Miami, FL.
As inflation soared in 2023, shoppers still flooded one of Miami’s newest lifestyle retail centers in record-high numbers. River Landing Shops & Residences on the tranquil but buzzing Miami River has found the recipe for success.
In 2023, River Landing experienced a significant increase in visitors, reaching 4.8 million, up 1.1 million from 2022 representing a 22 percent increase. This rise in visitor numbers coincides with a growing post-pandemic trend favoring outdoor retail centers over traditional enclosed malls. Presently, the retail destination is 97 percent leased with 92% of the retailers open and operating, highlighting a consistent demand nearly three years after its opening.
“The drastic increase in number of visitors in such a short period of time is a testament to how important this development has become to our community,” said Urban-X Group Co-Principal Andrew Hellinger, who co-developed River Landing with partner Coralee Penabad. “River Landing has evolved into a vibrant destination, offering a distinct sense of place with something to appeal to everyone.”
Daily, over 6,500 cars drive past River Landing on N.W. North River Drive, based on data collected by Urban-X Group. River Landing welcomes 5,500 cars into its parking garage each day, highlighting that a majority of drivers on the road are going to the lifestyle center. Research also found that Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X make up 75% of River Landing’s shoppers, showcasing its popularity with young shoppers.
At the heart of River Landing lies its crowning jewel: the Miami River. Skillfully woven into the fabric of its design, the river isn’t merely an added feature; it’s a dynamic centerpiece that elevates the entire shopping and dining experience to unparalleled heights. The large, open outdoor atrium was strategically designed to connect the shops and restaurants to a landscaped riverwalk, creating a tranquil space for shoppers and visitors to enjoy the passing boats, warm sun, and flowing breeze.
River Landing is a good example of how transformative mixed-use developments can revitalize long-time neglected urban areas by becoming hubs for fun, social interaction and entertainment. Case in point, the 2.2 million square foot project, which includes retail, restaurant, office and luxury apartments has emerged as an economic catalyst for the City of Miami, creating thousands of jobs, generating tax revenue and attracting private investment to a once-neglected district. Since its inception, River Landing has spurred the opening of nearby art galleries, entertainment venues, and luxury apartments seeking to capitalize on the foot traffic generated by the sprawling development.
The site where the iconic River Landing stands – at the convergence of the Health District, Allapattah, and the Miami River – had been neglected for nearly half a century until partners Hellinger and Penabad acquired the nearly eight acres over a decade ago. With input from the local community and consideration for tourists traveling to and from Miami International Airport, they designed a project that addresses both local needs and serves as a gateway between the airport to the west and downtown Miami to the east.
River Landing is home to a diverse group of local, regional and national retailers and restaurants. Some of its retail tenants include Old Navy, Ulta Beauty, Ross Dress For Less, Burlington Stores, Hobby Lobby, Five Below, Publix Supermarkets, Planet Fitness, CKO Boxing Gym, Chase Bank, AT&T, Pediatric Dental Center, Aspen Dental, Chick-fil-A, Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, P.Pole Pizza and Carrot Express. ManCave for Men, a barber shop, is the latest retailer to open is doors. River Landing is also home to white-tablecloth restaurant Tanuki. The restaurant Ficelle Boulangerie & Patisserie was awarded the Best Baguette Florida. Master baker Olivier Rizk, co-owner of Ficelle, previously was awarded Best Baguette New York 5 years in a row. More waterfront restaurants are in the process of opening along River Landing’s restaurant row later this year.
River Landing, which is owned by Canada-based H&R REIT, consists of approximately 360,000 square feet of retail/commercial space, 135,000 square feet of Class A office, 528 market-rate apartments, and more than 2,000 parking spaces. Some of its office tenants include the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office (SAO), which occupies 49,379 square feet, and the Jackson Health System’s Public Health Trust, which leases the entire fifth floor of the office tower.
River Landing is close to two Metrorail stations and the rapid transit system that connects all the major hospitals and research centers to Downtown Miami, East Kendall and Hialeah as well as the Tri-Rail, a commuter rail line linking Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. River Landing is also served by Miami’s Trolley system and is located at the crossroads of Miami-Dade’s main thoroughfares: Interstate 95 and State Road 836.
For more information visit: https://riverlandingmiami.com/
