The Evolution of the Miami River-Health District

Downtown MIami

MIAMI—The Miami River-Health District abutting Downtown Miami to the West is experiencing a transformation like never before. Mixed-use developments and world-renown restaurants are turning the Miami River into a destination for locals and international visitors converging upon Miami’s Health District 24/7. A Miami River Commission’s subcommittee recently discussed plans for a Sushi Samba and London’s Duck & Waffle locations on the Miami River. Dr. Ernie Martin, a member of the Miami River Commission and resident, talked to GlobeSt.com about the evolution of one of Miami’s most historic neighborhoods. GlobeSt.com: What role are development projects playing in the transformation of the River-Health District abutting Downtown Miami to the west?  Martin: Unlike in past real estate cycles, we are seeing a lot of developments that protect and preserve the nature of the Miami River. These are projects that will inject life to the River-Health District and meet a huge demand for grocery stores, quality restaurants and shopping. I live in this neighborhood and I have to drive relatively far to do my basic shopping every day. Some of South Florida’s largest employers are concentrated in this district; yet, there are no quality retail in the area for the hundreds of doctors, nurses, bio scientists, judges and lawyers who work here and have the discretionary income to shop and dine here. They have to go somewhere else to spend their money. Projects like River Landing will fill that void and make the River-Health District a true community. The project will include a Publix, Ross, TJ Maxx, West Marine, among others. It will also have restaurants opening up to a linear park along the river, giving neighbors access to the river for the first time ever. River Landing will be a catalyst for change and attract private and public investment. You are already seeing new businesses move to the district. For example, some of the world’s finest restaurants are adopting the river as their new home, including American Social, London’s Duck & Waffle, Sushi Samba, Modern Garden, Seaspice, The River Seafood & Oyster Bar, Garcia’s and Casablanca. We came a long way in the last five years and I don’t see this trend slowing down. GlobeSt.com: Why have elected officials and neighbors embraced transformation of the River-Health District? Martin: This is a densely populated neighborhood that has been underserved by retailers for decades. The area also needs market-rate apartments for the thousands of medical professionals who work in the River-Health district. Elected officials and residents like me see value in turning this area into a true community. We have patients, doctors, med students and scientists from all over the world coming to the Health District to work at Jackson Health System—the nation’s third-largest teaching hospital; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Sylvester Cancer Center; and University of Miami Life Science and Technology Park, among others. We want them to have a great experience when they come here to work, study or be treated. Miami has become a world-class city so we need to look like one. We also want them to experience the vibrancy of the historic Miami River, the same river that gave Miami its origin more than 200 years ago. GlobeSt.com: How do you see these projects changing the River-Health District? Martin: These projects will make the River-Health District a trendy and self-sustained community, where people will be able to live, work and play. River Landing will have about 439,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space and 500 luxury apartments. Restaurants like London’s Duck & Waffle, Sushi Samba, Modern Garden and Seaspice are making the river a cool place, attracting celebrities and world-renown chefs to the banks of the Miami River. The area is finally being discovered by local and international developers and investors who see value in serving the local population.