Introduction to the Old Sears Site
The site of the old Sears store at Broward Mall in Plantation has been a desolate shell of a building for years, situated off of West Broward Blvd and South University Drive. This location is one of many construction projects featured in NBC6’s What’s Being Built Here series. It was once a hotspot in Plantation but now stands as a run-down building.
History of the Site
"We have been putting together plans for decades, this is something that we have been talking about for decades. How is Broward Mall going to grow and change?" said Plantation mayor, Nick Sortal. According to the mayor, the City Council approved in 2019 plans for a remake of the Sears portion of the mall. Seritage Growth Properties was the company tasked with redeveloping more than 250 properties of Sears across the country, with this site being one of them. The original plan included shops, restaurants, a game area, and more, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted these plans.
Impact of the Pandemic
The pandemic hit, and since 2019, the site has sat halfway developed, becoming an eyesore. "Since 2019 it has sat there halfway developed, it’s been an eyesore," said Sortal, who explained that an executive order by the governor allowed for construction permits to be stalled, and six years later, it looks exactly the same. “People drive by it and it’s pretty demoralizing that you go by and you see that all the time,” he said. After the pandemic, Seritage started selling off the properties they acquired one by one.
New Ownership and Plans
The site in Plantation was among the final 50 properties sold by Seritage, and it was among the harder ones to sell due to uncertainty about its future use. However, in November, Seritage sold this lot to Midtown Group for $28 million. They are the same team behind the development of Midtown Miami. Midtown Group told NBC6 that they have been “actively engaged in conceptual planning for a tear down and redevelopment”, and that early outreach has shown the community desires high-quality dining options. They said that they are working on a plan to make this property a mixed-use space.
Community Expectations and Future Plans
"We are excited to have a place where people can live, work, and play, that’s what the public wants,” Sortal said, adding that right now his priority is getting the building knocked down or covered, but that alone could take some time. He is hoping that the new owners of the property will have a plan to present by the end of this year. Then it will go through planning and zoning, get vetted by the city, and in 2026, the City Council should be able to make a decision on the plans. “We have the quiet neighborhoods off to the side, and we need another place that is more active, and Broward Mall has always been part of that plan,” he said.
Conclusion
The redevelopment of the old Sears site at Broward Mall is a significant project for the community, offering the potential for a vibrant mixed-use space that includes high-quality dining options, living areas, and spaces for entertainment and work. While the process has been lengthy and faced setbacks, the sale of the property to Midtown Group brings new hope for the site’s transformation. As the community awaits the presentation of the new plans, there is anticipation for a space that will revitalize the area and meet the community’s desires for a more active and engaging environment.
FAQs
- Q: What happened to the old Sears store at Broward Mall?
A: The old Sears store at Broward Mall in Plantation has been sitting vacant and partially developed since 2019, after plans for its redevelopment were put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. - Q: Who is redeveloping the site?
A: The site was sold to Midtown Group in November for $28 million. They are planning to tear down the existing structure and redevelop it into a mixed-use space. - Q: What can the community expect from the redevelopment?
A: The community can expect a mixed-use space that may include high-quality dining options, living areas, and spaces for work and entertainment, aiming to create a vibrant and active environment. - Q: When can we expect to see changes at the site?
A: The new owners are expected to present their plans by the end of this year, with the City Council likely to make a decision on the plans in 2026.
