The redevelopment of the Fort Lauderdale City Hall is moving forward, with six proposals now in consideration for the city-owned site at 100 North Andrews Avenue. Following the 2023 storm that severely damaged the former City Hall building, this project represents not just a rebuild but a transformation for downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Why Fort Lauderdale Needs a New City Hall?
In April 2023, a record-breaking storm caused catastrophic flooding throughout the city. The old Fort Lauderdale City Hall took on more than eight feet of water in its basement, destroying servers, electrical systems, and other key operations. The damage forced the city to vacate the building and relocate municipal offices to temporary locations across Fort Lauderdale.
Now, with demolition completed and the site prepared, the city is reviewing six redevelopment proposals. Each aims to deliver a modern, resilient, and functional Fort Lauderdale City Hall designed to serve the city’s long-term needs.
The Six Fort Lauderdale City Hall Proposals
Fort Lauderdale Civic Partners (Meridian Infrastructure North America)
In May, Meridiam Infrastructure North America, the firm behind the PortMiami Tunnel and an affiliate of Paris-based investment manager Meridiam, submitted an unsolicited three design proposal to partner with the city on developing a new city hall. As required by state law, the city then opened the door for other developers to submit competing proposals, with an Aug. 5 deadline.
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Comprehensive Plan: 340,000 square feet with a 12-story tower, wellness center, childcare, gallery, and flexible community space.
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Optimized Plan: 10-story tower with reduced amenity space but core programs intact.
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Baseline Plan: Seven-story tower focused on essential administrative functions.
Parking will be provided in the adjacent garage, and part of NE 1st Street could become a pedestrian plaza. Construction on the council chambers starts in August 2026, with the full complex set for completion by February 2029.
Meridian highlighted its role as a long-term infrastructure partner, ensuring on-time delivery and decades of operational support.
FTL Beacon Collaborative
FTL Beacon Collaborative, a group with a track record of more than 78 public-private partnership projects and over 200 civic facilities nationwide, has unveiled its proposal for the new Fort Lauderdale City Hall. Designed by Miami-based Arquitectonica, the 229-foot tower emphasizes resilience and sustainability, with an all-glass facade lined with horizontal sunshades to reduce heat while allowing natural light.
The design elevates the ground floor to guard against flooding, incorporates windows rated to withstand Category 4–5 hurricanes, and conceals a parking podium beneath a sloped roof. Unlike competing plans, the proposal involves integrated parking at the rear of the building, easing demand on existing downtown garages.
The team includes Gilbane Development Company as lead design builder and Godart Florida Real Estate Investments as associate developer. Pre-development is expected to take around 20 months for negotiations, permitting, and design refinements, with full completion anticipated by mid-2027.
Balfour Beatty
Balfour Beatty, a global infrastructure leader with more than 90 years of experience in South Florida, has presented a multi-phase proposal for the new Fort Lauderdale City Hall. Partnering with lead designer DLR Group, architect Kobi Karp, and civil engineer CMA, the company outlined three potential development paths ranging from a civic-only building to a larger mixed-use district.
The first concept centers on a mid-rise glass-clad building dedicated exclusively to civic use, including public offices, community areas, and potentially a library. A second option adds retail, private office space, and additional floors that could generate revenue, reducing the need for public funding. Balfour Beatty has also expressed interest in leasing a portion of the new space, aligning with the expiration of its current regional office lease.
The third concept envisions a broader transformation, combining the new Fort Lauderdale City Hall with redevelopment of the neighboring parking garage into a multi-use hub. This phase could introduce residential units, private offices, and commercial areas, creating a larger civic and community district. Across all concepts, the design takes inspiration from the ocean, symbolizing transparency, unity, and the city’s coastal identity.
Industry 1 Development Committee
Industry 1 Development, working with Industry Grade Construction Group, has submitted a proposal for the new Fort Lauderdale City Hall. With offices just 600 feet from the site and more than 46 years of local presence among team members, the group highlights its community ties and long-standing commitment. The plan calls for a City Hall that unifies dispersed civic departments into one location, featuring integrated workspaces, commission chambers, and public areas designed to improve access and foster civic connection.
The partnership stresses an “economically mindful” approach, aiming to deliver the project on time and within budget. Construction is projected from May 2026 through March 2028, with city staff moving in by mid-2028. While final architectural designs have yet to be released, AI-generated images currently illustrate possible visions for the Fort Lauderdale City Hall site.
Cypress West
Cypress West, led by partner Sheldon Gross, has proposed a dual-campus approach for the new Fort Lauderdale City Hall. The plan would repurpose the Kaplan building at 1515 West Cypress Street for back-office operations while constructing a smaller, 100,000-square-foot public-facing City Hall on the vacant downtown site. This strategy aims to reduce construction costs, allow for faster occupancy, and provide long-term flexibility.
According to the development team, dividing services across two buildings will deliver greater financial responsibility while still modernizing operations. The new downtown facility will include Commission chambers, public services, and other civic functions, with construction scheduled to begin in May 2026 and wrap up by May 2028
FTL City Hall Partner
FTL City Hall Partners has unveiled a $260 million proposal for the new Fort Lauderdale City Hall, designed as a 10-story, 196,000-square-foot Class A office building. The project would consolidate all city departments under one roof while adding civic features such as a City Commission Chamber, event space, and a landscaped public plaza. The development team includes Core and Stiles Construction, design architect Palma, and PGAL as architect of record, bringing experience from 64 completed P3 projects.
The proposal emphasizes community input, with residents calling for a City Hall that is functional, lasting, and worthy of civic pride. Operating costs are projected between $3.6 million and $3.9 million annually, and completion is estimated by late 2028, pending approval and design refinements.
Real Estate Implications of the New Fort Lauderdale City Hall
The construction of a new Fort Lauderdale City Hall is expected to have ripple effects throughout the downtown area. By anchoring development, it could:
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Raise surrounding property values
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Spark new mixed-use developments
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Encourage private investment near City Hall
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Attract more residents and businesses to downtown Fort Lauderdale
Neighborhoods like Flagler Village and Las Olas could see increased demand as government employees and vendors seek proximity to the new government center. Investors watching the downtown Fort Lauderdale real estate market may want to keep a close eye on which proposal is selected.
FAQs About Fort Lauderdale City Hall Redevelopment
When will the new Fort Lauderdale City Hall be completed?
Most proposals estimate completion by 2028 or 2029.
What happened to the old Fort Lauderdale City Hall?
It was permanently closed due to storm damage and later demolished.
Where will the new City Hall be located?
At 100 North Andrews Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
What are the benefits of the new Fort Lauderdale City Hall?
Improved public services, modern design, energy efficiency, and economic development for the surrounding area.
Will the new City Hall include public spaces?
Yes, most proposals include community rooms, plazas, and event spaces.
Final Thoughts: Downtown Transformation in Progress
The redevelopment of the Fort Lauderdale City Hall site marks more than just a municipal project. The new civic center could reshape local real estate trends, boost public services, and enhance the quality of life for residents.
For real estate buyers, investors, or business owners curious about how this project could impact them, now is the time to get informed.
Contact The Mastropieri Group, Realtors® at (561) 544-7000 for expert insights on real estate near the future Fort Lauderdale City Hall. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, our team is here to guide you through the changing Fort Lauderdale market.