Collins Avenue is one of the main arteries of Miami Beach, running north and south through the heart of this vibrant city. This iconic street is flanked by Ocean Drive and Washington Avenue.
The story of Collins Avenue begins with John S. Collins, who played a pivotal role in the development of Miami Beach. Although the farming venture was not successful, with involvement from his family, including his sons and sons-in law, John S. Collins also became a land developer. He and his family formed the Miami Beach Improvement Company in 1911, instituted the first recorded use of the term "Miami Beach".
Collins Canal in Miami Beach during the 1920s.
In 1913, the Collins Bridge across Biscayne Bay, linking Miami with the island of Miami Beach, opened as the longest wooden bridge in the world.
The Collins Bridge project ran short of funds and the 2.5 mile (4 km) long wooden toll bridge was in danger of not being completed when 74-year-old Collins struck a deal with automotive pioneer and millionaire Carl G. Fisher (1874-1939) to loan him the needed funds in exchange for 200 acres (800,000 m2) of land.
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The Collins Bridge was located at the southern terminus of promoter Fisher's Dixie Highway project, which brought traffic from the mid-west as part of the National Auto Trail road system. Now Miami Beach was as "hot" as its temperatures. White beaches and blue ocean waters appeared around the country, all eager to buy a piece of Florida real estate.
John S. Collins died in 1928 at the age of 90.
Early Development and the Boom
Collins was the sole owner of a strip of land known as Ocean Beach. Lots were bought for development with the help of elephants laboring alongside the workmen, and gifts of silver and china. This marked the beginning of a new era for Miami Beach, with Ocean Beach and Carl Fisher's Alton Beach company leading the way.
Miami Beach during its early years of development.
Railroads were trying to attract passengers and hotels wanted guests. Real estate was advertised in northern newspapers. This helped transform the area from a remote beach accessible only by ferry from Miami into a bustling destination.
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After boom came the bust in 1925, which devastated South Florida.
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Art Deco Era and Revival
In 1979, the Art Deco District was born. The area between 6th Avenue and 8th Street on Collins Avenue features interesting, locally-owned shops alongside well-known retailers like The Gap, Urban Outfitters, and Banana Republic. Designer boutiques such as Nicole Miller, Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Cole, and Betsey Johnson are also located here. The architecture from the 1930s and ‘40s attracts thousands for business and pleasure.
The vibrant Art Deco District along Collins Avenue.
The Hotel, designed by architect L. Murray Dixon, opened in 1998 at 1565 Collins, points to an original 1938 Art Deco hotel now authentically restored. The Essex House at 1001 Collins Ave, evokes South Beach's Ocean Drive in miniature. It features porthole windows and sleek racing stripes along its sides, spelling out ESSEX in neon.
Modern Collins Avenue
Collins Avenue stretches to the Broward County line, offering a diverse range of experiences along its length. South of 41st Street, the street is a main link with downtown Miami. At 3rd Street a short block away on Washington Avenue is the Sanford L. Ziff Jewish Museum of Florida, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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North of 41st Street, luxury buildings line the street, here dubbed Millionaires Row. Buildings such as the Green Diamond and Blue Diamond are nearing completion. Further north, the Del Mar Resort at 5445 Collins, once a popular nightclub, has had several names, most recently the Castle Beach Resort.
The former St. John's on Collins Avenue connects to Alton Road, Miami Beach's west artery. Further north, the pocket-size Brittany Park curves in a green ribbon along the Indian Creek.
As Collins reaches 88th street, it marks the start of Surfside. Bal Harbour is Upscale. It is an outdoor, flower-festooned mall of designer stores and boutiques. Soars over the Baker's Haulover bridge.
Sunny Isles Beach, a traditional tourist-focused area, begins. Pop beachfront motels give way to luxury apartment towers. New luxury towers are changing the skyline on the east. The five towers of descending heights can be seen for miles. Collins Avenue leads to ritzy residential Golden Beach.
Today, Collins Avenue remains a vital and dynamic part of Miami Beach, blending history with modern luxury and offering something for everyone.