$30 Million for a Seawall — And a Quiet Question for Swire

People move to Brickell Key for the quiet. The loop, the breeze, the feeling that even though you’re in the middle of the city, you’re a little bit removed from it. That’s not an accident — this place was planned. Swire bought the land in the late ‘70s and actually thought about how to build something that would last. They brought in the roads, the Baywalk, the landscaping, the Mandarin Oriental. And all these years later, the island still works because someone had a long-term view from the start.

Brickell Key- photo by Nadia Bouzid

Now the island is facing its next big chapter. The seawall — the one that wraps around the perimeter and keeps the whole thing intact — needs to be replaced. It’s been more than 50 years, and it’s time. BKMA, the master association, is taking it on. This is exactly what the master association is supposed to do: take care of the shared infrastructure so every building doesn’t have to figure it out alone.

The cost is estimated between $28–32 million, and if you’re a unit owner, your share will probably land somewhere around $10K. It’s not due tomorrow — payments will start in 2026, with financing options. Still, it’s not nothing. Especially for something most people will never see, even though it’s literally what holds the island together.

At the same time, Swire is getting ready to launch the most high-end piece of Brickell Key yet. One Island Drive — a new Mandarin hotel and an 80-story residential tower with units starting at $5M. It’s a huge project. It’s going to reset what luxury looks like on this side of the bay. Swire is paying to replace the seawall around their own parcel — about $4 million. That’s fair. That’s their responsibility.

But here’s the question: should they consider contributing more?

No one’s saying they have to. They’re doing what they’re required to. But this is also the company that built the island, set the tone, and helped Brickell Key become what it is. They’re about to benefit from everything that makes this place special — the walkability, the Baywalk, the reputation of the island — and they’re going to be selling units that sit right on top of the infrastructure the rest of the community is paying to replace.

Brickell Key- photo by Nadia Bouzid

This isn’t about being dramatic or going after a developer. It’s about timing. And leadership. If there was ever a moment for Swire to show that their long-term vision for Brickell Key still stands — not just for their projects but for the community they helped create — this would be it.

There’s a petition going around. You can read it here. People are asking for a fairer approach. Some want the City to contribute. Some want a reevaluation of how the costs are being shared. Others are simply saying Swire has the chance to step up — not because they have to, but because it would mean something if they did.

At the very least, it’s worth talking about.

This post reflects personal opinions and observations. For more, see the full disclaimer here.