For decades, it was destination shopping. The Lauderhill Mall, on State Road 7 between Northwest 12th and 16th Streets, opened in 1966 as the first indoor, enclosed shopping center in the southeastern U.S.
It didn’t last. Within 40 years, as larger, more expansive malls opened throughout the region, the Lauderhill Mall became something that was constantly looked at as a location ripe for reinvestment and renaissance.
That day is finally closer to arriving.
Lauderhill Mall Investment LLC, which owns acres around the mall, is in the midst of obtaining approvals to build a mixed-use development that would contain a maximum of 233 multi-family dwelling units and more than 13,000 square feet of commercial space on the south side of the property.
It would be the first major investment in the mall in decades, and the developers have already obtained a first round of approvals from the city and the county to proceed.
“It’s a win for the city, the community and the mall,” said Carlos Segrera, chief investment officer for IMC Equity group, the developer behind Lauderhill Mall Investment LLC. “We want the existing tenants and patrons to continue to thrive.”
The housing units will be market-rate apartments, he said, not overpriced luxury condominiums.
The Lauderhill Mall may see some new additions: Lauderhill Mall Investment LLC, which owns acres around the mall, wants to develop some of the vacant land to build a new mixed-use development that would contain a maximum of 233 multi-family dwelling units and over 13,000 square feet of commercial use. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
The next round, according to Lauderhill Development Services Director Daniel Keester-O’Mills, is for the developer to submit specific site plans and obtain building permits.
Because those are still on the drawing board, it’s not clear yet exactly when the new construction will begin, though it could be as early as next year, the developer said.
The developer and the city promise current occupants of the Lauderhill Mall should be able to remain unless they choose not to. “The majority will remain intact, and the majority of the businesses will not be displaced,” Keester-O’Mills said.
While the mall was once the site of a driver’s license bureau, a Costco, a Jordon Marsh Department Store and the Supervisor of Elections Office, it’s now known more as the mall where those offices and businesses used to be.
Pradeep Sawh, whose parents opened Joy’s Roti Delight in 1992, said he’s seen the changes firsthand as the Trinidadian cuisine eatery has persevered. The restaurant is in a stand-alone building at the mall.
“I think the new developers are looking to emphasize the residential,” he said. While that could give his restaurant a new customer base, it could also open the door for complaints about crowds. “I do have to hope for the best.”
Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457. Follow him on Twitter (X) @OlmedaNews