Signs of life have recently emerged for Related Group’s long-delayed third and final tower at One Brickell. New filings with the Federal Aviation Administration showcase refiled height permits for an 897 FT tower at 444 Brickell Avenue, the clearest indication in years that the developer is preparing itself to advance the final phase of the three-tower master plan along the Miami River, after years of uncertainty tied to archaeological discoveries.
The 444 Brickell site has remained dormant amid prolonged archaeological review and preservation debates, following the discovery of expansive Tequesta artifacts and human remains during excavation of the adjacent parcels (where Baccarat Residences and Viceroy Brickell are now under construction).
The FAA application was submitted after the permits filed in 2022 expired, which means the tower’s height remains unchanged at 897 FT above ground (901 FT above mean sea level). These updates are largely procedural, as the 444 Brickell site has been designated an Archaeologically Significant site to ensure the protection of historic artifacts and human remains uncovered during previous excavations.
The designation does not prevent Related from moving forward with construction, since the developer holds vested development rights granted before the discovery of Tequesta artifacts and human remains. However, any major changes to the project beyond the current plans (such as changes in height/design) would require a resubmission, which could trigger additional review, public debate, and extra costs: outcomes Related would likely want to avoid.
The designation does, however, require Related to carefully manage all archaeological materials, including their excavation, documentation, storage, and potential public display. Miami’s Historic & Environmental Preservation Board has the right to review and provide recommendations on how these artifacts are handled.
In other news, Related told the Miami Herald in late 2024 that the existing office tower at 444 Brickell, which currently stores archaeological artifacts in certain rooms, is not expected to be demolished until at least 2028. The developer has indicated that portions of the artifacts will be incorporated into the project’s design, following the approach used in the Riverwalk for the towers already under construction. These spaces include planned homages to the Tequesta Tribe, such as exhibition areas.
While updated plans have not been publicly released, a 2015 Miami River Commission submission (one of the last public files available) indicates that Tower 3 was planned to contain 420 units, designed by Arquitectonica, and intended to rise 80 floors.
