Shops at Merrick Park, Coral Gables, FL

     As the second installment of the Post-ASG grind, we will be looking at mall/lifestyle center Shops at Merrick Park. MP is a very interesting mall to look at in the Miami area. Truthfully, it shouldn't exist as a mall or in its state. MP is very upscale, and from driving around the city, I don't see the market for it. MP holds one of four Gucci stores in the Miami area, and the high Hispanic influence and small lots and homes don't match up. Even two feels like a stretch to me.

Classic directory photo.

     From what I can tell there is little history of the mall. The mall was developed by The Rouse Company in 2002. I believe the current anchors are original. The center was expanded in 2013, but I can't tell where the expanding took place. Today, the mall is owned by General Growth and has over 100 tenants.

Looking down to NM.

Gucci store barely visible on the far right past Mayors.

     The mall has pretty nice architecture. Being a 2002 mall, it isn't dated, but even, say, 30 years down the road, I don't think this will be necessarily ugly. The mall feels nice and vibrant with ceiling fans and large central gardens. Shapewise, the mall is a curved line enclosed mall, without the roof. Off center court are entrances to the parking garage and a lifestyle center-type area with longtime tenant Equinox Fitness.

Tunnel to mall from parking garage. Light at the end, maybe some foreshadowing?

Center court. Land and plants are obviously kept up well.

Better view of Dallas, Texas's Neiman Marcus store.

     While a mall with Gucci, J. Crew, Banana Republic, and NM definitely isn't struggling, an expansion may be needed in about a decade to stay fresh and afloat. While Miami's worst malls aren't deader than a doornail, but more like meh, Miami probably has too many malls and upscale centers. To stay relevant (Merrick Park isn't as touristy, publicized, or famous as Aventura, Dadeland, or Dolphin) I think an expansion would do well. A strip of stores would be built off the anchors and go over San Lorenzo Avenue. A walkway would connect the lifestyle center, and new store strips. This isn't anything insane.

Sorry for the shorter post. Little history does that. Here's some photos:

Parking garage steps. ~*TrIpPy*~. Was that necessary?

Plenty of fountains and plants, which I cannot disagree with.

Third floor views. Seven stores are located up here.

Nordstrom nearly fits in. Miami's first one.

Details of center court. If MP dies, you could nearly make it a state park.

Nothing special, but looks good with the rest of the greenery.

Feels like walking on yer Sutthern ma's back porch. But seriously, I like the vibes the mall gives.