New Restaurants, Retail and Homes Proposed in Homestead

Homestead residents may soon have a new McDonald’s along Krome Avenue.

The Council is discussing approval of a site plan for a 3,859-square-foot McDonald’s restaurant west of South Krome Avenue, also known as SW 17th Avenue, between SW 5th Street/Margaret Street and SW 6th Street.

The property is about 0.84 acres, and the applicant is McDonald’s USA LLC. The project includes a drive-through on the north side of the property, along with additional open space and landscaping along South Krome Avenue to help screen the parking lot. City documents also say the building design includes faux windows intended to improve the appearance of the structure.

The item is part of continued development activity along Homestead’s major commercial corridors, especially as the city continues to grow.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Homestead’s estimated population was 86,242 as of July 1, 2025, up 6.8 percent from the 2020 population base.

The Council is also discussing a resolution granting final plat approval, as requested by Viking 162, LLC, for the development of an approximately 14,918-square-foot commercial retail facility on a 1.44-acre parcel at 16195 SW 320th Street.

The project, known as Vikings Town Center, is located near the northeast intersection of SW 320th Street/East Mowry Street and SW 162nd Avenue. City documents say the property is zoned Retail Commercial District, with a Future Land Use Map designation of Light Commercial Use.

That commercial proposal would add retail space near residential areas and the Homestead Extension of Florida’s Turnpike. City staff noted that residential uses are located to the north and west of the property, while the Turnpike is located to the east and south.

The Council is also discussing a resolution granting final plat approval, as requested by Lennar Homes, for Portobello Estates, a 54-home single-family residential subdivision on about 9.37 acres.

The property is located north of SE 3rd Street, east of SE 18th Avenue, south of SW 320th Street and west of SE 21st Terrace.

City documents say the Lennar project would include two private streets, with primary access from SW 320th Street/Mowry Drive. The development would include 24-foot paved private streets, drainage swales, valley curbs and five-foot sidewalks. Lot sizes would range from about 5,500 square feet to 11,197 square feet, with rights-of-way and common areas privately owned and maintained by a homeowners association.

Together, the projects show the mix of restaurant, retail and residential development continuing to shape Homestead and South Dade as the area adds residents and services.

The City of Homestead’s own planning materials describe the comprehensive plan as a guide for long-term redevelopment and new growth, economic development and quality-of-life protections.