Swire, Related plan tallest building in Florida
By Brian Bandell
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Jun 16, 2022

Swire Properties has revealed the long-awaited plans for One Brickell City Centre — which would become the tallest building in Florida — after joining forces with a major development partner.

New York-based Related Cos., led by billionaire Miami Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross, will team with Hong Kong-based Swire on the mega development. It will serve as the second phase of the 4.9 million-square-foot Brickell City Centre mixed-use project.

One Brickell City Centre would soar about 1,000 feet high. Currently, the tallest building in both Miami and Florida is Panorama Tower at 868 feet.

Swire received Federal Aviation Administration approval for the height at that location over five years ago and it’s been working on plans for the best mix of uses for the skyscraper ever since. In 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic, Swire Properties President Kieran Bowers said it would be a mix of retail, hotel, residential and office.

But now, with Related Cos. on board, the developers say One Brickell City Centre will have 1.6 million square feet of office space with spacious floor plans and terraces on every level.

This would also be the largest office building in South Florida, topping the 1.22 million-square-foot Southeast Financial Center in Miami.

“One Brickell City Centre solidifies Swire Properties and Related Companies’ belief in the future of the Miami real estate market,” Bowers said. “As the city continues to evolve to become a global hub of commerce, finance and technology, One Brickell City Centre will play an important role in attracting exceptional companies that want to make Miami their home.”

Miami has been a hot spot for corporate relocations and expansion during the pandemic, especially among technology and financial companies. That has resulted in record growth in office rents. The nearby 830 Brickell office tower project, for instance, has secured big-name tenants ahead of its completion.

For Related Cos., this move is an “all in” for South Florida’s office market. The company is also the largest builder of Class A office space in downtown West Palm Beach. In New York, the company developed the massive office complex at Hudson Yards.

“This is a groundbreaking partnership between Related Companies and Swire that will result in a truly world-class commercial office building in the heart of Miami,” Ross stated. “The leading companies demand commercial office space that fits their needs with the best finishes, amenities, flexibility, and service – and we’re proud to bring that level of development to Miami.”

If the developers are successful in filling 1.6 million square feet of office space, it could result in more demand for housing, retail and dining in the city.

Miami-based Arquitectonica designed One Brickell City Centre. The developers aim to start construction in 2023. It would replace a 10-story office building.

One Brickell City Centre will be located on the east side of the mixed-use project, which already includes a 500,000-square-foot shopping and entertainment center, the East Miami hotel, and two condos.