First apartments in 40 years slated for West Dixie retail stretch near Aventura
A $90 million apartment and retail building rising near Greynolds Park will contribute to the transformation of a retail corridor connecting Aventura and North Miami Beach, at a time when Miami-Dade County is in dire need of more living options.
AMAC of Manhattan and Coral Gables-based Rovr Development are teaming on the development of a 3-acre vacant tract at 17990 West Dixie Highway that’ll include 290 apartments and retailers on the street level. Rents are expected to start at $1,800 a month for the studio to three-bedroom apartments. The complex, slated to open in early 2024, will include a gym, library and pool with an outdoor kitchen.
The developers want to capitalize, as more wealthy individuals continue relocating to Miami from across the country. It’s all part of a pandemic migration that has led to a shortage of homes to rent or buy in Miami-Dade and skyrocketing rents and record prices for existing houses for sale.
This project is the first since 1979 that will add homes on this stretch of West Dixie. Another apartment building called Aura is planned by a different developer for 375 apartments and retail.
The new development joins a string of small businesses near the train tracks along bustling West Dixie Highway, with the Ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach on one end and the Aventura Mall at the other.
“We know that demand for housing is extremely high,” said Maurice Kaufman, founding principal at AMAC. “In this submarket, there’s not a lot of options. Given the location and the proximity to other areas, we think it will be in high demand.”
The apartments could benefit from close proximity to the planned Brightline train station in Aventura, said Oscar Rodriguez, principal of Rovr. He said, “In terms of the (existing) railroad tracks, they are an essential component to the Brightline, which will afford the opportunity to people who want to use mass transit.”
Peter Zalewski, principal with real estate consultancy Condo Vultures, said the evolving West Dixie strip was known for its “cheap real estate” that housed decadeslong businesses like Laurenzo’s Italian Market and public relations titan Phyllis Apple.
“On a map, this looks like a horrible location,” Zalewski said. “In reality of living in northeast Miami Dade County, it’s a prime location because you have quick access to Biscayne (Boulevard). You can get in and out and travel how you like.”
The location may draw longtime locals to the building, he said, however it could be a “hard sell” to Aventura newcomers seeking “the glamour.”
A diverse range of businesses surround the project site in unincorporated Miami-Dade, from the 52-year-old Ojus Barbers and Hairstyling to the photogenic Neverland Coffee Bar.
Michelle Riera, 43, owner and hair stylist of Cellar Door Salon, opened in March 2018. The salon is known for its avant-garde atmosphere, featuring Dia de los Muertos decorations and a mannequin with a unicorn head. As far as the new development, Riera was in favor because she said it’ll attract more people to the area.
The apartment building under construction raises a traffic concern for Joseph Masel, 62, the marketing director of Joseph’s Organic Bakery, which serves fresh stone ground vegan bread and has been open for six years.
“It may cause more traffic,” Masel said. “And it’s bad already.”
Other business owners like Warren Amar see opportunities and challenges. The 28-year-old owns Miami Squeeze, a juice bar and Mediterranean fusion restaurant tailored to the vegan community.
“Lots of new customers down the street. I think it’s a good thing,” Amar said. “It’s going to help develop the community.”
Amar is also aware of the unintended effects of building luxury apartments on West Dixie close to a pocket of lower middle-class homes.
“(Residential) rents are gonna be higher and people will be forced out. Small houses are going to get bought out. It’s part of the game,” he said. “There’s always pros and cons, but I hope everyone survives it.”
This story was originally published May 26, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
