Florida’s Real Estate Is Evolving: Urban Living, Affordable Housing & Luxury Projects Redefine the Landscape

Florida’s real estate market is undergoing a transformation as new developments reimagine how communities live, shop, and connect. From urban mixed-use spaces in Downtown Miami to luxury high-rises in Surfside, and affordable housing projects in cities like Bradenton, the Sunshine State is seeing a diverse mix of projects that reflect the changing needs of its growing population.

Sawyer’s Walk in Miami: Blending Retail with Affordable Living

A major highlight of this trend is Sawyer’s Walk, located at 249 NW Sixth St. in Miami’s Overtown neighborhood. This ambitious project opened in November 2024 and features:

578 affordable residential units
A vibrant public plaza
Big-name retailers like Target, Burlington, Five Below, and Aldi
Upcoming Ross Dress for Less expected in March 2025

This mixed-use development aims to breathe new life into the urban core while meeting the growing demand for affordable urban housing and convenient retail.

Deli Lane’s Relocation and Sunset Place Redevelopment

Iconic local hangouts are also evolving. Deli Lane Café and Tavern, a beloved South Miami establishment since 1988, is planning to relocate or rebuild following interest from developers. Its site has drawn attention as part of broader redevelopment plans tied to new rental apartment buildings and the revitalization of the Shops at Sunset Place.

These changes reflect a broader trend: older urban properties are being repositioned to meet modern living demands while retaining cultural identity.

Surfside: Luxury Living at a Controversial Site

In Surfside, the former site of the Champlain Towers South condo collapse (8777 Collins Ave.) is being redeveloped into The Delmore, an ultra-luxury condominium project.

Branded as "mansions in the sky," these residences are expected to start at $15 million, targeting ultra-wealthy buyers. However, the redevelopment has sparked debate over its location, with critics pointing out the site’s tragic history.

Despite the controversy, the project underscores Florida’s ongoing appeal to high-net-worth individuals seeking premium coastal real estate.

Bradenton: Affordable Living on Former Mall Sites

Further north in Bradenton, another trend is taking shape: the transformation of aging retail properties. The DeSoto Square Mall, once a bustling shopping center, is being redeveloped into a new affordable apartment complex. The mall's former footprint—currently used to process storm debris—is set to house much-needed budget-conscious housing options for local residents.

This project reflects how underused land assets are being reclaimed to support housing affordability and urban renewal.

What It Means for Real Estate Stakeholders

These diverse projects share a common thread—adaptive reuse and multi-functionality are becoming the cornerstones of modern real estate development in Florida.

From affordable urban apartments to high-end towers, developers are blending retail, residential, and public space into community-centric environments. This shift offers new opportunities for: