Miami’s Venetian Islands

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Stretched across Biscayne Bay between South Beach and downtown Miami sits a chain of six reclaimed islands known as the Venetian Islands. These six inhabited islands, from west to east, includes the romantically named isles of Biscayne, San Marco, San Marino, Di Lido, Rivo Alto and Belle Isle. Some are part of the city of Miami, others part of Miami Beach.  Originally designed and developed in the early 1920’s to mimic Venice with numerous bridges and street lamps, the secluded Venetians are home to some of the most eclectic, unique and stimulating waterfront homes in Miami.

When the Collins Bridge was opened in 1913, it was the longest wooden bridge in the world and a solitary drive across the bay. After twelve years of service it was on its last legs. The Collins Bridge was then sold to the Venetian Islands Company, which proceeded to build the beautiful Venetian Causeway and fill in the bottom of the bay. With the building of the Venetian Causeway, Carl Fisher brought a small fleet of Venetian gondolas, complete with Italian gondoliers. The gondolas were used for close to fifteen years in Biscayne Bay to ferry locals, tourists and potential buyers around the islands. It did not take much for potential buyers to recognize the ease of access and location of the islands along with the tropical urban lifestyle afforded to one as a resident.

Traveling west on the Venetian Causeway from South Beach towards downtown Miami one first arrives on Belle Isle, which consists of several medium to large sized condominium buildings, together with a variety of multi-unit residential properties, and the completely renovated and re-designed The Standard Hotel. Belle Isle sits literally a short five minute walk to South Beach’s Lincoln Road Mall and also features a totally redesigned 3.3 acres “dog-friendly” Belle Isle Park.

The seven condominium buildings located on the Island Avenue, range from the classic Belle Towers Condominium to the modern Grand Venetian tower. During the real estate boom many of these properties were out of reach for the average buyer. However, in today’s market there are more than 80 properties available at attractive entry prices as low as $200 per square foot. A wide variety of apartments are to be found in these seven buildings, ranging from large one bedroom units to fully modern residences with large wraparound glass balconies. It is easy to recognize the allure of Belle Isle to second home owners and Miamians alike.  Revel in some of the most breathtaking views of downtown Miami, cruise ships and several surrounding islands, experience the tropical colors and serenity of a sunset over Biscayne Bay, or simply enjoy a weekend brunch and day at The Standard Spa to absorb it all.

Continuing further west on the Venetian Causeway one crosses over the islands of Rivo Alto, Di Lido, San Marino, and San Marco. This cluster of islands only allows for single family residences, of which approximately one third are waterfront properties. Waterfront lot sizes range from the standard 10,500 square feet up to 15,750 square feet for the larger properties on either the northern or southern points of the islands. Each island varies in size and number of homes, with the most exclusive waterfront properties considered to be situated on the island of San Marco. Currently, there are 58 single family homes ranging from $899,000 to $14,900,000 available on the market. It has been quite a number of years since we have seen waterfront homes available on these islands for less than two million dollars, however, this may just be the year to take advantage of the slow and distressed real estate market to snap one up.

So who lives in these homes? You would be surprised to learn that only approximately twenty percent of all residences are occupied as second homes, with the remainder being full time local residents. This is one of the many attractive features of living on the Venetians, you have a real sense of community and a safe neighborhood. Sure, there have been a number of real estate investors speculating on the increase in popularity of these unique homes, including the likes of Eddie Irvine, Larry Groll, and DCA Trust. However, included in the mix of homeowners on the Venetian Islands are just a handful of celebrities such as Paulina Rubio or music producer Estefano.

Miami is a unique city unlike few others in the world. It is the American Riviera that should be experienced from both the water as well as from the beach or comforts of your home. Living on the Venetian Islands offers everything to you. It is a melting pot that attracts successful locals, Latin Americans and Europeans alike. You can live large like Michael Stern, a commercial real estate developer, that incorporated his own indoor basketball court in his Mediterranean villa on Di Lido Island, or, you could simply enjoy the stunning sunsets from your one-bedroom apartment at Nine Island Avenue Condominium.

To view a map of the Venetian Islands see below. If you would like further information on any properties available for sale in this area, please do not hesitate to email us at info@miamiangelproperties.com or call 305.673.5300.

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