Miami Beach is an intriguing city with a lot of history that occurred in a relatively short span of time. One of the most sought after areas of Miami Beach residents to reside in is the Venetian Islands neighborhood. The history of the Venetian Islands Miami Beach indicates that the project was expected to be much larger than the neighborhood that exists today. Let’s take a look back at the history of the Venetian Islands and learn about this prestigious neighborhood.
Proposed Venetian Islands Project
The Venetian Islands began as a project that was intended to be much more expansive than what it has become today. The current chain of artificial islands located in Biscayne Bay from west to east are: Biscayne Island, San Marco Island, San Marino Island, Di Lido Island, Rivo Alto Island, and Belle Island. These islands are connected to the mainland, Downtown Miami, and to the beach via the Venetian Causeway. The proposed project called for another causeway to be built as well. The proposed causeway was to be called “The Drive of the Campanili,” and would connect Hibiscus Island with Di Lido Island. The causeway was proposed to continue north to an additional five new islands built along its path, all the way to Indian Creek Village. An additional two more islands were proposed to be built along the current routes of the Julia Tuttle Causeway and the 79th Street Causeway.
The Venetian Causeway
The original bridge connecting the mainland to Miami Beach was the Collins Bridge, which was built by farmer and developer John S. Collins, with financial backing of Carl G. Fisher. The bridge opened in June 1913, and was the longest wooden bridge in the world reaching two and a half miles in length. The original wooden bridge was rebuilt and replaced by a string of arch drawbridges and was renamed the Venetian Causeway and was completed in February 1926.
Interesting Facts About Venetian Islands
Biscayne Island was first inhabited and used as an airport during the 1930s. The airport was established under the name Viking Airport. The airport consisted of a hanger, seaplane ramps, and a 2,600 foot sod runway. In 1937, the airport was closed. The 1940s saw the emergence of residential development, and today the island is home to residential neighborhoods consisting of homes and condos. Another interesting thing is that lots were being sold, while they were still underwater. Developers promised new owners roads, sidewalks, utilities, seawalls, and more.
Julian Johnston – Your Key to the Venetian Islands
The Venetian Islands Miami Beach offer buyers some of the most luxurious waterfront homes and dry lot homes in all of Miami Beach. If you think that you would like to make the move to this chain of islands, contact me at miawaterfront.com, and I will be more than happy to help you find the ideal Venetian Islands home or Venetian Islands condo to suit your lifestyle and needs.
