Sunset Place Demolition Delayed: Midtown Development’s Mega-Project on Hold

Sunset Place Still Stands as Plans Stall

Sunset Place, the once-thriving South Miami mall, was expected to be demolished by the first quarter of 2026. As of July, the structure remains, and the grand redevelopment by Midtown Development is on hold due to funding delays.

Infrastructure Financing Key Hurdle

The city of South Miami awaits final approval from the Miami-Dade County Commission for a special taxing district and community redevelopment agency to fund $150 million in infrastructure improvements. Mayor Javier Fernandez confirmed that a formal agreement was finalized this week, with a vote expected in September. «The framework is now in place for them to begin,» Fernandez said.

«We have taken all the necessary steps to ensure their success.» – Mayor Javier Fernandez

The Vision: A Dense Urban Neighborhood

Approved in 2024, the master plan by London-based Heatherwick Studio includes seven towers (12 to 33 stories), 1,500 residential units, a hotel, 150,000 sq ft of retail, and movie theaters. The design will extend South Miami’s street grid into the property.

Current State: Ghost Town with a Few Survivors

Today, the mall is largely vacant. AMC theaters and Barnes & Noble remain open, but L.A. Fitness closed earlier this year. The decline from its early 2000s peak has hurt downtown South Miami.

Tenants in Limbo: Tea & Poets

Joaquin Ortiz, founder of the popular cafe Tea & Poets, says Midtown has not communicated about his lease. «We’re all sitting here waiting for the shoe to drop,» he said. His business celebrated its 10th anniversary but remains uncertain.

What’s Next? Developers Remain Committed

Midtown principal Alex Vadia stated: «Midtown Development remains fully committed to advancing infrastructure planning… We look forward to sharing more with the public as our plans progress.» The company has not yet submitted detailed site plans. The County Commission’s vote in September will be pivotal.

Acquired for $65.5 million in 2020, Sunset Place’s future hinges on the approval. For now, the zombie mall stands as a symbol of both delay and potential.