It has also introduced 360 Virtual Reality, an “unparalleled level of gameplay” with a variety of digital reality simulators, as well Dino Safari, an indoor experience with life-size dinosaurs. Bayside has made arts, literature and culture a part of its mission as well, hosting events such as opera and Shakespeare in the park. The once bustling food court has been turned into a traveling food exhibition and the famous Hooters on the second floor has become Black Market. The original Bayside sign when it was built in 1987. Now it’s at 98% occupancy with only one vacant space. Pamela Weller, vice president of Management Assets, said when she began working at Bayside 18 years ago, it was at 70% occupancy. Now, even after a global pandemic, business is booming and (almost) back to normal with 180 businesses, including stores, restaurants, kiosks and pushcarts. James Wilson, Rouse Company national and regional leasing executive at the time, said he knew Bayside would be something special from the vibe it gave off when he stepped foot on the land. Nonetheless, with vibrant colors, a tropical atmosphere, and flags from all over the world, it remains a strong representation of Miami. Bayside has lived through wars, 9/11, hurricanes, the 2008 market crash and a pandemic. The marketplace has changed dramatically over the last 35 years, but it has accomplished its purpose and continues to do so every day. Nearly four decades after opening its doors, it remains a leading attraction. “Everything started from this place here.”īayside Marketplace opened in the heart of downtown Miami April 8, 1987, with a vision of revitalizing the city and changing its reputation of drugs, crime and corruption. And as he gazed at the nearby skyline, he marveled at how far he’s come, and how hard he hustled to capture his piece of the American dream. Thirty-five years later he operates four shops at Bayside Marketplace – Passage to India I and II, Silver Palace and Global Culture. Trovel Williams’ business began with a pushcart in 1987.

Trovel Williams standing in front of Passage to India I, his first storefront that began as a pushcart in 1987.

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