When Diddy welcomed new Star Island resident Rick Ross to the hallowed grounds of Miami’s famed celeb hot spot, he didn’t do so with the classic gifting of a windowsill plant or the typical move-in party; no, in true Star Island fashion, the rapper was inducted into the elite tier of property owners in the waterfront paradise with a golf cart to get around the lavish neighborhood. Earlier this month, TMZ reported that Ross is under contract to claim a coveted spot on the island with the purchase of a $37 million mansion.
“This is an intimate space,” said Diddy of Star Island in a video that Ross, who was raised in Florida and dubbed his debut album Port of Miami, posted to his Instagram stories. Diddy cautioned the “Hustlin’” hitmaker, who is notorious for throwing huge social affairs, not to bring too much rambunctious energy to the tony community. “Welcome to the neighborhood! I’m not playing with you, Rozay: no fucking parties, no pool parties. I’m the head of the [committee], I don’t do none of that shit!”
With property owners in the area like hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Diddy himself, and Jennifer Lopez (who has yet to offload the Star Island property she scooped up with ex-fiancé Alex Rodriguez), a group of fascinating neighbors who provide the island’s namesake star power is included in the price tag of the multimillion-dollar homes there. But just how did this 86-acre island become such a haven for the rich and famous?
Star Island’s origins
Like its Biscayne Bay neighbors, the Venetian Islands, Star Island is an artificial landmass. Florida real estate tycoon Carl Fisher is credited with its development. Completed in 1922, the island was constructed via sand dredging in partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers. There’s only one way in (and out): A causeway connects the island to the mainland, and security personnel screen visitors at a gate. The privacy offered by Star Island has been one of the biggest selling points for celebrities flocking to the neighborhood in search of a hideaway in a safe area very likely to be free of paparazzi activity.
These days, it’s no secret the place is known for its high roller inhabitants, but Star Island’s reputation for hosting big names has been decades in the making. According to the Wall Street Journal, actor Don Johnson lived on the island throughout his tenure as Sonny Crockett on Miami Vice in the 1980s.
According to local news outlet Miami Living Magazine, the first residence on the island was designed by architect Walter de Garmo and built in 1924. A treasured piece of the area’s history, the home was carefully restored in 2014, and the owners added a second home to the property. The compound was listed last year for a whopping $90 million.
It’s unclear who the very first “stars” to move onto Star Island were; guided tour groups in the area have become notorious for perpetuating myths about which celebrities live there, even now.
Source: Architecture Digest / https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-star-island-became-miamis-most-exclusive-enclave
