Miami Board Will Review Former Madonna Estate Plans

Officials will evaluate a proposed renovation for the historic 2.7-acre waterfront property in Miami.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Historical

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a limestone bluff and tropical foliage with stylized architectural foundation lines, evoking urban preservation. — The Miami Historic and Environmental Preservation Board will evaluate renovation plans for a historic waterfront property on Brickell Avenue this October. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Historic and Environmental Preservation Board is set to review a construction proposal for the former Madonna estate at 3029 Brickell Avenue on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The site, which was acquired by Brickell Holdings Trust for $29 million in 2022, is located within a High Probability Archaeological Conservation Area.

Why it matters

The board review is required because the property sits within Environmental Preservation District No. 49, where archaeologists have uncovered 19th-century artifacts and prehistoric food refuse. Preservation officials aim to balance development with the protection of sensitive historical resources and the Silver Bluff geological formation.

The 2.7-acre property features a 1928 mansion and is situated in Environmental Preservation District No. 49. Officials have recommended that a proposed swimming pool be moved 25 feet to protect the underlying Silver Bluff formation.

The players

Historic and Environmental Preservation Board

This local government body regulates development in protected districts to ensure historical and geological sites are maintained.

Brickell Holdings Trust

This entity is the current owner of the 2.7-acre waterfront property at 3029 Brickell Avenue.

David Martin

He is the owner of the adjoining property where previous construction work resulted in damage to the local Silver Bluff.

The details

The proposed project includes new buildings, a swimming pool, and significant landscape modifications. Authorities are exercising caution after damage previously occurred to a 46-foot section of the Silver Bluff at the adjoining property owned by David Martin.

The existing mansion was built in 1928.
Environmental Preservation District No. 49 was established in 1975.
Brickell Holdings Trust acquired the property in 2022.
The board approved a restoration plan for the neighboring property in January 2025.
The board will review the construction proposal on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

Roadmap

Development in Miami's historic zones often requires navigating strict preservation mandates that limit how owners can alter legacy estates. This project mirrors a broader trend of balancing high-end real estate expansion with the conservation of the city's archaeological and geological heritage.

Residents and neighbors should note that the proposed changes may affect the character of the Brickell Avenue corridor. The ongoing preservation efforts serve to protect the environmental integrity of the local waterfront for the surrounding community.

The takeaway

Preservation districts exist to ensure that significant environmental and historical artifacts remain intact despite pressure for modern development. Homeowners looking to modify properties in protected zones should prioritize early consultations with city officials to avoid costly redesigns.