Apr 13, 2015 - 0 Comments - Development -

Commutes to Proposed American Dream Miami Mega Mall & Theme Park

Given the ability of a mall and entertainment complex as significant as the proposed American Dream Miami to draw people to it, we thought it might be worthwhile to take a look at how long it takes to get to the proposed location from key locations. The locations highlighted below consist of population centers, tourist destinations, and other major shopping areas.

We’ve created this post to assist commercial real estate investors in the area with conceptualization, as it were, of the effect on commerce in the area. These directions are to the general area, is in close proximity to the proposed location for the proposed Miami Lakes area mega mall and entertainment / theme park complex. These are not perfect, but seemingly good enough for this purpose.

Before reviewing the commute maps to the proposed location, first consider its general location on the South Florida map:

Notice how it sits nicely smack in the middle of major population centers, tourist destinations, and travel hubs. We this this speaks to the projects potential, and in turn the probability of it coming to pass.

In the maps below, it is worth considering not only how American Dream Miami might pull from these areas, but also how it might affect other shopping areas and tourist destinations. A consumer can visit more than one destination, of course, but if a consumer must choose, he can’t be in two places at once.

Naples – About 1.5 Hours

We always think of Miami with these Miami area shopping destinations, but something as big as this, particularly given that it would sit on the western edge of Miami-Dade county, is bound to pull from the Naples and Fort Myers areas.

Coconut Grove – 40 minutes

Fort Lauderdale Airport – 1/2 hour without traffic

Likewise, the mall is near much of the population base of Fort Lauderdale and nearby Hollywood.

Miami – Half an hour or less for most

How far away this will be depends on what you consider Miami to be and what part of it you are in.  From downtown, it will be about 40 minutes away, without traffic.  We’re going to call it 1/2 an hour or less, as this will be the case for most that consider themselves in Miami.

Miami Airport – 1/2 hour

Orlando Airport – 3 hours

Many in Miami will be surprised that this is not farther, but consdier that it is already up the road a good ways toward Orlando.  This bodes wells for its ability to attract tourists down from Orlando.  Miami is a pull itself.  Once one adds a theme park for the kids and a mega mall for mom and dad, it is a sure deal.

Tampa Airport – 3 1/2 hours

Yes, this is a ways away, but this is a big potential development, big enough to make the curious travel farther than they otherwise might.

West Palm Beach Aiport – 1 hour

Another map, another major center of population and buying power within close reach…

Boca Raton – 40 minutes

Sawgrass Mills, Sunrise, FL – 15 minutes

Uh-oh, City of Sunrise.  If this mall goes forward, it it bound to take business away from Sawgrass.  Its proximity may in the end be a good thing, as the NW Miami-Dade and West Broward area may be seen as a regional shopping hub, which it would obviously then be.

Dadeland Mall – 25 Minutes

Another mall that seemingly stands to lose business to this proposed mega mall.

Aventura Mall, Aventura, FL – 1/2 hour

Different mall, same potentially sad story…

Bal Harbour Shops, Bal Harbour, FL – 1/2 hour

This one may be unaffected by this development, as it is so unique in nature.  It has its own competitvie challenges on the horizon, but seemingly this is not one of them.