Jump to content

Bayside Marketplace

Coordinates: 25°46′42″N 80°11′11″W / 25.77831°N 80.186452°W / 25.77831; -80.186452
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bayside Marketplace
Exterior view with the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel in the background (June 2021)
Map
LocationMiami, Florida, U.S.
Coordinates25°46′42″N 80°11′11″W / 25.77831°N 80.186452°W / 25.77831; -80.186452
Address401 Biscayne Blvd, 33132
OpenedApril 8, 1987; 39 years ago (1987-04-08)
RenovatedOctober 2016–November 2018
DeveloperThe Rouse Company
ManagementAshkenazy Acquisition Corporation Realty[1]
Owner
ArchitectBenjamin Thompson and Associates, Inc.
Floor area370,000 square feet (34,000 m2)
Floors2 in both pavilions
ParkingParking lot / Parking garage
Websitebaysidemarketplace.com
Building details
Main entrance in June 2021
General information
StatusOperational
Type
Renovating team
ArchitectZyscovich Architecture
Renovating firm
References
[1]

Bayside Marketplace (or simply Bayside) is an open-air shopping center and entertainment complex in Greater Downtown Miami, Florida, United States consisting of two retail structures: North Pavilion and South Pavilion.[2] The complex is situated on the banks of Biscayne Bay, with the City of Miami marina on one side.[3] It was developed by the Rouse Company, a Columbia, Maryland-based real estate developer.[2]

Originally opened in April 1987 as a festival marketplace intended to save the city, it initially featured local businesses. Bayside Marketplace is managed by the Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation, which owns a 49% stake in the partnership, while GGP, a subsidiary of Brookfield Properties, owns the remaining shares. After Bayside Marketplace completed its renovations in November 2018, later additions included the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel, alongside the PIER 5 nightclub venue, which opened in January 2024, featuring free live musical acts, cultural performances, and DJs frequently, alongside the flagship Rum Bar, and Black Market Miami on the second floor, replacing Hooters. Being adjacent to PortMiami has solidified the mall's status as a tourist attraction.[2]

History

[edit]
A shopping concourse with a greenhouse-like ceiling, featuring two black ceiling fans visible. Signs include the name of the stores, being "305 Miami Design" and "I Luv Miami II", with another one in the slightly far right reading "Caribbean Life". Plants and shoppers are in the middle of the concourse.
Interior view (February 2023)

Background

[edit]

In the 1970s and 1980s, Greater Downtown Miami experienced a significant decline characterized by high levels of crime, drug-related violence, and economic stagnation, leading to the city's infamous national reputation as a troubled and dangerous urban area. This heavy period of urban decay tempted city officials to initiate numerous revitalization efforts aimed at transforming the waterfront, restoring economic vitality to the core business district, and reversing Miami's character as a dangerous city. After World War II, people also began moving to the suburbs, wanting enclosed shopping centers over traditional local department stores. The bad state of Miami was encapsulated in the influential hit TV show Miami Vice, which ran from 1984 to 1990.[4]

1983–1987: Development and opening

[edit]
At night (October 2012)

The Rouse Company of Columbia, Maryland formed the Florida-based subsidiary Bayside Entertainment Company[5] and began plans for Bayside Marketplace in 1983. The company selected the site, along 16 acres (6.5 ha) of land near downtown Miami facing Biscayne Bay, to develop a festival marketplace shopping center, as akin to their successful flagships of the same model being Harborplace in Baltimore and Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston. Development had key involvement from city officials including then-mayor Xavier Suarez. The project costed $93 million.[6][7]

Bayside Marketplace had its grand opening on April 8, 1987, aiming to turn Miami into a tourist attraction.[8] The marketplace was designed by Benjamin C. Thompson of Massachusetts as an open-air shopping center, mimicking the appearance of historical market sheds. Upon opening, it consisted of about 235,000 square feet (21,800 m2) of retail shops and restaurants between two different buildings, in addition to opening out to a marina called the Miamarina. The project was estimated upon opening to generate about 1,200 jobs in the Miami area.[9] The grand opening celebration featured live performances by the New World Pops Orchestra conducted by Peter Graves, a fireworks display, and a boat parade on Biscayne Bay.[10]

It included a mix of retail and souvenir stores, restaurants, 77 minority-owned businesses, and also included a space that featured local musical acts, and a food court on the second floor.[11] Bayside Marketplace attracted over 12 million visitors in its first year of operation.[2] However, the mall eventually fell $18 million short in sales and two million visitors short once the novelty wore off.[12]

1990–1997: Early years

[edit]
Hard Rock Cafe (April 2013)

The Rouse Company began shifting from locally-owned businesses to national chains for financial reasons, and to boost traffic in the early 1990s. Wet Seal, looking to expand into the East Coast, would open at Bayside Marketplace in August 1990.[13] Gap would open a 6,285 sq ft (583.9 m2) location in the former Exit Store space in August 1991.[14]

Hard Rock Cafe would have its grand opening celebration on September 21, 1993, featuring a massive guitar attached to its roof, numerous palm trees, and Elvis memorabilia.[15] The restaurant would operate in the former Reflections space.[16]

1997–2009: General Growth Properties (GGP)

[edit]

Tenth-anniversary festivities in 1997 included several concerts and tall ship arrivals, as well as a fireworks show.[17] Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. would open at the complex in early March 1999.[18] In the early 21st century, proposals were given by Miami-Dade County to link the mall to American Airlines Arena (now Kaseya Center) with a pedestrian bridge.[19] By July 1, 2003, the plans had been modified to instead include a street-level crosswalk, as well as a public park adjacent to the arena.[20]

The Rouse Company and its assets, including Bayside Marketplace, were acquired by the Chicago, Illinois-based General Growth Properties (GGP) in November 2004 for $12.6 billion.[21] Due to the Great Recession, Bayside Marketplace was so financially strapped that the City of Miami had to allow the mall to pay only half of its unpaid lease revenues by December 2008.[22] On April 16, 2009, GGP filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and put Bayside up for sale in March of that year to raise money.[23]

2014–2018: Decline and renovation

[edit]

In December 2014, New York-based Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation acquired 49% of Bayside Marketplace's equity shares from GGP, and took over mall management, which went into effect on January 1, 2015.[24] The property was supported by a $250 million mortage fund specifically tied to execution phases for structural renovations and expansions.[25] Shortly after taking over management, Ashkenazy immediately evicted roughly 40 long-term tenants, with local merchants accusing the corporate ownership of using aggressive legal tactics to clear out local mom-and-pop shops.[26]

Entrance to Wet Seal in January 2015. It closed its doors in January 2017, following the full liquidation of Wet Seal.[27] It was later replaced by Rainbow Shops.
Rainbow Shops (February 2023)

The mass evictions caused Bayside Marketplace's once-bustling food court to lose popular eateries. It also failed to compete with new, modern competitors, such as the Miami Design District and Brickell City Centre. It was also seen as a tourist trap because it was seen as catering to cruise ship visitors and suburban visitors, which discouraged local repeat business.[28] Plans for the nearby SkyRise Miami entertainment tower was cancelled because it faced legal challenges and funding issues, which resulted in the site where it was planned to be constructed on as a "wasteland."[29]

Kelly's Cajun Grill after closure (September 2018)

It was announced in October 2014 that the mall would undergo a $27 million renovation by Ashkenazy and GGP, designed by the local architectural firm Zyscovich Architecture. Senior general manager Pam Weller made a deal that would allow 17,000 square feet (1,600 m2) of retail space and parking garages to be added to Bayside Marketplace, alongside investing in up to $35 million in renovations, which was approved in August of that year.[30]

An official launch ceremony was held on September 14, 2016,[31] and construction began in October of that year. The renovations gave the mall a fresh and more modern look, through a brighter paint scheme, hurricane-resistant polyurethane roofs with LED lighting, a revamped tenant mix, and general modernization.[2] GGP also increased its mortage for the renovation from $79 million to $250 million.[32]

GGP and its massive portfolio of shopping centers—including Bayside Marketplace—were acquired by Brookfield Properties in August 2018.[33]

2020s–present

[edit]

Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused temporary tenant closures and social distancing restrictions to be implemented, including the permanent closure of the Hooters restaurant on March 17, 2020,[34] Bayside Marketplace continued to expand, including the opening of Jimmy Buffett's LandShark Bar & Grill on July 6, 2020, and the addition of the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel, which opened on October 28, 2020, towering 200 feet above the mall with 42 climate-controlled gondolas offering panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and the downtown skyline.[35] IT'SUGAR had a presence in Bayside at this period.[36]

Besides Hooters, Bayside Marketplace lost six additional tenants during the pandemic, including Sun & Sea Brazilian Bikinis.[37] The former Hooters restaurant space was replaced by Black Market Miami, which would open in May 2021.[34] A 190–foot–tall Ferris wheel was added near Bayside in the spring of 2022 to celebrate its 35-year anniversary.[37]

On January 1, 2024, a large police presence arrived at the mall after reports of teenagers causing a disturbance including fighting and lighting fireworks.[38] The scale of police presence which responded to the incident spawned conspiracy theories (such as Bayside Marketplace being "attacked by aliens") involving extraterrestrials which police denied.[39][40]

Ben Ashkenazy formed a joint venture with Breakwater Hospitality Group, the company behind The Wharf and Regatta Grove. The joint venture would allow the development of the PIER 5 entertainment venue, with architect Saladino Design Studios being hired. They gutted the center of the marketplace plaza and built an open-air ship-inspired layout, featuring maritime tribute flooring, and flagship bars, with the help of Erick Passo, the co-owner of the sports bar staple Black Market Miami, to ensure the venue resonated deeply with local Miamians rather than just out-of-town travelers.[41] A soft opening was held on December 26, 2023, and a four-day grand opening weekend, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and an exclusive VIP preview night, took place from January 11–14, 2024, featuring the flagship Rum Bar.[42]

On April 16, 2024, IT'SUGAR opened a massive new 16,000 square feet (1,500 m2) two-story flagship at Bayside Marketplace, featuring a lollipop garden, and the Oreo Café, colloquially referred to as a "candy department store," branded IT'SUGAR Mega Flagship.[43]

Express going out of business at Bayside Marketplace in May 2024

Express, Inc. closed its Bayside store in May 2024, alongside 14 other stores, after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2024.[44] Local Mexican restaurant COYO Taco opened a 4,473 sq ft (415.6 m2) flagship at the complex on May 26, 2026.[45]

[edit]
  • Bayside from north looking south (food court near the middle and the Hard Rock Cafe on the left)
    Bayside from north looking south (food court near the middle and the Hard Rock Cafe on the left)
  • Bayside from south looking north
    Bayside from south looking north
  • Bayside as seen from the east looking west on Biscayne Bay
    Bayside as seen from the east looking west on Biscayne Bay
  • Facade of a parking garage spelling out the center's name
    Facade of a parking garage spelling out the center's name
  • The College/Bayside station, which serves as transportation to Bayside
    The College/Bayside station, which serves as transportation to Bayside
  • IT'SUGAR Candy Store (April 2024)
    IT'SUGAR Candy Store (April 2024)

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Bayside Marketplace - Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation Realty". AAC. 2010. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Before and after: Miami's Bayside Marketplace". The Jaxsonmag. November 5, 2018. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  3. ^ Miami Trave Guide
  4. ^ Renn, Aaron (July 22, 2024). "Miami: The Under-Appreciated Urban Success Story". Governing. Retrieved February 20, 2026.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ "The Rouse Company's subsidiaries". Retrieved February 14, 2026.
  6. ^ Rubin, Andrew (April 8, 1987). "Miami welcomes Bayside". UPI. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  7. ^ Beth Dunlop (September 25, 1983). "Spirit of Miami missing from Bayside designs". The Miami Herald. pp. 1L, 8L. Retrieved December 19, 2025.
  8. ^ "From Miami Vice to Miami Nice". Miami Times Online. 2018. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  9. ^ "Bayside project fact sheet: It's big and beautiful". The Miami Herald. April 5, 1987. pp. 2BA. Retrieved December 19, 2025.
  10. ^ "Bayside to open in style". Sun Sentinel. April 8, 1987. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  11. ^ "Bayside Marketplace - Miami Article". Miami Herald. 2018. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  12. ^ "RICHMOND'S 6TH STREET MARKETPLACE ASSESSMENT OF A FAILED FESTIVAL MARKET" (PDF). Retrieved January 18, 2026.
  13. ^ "Wet Seal Hits Beach in East by Opening Outlets in Florida". Los Angelos Times. June 27, 1990. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
  14. ^ "Winds of change as Bayside shifts mix of merchants aims to boost traffic". Sun Sentinel. Miami. April 14, 1991. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
  15. ^ "Hard Rock Cafe Miami". Foresyte.
  16. ^ "Hard Rock Cafe to open in Miami". Sun Sentinel. March 3, 1993. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
  17. ^ "Celebrate 10th birthday of Bayside Marketplace". The Miami Herald. April 10, 1997. pp. S6. Retrieved December 19, 2025.
  18. ^ "BUBBA GUMP TRAWLS BAYSIDE". Sun Sentinel. Miami. March 5, 1999. Retrieved May 18, 2026.
  19. ^ Oscar Corral (February 9, 2002). "Miami pushing Miami-Dade to build Bayside walkway". The Miami Herald. pp. 3B. Retrieved December 19, 2025.
  20. ^ Douglas Hanks III (July 1, 2003). "Heat, county mull waterfront park". The Miami Herald. pp. 3C. Retrieved December 19, 2025.
  21. ^ "General Growth Properties, Inc. Completes Merger of the Rouse Company" (Press release). Business Wire. November 12, 2004.
  22. ^ Fernandez, Yudislaidy (December 18, 2008). "Miami Agrees To Let Strapped Bayside Marketplace Pay Only Half Of Unpaid Rent". Miami Today. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
  23. ^ Staff, T. R. D. (March 3, 2009). "Bayside Marketplace on the market". The Real Deal. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
  24. ^ "Bayside alleges four stores haven't paid rent, sues to evict Claires and Envy". The Real Deal. April 16, 2018. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  25. ^ "Downtown Miami's Bayside Marketplace in For Major Renovation". PROFILEmiami South Florida Real Estate and Lifestyle. September 15, 2016. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
  26. ^ Alvarado, Francisco (November 3, 2017). "Bayside Marketplace tenants accuse ownership of dirty dealings". The Real Deal. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
  27. ^ Taylor, Kate (January 27, 2017). "Teen retailer is suddenly closing all of its stores". Retrieved January 27, 2017.
  28. ^ "Skyrise Miami Eiffel Tower Site becomes a wasteland". WLRN. June 20, 2024. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  29. ^ "SkyRise Miami Future tourist destination and a hard pill to swallow". Condo Blackbook. September 23, 2016. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  30. ^ "Bayside revamp begin 2015". Miami News Today. October 22, 2014. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
  31. ^ "Take a look at the new Bayside Marketplace in downtown Miami". The Real Deal. September 11, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  32. ^ "Take a look at the new Bayside Marketplace in downtown Miami" (PDF). Ashkenazy (via AWS). September 14, 2016. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
  33. ^ "Brookfield Property Partners completes acquisition of GGP Inc". Brookfield Property Partners. August 29, 2018. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
  34. ^ a b "Black Market Miami to replace Hooters at Bayside". South Florida Business Journals. May 3, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  35. ^ "Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel opens at Bayside Marketplace". NBC Miami. October 28, 2020. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  36. ^ Kaminski, Kevin (May 22, 2020). "It'Sugar and Macy's Ready to Open". Lifestyle Media Group. Retrieved June 2, 2026.
  37. ^ a b "Bayside: From Miami Vice to Miami Nice". Biscayne Times. May 2, 2022. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  38. ^ "4 teens arrested after large fight caused chaos in Bayside Marketplace on New Year's Day". NBC 6 South Florida. January 2, 2024. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  39. ^ Rodriguez, Gabi (January 5, 2024). "'No aliens, UFOs, or ETs': Police clear up social media speculation after viral Bayside brawl". NBC 6 South Florida. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  40. ^ Geisel, Hunter (January 5, 2024). "Rumors of 'shadow aliens' at Bayside Marketplace go viral after large fight among teens creates chaos - CBS Miami". CBS News. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  41. ^ "Bayside's new hot spot from the creators of The Wharf just opened. Will locals go?". Miami Herald. January 12, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
  42. ^ Nicole, Alex Enescu (January 12, 2024). "Pier 5 Bayside Ribbon Cutting & VIP Preview". World Red Eye. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
  43. ^ "It'Sugar launches new Miami spot; Jersey Mike's opens in Aventura and more". South Florida Business Journal. April 23, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2026.
  44. ^ "Express Florida stores closing". FOX 35 Orlando. April 20, 2023. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  45. ^ Chavarria, Alejandro (May 26, 2026). "A New Era for COYO Taco Arrives at Bayside Marketplace". World Red Eye. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons logo
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bayside Marketplace.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bayside_Marketplace&oldid=1357899925"