The City of Fort Lauderdale has given administrative approval for a redevelopment project at The Quay at 17th Street, a waterfront retail and office plaza. The project is a collaboration between The Related Group, BH Group, and Pebb Enterprises. The developers have previously worked together on other projects in South Florida.
This redevelopment is proceeding under the Live Local Act, a state law that allows affordable housing projects to bypass traditional public hearings if they meet certain requirements. The project will transform the existing mixed-use complex and six-yacht marina on seven acres at 1515 17th Street into a 33-story building with 521 apartments. Plans include 5,000 square feet of commercial space and more than 750 parking spaces. Of the total apartments, 217 will be reserved for affordable and workforce housing.
The development will offer a range of units from studios to three-bedroom apartments. There are also plans for a waterfront public plaza. The developers intend to keep the current shopping center and two office buildings on the property.
Although the site is currently zoned for fewer residential units and more retail space, the Live Local Act permits the city to approve higher density without needing city commission approval, provided that at least 40 percent of the homes are affordable.
The development group acquired The Quay property last year for $48.5 million. They also own Ocean Walk, a retail plaza in Riviera Beach, and the former Office Depot headquarters in Boca Raton, where they plan another mixed-use project with 500 apartments, a gym, and retail and restaurant spaces.
This project is part of Related’s expanding portfolio of Live Local developments in the region. The company’s affordable and workforce housing division has recently submitted plans for a new multifamily and hotel project at the Jackson Memorial Hospital campus in Miami. That proposal includes a 27-story tower with 460 apartments, a 31-story tower with 382 units, and an 18-story hotel with 128 rooms. The development would also feature retail space and parking garages.
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