Neighborhood To Watch Brickelll in Miami

Brickell, an energetic neighborhood in Miami, has earned its reputation as the nation's second-largest international banking hub. Investors, restaurateurs, and entrepreneurs are increasingly drawn to this vibrant locale. It boasts a skyline adorned with high-rise condominium towers offering resort-style amenities, breathtaking bay vistas, upscale shopping venues, hip eateries, and an electrifying urban ambiance, creating a dynamic urban environment.

Originally established as a community in the mid-19th century, Brickell rapidly evolved into a prestigious Miami neighborhood by the early 20th century. As the century progressed, office skyscrapers, hotels, and towering apartment complexes altered the cityscape dramatically, transforming Brickell into one of Miami's most densely populated regions. Presently, Brickell is home to a thriving and enterprising community, solidifying its status as one of Miami's most densely populated districts, exuding a metropolitan essence akin to a scaled-down New York City.

Positioned just south of Downtown Miami, Brickell is seamlessly connected to it via the Brickell Avenue Bridge spanning the Miami River. While direct beach access is unavailable within Brickell, the neighborhood offers an abundance of stunning waterfront panoramas from the multitude of towering structures that adorn the area.

Additional highlights for Brickell that are new or coming to the neighborhood:

1. Food & Beverage: Brickell offers new dining options including Diego Oka’s La Mar, Hotel AKA Brickell’s ADRIFT Mare by Chef David Meyers , and once complete, ORA by Casa Tua which will also feature four new dining concepts including a 24-hour market and bakery (Terra), hundreds of selected sommelier bottles at Uva and two more unique dining offerings.
2. Luxury Developments and Hotels: ORA by Casa Tua, a 76-story luxury development with 540 fully furnished residences, is located at 1210 Brickell. Adding to the growth are Major Food Group’s new condo, the Villa, and Mandarin Oriental’s newly announced 222-unit Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences. Hotel AKA Brickell is a tranquil urban retreat in the heart of Brickell and overlooking Biscayne Bay. Amenities include a pool and fitness center, renewed Leaf Spa by K'Alma and even poolside yoga for hotel guests on weekends.
3. Retail: Brickell City Centre – a mixed-used indoor-outdoor development with four levels of retail, restaurants, bars and entertainment, including: a new all-day diner Café Americano opened in May; an American restaurant, The Henry; additional upcoming tenants include local Boba tea seller Miu Tea and gourmet burger chain, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, which are also expected to join BCC.

Several key players in Brickell’s evolution offered their opinions:

Larry Korman, CEO of AKA

“Miami was always a city we envisioned for AKA and being part of the culture and vibrancy of the Brickell neighborhood these past two years has allowed us to witness how truly special it is. As we see it evolve into the next food capital and epicenter of the city, we anticipate it will further attract new businesses that want to locate here. Our hotel, Hotel AKA Brickell, which sits on a block that is buzzing with new and unique dining offerings, recently unveiled its design renovations, which included the transformed lobby and lounge and newly opened restaurant, ADRIFT Mare by Michelin-starred Chef David Myers, both located on the 25 floor. The restaurant, which is inspired by the elegance and laid-back vibe of the Mediterranean, comes alive at dusk with its light and airy design and sunset views over the water. It’s the perfect new concept that we anticipate will attract the Brickell community, office tenants at Brickell Arch, where our hotel is situated, along with our current and future guests and international visitors.”

David Martin, Senior Vice President at Swire Properties

“Brickell has fast become the powerhouse for banking in South Florida, quickly developing as the ‘FiDi’ (Financial District) of the state for a few reasons. One being since 2016, Swire Properties’ Brickell City Centre and its great transport links have evolved Brickell into a walkable, vibrant neighborhood making it a highly desirable location for businesses. The $1 billion plus, 4.9 million-square-foot mixed-use development, comprised of two residential towers, two Class A office buildings, the EAST Miami hotel, and an elevated fashion, culinary and entertainment experience at The Shops at Brickell City Centre, showcased to other owners, developers and landlords that Brickell could benefit from having more office developments in the neighborhood. Secondly, come 2020, pre, post and during the pandemic, many NYC-based companies from finance to tech migrated to Miami for its pro-business stance and enviable lifestyle. Most flocked to Brickell, the preferred location for financial services in Miami, particularly for private banks and wealth management. Swire Properties has always been at the forefront of the vision for Brickell and we continue to demonstrate our commitment to this neighborhood. Most recently, we began demolition at One Brickell City Centre along with Related, which will add 1.5 million square feet of office space across 68 floors, offering the largest floorplates in the city ranging from 25,000-53,000 square feet and will redefine the Miami workplace with peerless design in the heart of the city's most important, booming district, Brickell.