A chunk of Big Easy Casino in Hallandale Beach could soon be redeveloped into apartments, after developers submitted plans for two 8-story residential buildings to the city. Proposed at 501 NE 7th Street, the project will be dubbed Greenzone. Plans call for the redevelopment of an existing surface parking lot into a mixed-use development featuring apartments and retail, adding to an area that has rapidly become a hotspot for new construction activity.
The property, originally home to a greyhound racing track before later being rebranded as Big Easy Casino, has seen portions of the larger site gradually sold off for redevelopment over the years. A 12.3-acre parcel was previously sold to JAI Legacy Holdings LLC, which later transferred the 3.09-acre development site to Greenzone Property Hallandale 770 LLC for $12 million.
Current plans submitted to the city call for 278 residential units split between 54 efficiency units, 168 one-bedroom units, and 56 two-bedroom units. Efficiency units are planned at 499 square feet, while one-bedroom layouts will average 740 square feet and two-bedroom units approximately 1,050 square feet. Planning documents estimate the project could house around 560 residents at full occupancy.
Units are expected to feature floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and access to a broad amenity package centered around a rooftop deck above the parking structure. Proposed amenities include a pool, spa, clubhouse, playground, gym, landscaped open space, and two pickleball courts.
At ground level, the development is designed to activate much of the site with 17,745 square feet of retail space lining the south, west, and north portions of the property. The surrounding streetscape is also set to receive pedestrian-focused upgrades, including widened sidewalks, added greenery, and other public realm improvements.
To accommodate both residents and retail demand, the development will include 391 parking spaces.
The project is being designed by SKLARchitecture, with the two 8-story structures planned to rise approximately 96 feet to the roofline, or roughly 100 feet to their tallest architectural feature. Renderings depict a contemporary facade complemented by white and gray tones, with the parking podium wrapped by active uses and architectural screening intended to minimize its visual impact.
Describing the project’s design in a letter submitted to the city, SKLARchitecture wrote, “The architectural design emphasizes a contemporary and cohesive aesthetic, with clean lines, articulated façades, and curved balcony elements that create visual interest while also functioning as shading devices to enhance energy efficiency and occupant comfort. The massing is carefully modulated to maintain a strong street presence while providing appropriate transitions within the site and to surrounding uses.”
The development is expected to move through the approval process with relative ease. Unlike many large redevelopment proposals in South Florida, the project requires little demolition, as the site currently functions as surface parking.
In addition, the zoning and land-use framework already established for the former greyhound track property anticipates large-scale redevelopment, positioning Greenzone to move forward without major entitlement hurdles.
3 Comments
It may seem ridiculous that Margate City Commissioner Ruzzano told animal rights activists, including residents from Broward County, to direct their protests against the City of Hallandale Beach and its casino for animal cruelty, rather than his own city. This situation revolves around Commissioner Ruzzano and his wife, who are hidden investors for a friend seeking to establish a store for exotic animals and reptiles, which will also feature an area where individuals can pay to interact with sloths and other creatures. For context, their friend had to leave New York due to violations and subsequently lost his federal license.
This information is verifiable by viewing the City of Margate’s meeting held on 06/03/2026, looking at Ruzzano’s Facebook post, or reaching out to Commissioners: J. Simone, who was outraged by Ruzzano and his wife’s support for this initiative; A. Arserio, who expressed discontent but was reluctant to create too much disturbance as he was securing funds for his campaign; A. Schwartz, who appeared oblivious; and A. Caggiano, who was upset about this but more incensed over Ruzzano instigating a significant OIG investigation into their actions. This verbal confrontation took place towards the conclusion of the meeting. The City of Margate, Commissioner Ruzzano, City Manager Curtis, and the city itself are currently under investigation for a range of criminal and non-criminal activities.
You can also contact City Manager, Curtis. He is beside himself with OIG that is up their Fill in the blank and is beside himself that Com. Ruzzano won’t stop encouraging the animal rights groups to leave him and friend alone and go after real animals abusers.
The fact that they used AI for these renderings is extremely obvious. Needs allot of work. There are tell tale signs of AI all over the images. And yes, the Horns at the top of the buildings and the stair elements at the end are very predictable and not of good taste.
those horns are SOOOO ugly-thankfully they’ll be value engineered.