Origin of Brickell Key Island Real Estate
Essentially, the island was formed out of dredged river bottom as the Miami River was being opened and expanded. Read on to learn more!
Origins and Creation of Brickell Key(1896-1916)
In 1896, Henry Flagler organized a 9-foot (2.7 m) deep channel dug from the mouth of the Miami River so that boats could reach the port of Miami. The resulting dredged materials became two islands that eventually would become Brickell Key. This story mirrors many of the man made islands around Miami such as venetian islands which was the brain child of Karl Fisher.
Early Development Vision of Brickell Key (1916-1940s)
Things would change June 21, 1916, when the Florida Internal Improvement Fund accepted a bid from Margaret Burlingame, a Michigan transplant who had established one of Miami's first female-owned advertising agencies. Her vision was bold: she would bulkhead, fill, and transform the dredged spoils, turning them into what we now know as Brickell Key. Though this early development didn't come to full fruition at the time, it set the stage for things to come.
The Claughton Era (1943-1970s)
A major turning point came when In 1943. Edward N. Claughton, Sr. bought the Brickell Key islands and other land to combine them into a 44-acre (180,000 m2) triangle-shaped tract now know as Brickell Key. It is for this reason, that the island is sometimes referred to as "Claughton Island," vs it's more commonly known name of Brickell Key island today.
Modern Development Begins (1979-1980s)
The transformation into the luxury residential community we know today began when the Hong Kong-based Swire Properties group came on board. They have been a development force in Miami since 1979. Today they are in their last phase of building out the man-made island. It's amazing what they have created over 40 years.
Swire Properties' initial transformation of Miami began with the 22-story Brickell Key One in 1982.
Swire Properties' initial transformation of Miami began with the 22-story Brickell Key One in 1982.
The 1990s Boom
Swire completed Brickell Key II in 1991. Island Living in Miami's Urban Core By the late 1990s was in full swing. During this time, Courvoisier Courts, Isola, St. Louis and One Tequesta Point were also built. Brickell key was fast on its way to truly becoming an urban island oasis.
2000s: Hotel and Luxury Expansion
The island reached new heights of luxury with the Opening of The Mandarin Oriental. A five-star hotel. Subsequent buildings were Two Tequesta Point, followed by the commencement of Three Tequesta Point, Asia, The Courts and Carbonell
Present Day Brickell Key Island
Today, The island is home to 11 (soon to be 12) condo towers, 2 office buildings and a 5-star hotel that is about to be demolished and replaced with an even more luxurious 5 star hotel solidifying Brickell Key Island as one of the most exclusive neighborhoods and a true urban island oasis.
About Brickell Key Real Estate Images
Our Sister company Miami Real Estate Photography, colorized and updated images based on historical originals. These images of Brickell Key incorporated the blending of AI, Color and perspective editing while staying true to the original works.
The result is being able to appreciate these historical photos of the island through the eye of a modern lens and perspective.
The result is being able to appreciate these historical photos of the island through the eye of a modern lens and perspective.