A trust connected to the Bezos family is seeking approval from the city of Coral Gables to upgrade a dock at their Journey’s End compound. Companies associated with the Bezos Family Foundation purchased two neighboring waterfront mansions in 2022 for a combined total of $78 million. The limited liability companies involved in the purchases were linked to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ late mother, Jackie, and his stepfather, Mike. They paid $44 million for an 8,713-square-foot residence at 9501 Journeys End Lane and $34 million for a 12,829-square-foot mansion at 9475 Journeys End Road. Together, these properties cover just over four acres within the gated Coral Gables community.
Forgotten Fountain LLC has submitted an application requesting variances from city regulations. The proposed changes would allow a boatlift to extend 54 feet and two inches—more than double what is currently permitted—and would set mooring piles out to 67 feet and four inches, nearly three times further than current limits. The existing dock will remain unchanged according to the application documents. These modifications are necessary because mangrove trees along the shoreline prevent closer placement; mangroves are a protected species.
The Journey’s End Homeowners Association has given its approval for the project, as indicated by a letter signed by association president Louis Wolfson III. The city’s board of architects approved the requests in July, while the city’s board of adjustment is scheduled to review them at its meeting on Monday.
Jackie Bezos passed away in August at age 78. She and Mike previously owned a home in Miami’s Palmetto Bay until 1984, shortly after Jeff graduated from Miami Palmetto Senior High School.
According to reporting from The Wall Street Journal in September, Mike Bezos plans significant growth for his family office, Aurora Borealis, which recently appointed Valeria Alberola as CEO.
Jeff Bezos continues to expand his real estate holdings in South Florida; he is developing a waterfront estate on Indian Creek Island, where other notable residents include Jared and Ivanka Trump, Tom Brady, Jeff Soffer, and Carl Icahn.
