Florida to have just 1 remaining Sears store as closures continue.

Sears, once a retail giant, is nearing the end of its presence in South Florida as plans to redevelop the site of its Miami location progress. With the approval of a mixed-use development plan by the City of Miami, the last remaining Sears stores in Miami-Dade and Broward counties face an uncertain future. The property, strategically positioned at the intersection of Coral Way and Douglas Road, has been listed for sale by RK Associates, the current owner.

The proposed redevelopment involves the construction of three eight-story buildings that would encompass approximately 1,050 residential units alongside nearly 50,000 square feet designated for retail use. Notably, the plans indicate no continuation of the Sears store within the new development layout. Real estate professionals, such as Robert Given from CBRE, believe that the site presents a remarkable opportunity for developers looking to create a vibrant mixed-use enclave in one of the region’s most attractive areas.

The Miami location, which has housed a Sears store since 1954, has had a notable historical background. According to local historians, the land was originally earmarked for the construction of a new Orange Bowl. However, that plan never materialized, yet the Sears store proved resilient through changing shopping trends over the decades. Historically known as the “Coral Gables Sears,” the store became a landmark for both locals and tourists, celebrated for its extensive product offerings and convenient location.

As of now, Sears operates only a single location in Florida, situated in Orlando, with a total of just eight stores remaining nationwide. The decline of Sears has been swift in recent years, particularly in South Florida, where several other notable locations have closed, including the Aventura Mall store, which was transformed into an open-air retail destination in 2017.

The development proposal in Miami is part of a broader trend influenced by Florida’s Live Local Act, which encourages the construction of denser residential units aimed at accommodating local residents earning up to 120% of the area’s median income. The new project would also include features such as communal spaces and ample parking solutions, adapting to the evolving needs of urban living.

While the timeline for construction remains uncertain, real estate experts anticipate several years of planning and execution. The approved plans for this mixed-use project illustrate a significant shift in the retail landscape, further emphasizing the challenges that traditional department stores like Sears face in an era of rapid urban redevelopment and changing consumer preferences. The successful transition of the Miami site will likely mark the end of an era for the historic department store chain, paving the way for new developments in the heart of South Florida.

As the redevelopment unfolds, the legacy of Sears and its historical significance in the Miami-Dade community will linger as a poignant reminder of the retail landscape’s transformation over the years. Moving forward, the combination of residential, retail, and recreational spaces could redefine the area and potentially lead to a revitalization of the local economy, showcasing the importance of adaptive reuse in urban planning.