Design District’s Progress & Crime Challenges
September 11th, 2013
The Design District is undergoing a multimillion dollar overhaul to include luxury retail, residences and commerce. One setback that may challenge this progress however is crime, as reported by Miami New Times.
In recent months, some of the top names to make the lists of must-see shopping destinations have been the target of robberies, assaults, burglaries and theft. These names include Harry’s Pizzeria and Luis Vuitton. Shoppers have also been the target for assaults and mugging.
This news however, has not deterred the City of Miami and developers like Craig Robbins from pressing forward. The City recently approved plans for a $312M development including condos, shopping and parking.
Robbins specified in a statement that luxury malls and attractions typically lure thieves. In addition, the crime rates are comparatively less than other stately areas throughout South Florida. The police department also agrees with these statements. To circumvent concerns, Craig Robbins’ DACRA has hired year-round security in the district, with an estimated budget of $1M.
The Design District has a storied history, first being founded by a pineapple plantation owner T.V. Moore, where his real estate portfolio was diversified with a movie theater, galleries and warehouses. The district was originally called Buena Vista. In the 80’s however, the design firms moved out of the district, leaving the properties vacant and rundown.
Craig Robbins, who’s had extensive experience renovating dilapidated structures in South Beach eyed this area, and has since made his vision reality, with more developments to come.
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Sources: Huffington Post, Miami New Times
Photo Credit: Boston
Daneil Fletcher for SydneyServerRealEstate.com
Brokerage By: Florida Capital Realty
