University of Miami Expands Its Footprint at Flagler Station

University of Miami Expands Its Footprint at Flagler Station

The University of Miami continues to make strategic real estate moves across Miami-Dade County, and its latest lease underscores a major shift in the suburban office market.

UM recently signed a 10-year lease for more than 42,000 square feet at 9675 N.W. 117th Avenue, located within Flagler Station. The space will house offices for UM’s health system, the largest in South Florida by net operating revenue, with occupancy expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026.

Why Flagler Station Matters

Flagler Station is the largest business park in South Florida by developed acreage, offering unmatched access to Florida’s Turnpike, the Palmetto Expressway, and I-75. For institutional tenants, visibility and accessibility are increasingly important — and this site delivers both.

As part of the lease, UM signage will be added to the Class A office building, visible directly from Florida’s Turnpike. The move also consolidates UM’s office presence within Flagler Station, strengthening its long-term operational footprint.

A Tightening Class A Office Market

The lease comes at a time when Class A office space in Flagler Station is becoming increasingly scarce. Hamilton Development, which owns the building, acquired it earlier this year as part of a larger portfolio purchase.

While this specific office building will remain, Hamilton Development plans to demolish two nearby office properties and replace them with more than 300,000 square feet of new Class A industrial warehouse space. This reflects a broader trend across suburban Miami-Dade County, where office properties are increasingly being converted to industrial use.

Office vs. Industrial: A Clear Shift

In recent years, office leasing activity has concentrated in Miami’s urban core, making it more difficult for suburban office landlords to secure tenants. At the same time, demand for industrial space has remained strong due to logistics, e-commerce, and supply-chain needs.

UM’s long-term lease signals confidence in well-located suburban office assets — particularly those offering scale, access, and visibility.

UM’s Growing Real Estate Strategy

This deal is part of a broader expansion strategy. UM has recently acquired medical office and residential properties across South Florida and filed plans for new student housing in Coral Gables.

Taken together, these moves show a clear pattern: the University of Miami is positioning itself early in strategic locations before supply tightens further. In a market where land use is rapidly changing, securing the right space at the right time has never mattered more.