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The retail component of MiamiWorldcenter, arranged around an open-air plaza designed to be a gathering place, will probably be shaped by the mega-development’s location, observers say. It’s within walking distance of AmericanAirlines Arena, Pérez Art Museum Miami, the Frost Science Museum, and MiamiCentral, the Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center, and the downtown Brightline station. PortMiami is just across a short bridge.
“I envision it as being like the South of Market Street area in San Francisco, with its proximity to the Moscone Convention Center,” said Neisen Kasdin, office-managing partner of the Akerman law firm and vice chair of Miami’s Downtown Development Authority. A convention center hotel is slated to be part of Miami Worldcenter.
“Given its location, and all the attractions in the area, I think the retail will be geared more toward tourists and visitors than toward locals,” he said. Though no retail leases have yet been announced, Mr. Kasdin said he envisioned sports-themed shops, chef-concept restaurants, and other very targeted retailers. MiamiWorldcenter developers announced several years ago that the retail component would be “high street” retail, though no specifics were given then.
Miami Worldcenter will “have the same kind of impact as Brickell City Centre, but on the north side of the river,” said Joseph Hernandez, chair of the real estate group at Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman.
A street will be closed to create a pedestrian promenade, he said. “The change in the traffic pattern will be transformative, will make that area vibrant and walkable. It’s not hard to imagine it will give Flagler Street a rebirth, too, with the high-end retail and amenities that are going in.”
A new convention center hotel, and the site’s proximity to AmericanAirlines Arena, restaurants, the Brightline train station, and the Adrienne Arsht Center will help boost its success, Mr. Hernandez said. “There are a lot of interesting options within a close geographical area. We’re seeing it all fill in with good things in an area that was not productive before. We’re very positive and know that the developers of Miami Worldcenter will execute on a great project.”
https://www.miamitodaynews.com/2019/06/11/triple-five-worldwide-gets-american-dream-mall-on-road/
