Prehistoric Archaeological Artifacts Found At The Site Of Related Group’s 444 Brickell Avenue

Prehistoric archaeological artifacts have been discovered at the site of Related Group‘s 444 Brickell Avenue, where the developer is planning to build three mixed-use towers as high as 82-stories. The remains were uncovered during the demolition of the parking garage that once housed vehicles for the already-demolished U.S. Customs House. According to the Phase 1 Cultural Resource Assessment of the site, the parcel is located within Miami’s Archaelogical Conservation Zone, an area beginning around the mouth of the Miami River.

Some of the artifacts found by archaeologists of Archaeological & Historical Conservancy, Inc. include a bottle base, historic pewter nails and button, bone artifacts such as a drilled shark tooth and bone pin fragment, as well as incised pottery sherds. Interestingly enough, more of the shovel tests towards the northern section of the site were found to be positive in comparison to the southern end, which is explained in the following quote from the assessment.

“Documentation of the site resulted in determining that the cultural deposits increase in depth and preservation quality as one proceeds northward towards the river, and conversely diminishes southward to the point where the site is nearly fully destroyed near SE 4th Street. The reason for this variation is that the historic natural elevation above sea level increases steadily southward and thus subsequent development, particularly the construction of the Custom House, resulted in lowering the parcel’s elevation towards the south, requiring the removal of all soils and the top of bedrock; while to the north, where elevations are lower, development required the placement of fill over the historic surface, thus preserving the archaeological deposits below”. – Archaeological & Historical Conservancy, Inc.

Discovered Artifacts. Courtesy of Archaelogical and Historical Conservancy, Inc.

Discovered Artifacts. Courtesy of Archaelogical and Historical Conservancy, Inc.

Discovered Artifacts. Courtesy of Archaelogical and Historical Conservancy, Inc.

The Related Group, who purchased the site of 444 Brickell Avenue for over $100 million back in 2013, has plans to construct three soaring towers potentially rising to 57, 77 and 82 stories as high as 882-feet, designed by Arquitectonica with the intention of adding 1,400 residential units as well as office space, a 250-key hotel and retail spaces. One of the towers is said to feature a collaboration with French luxury brand Baccarat, known for their premium high-end crystal products; the Baccarat Residences, which is no surprise as many developers in Miami have been teaming up with luxury brands to create new residential living experiences.

Rendering of 444 Brickell Avenue. Designed by Arquitectonica.

However, with the recent archaeological findings at the site, the project could face a major setback as the now-known artifacts qualify the parcel to be landmarked as a national historic archaeological site. It doesn’t necessarily mean the project could be canceled, but the developer may have to make adjustments to the original plans or perhaps find efficient ways to protect the site when constructing the towers.

Demotion of the old buildings is complete, but the assessment of the site for more findings continues.

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