A controversial high-rise development in Hollywood is moving closer to reality after Related Group secured key backing from the city’s commission for its proposed Portofino Hollywood project. First introduced in 2020 as an unsolicited proposal, the plan has gone through several years of negotiations with city officials. That process led to the approval of a land lease in 2022, setting the foundation for the project’s advancement. Most recently, commissioners voted 5–2 to approve a land-use change, marking another critical step forward.
The proposal calls for the replacement of the aging Hollywood Beach Culture and Community Center, along with a broader redevelopment of Harry Berry Park. Plans include upgraded public facilities and an increase in green space, paired with a luxury condominium tower on the same site. Supporters say the agreement provides significant long-term public value. Under the approved terms, the city would enter into a 99-year lease projected to generate about $71 million in rent following condo sales and more than $1.3 billion over the full term (among other benefits).
Even so, the project still requires another round of approvals. A revised development agreement must return to the commission later this year because of design changes made since the original 2020 submission. City officials expect the updated proposal to maintain the same core public benefits, despite changes.
Opposition has remained consistent throughout the process. Critics say the project could alter the character of Hollywood Beach and strain local infrastructure. In fact, pushback has repeatedly cited the city’s Planning and Development Board unanimously recommending denial of the land-use amendment, though the commission ultimately voted to override that recommendation.
Some residents have also pushed for a public vote on the issue. That effort nearly became policy through a proposed charter amendment that would have required voter approval before the city could lease or sell certain public properties. The measure failed due to a technical error in its ballot language. In response, the city passed an ordinance preserving its intent, and a corrected version is expected to appear on the ballot in November 2026. However, because Portofino’s agreements were initiated before these measures, the new rules are unlikely to affect the project.
According to reporting from the Sun Sentinel, the $375 million development is expected to break ground in late 2026. Updated plans show a reduced scale, with 111 residential units instead of 190 and a height of 27 stories rather than 30.
Units are expected to start at $4 million and will include 11-foot ceilings, large floor plans, and expansive balconies. While full details of the amenity package have not been released, the project is expected to include high-end offerings consistent with other luxury developments.
As part of the agreement, the developer will fund improvements to Harry Berry Park, expanding its green space by about 70%. The city will be responsible for building a new three-story community center, estimated to cost $20 million. Plans for the center include event space, a cafe and restaurant, and views of the ocean. The project will also incorporate 133 public parking spaces within its base to serve both the park and the community center.
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the tower is planned to rise about 327 feet to the roof, or roughly 340 feet at its highest point. The building will feature floor-to-ceiling glass, expansive decks, and integrated greenery, aiming to introduce a more contemporary design to Hollywood Beach’s largely older skyline.
A final commission vote is expected later this year. If approved, the project will move into its next phase as one of the most closely watched developments along the city’s beachfront.