Sunset Place Gets a Glow-Up: From Ghost Town to Foodie Village Wonderland

Sunset Place Mall to Be Razed: A Foodie Paradise and Village Vibes Are Coming Soon

The end of an era often marks the beginning of something transformative, and for South Miami's iconic Sunset Place Mall, this sentiment rings true. In a move that signals a dramatic shift for the neighborhood, the outdated mall will soon give way to a vibrant retail village filled with eclectic restaurants, bars, shops, and a reimagined plaza. The ambitious redevelopment, led by Midtown Development and London-based architectural firm Heatherwick Studio, promises to inject new life into the area while creating a unique, village-like experience.

A Village Rises from the Ashes of a Mall

After decades of decline, the City of South Miami has officially approved plans to demolish Sunset Place Mall. On October 15, city commissioners gave the green light to a project that will transform the sprawling ten-acre site into a dynamic hub for dining, shopping, and socializing.

The redevelopment will include multiple structures of varying heights and designs, giving it the feel of a small village. The parking garage, a relic from the original mall, is the only element slated to remain. It too will undergo a makeover, seamlessly integrating with the modernized surroundings.

The Long Road to Redevelopment

Midtown Development acquired Sunset Place in 2021, but the mall’s decline began long before that. Originally opening as the Bakery Centre in 1982 on the historic Holsum Bakery site, the property struggled from the start. It was demolished a mere decade later and replaced by the ill-fated Sunset Place in 1999. Over time, the mall became a soulless, empty shell, failing to attract meaningful foot traffic or connect with the surrounding community.

“This location doesn’t work as a regional mall,” said Richard Perez of Midtown Development during a recent city meeting. Now, the focus is on creating a destination that embraces the neighborhood, rather than existing as an isolated entity.

What’s Next? A Village-Like Experience

At the heart of the redesign is a radical concept: bringing back streets. According to Heatherwick Studio’s founder, Thomas Heatherwick, the new layout will weave pedestrian-friendly streets into the site, creating a network of pathways that connect smaller, uniquely designed buildings.

Here’s what to expect:

1. A Multilayered Experience
   The development will include diverse structures ranging from two to 33 stories high. Each zone will have a distinct character, with lower buildings near Sunset Drive and taller ones closer to U.S. 1.

2. A Culinary and Retail Haven
   Unlike traditional malls, the site will feature independent shops, bakeries, and coffeehouses, each with a unique storefront. Restaurants and bars will line a central pedestrian street, while side alleyways will host pop-ups and smaller venues.

3. An Open-Air Plaza
   The property’s focal point will be a 15,000-square-foot open-air plaza surrounded by restaurants, bars, and boutique shops. This space will serve as the beating heart of the new development.

4. Residential Spaces Above
   Adding to the vibrancy will be 1,500 residential units, bringing a built-in community to the village.

5. Cultural and Entertainment Zones
   Along U.S. 1, plans include a cultural and entertainment district that may feature a movie theater and performance spaces.

6. European-Style Sidewalks
   Outdoor cafés and boutique storefronts along Sunset Drive will evoke the charm of Paris or London, creating a lively streetscape perfect for al fresco dining and people-watching.

Bridging the Past and the Future

While the construction timeline is estimated at up to 10 years, developers are committed to maintaining the area’s vibrancy throughout the process. Plans for temporary installations and ongoing support for local businesses ensure the community won’t lose its spirit during this transformation.

“This has been four years of hard work to reimagine both Sunset Place and the future of downtown South Miami,” said Perez. “This milestone marks a new chapter for us all.”

The Future of South Miami

Sunset Place’s redevelopment is more than a facelift—it’s a bold rethinking of how spaces can serve communities. By prioritizing pedestrian-friendly streets, unique storefronts, and lively public areas, the project aims to "break the cycle of soulless places" and bring a fresh sense of identity to South Miami.

This visionary project not only promises to become a local foodie and shopping mecca but also a model for how urban spaces can be reimagined to foster connection, creativity, and community.

Stay tuned for more updates as South Miami embarks on this exciting journey into its future!

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