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History Fisher Island
Carl Fisher’s $65 million Miami Beach mansion | Photos by AlexTphoto.com via TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.
Once upon a time, a small island was separated through dredging. It was located between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It all started in the early 1900s by a man named Carl Fisher.
Carl Fisher’s $65 million Miami Beach mansion | Photos by AlexTphoto.com via TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.
In 1919, Carl Fisher, the founder of Miami Beach, purchased the island from a businessman named Dana A. Dorsey. He saw the potential in this piece of land and decided to develop it for real estate. Fisher called the island Harbor Terminal Island, quadrupling its size to create a thriving community.
In the 1920s, Fisher had a chance encounter with William Kissam Vanderbilt II, a wealthy sportsman who loved visiting Miami and Key West. Fisher admired Vanderbilt’s magnificent 250-foot yacht, called the Eagle. He loved his boat so much he said: “Part of my island for your boat.” And just like that, the trade was made.
Vanderbilt was captivated by the island and increased his land holdings there. He hired renowned architect Maurice Fatio to create conceptual drawings and obtained the necessary building permits. In 1929, construction began on Vanderbilt’s private island retreat, which cost a staggering $1.5 million. Alongside his second wife, Rosamond Lancaster Warburton Vanderbilt, he entertained numerous influential individuals on the island.
After Vanderbilt’s passing in 1944, his wife sold the estate to Edward S. Moore, a prominent figure in the steel industry. Moore’s widow then sold the property to Garfield Arthur Wood in 1946. Wood was famous for his motorboat-building skills and as a world-renowned speedboat champion. He even invented the hydraulic hoist.
In 1963, the history of Fisher Island continued. Wood extended the mansion by adding what is now known as the Garwood Lounge. Eventually, he sold the estate, which now spanned 13.2 acres, to an investment group led by Charles G. Rebozo. This group included Richard Nixon, George Smathers, and five others. Wood continued to live in the mansion until he died in 1971.
Later, Bebe Rebozo’s nephew, William, teamed up with Mutual Benefit Life of New Jersey to transform the island into a residential community. Today, Fisher Island is renowned worldwide and home to over 700 families from more than 45 nationalities. This exclusive and private island boasts some of the most luxurious amenities in the world. The Fisher Island Community Association takes great pride in providing its residents and guests the highest quality service and professionalism.
FAMOUS CELEBRITIES WHO LIVE IN MIAMI
