In less than a year since the Planning Board and City Commission of South Miami approved critical zoning changesThe redesign of the Shops at Sunset Place continues to progress.
The promise of the project goes beyond world-class design; it is the promise of a new model where local governments partner with responsible developers to accelerate progress.
Mayor of South Miami Javier Fernandezwho has made the redevelopment of Sunset Place a central focus of his tenure, has been instrumental in moving the project forward. His leadership and the commitment of the City Commission have ensured that the once-stalled effort is now moving forward at a pace unusual in urban redevelopment.
In an interview earlier this month, Fernandez said, “For the first time, the city of South Miami has not been an obstacle to the advancement of this project (Sunset Place).”
The Shops at Sunset Place, a once thriving 10-acre shopping center, has long been a relic of its disintegrated and outdated 1990s design. In its heyday, the mall was a popular destination for shopping, dining and entertainment, but its appeal waned as consumer preferences changed and the area around the mall evolved.
Today, it’s more of a barrier than a hub, with its large, fortress-like structure casting a shadow over neighboring businesses. As stores closed and even locals avoided downtown South Miami, residents and business owners wondered when the site would see a revival, especially after several failed redevelopment attempts.
That revitalization now seems within reach. Since the zoning changes took effect last year, Midtown Development, in collaboration with London-based architectural firm Heatherwick Studio, has submitted a comprehensive site plan that has been met with optimism from both the community and local government. This plan represents a major milestone in transforming the aging mall into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood that fits seamlessly into South Miami’s existing street grid.
“What South Miami needs is people living downtown. We don’t have enough of them… We are focused on growth and bringing more people into our downtown area around the transit station, because that’s where the growth should be,” Fernandez said in a current interview.
One of the most notable developments since the project began is the involvement of Heatherwick Studio, making its debut in Florida. Heatherwick Studio is known worldwide for its innovative designs, including Google campuses, Little Island Pier Park in New York City, and the regeneration of the Olympic Stadium in London.
Heatherwick’s proposal for Sunset Place emphasizes walkability, community interaction, and diverse experiences with smaller, permeable buildings, terraces, gardens, and open spaces. Rather than renovating the existing large structure, the new design focuses on creating a village-like environment with varying building heights and shapes.
“We live in a wonderful community that should offer the best of Miami-Dade County,” Fernandez said. “My vision is to create a downtown area where my children would love to go and where my wife and I would have an array of shopping and dining options that we can enjoy.”
In line with the city’s stated goals, the proposal would integrate the surrounding street network, including a main street designed for slow-moving traffic and pedestrian-friendly access to shops, restaurants and a movie theater. The plan also calls for a central plaza that would serve as a community gathering place with spaces for various activities and events.
Above this village setting, the project will create new residential units, increasing the necessary density that will revitalise the area and support local businesses. This shift to a neighbourhood setting represents a significant departure from the site’s previous use and highlights a more sustainable and community-focused approach.
Since October, the city has taken a more proactive approach by facilitating collaboration with planners and developers and clearing the way for construction to begin. This is a stark contrast to a few years ago, when redevelopment efforts encountered numerous obstacles, including rigid zoning codes and city-imposed requirements that slowed progress.
Fernandez added: “Our commission wants connectivity – connectivity with Coral Gables to the east, connectivity with our downtown to the south and to the west, and I think the developer understands that.”
The redevelopment project not only promises to revitalize the Shops at Sunset Place, but also serves as a model for how local agencies and developers can work together to overcome challenges and achieve common goals. The project’s next steps include completing the site plan and beginning the preliminary construction phases.
Mayor Fernandez and the South Miami City Commission have moved this project forward with a clear vision and sense of urgency, resulting in rapid progress not possible in previous redevelopment efforts. Their commitment to revitalizing Sunset Place not only fulfills important promises to residents, but also sets a new standard for how effective collaboration between local government and developers can accelerate meaningful urban transformation.
Post views: 0
