Fisher Island: The Before and After

February 27, 2017

fisher-island-historyToday, Fisher Island is one of the most exclusive communities in South Florida. It’s expensive and provides privacy unlike any other. This exotic island is known as one of the riches zip codes in the United States.

However, it wasn’t long ago that Fisher Island was nothing more than a small piece of land in the Biscayne Bay. You may have heard about the Island, but you may not know what it’s all about. Here’s a look at the history of Fisher Island and what it look s like today.

The Before: Fisher Island History

There was a time when Fisher Island was simply a piece of land with coconut palms and mangroves. It’s found in the Biscayne Bay and it wasn’t even considered to be an island until 1906. The government dug the “Government Cut” to help with port traffic. When this happened the undeveloped island was create.

In 1919, Carl Fisher, the founder and developer of Miami Beach, decided to purchase the land and expand the island. He saw it as a place for development with deep water docks and real estate. While the county delayed his construction, at first, when the Port of Miami was constructed, things changed.

Fisher traded about seven acres of the island to William Vanderbilt II a few years later. In exchange, he received a 250-foot yacht. The land was further developed by Vanderbilt over the next 20 years. He constructed a mega mansion with cottages, guest homes, swimming poos and many other things.

Vanderbilt died in 1944 and the ownership of his properties changed hands many times. Since 1987, the Fisher Island Club has been in charge of the properties. This club became an equity club in 1993.

The After: Fisher Island Today

fisher-island-real-estateToday, Fisher Island is known for exclusive properties and amazing beauty. It’s a 216-acre island found off the tip of Miami Beach. As one of the most unique places to live in all of South Florida, Fisher Island offers tranquility, seclusion and what many refer to as a tropical paradise.

Homes throughout the island offer incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay and Miami Skyline. While it may be a small island, it’s incredibly prestigious with luxurious amenities and homes throughout.

The Fisher Island Club is still found here at the heart of the island. Members and guests gain access to only the best residential and recreational amenities at the club. It’s known as one of the most exclusive clubs in the entire country today.

The club offers many activities and amenities including seaside golf, luxury spa, fitness center, marina, private beach, tennis and much more. Along with the amenities, it’s known for the many high-end restaurants and amazing services.

fisher-islandAccessing Fisher Island cannot be done by car. It’s only accessible by ferry, which runs 24 hours a day. Residents can also access the island by helicopter or yacht. While you can bring your vehicle to the island on the ferry, the primary way residents get around is by golf cart.

Related: Which Neighborhood is the Best in Miami?

About 700 families own property on the island, but most don’t live here year-round. Some do live here full time, but many choose to use the Fisher Island luxury condos as a vacation home. Single-family homes are found on the island, but there are only eight of them. Most of the residential properties are luxury condominiums.

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