Wayne Shopping Center Became Movie Set After Housing Plan Fell
The Preakness Shopping Center is now a film site for Miami Vice '85 after a 244-unit apartment project was canceled.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Commercial
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The Preakness Shopping Center in Wayne has been transformed into a movie set for the upcoming production Miami Vice '85. This change of use follows the cancellation of a previously approved plan to construct 244 apartments at the site.
Why it matters
The apartment complex project was scrapped due to the impact of rising interest rates and building material costs on development feasibility. Local residents now see an active film set where new housing was once intended to be built.
The original development plan involved 244 apartments, which were canceled due to economic pressures. The set production began on October 1, 2026, occupying the shopping center site.
The players
Wayne Township Council
The local governing body that approved the original apartment development deal in 2020.
Sydney Sweeney
A well-known actress who conducted film production work at William Paterson University.
William Paterson University
A local institution that served as a secondary site for film production.
The details
Production crews have installed fake palm trees and modified abandoned storefronts to create the aesthetic for the film. These set pieces allow the area to serve as a backdrop for the Miami Vice '85 movie. Sydney Sweeney also utilized the area for separate filming at William Paterson University in early October.
Timeline
Construction of the movie set began on October 1, 2026.
Sydney Sweeney filmed scenes on October 6, 2026.
The film Miami Vice '85 is scheduled for release on May 19, 2028.
The Home Front
The cancellation of this project reflects a wider regional trend where rising interest rates and material costs have stalled multi-family housing developments. This shift highlights how economic headwinds continue to impact local land use and housing availability.
Residents should anticipate temporary traffic and parking shifts in the vicinity of the Preakness Shopping Center while filming is underway. Local homeowners may want to monitor future planning board filings if the shopping center property is proposed for alternative commercial or residential development.
The takeaway
The transformation of the shopping center serves as a reminder of how quickly site plans can change when economic conditions shift. Track official township meeting minutes to stay informed about any new redevelopment proposals for the location.
Further reading
For more on how local properties are adapting to changing market conditions, explore the Commercial archives.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
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