‘End of an era’: This beloved skating rink in Kendall is closing after almost 40 years

Sorry to break it to you, but your childhood is dead.

Beloved Kendall rollerskating rink Super Wheels Miami is soon to be no more. The neighborhood landmark that’s been the site of countless birthday parties, Sweet 16s and first dates is another victim of tough economic times.

On Facebook, owner Thomas Mitchell, who has been running Super Wheels since opening it on June, 9, 2001, broke the news to his followers with a cryptic post on Tuesday.

Just three words appeared across a black screen on his page: “One last time.”

On the venue’s Facebook page is a similar post that simply says, “End of an era.”

Details were scarce, but underneath in the comments is a note basically explaining that the entertainment facility is unfortunately, not immune to the out of control real estate development in South Florida.

The rink’s home of Crystal Plaza is reportedly transforming into “a condo style shopping center,” and big changes are afoot.

Mitchell confirmed to the Miami Herald on Wednesday that the building was sold about two weeks ago for $6 million to unidentified local buyers, and that he now has a few options:

“We are in intense negotiations to either remain as a tenant, sell our assets and retire or to move to find and move to a new location,” said the Miami native who was the director of operations at the previous rink called Hot Wheels, which first opened in 1986.

But does he have the means to remain as a tenant? Rent is currently $25,000 a month and that number is sure to rise if the new owner decides to keep it as a skating center.

Mitchell said he went to scout a new location, which wanted $135,000 a month.

“That would mean admission would increase from $15 to around the $90 mark,” he said. “Those are South Beach prices.”

So what will become of the 30,000 square foot, hulking, beige space with the signature swirl out front? Mitchell heard rumors that the treasured hangout will be turned into a storage facility or possibly, ironically, even a church.

The businessman admits the past two weeks have been challenging, not just for him, but his patrons. He constantly hears positive feedback from grateful parents who adore the place because it keeps their children engaged in real life, albeit briefly.

“In the tech era, many kids are losing their interactive skills and that is what we try to keep alive,” Mitchell said. “Families tell me that they talk to their kids more here at the rink than they do at the dinner table, when they all have their phones out.”

Mitchell is also aware of Super Wheels’ nostalgic appeal:

“This is where some people had their first jobs or held hands with someone for the first time,” he says. “They made unforgettable memories.”

In fact, in the comments section under Mitchell’s post, many social media users acknowledged how important Super Wheels was for them in their formative years.

“You did a great job...,” wrote one. “This building saved a lot of us and turned us into great adults… on to the next adventure.”

Speaking of the next adventure, there is one bright spot on the horizon: The night of Nov. 25, DJ Laz will host a blowout party that will take you back to your youth for the night.

“I guess that will be our last hurrah,” Mitchell said, adding that details will be forthcoming on his social media. “Because Super Wheels as it is now will no longer exist. It’s a very, very emotional time.”