The Rundown
Santa Maria is a 51-story, 174-unit ultra-luxury condominium completed in 1997, developed by Ugo Colombo's CMC Group and designed by Revuelta Vega Leon (now Revuelta Architecture). It was one of the first modern luxury high-rises built in South Brickell and established the standard for what ultra-luxury waterfront living means in this corridor. The building sits directly on Biscayne Bay with its own private marina, offering panoramic water views in virtually every direction. What sets Santa Maria apart from every other building in Brickell is the sheer scale of the residences. Units range from 2,100 to over 10,000 square feet, with only 3-4 residences per floor, and most feature flow-through floor plans that deliver views on both the east (bay) and west (city) sides. Every unit has a private elevator foyer, and the building was designed with a level of space and finish quality that simply does not exist in newer construction at this price point. The building has been well-maintained throughout its nearly 30-year lifespan, with lush tropical landscaping, mature trees, and resort-style amenities including a bayfront pool, tennis courts, a full spa and fitness center, and a private marina with boat slips. However, the building is approaching its 30th year and will likely undergo a renovation cycle for common areas, the pool deck, gym, and other shared spaces in the near future. Recertification requirements are also on the horizon. The resident base at Santa Maria is distinctly different from typical Brickell. Because of the ultra-luxury positioning and high cost of entry (both purchase price and HOA), residents tend to be older, more mature, and far less transient. This is predominantly an owner-occupied building, not a rental building. The community is quiet, established, and values privacy. Being in South Brickell, you get the waterfront lifestyle without the party energy of central Brickell, making this ideal for families, established professionals, and anyone who wants genuine luxury without the scene.
Santa Maria is the OG ultra-luxury building of South Brickell, and it still holds up. The units are massive, the flow-through floor plans deliver views in every direction, the private elevators and 3-units-per-floor density create a genuinely exclusive living experience, and the waterfront location with marina access is world-class. The resident base is stable, mature, and privacy-focused in a way that most Brickell buildings can only dream of. The trade-offs are the cost (this building is expensive at every level), the approaching renovation cycle as it nears 30 years old, and the recertification requirements that are coming. But if you want real Miami luxury, not the Instagram version but the actual substance of large, high-quality residences on the water with a community that values privacy and permanence, Santa Maria is one of the best options in the entire city. Just make sure your budget can handle the total monthly cost, because between the purchase price, the HOA, and the lifestyle, this building is not for the faint of wallet.
✦ Ask Chris AI about Santa MariaThe Good
- Largest units in Brickell (2,100-10,000+ sq ft) with flow-through floor plans
- Panoramic bay views in virtually every direction
- Private marina access with boat slips
- Private elevators and only 3-4 units per floor
- Stable, owner-occupied community with minimal transience
The Trade-offs
- Approaching 30 years old with renovation cycle likely coming
- Extremely expensive (purchase, HOA, and rental costs)
- Recertification requirements on the horizon
- South Brickell location is quieter but farther from restaurants and nightlife
- No EV charging infrastructure (1997 building)
Who Lives Here
Santa Maria attracts a very specific type of resident: established, wealthy, and privacy-focused. The typical owner is a successful business professional, entrepreneur, or retiree who wants a large, luxurious home on the water without the scene and transience of central Brickell. Many residents are families with children who value the quiet South Brickell location and the building's security. You will not find short-term renters, Airbnb guests, or the young party crowd here. The high cost of entry (both purchase price and monthly HOA) naturally filters for a more mature, stable demographic. Some residents have lived here since the building opened in 1997. This is a building where people know their neighbors, the staff knows everyone by name, and the community feels more like a private club than a typical condo building.
The Neighborhood
Santa Maria sits in the heart of South Brickell, the quieter, more residential southern stretch of Brickell Avenue. This area is defined by waterfront luxury towers, lush landscaping, and a distinctly calmer energy than the commercial and nightlife-heavy central Brickell corridor. The building is directly on Biscayne Bay with its own marina, giving it a resort-like setting that feels removed from the urban intensity just a mile north.
Biscayne Bay (Direct Access)
Santa Maria sits directly on the bay with its own private marina. The waterfront setting provides panoramic views across to Key Biscayne, Virginia Key, and Fisher Island. The bay is the building's front yard.
The Imperial at Brickell
The neighboring Arquitectonica-designed tower to the north. An established 1983 building that is not a buyout target, ensuring no construction risk on that side.
Bristol Tower
Another established luxury tower in the immediate South Brickell waterfront row. Part of the high-end residential corridor that defines this stretch of Brickell Avenue.
Simpson Park
One of the last remaining tropical hardwood hammocks in Miami. A peaceful green space within walking distance that provides a natural escape from the urban environment.
Central Brickell (Mary Brickell Village, Brickell City Centre)
The main commercial, dining, and nightlife district of Brickell is about 10-15 blocks north. Most Santa Maria residents drive or use car service to access restaurants and shopping.
◆ What's Changing
South Brickell is one of the most stable and protected view corridors in Miami. The buildings surrounding Santa Maria are established luxury condos with no indication of buyout or redevelopment. The east-facing bay views are permanent, and the waterfront location ensures nothing will ever be built between the building and the water. The primary change to watch is the building's own renovation cycle for common areas and amenities, which is likely in the next few years as the building approaches 30 years old. Recertification milestones are also approaching and should be monitored.
What You Get
Pool & Recreation
- ✓Bayfront swimming pool overlooking Biscayne Bay
- ✓Tennis courts
- ✓Children's playground
- ✓Lush tropical landscaping with mature trees
- ✓Private marina with boat slips
Fitness & Wellness
- ✓Full fitness center
- ✓Spa facilities
- ✓Sauna and steam room
Social & Entertainment
- ✓Social room / party room
- ✓Wine cellar
- ✓Business center
- ✓BBQ area
Building Services
- ✓24-hour security
- ✓Concierge
- ✓Valet parking
- ✓Private elevators to each unit
- ✓On-site management
- ✓Gated entry
Schools
Zoned public schools by county attendance boundary. Boundaries change — confirm enrollment eligibility with the school district before relying on this. Letter grades and School of Excellence designations are the Florida Department of Education’s, each for the year shown beside it.
- Elementary
- Coral Way K-8 Center2025-26Florida Department of Education school grade A, 2025-26 school year
- Middle
- Ponce de Leon Middle2025-26Florida Department of Education school grade B, 2025-26 school year
- High
- Miami Senior High2025-26Florida Department of Education school grade A, 2025-26 school year
Elevator Experience
Available in this building
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