It has been recently announced that the long-neglected Omni Center has come under the wing of the masterful developer behind the neighborhood’s latest condo boom. A group led by the infamous Related Group purchased the property for nearly $100 million this week.

Related Group’s CEO Jorge Perez, a Haute 100 member and also one of Time Magazine’s 25 most influential Hispanics, has reported no comments on future plans for the compound, which takes account of the 1.5 million square feet of office and retail space and includes the 525-room Hilton hotel. The property lies just east of Biscayne Boulevard between N.E. 15th and 17th street, just north of the Adrienne Arsht Center and the MacArthur and Venetian causeways.

This venue has suffered for years since its 1980s prime as a vogue shopping mall. Presently, the Omni complex is home to the Miami International University of Art & Design, the federal government’s General Services Administration Passport Control, and the Diplomatic Security Service offices, and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, which has been its long-term tenant. But these business sit with thousands of square feet of vacant retail and office space.

There have been several unsuccessful plans in the past for condos, offices, restaurants and even a telecom center, however, under new direction, high expectations are being fabricated. We soon hope to see the notorious Omni Center outshine its former fame. As for the true Miamians that were first exposed to this original haven of great shops, miraculous eateries, and festive double-decker carousels, visiting and reliving the Omni experience will truly be a beautiful experience!

As a 30-year institution, Related Group has erected numerous successful developments, perpetually altering the Miami skyline.  Over the last twenty years the city has experienced a growth spurt that Mr. Perez has both overseen and  undertaken.  With such landmarks as the Icon on Brickell Avenue and the Trump buildings on Related’s repertoire, the Omni Center project will merely be another notch on the team’s proverbial bedpost.  In the meantime, this cadre of converters will have their hands full and we will surely be biting our nails in anticipation to witness the final outcome.

The Omni center, located at 1500 N Bayshore Dr. Miami, Florida 33132

[Source: Miami Herald.com]