Shops at Sunset Place Redevelopment Plan Unanimously Approved in South Miami
Background and Current State
The Shops at Sunset Place, located off of South Dixie Highway and Red Road, opened in 1999 and was once a bustling mall offering food, dining, and fun. Unfortunately, the mall has been reduced to a desolate and empty building with little to no foot traffic.
New Master Development Plan
The new master development plan, submitted to South Miami’s planning board, aims to revitalize the area by replacing the existing mall with a mixed-use project featuring over 1,500 residential units, 350,000 square feet of retail stores and offices, and a 1,300-seat theater.
Key Features of the Plan
- 1,513 residential units
- Seven high-rises ranging from 15 to 33 floors
- 287 hotel rooms
- 1,300-seat theater
- 2,418 parking spaces
- 213 bike spaces
Support and Criticism
One resident expressed support for the plan, stating, "I grew up in Miami… I am happy to hear of these plans for it to be revitalized." However, others raised concerns about potential side effects, including increased traffic.
Developer’s Defense
Developers responded to concerns by highlighting the benefits of the redevelopment, including:
- Reduced traffic: "A dead mall produces no traffic, right? Do you want to create a neighborhood and a community that brings residences back into the downtown? And when you compare the traffic of a 500-and-something thousand-square-foot regional mall versus what we’re proposing, there is a significant reduction in the amount of traffic that those two types of uses generate."
- Creating a community: "It’s really about creating a community where people have everything they need, so it’s all within walking distance or a short drive from their home."
Conclusion
The Shops at Sunset Place redevelopment plan aims to transform the area into a vibrant and desirable community, offering residents a range of amenities and services. While some residents may have concerns, the developers’ plan is designed to create a harmonious balance between residential, retail, and entertainment spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Shops at Sunset Place redevelopment plan?
A: The plan aims to replace the existing mall with a mixed-use project featuring residential units, retail spaces, offices, and a theater.
Q: What are the key features of the plan?
A: The plan includes 1,513 residential units, 7 high-rises, 287 hotel rooms, a 1,300-seat theater, 2,418 parking spaces, and 213 bike spaces.
Q: Are there concerns about traffic?
A: Yes, some residents have expressed concerns about increased traffic. However, developers argue that the redevelopment will actually reduce traffic congestion.
Q: What is the purpose of the redevelopment?
A: The goal is to create a vibrant and desirable community, offering residents a range of amenities and services within walking distance or a short drive from their home.
