Publix Purchased Airpark Plaza for $83.3 Million

The supermarket chain acquired the Miami shopping center as part of a strategy to own its anchored locations.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Commercial

Wide shot of a modernist shopping plaza with concrete architecture and palm trees under a bright Miami sky. — Publix Super Markets acquired the Airpark Plaza shopping center in Miami for $83.3 million as part of an effort to own its anchored retail locations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Publix Super Markets has acquired Airpark Plaza in Miami for $83.3 million. The purchase adds the 204,740-square-foot property to the company's growing portfolio of owned retail centers.

Why it matters

Publix is actively pursuing property ownership for shopping centers where it serves as the anchor tenant. This move secures the company's footprint in key locations while reducing reliance on third-party landlords.

The acquisition of the 204,740-square-foot Airpark Plaza equates to $407 per square foot. Publix has invested roughly $409.8 million into Florida shopping plaza acquisitions over the past two years.

The players

Publix Super Markets

Publix is a major American supermarket chain headquartered in Florida that operates over 1,400 stores across the southeastern United States.

First Washington Realty

First Washington Realty is an investment firm that specializes in the acquisition and management of retail properties across the United States.

The details

Publix acquired the seven single-story buildings at 5705 Northwest Seventh Street from First Washington Realty. Other major tenants currently operating at the plaza include Burlington and Alain's Design Furniture.

Airpark Plaza previously sold for $32.9 million in 2008.
Publix completed the purchase of Airpark Plaza on September 30, 2026.

Culture Shift

This move reflects a broader shift toward vertical integration in the retail sector where grocery chains increasingly act as landlords. By consolidating ownership of their centers, companies move away from traditional lease-based models toward centralized real estate control.

Shoppers at Airpark Plaza may notice changes to the property's management or store mix as Publix takes control of the site. Daily commuters and local residents should expect consistent store operations while the company maintains the center as an anchored hub.

The takeaway

Publix continues to leverage its strong balance sheet to prioritize physical control over its store locations. This long-term strategy protects the chain from fluctuating lease costs in high-traffic retail markets.