| Once one of the most decrepit areas in South Beach, a $16 million renovation has rejuvenated this pedestrian mall into one of the most popular shopping areas in all of Miami, featuring an attractive combination of outdoor cafés, boutiques, and art galleries. The major renovation of Lincoln Road created a resurgence of high-end retail as well, bringing patrons an eclectic mix of high-fashion boutiques as well as national retailers. Although it was inevitable that commercial establishments would begin to flood this eccentric shopping arena, Lincoln Road continues to maintain its Art Deco roots and here visitors will not only witness some terrific architecture, but also find unique shops. Also featured at Lincoln Road are several art galleries such as the South Florida Art Center and Romero Britto's showroom. The galleries enhance this artistic environment as they are surrounded by artistic highlights such as the Miami City Ballet's rehearsal space, the Colony Theater, the New World Symphony, and the Alliance Arthouse Cinema. Also, the complex is anchored on its west end (on Alton Road) by a new 18-screen megaplex Regal Cinema, which includes a Banana Republic flagship store and several new boutiques in 50,000 square feet of retail space.The picturesque Lincoln Road pedestrian mall is situated, extending from Collins Avenue on the east end to Alton Road on the west end. Lincoln Road was once the shopping street of Miami Beach and was known in the 1950's as "The Fifth Avenue of the South." That reputation seems to be resurfacing as everyone from common folk to celebrities to politicians make this outdoor mall a "must see" on their Miami agenda. |
