Ricardo Bofill Finally Lands on Star Island (But at a Price)

A Surprise From the Water

A couple of weekends ago we were out on the boat, cruising past Star Island like we often do. Out of the corner of my eye I spot a home under construction with these dramatic concrete eaves that practically screamed design pedigree. My brain did a double take. Wait a minute, I know that silhouette. Could it be? Sure enough, it was the Ricardo Bofill home.

A Nine Year Flashback

Curiosity got the better of me right there on the water. I grabbed my phone, pulled up Miamism, and typed “Bofill” into the search bar. Low and behold, up popped an article I had written nine years ago about the very same project. Back then it was only renderings and promises. Fast forward almost a decade and there it was, finally rising before my eyes. And let’s be honest, in a city where patience usually means waiting five minutes for cafecito, nine years feels like an eternity.

The John H. Levi House

Of course, before Bofill there was history. The lot at 44 Star Island Drive was home to the John H. Levi House, built in 1935. Levi was a founding father of Miami Beach, the man who convinced Carl Fisher to come check out a “pretty little town” instead of Jacksonville. Fisher fell in love, invested, and the rest is Miami Beach history. Levi went on to become mayor and even made the cover of Time Magazine. That is a legacy not many can claim.

Preservation Efforts

When demolition permits were filed in 2016 preservationists fought hard to keep the Levi House standing. Petitions circulated and history lovers made their case. Miami Beach was celebrating its centennial that year, which made the loss feel even heavier. But in the end the bulldozers won.

The Ricardo Bofill Design

Now we have Bofill. The approved plans are nothing short of extraordinary. The home will span 27,000 square feet with rooftop and bayfront pools, nine bedrooms, an eight car garage, a private dock and more than 200 feet of water frontage. In a city full of lookalike luxury homes this one stands apart. It is bold, timeless, and a true piece of architectural art.

Who Was Ricardo Bofill

If you are not familiar with the name, Ricardo Bofill was one of Spain’s most celebrated architects and a true global starchitect. He founded Taller de Arquitectura in Barcelona and spent his career blending classical forms with daring geometry. His work ranges from the surreal transformation of an abandoned cement factory into his home and studio to landmarks like the W Hotel in Barcelona. He was part of the European postmodernist movement and believed every building should respond to the spirit of its place. In short, Bofill was not about building boxes, he was about sculpting art that people could live in.

A Legacy Realized After His Passing

Bofill passed away in 2022 at the age of 82. That makes this Star Island home even more meaningful. It will stand as one of the few pieces of his work in Miami, a reminder of his genius and of how he constantly reinvented architecture. Seeing it finally rise years after his passing feels like the city is receiving a piece of his legacy that almost slipped away.

The Miami Paradox

Here lies the paradox that defines Miami. We gain world class architecture that raises the bar but we lose a tangible piece of our origin story. The Levi House was a reminder of where Miami Beach began, similar to its neighbor, the Walter DeGarmo home that was demolished by Dr. Hochstein. Both now live only in photos and memory.

What Remains

The Bofill is finally rising and will soon be one of Star Island’s crown jewels. People will admire it, photograph it, and call it iconic. And it will be. But the story is layered. Because before those striking eaves caught my attention from the boat, there was a home that told the story of Miami Beach’s beginnings. Both realities are true. Both deserve to be remembered.

Your Move

Architecture tells stories, whether it is a lost 1930s gem or a 27,000 square foot masterpiece (or monster, your take) finally taking shape. If Miami’s homes make you pause, imagine what one could do for your lifestyle. Ready to start your own story? Call us.