Plans Filed for Six-Story Boutique Hotel at 6945 Abbott Avenue in North Beach
North Beach’s wave of developments is continuing, as plans for a six-story boutique hotel on Abbott Avenue was just submitted. The project, led by South Florida-based Abbott M 6945, calls for 48 boutique hotel rooms on a 6,150 SF site. The new hotel would more than quadruple the room count on the site, replacing the 11-room M Hotel. Scheduled for review by Miami Beach’s Design Review Board on October 23rd, the proposal would rise alongside multiple under construction buildings in the area, including The Ella, 71 Nobe, and more. According to plans submitted to the city, each of the 48 hotel rooms are planned at roughly 300 SF, offered in layouts with either one king bed or two queen beds. While plans remain subject to change, the proposal outlines amenities such as a gym, rooftop pool, rooftop lounge deck, and an exterior plaza. The documents do not specify whether the property will operate under a hotel brand. The ground floor of the project will feature a hotel lobby and 1,106 SF of commercial space. Notably, the plans include no on-site parking. Instead, the developer proposes a bike room and two designated on-street spaces: one for guest drop-offs and another for loading. Surrounding the site, the project also features pedestrian improvements, including wider sidewalks. Designed by M77R Architecture, the hotel is planned to rise 90 FT at its tallest point. Its most distinctive feature will be its colorful perforated metal facade, described by the project team as “a consonant blend of sophisticated yet vibrant materials that speak to the Miami Beach aesthetic. Intentionally placed large glass windows provide for functional design with framed views while ensuring safety and energy efficiency. The clean lines of the structure are accentuated by sleek curves, polished stone and/or concrete elements, creating a clean modern aesthetic.” According to recent satellite imagery from March, the site hasn’t been demolished yet. Demolition work, including permitting, will be fairly easy given the site’s limited size.
West Palm Beach Approves Initial Phase of Rybovich Marina Makeover by Huizenga and Integra
Plans for the redevelopment of the Rybovich Marina are officially advancing, with the Huizenga family and Integra Investments winning approval from West Palm Beach’s planning board. Reviewed on September 16, the proposal outlines a multi-billion-dollar transformation of the city’s waterfront, centered around four condo towers. The first phase, approved at the recent meeting, calls for two multifamily buildings totaling 259 units, while the remaining phases will come before the board at a later date. Overall, despite significant changes to building heights, development features, and structural design, the board found the updated plan acceptable. The first phase of the development centers on two towers rising on the west side of the site. The tallest of the pair will reach 36 stories, climbing to 461 FT at its peak: securing the title of West Palm Beach’s tallest building. This tower is planned to house 112 condominium units and provide 181 parking spaces. Beside it, a 34-story tower will stand at 422 FT, containing 147 units and a significantly larger parking garage with 681 spaces. In addition to the residential towers, the total development will deliver a mix of commercial and recreational spaces. Plans call for 3,355 SF of marine storage, 60,937 SF dedicated to a private club (w/ the option for membership outside the development), and 20,691 SF of office space. Retail and restaurant space will also face the waterfront. A defining feature of the project is its expansive pedestrian promenade, crafted to enhance walkability along the waterfront. This pedestrian-focused element extends onto North Flagler Drive, where wide sidewalks, expansive greenery, and podium setbacks create a more welcoming streetscape than many neighboring developments. In response to design guidelines, the developers also reduced the scale of parking garages from the original plan, lowering their heights by several FT. The tallest garage will now rise to just 50 FT down from 75 FT. Features such as EV charging stations, carpooling areas, bicycle parking, golf cart parking, a bus stop, at least one bike-share station, and more were added through micromobility requirements. Planned at a later, unannounced date, the second phase of the project will introduce two residential towers at slightly shorter heights. One is planned to rise 374 FT while the other will reach 418 FT, together adding 401 residential units to the development. While the proposal was approved, West Palm Beach staff actually recommended denial of one element due to multiple concerns, including the increase in permitted height, the relocation of all retail from North Flagler to the Promenade, and other issues. For example, city requirements call for 25% active use along North Flagler, yet all retail has been shifted to face the waterfront, with over 50% of these ‘active uses’ serving private marina facilities. Hence, staff recommended denial of the site plan.
Vera Fund Proposes Redevelopment of 2810 & 2800 E Oakland Park Boulevard in Coral Ridge
Two parcels in Fort Lauderdale’s Coral Ridge neighborhood are poised for transformation, with two multifamily buildings now in the pipeline. Aventura-based Vera Fund has filed plans to redevelop two sites, one at 2800 East Oakland Park Boulevard, replacing two existing commercial structures with a pair of multifamily high-rises. Just to the south, a surface parking lot at 2810 East Oakland Park Boulevard will be redeveloped into a multifamily low-rise. The projects are set for review before Fort Lauderdale’s Development Review Committee on September 23rd, signaling the next step in Vera Fund’s efforts to move forward with the plans. Zeroing in on 2800 East Oakland Park Boulevard, plans call for two 14-story high-rises connected by a shared parking podium. The development will include 94 residential units across both towers, offered in two-, three-, and five-bedroom layouts. Unit sizes will range from 1,575 SF to 3,510 SF, placing them safely in the luxury category. Residents will also have access to more than 7,000 SF of indoor amenity space, along with a pool deck. The ground floor of the project is planned to include 4,900 SF of commercial space and 3,250 square feet of co-working space, complemented by expanded sidewalks and landscaped greenery. Parking will total 218 spaces, available to both residents and retail patrons. On the south side of the site, the parcel at 2810 East Oakland Park Boulevard is planned for a much smaller building, rising just four stories. The development will include 18 residential units and 36 parking spaces. Unlike the larger structure to the north, this building will be composed entirely of two-bedroom units, ranging from 1,125 to 1,500 SF. Amenities include common areas, a co-working lounge, pool, and more. According to elevations provided by the architect, Idea Architect, the project will feature some of the tallest buildings in the Coral Ridge neighborhood. The pair of twin 14-story towers will rise to 160 FT, while the shorter building will stand at 50 FT. Designed with a contemporary aesthetic, the facades will feature materials such as smooth stucco finishes, tinted glass railings, wood trims, metal mesh, and other modern elements. Vera Fund is seeking entitlements with the intention of selling the property rather than developing it directly. According to Broward County property records, the firm acquired the assemblage in late 2023 for $10.425 million. As of now, no permits have been filed for demolition, site work, or building construction at both properties.
Crews Prepare for Historic Concrete Pour at The Residences at 1428 Brickell on September 19
Crews behind 1428 Brickell are preparing for a historic milestone. On September 19, a massive foundation pour will begin at 8 p.m., led by C & C Concrete Pumping. With Capform as shell contractor, UES handling concrete testing/threshold inspections, and Coastal Construction serving as general contractor, the team will pump an estimated 13,000 cubic yards of concrete into place. The operation is expected to last 30 continuous hours, supported by five concrete pumps working simultaneously. Reinforcement steel is already in place, setting the stage for one of the largest foundation pours in Miami’s history. Comparable pours include the foundations of the Aston Martin Residences, Panorama Tower, and the Waldorf Astoria Miami, all of which exceeded 10,000 cubic yards. Setting the stage for this pour has been a lengthy process. Unlike many Miami developments that rise on vacant land or low-lying structures, 1428 Brickell required the demolition of a multi-story office building totaling roughly 100,000 square feet. The demolition process stretched over several months before crews could begin preparing the site for piling. According to recently submitted building permits, 1428 Brickell will include 197 residential units, a 163,014 SF multi-story parking garage for residents, and an 844 SF professional office/bank space. The tower is planned to rise 70 stories, reaching 867 FT in height, as featured in a previous submission to the Urban Development Review Board (UDRB). Above all, 1428 Brickell is being promoted as one of the most innovative towers in the neighborhood, thanks to its proposed use of photovoltaic glazing. On the building’s west-facing facade, designed without balconies, around 500 solar-integrated windows will generate renewable energy for the tower. According to the developer, the facade is expected to produce thousands of kilowatt-hours annually while also reducing CO₂ emissions. For updates on the foundation pour, the developer is expected to share progress through posts and stories on the 1428 Brickell Instagram account. Update: Pour rescheduled to Friday (Sept 26th).
Turkey-Based Developer Shelton Eyes North Miami for First U.S. Project
A new private residential tower is on the way in North Miami: Shelton Miami. Planned for 1998 NE 135th Street along Little Arch Creek, the 11-story building will feature 18 residential units. Spearheaded by Shelton, a Turkey-based company with completed projects in both Bodrum and Ankara, the firm’s venture in Miami will be the first project outside of Turkey. The Planning Commission of North Miami will review and offer changes for the project on September 18th; however, it’s just one step for the company as final approval lies in the hands of City Council. The project’s 18 planned units will be luxury-oriented, featuring two five-bedroom residences per floor from levels 3 through 11. Each unit will average around 3,000 SF, placing them on the larger end for Miami’s metropolitan market. Because the development exceeds the lot’s allowable density of 8.8 units (or 25 units per acre), the developer is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allocate nine additional units from the city’s density pool. According to the developer’s website, “Shelton Miami offers the ultimate in seaside living. With its private pier and boat services, it provides an experience akin to a yacht club. In a region like Miami, where supply is low and demand is high, these limited-edition residences promise an exclusive lifestyle. Shelton Miami is not just a living space but also a high-yield investment opportunity.” Beyond its boating amenities, plans for the project also include a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gym, and more. The ground floor will offer 38 parking spots in a tight layout. By using mechanical parking lifts instead of traditional spaces, each unit is granted more than one parking spot. This approach also reduces the need for a parking ramp, freeing up level 2 for a lobby, amenity space, and other uses. Mechanical lift parking is becoming increasingly common in the Miami region. Designed by Kobi Karp Architects, the building will rise 11 floors to a height of 121 FT. Its facade will feature pure white stucco, frameless glass railings, expansive glazing, wood paneling, and fluted stone accents. If constructed, Shelton Miami would join North Miami’s growing market for both market-rate and luxury housing. Multiple developers have already capitalized on the region’s demand. According to Floridian Development’s database (Floridian Advanced), around 30 residential projects at or taller than five stories are either under construction or proposed in the area.
Casa at FIU, a 297-Unit Student Housing Project, Breaks Grounds in Sweetwater
Construction is officially underway on Casa at FIU, also known as Novu FIU, a massive off-campus housing project in Sweetwater. Touted as a state-of-the-art development for the region, plans by developers WFHP and RAL Companies call for a 297-unit development, enough to house almost 1,000 students. As the project begins construction, a formal groundbreaking ceremony was held last week, bringing together the developers, key partners, and Sweetwater Mayor Jose Diaz. Mayor Jose Diaz, who spoke at the event, called the development an opportunity that will “serve FIU students and further strengthen our community”, beyond that, Casa at FIU “highlights the City of Sweetwater as not only a place to live, but also a city of growth, opportunity, and innovation.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by City of Sweetwater (@cityofsweetwater) Designed by Niles Boston Associates and situated on a narrow assemblage at 10710 SW 5th Street, Casa at FIU will join the growing cluster of student housing high-rises in Sweetwater. Just last summer, Terrazul, another large student housing development blocks away, received approval for occupancy. With Casa at FIU now breaking ground, it marks the next significant addition to the area’s rapidly expanding student housing market. JWR Construction Services, the general contractor for the project, will oversee the project’s completion. Foundation work is set to begin, following the developer’s recent securing of all necessary permits, such as general construction and site work approvals. The existing buildings on-site have already been demolished as well. When Floridian Development first reported on the project a few months ago, Casa at FIU was noted to rise 20 floors and span 676,465 SF. According to Miami-Dade permitting, the estimated construction cost is $105.5 million. Residents will enjoy a range of amenities, including ample parking, a dedicated amenity level on the seventh floor with lounge space, a pool, and more. While a formal construction timeline has not been released, the project is expected to be completed by late 2027 or possibly early 2028.
Grupo T&C Submits Edge House Residences to Miami’s Urban Development Review Board
Grupo T&C, an experienced Peruvian developer, has officially submitted plans for Edge House Residences to Miami’s Urban Development Review Board (UDRB). Planned to rise 56 stories atop a 0.64-acre lot at 1825 NE 4th Ave, the building has been in the planning stages for months. Launching sales for buyers in spring of last year, buyers have the opportunity to choose from 608 fully furnished residences, offering the option to purchase without rental restrictions: a common feature in many of Miami’s pre-construction projects. With the tower recently breaking ground, the upcoming UDRB hearing will mark the first step toward official approvals as crews begin foundation work. According to the document submitted yesterday, the 608 units at Edge House Residences will be divided among studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts, with the largest units measuring 1,224 SF. Although Miami’s code allows 500 units per acre, meaning the site could normally accommodate only 322 units, the full 608 units are classified as “lodging” because they have no rental restrictions. This gives the development a density of 304 units per acre, slightly below the maximum of 322. Residents will have access to a range of amenities, including 293 parking spaces, most of which will be served by mechanical lifts. The ground floor will feature a lobby and amenity areas in place of commercial space, so there will be no retail. Additionally on the ninth and tenth floors, the building will offer a pool deck, wellness spa, fitness center, lounge, co-working space, and additional amenities. The area surrounding the building will feature wide sidewalks, on-street parking, and extensive landscaping to enhance the pedestrian environment, in line with most Miami developments due to code regulations. Likewise, instead of extending the building to cover the entire lot, the right side of the property will include a landscaped recreational area. Designed by Miami-based Kobi Karp architects, the building will be among the tallest in the area, rising 630 FT. According to a letter provided by Kobi Karp, the facade of the building is described as “contemporary and refined, emphasizing slender verticality and clean horizontals. The building features a continuous 3-foot-deep balcony wrapping around the north, west, and south elevations—providing functional outdoor space, enhancing façade depth, and offering passive shading. The absence of balcony breaks allows for a more streamlined, sculptural form with an elegant silhouette.” Meanwhile, the podium “is clad in a louvered metal screen system that blends warm tones of gold, bronze, and brown. This artistic treatment elevates the parking levels into a design feature, rather than a concealed element, and introduces a sophisticated rhythm to the lower façade. This screen also supports ventilation requirements while maintaining a cohesive architectural language throughout the podium” The development is scheduled for UDRB on September 17th at 2:00 P.M. Approval is not necessary for the project to move forward but is generally recommended.
The Calta Group Plans Anatomia, a Live Local Tower in Allapattah
The Calta Group is bringing Miami’s Live Local Act to Allapattah with plans for Anatomia, a 30-story tower designed by Corwil Architects. Filed for 1433 NW 13th Terrace, the project marks one of the first Live Local proposals in the neighborhood since recent revisions took effect. Earlier this year, Floridian Development reported on a 23-story tower set to replace industrial land nearby; similarly, Anatomia would rise on a 1.06-acre site now occupied by several low-rise buildings. According to the submitted plans, Anatomia will provide 499 residential units, including 210 reserved for workforce housing. All workforce units will be studios or one-bedrooms, while the market-rate mix will range from studios all the way up to three-bedroom apartments. The addition of workforce housing comes as a regulatory requirement under the Live Local Act, which grants developers additional height, density, and parking reductions in exchange for designating 40% of units as workforce housing. While the legislation allows for up to 1,000 units per acre on the site, the developer is opting for 210 units per acre. At the ground level, Anatomia will offer 11,849 SF of commercial space, along with a residential lobby, bike room, and mechanical areas. A key feature of the design is its emphasis on the pedestrian realm, with wide sidewalks and extensive landscaping enhancing the streetscape. Above, the tower’s eight-story podium will integrate residential liner units to conceal a 498-space parking garage from public view. While Live Local projects in transit-oriented districts are permitted to void parking entirely, the developer has opted to include substantial capacity. This ensures at least one parking spot for each unit. Beyond the podium, levels 9 and 10 will be dedicated to resident amenities, including a pool deck and over 17,000 SF of shared spaces. Residents will even have access to a rooftop lounge and terrace, offering views of the Miami River and the wider city. Set to become one of the tallest buildings in Allapattah, Anatomia is planned as a 30-story tower (31 stories including the rooftop deck), rising 350 FT. Corwil Architects describe the design as follows: “The tower is defined by curving vertical bands that rhythmically rib the structure, giving the impression of an exoskeletal support system. These bands rise continuously from the ground to the sky, functioning as both architectural expression and functional dividers for the private terraces on each floor. At the rooftop, these bands intersect to form a dramatic frame, offering panoramic views for patrons of the rooftop lounge, and providing pedestrians at street level, an intriguing roofline” The development will head to the Urban Development Review Board on September 17th at 2:00 PM. If the development wins all necessary approvals, demolition and site preparation will be extensive. Beyond the multiple low-rise structures on-site, there’s a 7-story office building that will need to be demolished.
The Future of Fort Lauderdale’s City Hall: Inside the Six Competing Designs
Plans to redevelop the empty lot once home to Fort Lauderdale’s City Hall is moving forward after six developers recently submitted proposals to design, finance, construct, and operate the new City Hall. This initiative, which has been in the works for nearly two years, is one of the top priorities for the city following the destruction of the previous City Hall. For context, in April of 2023, a record storm flooded many parts of Fort Lauderdale, including the old city hall’s basement. The storm flooded the City Hall basement with over eight feet of water, causing irreparable damage to the vital functions of the building like servers, electricity, and more. As a result, the building was permanently closed, forcing the city to relocate its staff away from City Hall to dispersed locations. The site of the new City Hall is now ready for redevelopment. Demolition has been completed, and essential preparations, including the installation of irrigation lines, the erection of chain-link fencing, and hydroseeding for vegetation, have been carried out. The site will remain in this condition until a development team is ready to begin construction. The first proposal for the site was submitted by Meridian Infrastructure North America on May 15, 2025. Other developers were then given a 60-day window to submit their proposals, from June 3 to August 5. That window is now closed. Here are the six proposals: Fort Lauderdale Civic Partners: Head developer Meridian, in collaboration with contractor Suffolk, architect Zyscovich, engineer Keith, and other key partners, has put forward a proposal for a new city hall design. The team has proposed three potential approaches for the new city hall: a comprehensive plan, an optimized plan, and a baseline plan. Option 1, the comprehensive plan, envisions a facility of about 340,000 SF anchored by a 12-story office tower atop a two- to three-story podium. This option will incorporate a wellness center, childcare center, public gallery, and other city services, along with 40,000 square feet of flexible space. Option 2, the optimized plan, scales back the size while still addressing the community’s main needs. It features a 10-story office tower atop a two- to three-story podium. The proposal will maintain key city programs but with fewer amenity spaces. Option 3, the baseline plan, represents the most bare-bones proposal. With a seven-story office tower over a two-story podium, the proposal offers limited shared areas and only the necessary administrative functions within the smaller tower. Across all proposals, parking will be accommodated mainly in the adjacent garage that serves multiple buildings, including the site of the former City Hall. In addition, portions of NE 1st Street are planned to be reimagined as a paved pedestrian plaza, open to both people and cars. Fort Lauderdale Civic Partners notes that construction on the council chambers will start in August 2026, with the full complex scheduled for completion by February 2029. Meridian has shown confidence in carrying out the plan, ensuring the project stays on time and within budget: “What differentiates FLCP from simply a contractor team or other P3 developers is our role as a true long-term infrastructure partner, not just as a builder or an investor alone. We combine fast-tracked delivery with a generation-spanning investment commitment, staying accountable for operations and maintenance for decades. This means Fort Lauderdale gains not only cost and schedule certainty for construction, but a long-term partner that is financially and contractually aligned to deliver a high-quality asset that lasts.” FTL Beacon Collaborative: FTL Beacon Collaborative, which has completed more than 78 public-private partnership (P3) projects and developed over 200 civic facilities through its partnerships, is aiming to capture the attention of Fort Lauderdale leaders with a proposal designed by Miami-based Arquitectonica. In addition to Arquitectonica, the team will include lead developer Gilbane Development Company, associate developer Godart Florida Real Estate Investments, lead design-builder Gilbane Building Company, and other companies. The proposal envisions an all-glass building designed to be both climate-ready and energy efficient. Horizontal sunshades will line portions of the facade, reducing heat while allowing natural light to enter. The ground floor will also be elevated to protect against future flooding, while windows will be engineered to withstand Category 4–5 hurricanes. As the tower rises, a sloped roof ending at 229 FT will conceal the parking podium. Unlike other proposals, this design places integrated parking at the rear of the building, helping to reduce demand on the existing parking garage. Before breaking ground, FTL Beacon Collaborative estimates the pre-development process to take around 20 months. This includes negotiations, design tweaks, and permitting before the project can begin with foundation work. Final completion of the structure is estimated to be in mid-2027. Balfour Beatty: Balfour Beatty, an internationally recognized infrastructure company, is partnering with lead designer DLR Group, architect Kobi Karp, civil engineer CMA, and other collaborators to design, build, and finance the new city hall. The firm has been active in South Florida for more than nine decades and currently represents over 225 employees across the region. Balfour Beatty’s proposal, like Meridian’s, will give the city three options: redeveloping the City Hall alone, creating a multi-tenant facility, or redeveloping both the City Hall site and adjacent parcels such as the neighboring parking garage. Concept one will be entirely dedicated to public use, featuring a mid-rise building clad in glass. It will include public offices, community space, common areas, and potentially a library. Commercial space will be minimal, as the proposal focuses primarily on civic functions such as providing a new chamber. Concept two builds upon the first concept but on a larger scale. In addition to the public elements, it will incorporate several additional floors for retail, private office space, and other uses. Balfour Beatty emphasizes that this version can generate revenue, in hand reducing the amount of public funding required for the City Hall construction. The company has also expressed interest in leasing a portion of the new office space, as the firm’s current regional lease is ending soon. Concept three goes further,
Midtown Capital Partners Proposes Astor Progresso Village: a 249-Unit Multifamily Building in Fort Lauderdale
A new multifamily project is on the horizon for Fort Lauderdale’s Progresso Village: Astor Progresso Village. Planned by Midtown Capital Partners, the 12-story building would rise at 4 NW 7th Street, replacing an automotive junkyard the firm acquired for $9.4 million in late 2022. The development is proposed to deliver 249 residential units, commercial space, and more, marking the second development for the site. Midtown Capital Partners, in partnership with Prospect Real Estate Group, had previously envisioned a 167-unit project called Astor Water Tower before changing their plans to the current design. If built, Astor Progresso Village will be part of the burgeoning wave of multifamily construction in the neighborhood. According to plans submitted to Fort Lauderdale’s Development Review Committee, Astor Progresso Village will feature 249 residential units, including 180 studios, 30 one-bedroom units, and 39 two-bedroom units. Studio apartments will range in size from 407 to 551 SF, while the two-bedroom residences will be the largest, spanning between 922 and 1,267 SF. Residents will have access to a pickleball court, gym, synthetic lawn, pool, amenity deck, and other amenities. At street level, the project will deliver 1,665 SF of commercial space, along with sidewalk enhancements, improved landscaping, parking, and a residential lobby. Parking is one of the development’s more unique features: while many South Florida buildings rely solely on podium structures, Astor Progresso Village will introduce a rare basement level beneath its multi-level podium. Altogether, the design features 308 spaces for residents and guests. Maintaining the height of the previous proposal, the building will rise 12 stories, measuring 120 FT. Its facade will feature a mix of design elements, including wooden louvers along the podium, mural walls, opaque accent panels, glass railings, and stucco finishes in dark teal, gray, off-white, and other color choices. The Development Review Committee is scheduled to convene on September 9th to review the project. Following the DRC process, the proposal will move to the Fort Lauderdale City Commission for final approval or denial. Staff comments recommended further discussions and several design modifications to better align with the city’s goals of ‘active street frontages, ground level uses, enhanced streetscapes with shade trees, inclusion of usable open and plaza space, pedestrian scale architecture, high-quality building material’ and more.