A Taste Of District 8

Once Aventura Mall opened many visitors and locals began shopping and dining there. The competition of big box stores slowly eroded the charm and attraction of the area. Many of the staples remained for years. The longest standing store has been Wasser’s Furniture. The Family business is now being run by the brother and daughter team and still is one of the top suppliers of custom furnishings. Lorraine's Perfumes, another staple, is still a wonderful place to pick up your favorites. Jo-Lene Upholstery Shop and Ceviche Avenue have also called the area home for some years.

For the past years, we have been reinventing the area. First, it was the Fashion, Art and Design District FADD. The vision was to create something similar to Miami Design District. We convinced the concessionaire of Ice Box to stay in our City and they developed a new restaurant commissary on 3rd Street. The COVID-19 Pandemic hit and many businesses, including theirs struggled. We helped businesses with rental assistance and other grants to stay afloat.

While this started some energy we needed to refocus and create our own vision in partnership with all the owners. District 8 became a new brand. Our CRA has partnered with new and upcoming restaurants including KAO and Verde. We also recently attracted many small businesses including Pepe’n Rony, Mercado Art Studio, La Estacion Coffee Shop and Dance Olympus. There are also other new businesses poised to open in the coming month.

The District 8 Streetscape Improvements Project began on Monday, October 27th, 2025 along Northeast 1st Avenue. We're looking forward to this transformation and what it will bring to our community!

The project features: On Street Parking: Additional parking opportunities to support local businesses and improve access for visitors. Enhanced Safety: Modified curb, pedestrian lighting and hardscape designs for crosswalks to improve walkability. Aesthetic Upgrades: Attractive landscaping and site furnishings to create a more inviting streetscape. Cultural Value: Public art opportunities to celebrate the district and overall soul of the city. All District 8 businesses will continue operating while work is taking place, so please stop by and support them.

Now anyone that has been down 1st Avenue knows that the entire street needs a facelift. We approved a major redesign between Hallandale Beach Boulevard and 3rd. In order not to lose momentum during the construction, I requested that we not hold off with a block party that both Vice Mayor Lazarow and I have been asking for. We directed staff to put the party together to highlight the area before they started the construction and staff delivered.

Over the next year and half, the street will be under construction. During the construction residents and visitors will still be able to access all the business and restaurants. There are two parking lots. One is located on 3rd Street and the other right on 1st, north of 3rd. As shuttles will be running from the lots to each location. In addition to parking and shuttles, anyone living in Hallandale Beach can apply online for a $10 dollar Uber voucher and leave the driving to us.

Many residents asked about KAO which was closed for renovations in preparation for the season. There will also be a new brewery opening and new open air lounge concept on the corner of 3rd and 1st.

As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our city a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org. Please visit me on my Facebook page at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share!