The Brickell Family: The Name That Built Wealthy Miami

Everybody who's anybody in Miami likes to spend at least some of their millions in the Brickell neighborhood.

Yet, when they do, they likely don’t know that they’re walking in the gilded footsteps of Miami’s original power couple.

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The "Old Money" Family That Built Miami: The Flaglers:    • The "Old Money" Family That Built Mia...  

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The Widow Who Created Miami: Julia Tuttle:    • The Widow Who Created Miami: Julia Tu...  

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
0:47 Chapter 1: The Brickell Name Goes Big
3:14 Chapter 2: Beginnings of the Brickells
6:52 Chapter 3: The Brickells Settle Miami
10:06 Chapter 4: Making Miami

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Everyone in Miami's glamorous Brickell neighborhood, the playground of the Three Oh Five's elite, walks unknowingly in the footsteps of the city's original power couple, William and Mary Brickell.

Before the area was synonymous with mega yachts and towering condos, it was the vision of this pioneering duo who saw beyond the swampland to the potential of what could be—a blueprint for luxury and success that has shaped Southern Florida.

So, grab a Cuban espresso and join us as we delve into the extraordinary legacy of the Brickell family, whose name and foresight built Miami.

When you stroll through Miami's bustling streets, the name 'Brickell' is omnipresent. Brickell Avenue, now the financial heartbeat of Miami, is lined with a vibrant array of modern offices, luxury condos, and upscale hotels, earning it the nickname "Miami's Manhattan."

This avenue is a testament to the city's economic prowess and global financial status.

Not far from here is Brickell Key, an epitome of exclusivity located on its own private island.

This area is home to high-end condos, inventive office spaces, and the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Hotel, drawing global residents and deep-pocketed investors alike.

Meanwhile, Mary Brickell Village buzzes as a major shopping and entertainment hub, reflecting the vibrant, never-sleeping spirit of modern Miami.

Nearby, Brickell City Centre stands as a hallmark of affluent living and fine dining, encapsulated within innovative architecture that adds a unique flair compared to other American cities.

But how did the Brickell family rise to define the capital of Latin America? It begins with William Brickell, who left Ohio for the Gold Rush but found his fortune not in gold but through entrepreneurial ventures.

After unsuccessful attempts to strike it rich in California and then Australia, he turned his efforts to trade and commerce. Success there led him to meet his future wife and business partner, Mary Bulmer, and together, they set off to forge their future in Miami.

In 1871, William and Mary purchased 640 acres on the south side of the Miami River, establishing Brickell Point, a trading post that soon became a bustling hub due to its strategic location and the variety of goods offered.

This post laid the groundwork for Miami's growth as traders and travelers settled in the emerging city, drawn by the success of Brickell Point.

As Miami grew, the Brickells, along with Julia Tuttle, saw an opportunity to expand further by integrating the city into Henry Flagler’s railroad network.

This move, which came to fruition in 1896, catalyzed Miami’s transformation by connecting it with major cities, enhancing its economic landscape, and increasing the value of the Brickells' extensive real estate investments.

William Brickell passed away in 1908, but Mary Brickell continued their vision, developing the luxurious neighborhood known as 'Millionaire's Row.'

Her efforts solidified the Brickell name as synonymous with wealth and luxury, attracting wealthy northerners and setting the stage for Miami’s future as a prime destination for both living and investment.

Throughout the twentieth century, the landscape of Brickell continued to evolve from residential to commercial real estate, with skyscrapers eventually dominating the skyline.

The transformation from a seasonal retreat to a bustling economic hub was complete by the 2000s, with Miami becoming recognized as an international financial center and a city of unparalleled affluence.

Today, the legacy of the Brickell family is woven into the very fabric of Miami, visible in every corner of the city and in the luxurious lifestyle it offers.

Their vision and entrepreneurial spirit continue to influence the city's development, ensuring that the Brickell name will be remembered for generations to come.