Happy Veteran’s Day to all of our servicemen! Since it is also Flashback Friday, let’s have a look back at some of our neighborhood heritage. These are the Brickell Apartments that were completed almost 100 years ago to the day.
Back then, Miami was going through a building boom similar to the one that we’re finishing up right now. Charles Brickell (the son of Mary Brickell) built this state-of-the-art building on the piece of Brickell where the Four Ambassador is today. Even back then, developers were jockeying to see who could build the most advanced and beautiful building around. The Brickell Apartments had 24 residences with 1-4 bedrooms. The layouts were considered very spacious at the time and each residence had a private bath, hot water, electric lights and a balcony. The building also had an electric elevator, something nearly unheard of at the time.
In 1918, Charles Brickell offered special reduced rates for the servicemen returning from World War I, so that they could live in comfort and splendor after their tours. The Miami Herald referred to the apartments as, “one of the most elaborate and modern buildings in Miami.” If you ask me, I agree that the servicemen should have been first in line to live there. Thank you to all of the men and women who have served our country!
For more information on the history of The Brickell Apartments and other buildings in the area, you can find a treasure trove here.
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