Why it's still so hard to get from Brightline to Aventura Mall
When Miami-Dade County paid $76 million to build a Brightline station in Aventura, the idea was that riders would be able to easily cross Biscayne Boulevard to get to Aventura Mall.
But more than two years after the station opened, the privately operated train company has yet to install the pedestrian bridge, first expected to be ready by last Thanksgiving, per Miami Today.
Why it matters: Since Brightline discontinued a free shuttle service to the mall last year, train passengers must either book a rideshare or walk more than a mile to access Florida's largest mall, which receives 28 million annual visitors.
Citizen journalist and YouTuber Joel Franco recently documented his experience making the "ridiculously long walk" from the station to the mall, which took him 25 minutes one way.
He pointed out how Metrobus service no longer reaches the Aventura station, further limiting transportation options.
Yes, but: Riders with premium tickets, which include free drinks and snacks, also receive a $10 Uber voucher they can use to cover their connection to the mall.
For context: A premium one-way ride from Miami to Aventura can run you around $50, versus around $15 for a regular ticket, according to a recent review of pricing on the Brightline website.
What they're saying: Brightline spokesperson Ashley Blasewitz told Axios that "projects of this magnitude are complicated and require a lot of collaboration" with stakeholders, ranging from mall owner Turnberry to government agencies, including the Florida Department of Transportation.
"Everyone wants to provide easy pedestrian access to the Aventura Mall for Brightline guests and this bridge will be a great way to do that," Blasewitz wrote in a statement.
"We have completed all the steps necessary to begin construction including procurement of the bridge structure which is already on site."
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CBS News
5 hours ago
- CBS News
Aventura Mall voted "Best Mall in America," USA TODAY poll
The people have spoken and America's best mall is right here in South Florida. Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise? Nope. The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale? Not quite. It's the Aventura Mall, which has been voted the Best Mall in America in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The publication points out that Aventura Mall, the largest mall in Florida, has more than 300 retail shops, experiences, and dining options. It also boasts a "museum-worthy art collection and regularly hosts community events such as story time, weekly yoga, and a farmers market." The mall is so popular, Brightline has added a station nearby. "We take great pride in Aventura Mall's continued position as the best mall for iconic brands and first-to-market experiences, helping define South Florida's place on the national and international stage," Jackie Soffer, chairman and CEO of Turnberry, owner of Aventura Mall, said. "Strategically located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Aventura Mall draws a diverse, global audience ranging from international tourists to Gen Z and Millennial locals and tourists," according to USA Today. Nominees were selected by a panel of experts and then ranked based on votes from the public, according to USA Today. Aventura Mall was one of only 20 malls selected nationwide, and the only South Florida mall to be nominated. So who rounded out the top 5? Let's take a look. Coming in at number two was the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. It noted that with 500-plus stores and dozens of restaurants, visitors can find just about everything at this mall. "As the largest mall in the U.S., the Mall of America is not only a shopping and entertainment complex, but one of the top tourist destinations in the country. Every year, 32 million people visit this mall's stores, restaurants, attractions, and hotels. At the center of the mall is Nickelodeon Universe, the largest indoor theme park in America," according to USA TODAY. A mall in the Lone Star state came in at number 3 - Galleria Dallas. Along with a variety of retail stores and more than 30 casual and sit-down restaurants, it also boasts its own indoor ice rink. "The large indoor ice rink is at the center of this three-story mall, and while it stays open year-round, it's especially festive during the holiday season," according to USA TODAY. An urban oasis in the heart of Manhattan, New York landed in the number four position. The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards "occupies a million square feet of retail, restaurant, and entertainment space, and features a unique indoor-outdoor setup that makes the most of its Hudson River views." Rounding out the top 5 is the King of Prussia Mall inn Prussia, Pennsylvania. It features 450 retail locations and dining options range that from pizza joints and dim sum to steakhouses. "This mall offers a diverse range of national brands and specialty stores, and those seeking luxury goods can shop at a vast number of luxury retailers like Gucci, Cartier, Dior, and Balenciaga," USA TODAY said. Rounding out the remaining five are the Scottsdale Fashion Square in Scottsdale, Arizona; American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey; Grapevine Mills in Grapevine, Texas; Tysons Corner Center in Tysons, Virginia and Brookfield Place in New York City.
Axios
a day ago
- Axios
Why it's still so hard to get from Brightline to Aventura Mall
When Miami-Dade County paid $76 million to build a Brightline station in Aventura, the idea was that riders would be able to easily cross Biscayne Boulevard to get to Aventura Mall. But more than two years after the station opened, the privately operated train company has yet to install the pedestrian bridge, first expected to be ready by last Thanksgiving, per Miami Today. Why it matters: Since Brightline discontinued a free shuttle service to the mall last year, train passengers must either book a rideshare or walk more than a mile to access Florida's largest mall, which receives 28 million annual visitors. Citizen journalist and YouTuber Joel Franco recently documented his experience making the "ridiculously long walk" from the station to the mall, which took him 25 minutes one way. He pointed out how Metrobus service no longer reaches the Aventura station, further limiting transportation options. Yes, but: Riders with premium tickets, which include free drinks and snacks, also receive a $10 Uber voucher they can use to cover their connection to the mall. For context: A premium one-way ride from Miami to Aventura can run you around $50, versus around $15 for a regular ticket, according to a recent review of pricing on the Brightline website. What they're saying: Brightline spokesperson Ashley Blasewitz told Axios that "projects of this magnitude are complicated and require a lot of collaboration" with stakeholders, ranging from mall owner Turnberry to government agencies, including the Florida Department of Transportation. "Everyone wants to provide easy pedestrian access to the Aventura Mall for Brightline guests and this bridge will be a great way to do that," Blasewitz wrote in a statement. "We have completed all the steps necessary to begin construction including procurement of the bridge structure which is already on site."
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Miami Herald
This Miami area mall was just voted best in the country. Here's why it's No. 1
Aventura Mall fans already know it's the best mall in the United States. Now the sprawling shopping center has national recognition, too. The Northeast Miami-Dade mall, a city unto itself with plenty of offerings and surrounding traffic jams, plays big. There's a big slide, an Apple Store, an Italian food hall and market. Now it also has a big ranking: Best Mall in America, as voted in the new USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards. 'Being named the best mall in the USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards reflects our continued commitment to curating exceptional experiences,' said Jackie Soffer, chairman and CEO of Turnberry, the majority owner of Aventura Mall. 'From welcoming Florida's first Eataly to bringing the most coveted fashion and lifestyle brands, and supporting culture through our museum-quality art collection, we're proud to offer a premier destination that continues to evolve. We thank our loyal guests for their continued support and for making this achievement possible,' Soffer said in a statement to the Miami Herald. Eataly isn't the only first-in-Florida to open at sprawling Aventura Mall. Other brands trying Florida firsts in the last year include recent arrivals like Massimo Dutti wardrobe store, the fashion boutique Cinq à Sept, Dolce Vita footwear and Kim Kardashian's Skims store. MORE: How 'Florida firsts' are defining Aventura Mall. Here are some of the newcomers Twenty malls across the country were nominated for consideration by a panel of 'USA Today experts' in the fields of travel and lifestyle, according to the publication. The public was then given a chance to vote among the nominees. The only other Florida mall to contend was the Mall at Millenia in Orlando but it fell short of the Top 10. Sorry Dadeland, Aventura's also ever-growing Kendall-area rival that recently opened the first Dick's House of Sport in South Florida. MORE: Why is Aventura Mall both loved and loathed? It comes down to more than shopping Top 10 best U.S. malls So why is Aventura ranked above the others. 'As the largest mall in the state of Florida, Aventura Mall has more than 300 retail shops, experiences, and dining options, and boasts a museum-worthy art collection,' opines the USA Today 10 Best editors. Here are the 10 best malls in the nation, according to USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards. ▪ 1. Aventura Mall, Florida. ▪ 2. Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota. ▪ 3. Galleria Dallas, Texas. ▪ 4. The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, New York City. ▪ 5. King of Prussia Mall, Pennsylvania. ▪ 6. Scottsdale Fashion Square, Arizona. ▪ 7. American Dream, East Rutherford, New Jersey. ▪ 8. Grapevine Mills, Texas. ▪ 9. Tysons Corner Center, Virginia. ▪ 10. Brookfield Place, New York City.
