Dick's House of Sport to Transform Hollywood's Retail Landscape in Landmark Oakwood Plaza Revival
A New Chapter for South Florida Retail
In a bold move signaling the evolution of brick-and-mortar retail, Kimco Realty is set to replace the Regal Cinemas Oakwood 18 with an innovative 120,000-square-foot Dick's House of Sport at Hollywood's Oakwood Plaza. This transformation represents more than just a tenant swap – it's the first step in an ambitious 30-year vision to revitalize one of South Florida's most prominent shopping destinations.
Revolutionizing the Sporting Goods Experience
Dick's House of Sport isn't your typical sporting goods store. Launched in 2021, this experiential retail concept is designed to blur the lines between shopping and recreation. The proposed Hollywood location will feature distinctive elements including an indoor rock climbing wall and an athletic field along I-95, creating an immersive destination where customers can truly test equipment before purchase.
Strategic Phasing and Long-term Vision
Kimco's approach to transforming the 1990s-era Oakwood Plaza demonstrates careful strategic planning. Starting from the southern end, where leases like the Regal Cinemas are expiring, the development will gradually progress northward. This methodical approach accommodates existing tenant agreements, some extending as far as 2069, while ensuring minimal disruption to anchor tenants like BJ's Wholesale, City Furniture, and Home Depot.
Residential Integration: A Mixed-use Future
The sporting goods store is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Kimco is simultaneously advancing plans for the plaza's first residential component – an eight-story, 282-unit apartment building planned for the southeast corner. This mixed-use approach aligns with modern urban development trends, creating a more dynamic, live-work-play environment.
Market Impact and Industry Leadership
As a major player in retail real estate with interests in 568 U.S. shopping centers and mixed-use properties totaling 101 million square feet, Kimco's investment in Oakwood Plaza could set new standards for shopping center revitalization. Under the leadership of Executive Chairman Milton Cooper and CEO Conor Flynn, this project exemplifies the company's commitment to adapting retail spaces for changing consumer preferences.
Insights
What makes Dick's House of Sport different from traditional sporting goods stores?
Unlike conventional retail formats, Dick's House of Sport combines shopping with active recreation opportunities. Customers can climb indoor walls, test equipment on athletic fields, and participate in sports clinics, creating an experiential retail environment that can't be replicated online.
How will this development impact local traffic and infrastructure?
The project's location near the interchange of Sheridan Street and I-95 has prompted careful consideration of traffic flow. The Hollywood Planning and Development Board has specifically requested alternative plans for the athletic field placement to ensure optimal site utilization and minimal traffic impact.
What does this mean for the future of retail in South Florida?
This development signals a shift toward experience-based retail destinations that combine shopping, recreation, and residential components. It demonstrates how traditional shopping centers can evolve to meet changing consumer preferences while maintaining their role as community anchors.
When will the entire redevelopment be complete?
Given the complex nature of existing lease agreements and the phased approach, the complete transformation of Oakwood Plaza is expected to unfold over more than 30 years. However, the Dick's House of Sport development represents an immediate and significant first step in this long-term vision.
This strategic redevelopment reflects broader trends in retail real estate, where successful properties increasingly emphasize experience, community integration, and mixed-use development. As the project moves forward pending final approval from the Hollywood City Commission, it promises to set new standards for retail innovation in South Florida.
