SOUTH MIAMI, Fla. – The Shops At Sunset Place was once an iconic South Florida retail destination, but has been a ghost town for years.
Now, what’s set to come is expected to change that.
The South Miami City Commission unanimously voted Tuesday to approve a major redevelopment of the site that would add more than 1,000 residential units, a hotel, a movie theater, office space and retail space for bars, restaurants and stores.
“It brings hope,” South Miami Mayor Javier Fernandez said, adding that “more than anything else,” the hope is that it brings more foot traffic on the streets of South Miami’s downtown.
He said, “What our town center needs to be successful is more people living, working, and playing in our downtown.”
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The zoning for the new project had already been approved, but now that plans have been approved, construction can start.
Midtown Development acquired the failing property around 2021 and partnered with award-winning London architectural firm Heatherwick Studio for the redesign. It’s fueling hopes for a serious comeback for South Miami.
The new plans, according to developers and architects, aim to create a more pedestrian-friendly experience.
Architect Thomas Heatherwick explained his firm’s vision for the site as a “social attractor and connector” in a YouTube video.
“Our radical idea is to bring back streets,” Heatherwick said, noting the development has streets running through it, splitting up the development into multiple smaller buildings connected by streets.
Some streets will be pedestrian-only. There will also be a central plaza.
“Our hope is that within five years, the average person can begin to enjoy something on that site,” Fernandez said.
The redevelopment plan was controversial for some, with some worried about increased vehicle traffic in the area. But many more were for it, leading to the unanimous vote.
It’s not yet clear exactly when the developer will break ground.