As a Florida native, tour guide, and property owner in Downtown Miami, uncovering more stories and learning the history of my backyard, downtown Miami, is like finding a hidden treasure.

Brickell Avenue is named after the Brickell family, William & Mary Brickell. Interesting and coincidentally, just like Miami's founder, it was Mary, the woman, who had the vision. Miami, north of the river, was founded by Julia Tuttle from Cincinnati, Ohio. In downtown Miami, Mary Brickell planned for a "city of handsome homes" wide streets with shrubbery, parks, and plotted lots to sell. She even loaned money without collateral and never foreclosed on a home or business. She believed in helping locals who lived year-round to grow their business and city so it was not dependent on tourism.

In Miami Herald, this article features the forward-thinking Mary. Click here to read the entire article.

Soon a book will be released William & Mary Brickell: Founders of Miami & Ft. Lauderdale.
Stay tuned to order your copy here!