From Foreclosure to Flourishing: Downtown at the Gardens Reborn

Through a full rebrand, multi-channel marketing, and large-scale events, RWA transformed a distressed property into a thriving destination—driving 90%+ occupancy and a resale at nearly 4x its purchase price.

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Challenge
Acquired out of foreclosure for $38M, the property faced empty storefronts, boarded windows, and fleeing tenants. RWA was brought in to revive the distressed center and reposition it as a thriving community destination.

Our Approach

  • Complete rebrand of the property, including leasing materials, signage, and wayfinding.

  • Multi-media campaigns (radio, TV, digital, display, direct mail, brochures, email).

  • Large ongoing events to drive traffic and reposition the center as a vibrant hub.

  • Strategic storytelling to attract both retailers and local families back to the property.

Impact

  • 90%+ occupancy achieved at peak.

  • Property became one of the region’s top shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations.

  • Sold for nearly 4x its purchase price just seven years later.

  • RWA retained as agency after the sale, with new owner ShopCore expanding our role to additional properties across the U.S.

Outcome
What began as a distressed foreclosure evolved into a premier lifestyle center, setting the standard for successful retail turnarounds in South Florida.

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