South Miami, Florida – The Shops at Sunset Place, a prominent retail complex that has anchored the landscape of South Miami since the late 20th century, is slated for complete demolition to make way for a significant new urban development. The decision marks a pivotal moment for the 10.1-acre site, ushering in a large-scale mixed-use project expected to carry forward the legacy of the “Sunset Place” name.
A New Vision Takes Shape
The ambitious redevelopment initiative is spearheaded by developer Midtown Opportunities/Development. The conceptual design, notable for its departure from conventional mall structures, has been crafted by the internationally recognized London-based Heatherwick Studio. This collaboration aims to transform the current enclosed retail environment into a vibrant, integrated urban district.
Approval for the sweeping plan was officially granted by the City of South Miami Commission on October 15, 2024. This followed a unanimous recommendation from the city’s planning board the previous month, in September, indicating a consensus among local authorities regarding the direction for the site.
Scale and Scope of the Project
The approved design outlines a substantial build-out featuring a network of seven towers. These structures are planned to vary significantly in height, ranging from 12 stories at their lowest to a towering 33 stories at their apex. The vertical scale reflects the intensity of development envisioned for the core South Miami location.
The mixed-use nature of the project is comprehensive, integrating a variety of functions into the urban fabric. The plans detail the construction of 1,513 residential units, a significant addition to the housing stock. Accommodations for visitors and guests will be provided by a 287-room hotel. Culturally, the development is set to include a substantial 1,300-seat venue, designed to function as either a movie theater or a performing arts theater, adding a major entertainment component.
Commercial activity is also central to the design, with plans allocating 50,892 square feet for office space, catering to businesses and professionals. Retail opportunities will be extensive, encompassing 149,506 square feet dedicated to shops and various restaurant spaces, intended to create a lively street-level experience.
Architectural Philosophy and Urban Integration
A key tenet of the Heatherwick Studio design is the deliberate effort to move away from the common “podium style” development, which often separates structures from the streetscape. Instead, the vision aims to weave the new buildings into a permeable, walkable neighborhood.
This integration is planned through the introduction of a new network of streets and the incorporation of ample green spaces throughout the development. The intent is to create a more human-scaled environment that encourages pedestrian activity and fosters a sense of community, contrasting with the traditional car-centric design of many shopping malls.
A Timeline for Transformation
The transition from the existing mall to the new development is projected to unfold over several years. Demolition of The Shops at Sunset Place is currently expected to commence in early 2026. This initial phase will clear the site for the subsequent construction activities.
The project is planned to be built out in phases. The first phase, which is anticipated for completion by 2029, is expected to include the establishment of the new street network and the construction of the condo-hotel component. The entirety of the ambitious development could take up to ten years to be fully realized, reflecting the complexity and scale of the undertaking.
Developer Commitments and Historical Context
As part of the agreement reached with the city for the redevelopment rights, Midtown Opportunities is subject to specific financial obligations. Crucially, the developer is required to ensure that the new development achieves a property value of $300 million by the year 2034. This benchmark ties the developer’s financial success to the project’s assessed value within a defined timeframe.
The push for redevelopment follows a history of challenges for The Shops at Sunset Place. Since its original opening in 1999, the mall has reportedly struggled to maintain consistent viability in the evolving retail landscape. Previous attempts to redevelop or significantly alter the property had failed to materialize, making this newly approved plan a notable breakthrough for the site and the city of South Miami.
The proposed transformation represents not just the replacement of a building, but a fundamental shift in the urban character of the site, aiming to establish a dense, diverse, and pedestrian-friendly center where the mall once stood.
