A historic boutique hotel may be replaced by a 15-story, 43-unit luxury tower after the developer's plan advanced in Fort Lauderdale's review process.
Key Takeaways
- Pillars Club and Residences LLC submitted plans for a 15-story, 43-unit luxury condo tower on North Birch Road.
- The existing Pillars Hotel, an 18-room boutique property, would be demolished under the plan.
- Plans advanced at the Development Review Committee on April 14, 2026, but additional approvals are required.
Pillars Club and Residences LLC, a joint venture between Uri Bublil of Mazalub Real Estate and Roni Avraham of SR Holdings Group, submitted plans to Fort Lauderdale's Development Review Committee for a 15-story, 43-unit luxury condo tower at 109 and 111 North Birch Road. The developer confirmed the plans were advanced at yesterday's committee meeting. The group acquired the 111 North Birch site in January 2026 and has the adjacent apartment building under contract.
What is being proposed?
The tower: A 15-story, 144-foot building on a 0.7-acre Intracoastal site designed by Kobi Karp, known for modern tropical aesthetics across South Florida. The project includes 43 units ranging from 1,415 square feet with two bedrooms to 3,110 square feet with four bedrooms.
Penthouses: Two rooftop units at 5,332 and 5,415 square feet, each with a private pool. At over 5,400 square feet each, these units place the project at the top of Fort Lauderdale Beach's residential market.
Amenities: One pool facing the Intracoastal, a rooftop pool, multiple spa plunge pools, and a 92-space parking podium. The developer intends to maintain a private club atmosphere, potentially carrying over the club branding from the existing property.
Pricing: Not yet announced. Given the unit sizes, the Intracoastal location, and the private club positioning, this is clearly targeting the ultra-luxury buyer.
What is being demolished?
The current site holds the 18-room Pillars Hotel and Club, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, built from a 1939 waterfront estate and expanded in the late 1990s. The property features The Secret Garden restaurant, known for private waterfront dining. A separate 7-unit apartment building also sits on the site. Both structures would be demolished under the plan.
As Larry Mastropieri noted on the Discover South Florida Podcast: "When you actually look at the site, it's right there on the Intracoastal. It's a great location, but the existing structure doesn't stand out from the surrounding buildings. That's kind of the reality when you compare older properties to newer luxury developments."
Looking at luxury condos in Fort Lauderdale? Talk to a Fort Lauderdale luxury realtor who understands how new development affects the market. Reach out to The Mastropieri Group or call (954) 833-1468.
Why is Fort Lauderdale Beach seeing this wave of teardowns?
Pillars is not alone. Fort Lauderdale Beach is in the middle of a significant redevelopment cycle. The Ritz-Carlton Residences launched in early 2026 with 83 units across 13-story twin towers. Residences Sage Intracoastal is under construction with 44 units, starting from $2.9 million. The St. Regis Bahia Mar Private Towers began demolition in April 2026 for two 23-story towers delivering 160 units in 2029.
The driver is straightforward. Wealthier buyers are moving to the area in larger numbers, and some longtime Fort Lauderdale residents who own large single-family homes are transitioning to high-end condo living. That demand is outpacing the existing supply of luxury beachfront homes.
The Intracoastal corridor, specifically where Pillars sits, offers a different lifestyle from the oceanfront towers. Boating access, calmer water views, and a more residential feel attract buyers who want the Fort Lauderdale lifestyle without the traffic and noise of the Atlantic-facing buildings.
What does this mean for Fort Lauderdale buyers?
The plans were advanced at yesterday's Development Review Committee meeting, per a developer representative. The project still needs further approvals before construction can begin. This is progress, not a final green light.
For buyers watching the Broward County luxury market, the pipeline is getting crowded. Between Pillars, Ritz-Carlton, Sage, and St. Regis Bahia Mar, Fort Lauderdale Beach will add over 300 luxury units in the next few years. That supply could shift pricing dynamics, particularly for resale units in older buildings.
Nearby areas like Pompano Beach continue to attract buyers looking for waterfront living at a lower price point, though new development is accelerating there as well.
FAQs about Pillars Club and Residences
How many units will Pillars Club and Residences have?
The project proposes 43 condos across 15 stories. Units range from 1,415 square feet with two bedrooms to 3,110 square feet with four bedrooms. Two rooftop penthouses exceed 5,300 square feet each.
Who is developing Pillars Club and Residences?
Pillars Club and Residences LLC is a joint venture between Uri Bublil of Mazalub Real Estate, Roni Avraham of SR Holdings Group, and Richard Waserstein of Waterstone Capital. Kobi Karp is the architect.
What is happening to the Pillars Hotel?
The 18-room Pillars Hotel and Club, built from a 1939 waterfront estate, would be demolished along with an adjacent 7-unit apartment building. The hotel is currently a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Is Pillars Club and Residences approved?
Not yet. Plans advanced at the Fort Lauderdale Development Review Committee meeting on April 14, 2026, but additional approvals are still required before construction can begin.
What amenities will Pillars Club and Residences have?
The project includes one Intracoastal-facing pool, a rooftop pool, multiple spa plunge pools, and a 92-space parking podium. The developer intends to maintain a private club atmosphere.
Local help for luxury buyers in Fort Lauderdale
If you are buying, selling, or investing in Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, or Oakland Park, understanding how new luxury development affects the market matters. Reach out to The Mastropieri Group, Realtors®.
For practical, hands-on support across the region, call (954) 833-1468.
Posted by Larry Mastropieri
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