Brickell and Downtown Miami in the distance.

One of Miami’s finest bay front neighborhoods had its humble beginnings in the late 19^th century when William and Mary Brickell, intrepid pioneers from Ohio, opened a trading post on the south bank of the Miami river to exchange goods with Seminole Indians who traveled downstream from the Everglades in dugout canoes.

The husband and wife team were savvy business folk:  they purchased acreage from Coconut Grove to the river and after William’s death, widow Mary became one of the Miami’s first real estate developers.

Today, a humble bust of Mary Brickell stands on the tree-lined median that makes Brickell Avenue one of the most scenic stretches of road in Miami-Dade County.   She’d be proud.

The namesake neighborhood is home to Miami’s international financial district, bustling with business during the workweek. But Brickell is also residential, with gleaming high-rises that afford bay as well as river views with an unparalleled, upscale urban lifestyle.

In spite of all the soaring towers of glass and concrete, you’ll find neighbors jogging, walking their dogs and strolling with children under the shade of lush, tropical trees on Brickell’s ample sidewalks. Brickell also boasts Miami’s only nature preserve at Simpson Hammock Park, which is just a few blocks away from restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, boutiques, salons, yoga studios and conveniences, many centered around trendy Mary Brickell Village.

Brickell residents also enjoy easy access to Downtown Miami across the river via the Metromover, a free electric rail system. The American Airlines Arena and Arsht Performing Arts Center are just minutes away for those who prefer to leave the car at home. Key Biscayne, a barrier island flanking the mainland at Brickell, is popular among cyclists and boasts Miami’s most pristine beach at Bill Baggs State Park.

ONE | Sotheby’s listings in Brickell offer the best of the neighborhood.

BRISTOL TOWER

Bristol Tower, one of the most upscale residences on Brickell, was designed by Ugo Colombo. The building is circular and affords sweeping views of Key Biscayne as well as mainland Miami.

THE EMERALD CONDOMINIUM

In addition to standard amenities,  The Emerald Condominium also offers a a business center, conference room, wine cellar, rooftop sky club and cigar humidor room.

ICON BRICKELL

Icon Brickell at the mouth of the Miami River straddles the Miami Circle, a  2,000 year old archeological site, once home to Tequesta Indians.  The building’s eclectic curb appeal comes from designer Phillipe Starck, who was inspired by the Polynesian moai of Easter Island.

JADE

Jade offers luxury residences just steps away from the shops, bars and restaurants of Mary Brickell Village. Residents enjoy multimedia interactive technology along with spectacular bay views. Juan Pablo Montoya, Luis Miguel and Ivan Rodriguez are just a few celebrities who have brought units at Jade.

PLAZA

Located in the heart of Brickell, the Plaza is actually two towers featuring a spa, two pools as well as club, media and billiards rooms.

SANTA MARIA

The Santa Maria is one of Brickell’s most prestigious addresses and takes full advantage of Miami’s sunshine:  a private marina, tennis courts and cabanas are just one of many upscale amenities in the condominium.

To learn more about ONE | Sotheby’s condo listings in Brickell and surrounding areas, visit the Downtown Miami listings page.

– Maria de los Angeles is a freelance wordsmith based in Miami.