I have stated it a few times. Brickell Key Island is my favorite place in Miami, and whenever I'm in the Magic City, I find an excuse to go there. It has an alluring atmosphere that draws you in and keeps you thinking about it long after your departure.
Even though it is a gated island, you won't have any trouble visiting and exploring the green spaces and waterfront paths. You may even spot a dolphin or two while you're looking across to the imposing Aston Martin building on the other side of the Miami River.
I've thought about getting a condo here as a second home (and eventually a retirement home), but as much as I love Miami, I'm not sure I can take that heat and humidity for months at a time. The first time I visited, I was practically melting.
Raquel spent a couple of nights at the Mandarin Oriental on the island and had a lot of good things to say. What's interesting, though, is the hotel was demolished a few weeks ago. The realtor I have been working with invited me to watch the demolition (I haven't had the heart to tell him Miami is not going to work for me. Don't judge me).
So why was the hotel demolished and what's taking its place? In all honesty, the building was dated, and nothing made that more obvious than the aerial shots we took of it for Raquel's article.
It may not be apparent when you're in the building, but an update was needed. You don't need to look too hard at the exterior photos to see that. Instead of a “simple” renovation, though, Mandarin Oriental chose to go big!
The hotel chain is putting up a massive replacement that includes a new hotel and residences in buildings that not only dwarf the old hotel but make it look like a tiny service building. This is what you call an upgrade!
But before I go over what excites me about the project, I need to say that the new development will occupy the park that used to be next to the old hotel. I'm going to miss that park, as it was one of my favorite places for morning walks when I stayed in Brickell.
That said, looking at the renders of the new development, I'll get over missing the park eventually. So, what's so exciting about the new development? The developers have contracted some heavy-hitters.
The exterior will have two Kohn Pederson Fox-designed towers (the architects behind the award-winning Atlantis The Royal in Dubai). The first housing a 151-room hotel, 61 private residences, and 28 hotel residences, all with sublime views of the city and ocean. The second will have 220 residences with 2-4 bedrooms and a couple of executive penthouses.
Renowned Parisian interior designer Laura Gonzales is responsible for the interiors, and Shma Designs will take care of the landscaping. Calling that a dream team isn't an exaggeration.
In other words, Brickell Key will get one of the finest developments from the hotel chain. That is bound to give the island a sizable boost. Tourists staying at the hotel will enjoy the signature Mandarin Oriental experience, while residents get 5-star hotel amenities. That includes resort-style dining and wellness. What could be better than that?
The project is currently scheduled for completion in 2030, and I can't wait to see it come to life. So, what about my gripe with the park going away? The area will still have some green spaces, so it's not that big of a deal, but it won't be as accessible as it was.
Perhaps it's a ploy to get me and other fans to always stay at the hotel. Judging from the images, it may not be a tough sell.
