Within Miami Beach, there is a gorgeous treasure hide between the coast and the Intracoastal. Located south of North Beach, inside the Indian Creek waterway of the La Gorce neighborhood, this is a tropical gem full of sunrises and sunsets, privacy, and luxury. The small community of Allison Island. Its history goes back to 1912 where American real estate developer and entrepreneur, Carl G. Fisher was all in building what we know nowadays as Miami Beach. As a tribute to his friend and business partner, Jim Allison, he decided to name this land after him, presenting to the world the Allison Island.
By 1926 there was a need for a health center, so he started the construction of a highly developed hospital in order to attend the homeowners of Miami Beach. The hospital was a total success and was operated by the Sisters of Saint Francis in Allegany, New York, bringing all their health experience to South Florida.
In 1928, after Jim Allison passed away, the hospital was sold to the Sisters but it was until 1992 when eventually got demolished. In the last decade of the nineteenth century, the real estate developer and entrepreneur, Craig Robbins set his eyes and vision at the Island, starting a residential project with unique qualities.
That’s how in 2004, the Aqua community was born, also known as the South Island. The reason for this is due to the division set by 63rd Street. It splits Allison Island in two: the South Island (8.5 acres) and the North Island (26.5 acres), both combined display 35 acres of land. The Aqua townhomes are famous for their art deco and contemporary architecture.
If you are looking for stylish distinction, these homes will surprise you. Another of the most sought-after properties are the three mid-rise condominium towers named after its designers and creators, the renowned architects Chatham, Spear, and Gorlin. The 8.5-acre pedestrian-oriented and friendly island village features amenities like a children’s pool, a neighborhood store, state of the art fitness center, whirlpool, heated pool with lap lanes, dry cleaners, landscaped park, pedestrian and jogging paths, and private docks.
Each of them was created with one clear purpose: to minimize scale (only 11 stories), maximize views, and set an architectural contrast to the preeminence of the tall towers that now stand in South Beach. These condos feature trendy and stylish kitchens, floor to ceiling windows, exclusive wraparound terraces, and amazing views from nearly all directions.
This is definitely another way of living and enjoying Miami Beach. Now let’s talk about the North Island: privacy at its best. This is an exclusive area full of waterfront homes where through the years an exceptional group of internationally known developers, designers, architects, and artists have brought to life a complete tropical and paradisiacal style of living.
Built after the 1950s, this is the ultimate dream in South Florida, big mansions, 6 to 10 bedrooms, sunroof terraces, unique pools, outstanding kitchens with fine finishes, jacuzzi, along with the year-round sunshine glistening off the crystal blue waters, brilliant sunsets, and stunning views offering beauty and true relaxation. Besides being very family-oriented, the Allison Island neighborhood is minutes away from most hotspots in Miami Beach.
You can explore the countless restaurants and top brand shops at Bal Harbour, Lincoln Road Mall, Aventura Mall, the nightlife scene on Ocean Drive, La Gorce Country Club for golf, tennis, racquetball, and spa. The Indian Creek Park, and the Allison Park, for nature. For the younger, it is close to many schools like the Treasure Island Elementary School, and the Biscayne Elementary School. To sum up, Allison Island is a small part of Miami Beach located at its heart and offering the full South Florida living experience.
