(Crystal Proenza is associate editor of Real EstateFlorida.)

MIAMI GARDENS, FL-DZD Holdings, a Miami-based boutique investment firm, has finalized plans to develop Palmetto Gardens Plaza, a 108,000-sf retail shopping center, including a 20,000-sf outparcel. Originally the firm considered a multi-use project for the site, but has decided that the development will focus on retail.

"We were looking at creating a residential/commercial project—a city center with possible office space," Zvi Shiff, CEO of DZD Holdings, tells GlobeSt.com. "At this point in time it doesn't seem feasible as a project in that city, and so we've gone with a retail shopping center. We're working with the city to create something that's also providing for locals, not only big-box shops that already exist around the area."

Stores such as City Furniture, El Dorado, Rooms To Go, high-end car dealerships and BrandsMart USA currently line the Palmetto Expressway. DZD Holdings plans to create a lifestyle center that will provide more services to the local community such as retail banks, restaurants, drug stores and apparel outlets.