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BRICKELL PROMISE
We stand united as guardians of our neighborhood's soul.
Not just residents, but defenders of:
This is more than a petition or protest.
This is our declaration that Brickell's future belongs to those who live it, love it, and defend it every day.
We will not be silenced. We will not be overlooked.
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And we will not stop until development serves the community, rather than sacrificing it.
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Brickell Stronger Together—not just a slogan,
but our solemn promise to each other.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Our irreplaceable historical landmarks that tell the story of where we came from
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The vital green spaces where our families breathe, connect, and thrive
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Our already congested streets that cannot bear the burden of unchecked development
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The neighborhood schools that nurture our children and anchor our community
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Most crucially—our fundamental right to shape the place we call home
WHY BRICKELL VOICES MUST BE HEARD
Brickell isn't just another neighborhood—it's Miami-Dade's economic powerhouse, contributing 70-80% to the county's budget. Yet the City Commissioners and Historic and Environmental Preservation Board continue to make decisions that affect our community without meaningful resident input.
Our historic landmarks, green spaces, and infrastructure aren't negotiable assets for developers to sacrifice in pursuit of profit. Each high-rise mega-project approved without proper scrutiny pushes our community closer to gridlock, shadows our parks, and erases our cultural heritage.
As residents who call Brickell home, we demand:
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Preservation of our irreplaceable open spaces, historic trees, and cultural landmarks
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Mandatory independent environmental and historical impact assessments for all major developments
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A formal seat at the table when decisions about our neighborhood's future are made
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Comprehensive traffic studies that address the true impact of high-density projects
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Development that enhances—rather than diminishes—quality of life for all Brickell residents
When we unite as a community, our collective voice becomes impossible to ignore. Our neighborhood's future depends on our continued vigilance and advocacy.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
CURRENT PROJECT:
Canvas Residential Input Before Historical Designation Is Stripped From The Administrative Complex Attached To The First Miami Presbyterian Church
A significant development proposal is underway to demolish the historically classified administration building connected to the also historically classified First Miami Presbyterian Church on Brickell Avenue. In its place, an 80-story high-rise with an estimated 640 residential units will rise—approximately 15 to 20 feet from the hallowed church walls.
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The demolition of the educational wing, which is physically integrated with the entire church, would desecrate a vital landmark that illustrates our city’s remarkable transformation over the years.
The First Miami Presbyterian Church (FMPC) symbolizes an integral part of Miami's history and architectural heritage. Together, these aspects jeopardize the preservation of a significant cultural asset that has shaped our community.
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The Historical Facts (1)
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The First Presbyterian Church houses Miami’s oldest congregation, organized in April 1896.
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The new congregation first worshipped in a tent at what is now the corner of North Miami Avenue and SE 2nd Street.
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(1) REPORT CITY OF MIAMI PRESEVATION OFFICER: http://www.historicpreservationmiami.com/pdfs/first%20presbyterian.pdf
US DEPT. OF INTERIOR, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NOMINATION FORM: https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/64000115_text
First Presbyterian Church of Miami, Florida, scrapbook, 1929-1966: https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora%3A288243?solr_nav%5Bid%5D=1bb828b647eb0d447a28&solr_nav%5Bpage%5D=0&solr_nav%5Boffset%5D=0#page/1/mode/1up
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Henry M. Flagler donated the lots and provided the funding for the construction of a permanent church building in 1900.
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The original church was located at the corner of East Flagler Street and SE 3rd Avenue and served the congregation until the 1940s.
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William Jennings Bryan, a member of the church who taught a Sunday School class there, helped make the church nationally known. Bryan was a U.S. Congressman and Secretary of State under Woodrow Wilson, and he became a political evangelist and fundamentalist Christian.
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The new and present church building was completed in 1949 and is the only remaining structure associated with this important early congregation.
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The present church building houses what is known as the Flagler Memorial Chapel, which contains salvaged portions of the original church building from 1900.
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It is eligible for designation as it exemplifies the historical, cultural, political, economic, or social trends of the community.
Credit: 13th Floor Investments & Key International.
STATUS OF APRIL 10 APPEAL
MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
UPDATE - APRIL 2025
BRICKELL UNITED: OUR COMMITMENT CONTINUES
Your passionate advocacy has been the backbone of our movement, even as we stand at the beginning of this journey. Thanks to your unwavering commitment, more than 50 of us stood before the Miami City Commission with one collective voice—demanding fairness, not favors—a testament to the power of our Brickell Stronger Together community.
We firmly reject the Commission's recent decision that IconBrickell “has no standing” to demand intervenor status, as a denial of our legal and constitutional rights. But this is not the end—it's a catalyst for greater action. We are strategically exploring legal and civic avenues to challenge this outcome and protect what defines our neighborhood: its historical landmarks, vital green spaces, and a neighborhood elementary school that shapes our children's futures.
This marks just the first chapter. Our community's power lies in our solidarity and resolve. Together, we will continue advocating to preserve Brickell as the vibrant, sustainable, and family-friendly neighborhood we all call home.
Stay vigilant. Stay united. The Brickell we love depends on our persistence.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Thank you,
Brickell Stronger Together
Credit: 13th Floor Investments & Key International.
CHILLING FACTS OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF FIRST MIAMI PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SITE
Historic Demolition
Developers plan to demolish a historically designated part of the First Miami Presbyterian Church, which currently houses a school and administrative offices. In its place — less than 20 feet from the main sanctuary — an 80-story condominium tower is proposed.
Desecration of Sacred Space
A building that has served religious and community purposes for generations would be replaced by a high-rise that brings more people, more cars, more congestion, and less open space.
Loss of
Green Space
Precious open and green areas surrounding the church and Brickell Park would be lost forever — stripping the community of much-needed natural space.
Severe Traffic Impact
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Over 900 additional vehicles would funnel onto a narrow, northbound-only exit onto Brickell Avenue.
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The already overburdened 5th Street intersection would face crippling gridlock, especially during bridge openings.
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Increased congestion would ripple across Brickell and Downtown Miami.
Environmental Damage
Historic tree canopies along the church property line and adjacent Brickell Park are at risk of being damaged or destroyed.
Loss of a Vital Local School
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The demolition would displace Key Point Christian Academy, a beloved local school serving over 200 students and employing more than 80 teachers and staff.
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Families who walk, bike, and scooter to school — a rare and cherished sight in Brickell — would lose a vital educational and community resource.
Worsening Pollution
640 new residential units would bring more cars, more traffic, and more air pollution to a neighborhood already struggling with gridlock.
