Unlocking Miami’s Last Frontier: The Bold Vision for Watson Island
Building in metropolitan Miami has long been a balancing act between nature and urban expansion. Hemmed in by the lush Everglades to the west and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Miami’s land has always been a precious commodity. Now, developers have set their sights on one of the city’s last undeveloped frontiers: Watson Island.
Watson Island, a mostly undeveloped, city-owned stretch of land sitting in Biscayne Bay, has long eluded developers. Despite its prime location just east of downtown Miami, accessible only via the MacArthur Causeway, the island has remained mostly barren. But now, Merrimac Ventures and BH3 Management are proposing a transformative mixed-use project that could finally unlock the island’s potential.
“This is the most underutilized, rare opportunity that exists in all of Miami,” says Greg Freedman, co-CEO of BH3 Management. His words resonate with the urgency and excitement that the proposal has sparked across Miami. In November, the city’s voters will decide whether to move forward with this ambitious plan—a plan that could put an end to decades of indecision and missed opportunities.
Watson Island has a rich history that dates back to Miami’s early days. It’s one of the man-made islands in Biscayne Bay, created through extensive dredging projects in the early 20th century. These projects, which drained and filled swampy lands, fueled Miami’s real estate boom and led to the construction of thousands of homes, roads, and even a railway. The island was deeded to the city in 1919 and was fully reclaimed by 1926, becoming a critical link between Miami and Miami Beach.
Over the years, other islands in Biscayne Bay have been transformed into luxury residential areas or key infrastructure projects. Brickell Key, Star Island, and PortMiami all emerged from similar origins, but Watson Island remained largely untouched, save for the Miami Children’s Museum and Jungle Island, which occupy just a fraction of its 86 acres.
The proposed development by Merrimac Ventures and BH3 Management envisions Watson Island as Miami’s newest neighborhood. The plan includes two hotels, 97,430 square feet of retail space, 100,350 square feet of boutique offices, and 105 condominium units. Additionally, the project would see upgrades to the seawall and boardwalk, infrastructure improvements, and the creation of a public park and promenade. The developers aim to create a vibrant, mixed-use community that will finally breathe life into the long-dormant island.
If the voters approve the proposal, the developers will enter a 99-year ground lease with the city and contribute $9 million toward affordable housing in Miami. The project also includes a commitment to hiring local workers, further embedding the development into the fabric of the community.
