$3 Billion Mall Proposal Still Facing Traffic Concerns in Florida

A massive mall, proposed for a 174-acre stretch of land that abuts the border between Miami-Dade and Broward counties, has so far breezed through approvals. "American Dream Miami" will still require political victories.

1 minute read

March 15, 2017, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


American Dream Miami

The master development plan for the American Dream Miami site, according to a report presented to Miami-Dade County . | Miami-Dade County / Master Plan Amendment Application

"American Dream Miami, an amusement park-shopping mall planned just south of the Broward County line, moved a step closer to approval Friday, after promising to address neighbors’ traffic nightmares," reports Brittany Wallman.

"The project, a new take on the shopping mall, would include an indoor ski slope, the developer predicts," adds Wallman. "It would be the largest such mall in America, the developer says, bringing 70,000 cars in and out every day." The project, if completed, would include 3.5 million square feet of retail space, 1.5 million of entertainment space, and up to 2,000 hotel rooms. An earlier article by Wallman provides additional details on the project proposal

So far the project has achieved support from the three-county South Florida Regional Planning Council as well as the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, but it must still get state approval. Transit and traffic concerns also persist among local officials like members of the Broward County Commission, as the article by Wallman discusses in detail. 

Tuesday, March 14, 2017 in Sun Sentinel

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo walking down city street.

Cuomo Is the Candidate of Both NIMBYs and Developers. What Gives?

In the New York City mayoral race, odd bedfellows align to preserve the housing status quo.

June 23, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

6 seconds ago - New Orleans City Business

Large spinning swing ride at Chicago's Navy Pier.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip

Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

1 hour ago - Streetsblog Chicago

Aerial view of downtown San Antonio, Texas at night with rotating Tower of the Americas in foreground.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion

The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

2 hours ago - Governing