1.5M SF Mixed-Use Development Sawyer’s Walk Delivers Target in Miami's Overtown

Sawyer’s Walk, the largest mixed-use development in the historic community of Overtown, recently opened its retail section, marked by the launch of a 50,000-square-foot Target store. Over the next several months, additional major retailers are set to open, including Burlington, Five Below, Aldi supermarket, and Ross Dress for Less.

The 1.5 million-square-foot Sawyer’s Walk complex includes 578 residential units, primarily housing low-income seniors, as well as 175,000 square feet of retail space, a 25,000-square-foot public plaza, and 130,000 square feet of office space. MSC Group has secured the office space for its new North American headquarters, anchoring the development at 249 NW 6th St. The project was spearheaded by SG Holdings, a partnership between Swerdlow Group, SJM Partners, and Alben Duffie.

Among the new retail spaces, Burlington is scheduled to open in October with a 38,000-square-foot store. A 25,000-square-foot Aldi and a 10,000-square-foot Five Below will follow in November, while Ross Dress for Less is expected to open in March 2025.

Sawyer’s Walk was developed as a public-private partnership in collaboration with the City of Miami’s Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, Miami-Dade County’s Department of Public Housing and Community Development, and city and county officials. The project aims to address both affordability and accessibility concerns in Greater Downtown Miami by delivering affordable residential options and value-focused retail stores.

The development also includes amenities designed to enhance the community, such as a public plaza with art murals, outdoor seating, a children’s playground, and a dog park. Residents and shoppers will have access to nearly 1,000 parking spaces and multiple public transit options, including Metrorail, Metromover, and Brightline.

Led by Michael Swerdlow, Swerdlow Group has been active in bringing new retail options and affordable housing to South Florida. The company has over 8,000 affordable housing units in the pipeline, with a focus on revitalizing underserved areas and addressing food access in designated ‘food deserts.’ Swerdlow Group’s portfolio includes over 30 million square feet of residential, retail, industrial, and office space developed across the region.

Marion Reopens in Brickell with Fresh Look and Expanded Menu

After an extensive summer renovation, Marion, the well-known Miami dining and nightlife venue operated by Mr. Hospitality Miami, has reopened in Brickell. The restaurant now features a new design and an updated menu that blends Asian and Mediterranean influences. The reopening marks a significant milestone for Marion, which has been a part of Miami's dining scene since 2015.

Marion's renovation aims to enhance both its dining and nightlife experience. The updated interior design, crafted by Carlos Rodriguez of Escala Forma, combines elements of nostalgia and modern luxury. According to Rodriguez, the design reflects Marion’s rich history while introducing contemporary touches to ensure the space feels both familiar and new. Inspired by iconic venues like Studio 54, the refreshed look includes bold colors, custom Murano chandeliers, and an LED-paneled disco ceiling, which enhances the venue's nightlife appeal.

The updated menu, designed by Executive Chef Kylian Goussot, continues to emphasize Asian-Mediterranean flavors with dishes such as Truffle Prime Beef Tartare, Lobster Tempura, and Prime Skirt Steak Tagliata. Executive Sushi Chef Max Kamakura has also introduced a new sushi program, which showcases his expertise in dry-aging techniques and creative presentations.

In addition to the revamped food offerings, Marion has also expanded its beverage options. The new cocktail menu, curated by Corporate Beverage Manager Karol Ansaldi, features drinks inspired by Asian and Mediterranean flavors, including signature cocktails like the Dirty Dancing and Wild Things. The wine program, led by Wine Director Higor Valle, now highlights a variety of prestigious Champagne houses alongside a selection of premium Tequilas.

“The decision to renovate and relaunch Marion is rooted in its legacy as a Miami landmark,” said Mathieu Massa, Founder & CEO of Mr. Hospitality Miami. “For years, Marion has been synonymous with exceptional dining, trendsetting flair, and a premier nightlife destination. This transformation elevates Marion from the ‘It’ girl of Brickell to a sophisticated, graceful icon. This is not just a renovation; it’s a $4,000,000 rebirth—returning to her essence with newfound elegance, ready to enchant our guests anew.”

The renovation also includes the addition of a Dom Pérignon Champagne Display and Tequila Room, which replaces the former wine room. This space offers over 300 premium bottles for guests to explore. Marion is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 7 PM until late, and is located at 1111 SW 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33130.

Balloon Museum Set To Open in Miami June 2024

The first-of-its-kind Balloon Museum in Miami opens to the public June 22nd, allowing locals and travelers from around the world to let their imagination take flight in this immersive art experience. The pop-up installation located in Wynwood includes world renowned pieces from 20 international artists. This interactive art experience will take viewers' imagination to new heights with mind blowing inflatable installations, combining contemporary art with hands-on experience while bringing together the essence of art and culture to the bustling Miami scene.

Over 4.4 million visitors across the globe have already experienced the Balloon Museum’s mesmerizing exhibition during its limited-time runs in Rome, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Naples, London and New York City. The Museum won the prestigious BEA Best Proprietary Format award in 2022, and notably was highlighted as a can’t-miss backdrop in the Emmy-nominated Netflix favorite Emily in Paris.

The Balloon Museum will take over Wynwood, showcasing diverse artwork that explores the lightness and flight of air. Audiences will be able to soar and travel to far-off destinations, uniquely contrasted with heaviness, darkness and gravity. The Balloon Museum will present installations by Filthy Luker, Tado Cern, Myeongbeom Kim, OUCHH, SpY, Max Streicher, Karina Bobinski, Mike Shaw, Quiet Ensemble, Rub Kandy, Cyril Lancelin, Sila Sveta, Camilla Falsini, Motorefisico, Alex Schweder, Hyperstudio ,Mauro Pace, and Sasha Frolova.

Tickets to the Balloon Museum in Miami start at $29 for children and $39 for adults and are available to get on the waitlist starting today at https://balloonmuseum.world/lp-miami/

Florida Residents, Students and Military tickets start at $36

Balloon Museum produces contemporary art exhibition experiences that include the best international representatives of inflatable and balloon art. Featuring renowned artists with specific works in which ‘air’ is a distinctive element. Each individual exhibition offers unique and immersive journeys worldwide. The out-of-scale installations are meant to be touched, lived with and shared, putting the interaction with the visitor at the center of the experience.

Museum Times:

• Monday - Thursday: 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.

• Friday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

• Saturday / Sunday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.