Known today as “The Shores,” Miami Shores has a deep-rooted history that dates back long before its official incorporation in 1932. In its early days, the region thrived as an agricultural hub, home to operations like a starch mill, sawmill, and packing plant for tomatoes.
Fields of pineapple and grapefruit stretched across the land, supporting local settlers. The arrival of the railroad at Biscayne Station transformed the area by enabling the transport of agricultural goods and bringing Miami Shores onto the map as a community poised for growth.
The Vision of the Shoreland Company
The most dramatic chapter in Miami Shores’ history began in the 1920s, when the Shoreland Company, under the direction of Hugh M. Anderson, purchased large tracts of land to craft a master-planned community. Their ambitious blueprint included:
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Thousands of building lots
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Bayfront properties
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Causeway access to Miami Beach
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Recreational spaces and a business district
They envisioned a Mediterranean-inspired paradise. Despite building 118 upscale homes in this iconic style—25 of which are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places—a devastating hurricane in 1926, followed by a financial collapse, forced the company into bankruptcy by 1927.
Revival and Incorporation in the 1930s
The dream didn’t die with the Shoreland Company. In 1928, the New Miami Shores Corporation, backed by Bessemer Properties, purchased the remaining land. Led by Roy H. Hawkins, the company reignited development with a renewed focus on Mediterranean architecture and residential planning.
On January 2, 1932, Miami Shores Village was officially incorporated. The first council meeting marked the start of a resilient, evolving community that still honors the original vision.
Diversity and Government Structure
According to the 2020 census, Miami Shores is home to 11,567 residents, up from 10,493 in 2010. The village is proudly diverse:
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38.56% Hispanic or Latino
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17.91% African American
This mix of backgrounds contributes to a dynamic cultural fabric, creating a neighborhood rich in traditions, flavors, and perspectives.
Miami Shores operates under a council-manager system, with five at-large council members selecting a mayor from among themselves. This model supports the community’s focus on peaceful residential living, with limited commercial zones preserving its tranquil charm.
Education and Culture: Barry University & Brockway Memorial Library
The village is more than a pretty place—it’s an intellectual and cultural hub. At the center is Barry University, founded in 1940, which draws students from around the world and enriches the community with its academic programs and cultural events.
Another beloved institution is the Brockway Memorial Library, established in 1949 thanks to industrialist George A. Brockway. One of the few libraries not part of the Miami-Dade Public Library System, Brockway has expanded to include multimedia resources and archives dedicated to Miami Shores’ local history.
A Neighborhood That Feels Like Home
With its rich architecture, tight-knit community, thriving educational institutions, and a deep appreciation for its history, Miami Shores is more than a neighborhood—it’s a way of life. Whether you’re admiring the Mediterranean charm or enjoying a stroll down Northeast 2nd Avenue, you’ll feel the character and legacy that make “The Shores” truly special.
