
Cigar room
Temperature- and humidity-controlled wine cellar
Bar area
Game room with pool table
Children’s playroom
Armani Prive lounge at the lobby level
24-hour multilingual concierge service
24-hour valet parking service
24-hour security
Professionally curated collection of museum-quality art, including monumental sculptures by Sandro Chia and Sinisa Kukec
There are just a few units left at Residences by Armani/Casa. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing one of the units, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.
Inside Miami’s High-Security Billionaire Bunker – Indian Creek Island
Located on a barrier island on the outskirts of Biscayne Bay, sits a gorgeous Island shrouded in exclusivity and extreme wealth. Indian Creek Island is filed with billion dollar views, Brazilian teak docks, 100+ foot yachts, and extreme security.
This fortress of an island features 41 waterfront properties strategically arranged around an exclusive 18 hole golf-course stretched across 294 acres.
The average home value is $20 million with each lot featuring a minimum of 1.25 acres. In February 2010, one of the luxury estates sold for $50 million, breaking the record for the most expensive single family home sold in Miami.
Security is so tight that the entrance is heavily guarded with a 13 person private police force who patrol the island via boat, jeeps and jet skis 24 hours a day.
According to the 2019 census, the population for Indian Creek Island is 87 and in year 2000 it was considered the 8th highest income area in the United States.
History of Indian Creek Island
In the early 1900’s, Indian Creek Island was created as a result of excavation for drainage in Biscayne Bay. Although the golf course was created a few years later, the Village of Indian Creek Island officially established in 1939. The first homes built on the land were vacation homes for the Miami’s rich and famous. Although there are none of the original remaining homes, there are a handful that date back to the 1950’s.
In more recent years, instead of residents using their homes for vacationing, they are living in the community year-round, shifting the typical profile of the residents. The village are seeing more families with children and a recent council meeting approved sidewalks and streetlights for play.
Notables on the Island
With the exclusivity of Indian Creek Island, it brings on many notables who want the privacy and security this island has to offer. Past residents include Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Current notables include:
Norman Braman- car dealership billionaire
Purchased 1 Indian Creek Drive in 1991 for $3.9 million
Russian (anonymous) buyer
Purchased 3 Indian Creek Drive in 2012 for $47 million
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner
Purchased a vacant lot for Julio Iglesias (Enrique Iglesias’ father) in 2020 for $30 million
Adriana Lima -Victoria Secret Supermodel
Purchased 22 Indian Creek Drive in 2009 for $9 million
Don Shula -Retired headcoach for the Miami Dolphins
Purchased 16 Indian Creek Drive with a price unknown due to divorce
Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen
Purchased a tear-down at 26 Indian Creek Drive in 2020 for $17 million.
There is only one property currently on the market on Indian Creek Island. The property located at 29 Indian Creek Drive is listed for rent at $100,000 monthly and features 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms with gorgeous southern exposure of Biscayne Bay. For more information on this property or about Indian Creek Island, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.
MLB Hall of Famer Mike Piazza Sells Miami Beach Mansion for $15 Million
If you need anymore convincing of how hot the Miami real estate market is, another luxury mansion just sold! It gets better because the seller is Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Piazza.
Piazza listed the Miami Beach mansion in December 2017 at $18.5 million. The property located at 1401 West 27th Street, Miami Beach was recently relisted for $14.7 million with a sold price of $15 million. This 8 bedroom, 9.5 bathroom mansion features 9,438 square feet of custom finishes including Jerusalem stone floors and an Italian-inspired kitchen. A private pool, dock, and boat lift elevates the remarkable 100 feet water frontage lot.
The buyers for this incredible residence is none other than the Major Food Group’s co-founder Jeffrey Zalaznick and wife. The couple has been renting the property since October 2020.
According to tax records, Piazza paid $10 million for the home in 2008. But don’t worry, they are not leaving Miami any time soon. They still own a unit at the Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach that they purchased in 2019 for $5.6 million.
