A well-known waterfront hotel in Fort Lauderdale may soon be replaced by a modern luxury condo tower. The Manhattan Tower Hotel, located on Bayshore Drive, is the proposed site of Opus at 701, a 13-story development with 54 high-end condos, luxury amenities, and sweeping views of the Intracoastal Waterway. While the project promises new upscale housing, it also raises questions about the loss of historic architecture and how it may affect the surrounding neighborhood.
New Fort Lauderdale Luxury Condo Project Overview and Developer Details
The proposed tower at 632 and 701 Bayshore Drive will feature 54 high-end condos and a range of resort-style amenities. The building will include a three-story parking podium with 114 spaces, rooftop amenities, and expansive residences ranging from 1,303 to 3,384 square feet.
The development is being led by CNB Contracting, which acquired the 0.8-acre site for $19.5 million over a two-year period from 2023 to 2025.
The two properties, Manhattan Tower and the adjacent apartment building, were sold in May 2025. The developer is seeking approvals from the Fort Lauderdale City Commission and the Development Review Committee (DRC) to move forward. City staff have already suggested design modifications, including adjustments to balconies and the parking podium.
Units, Layouts, and Amenities of the New Fort Lauderdale Luxury Condo
Each of the 54 residences will be a minimum of two bedrooms, with the most common layout being three-bedroom units. Penthouse homes will feature three bedrooms and dens, offering additional living space.
Residents will have access to:
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Two resort-style pools
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Rooftop amenity deck
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Private cabanas
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Yoga and fitness rooms
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Club rooms and private dining areas
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A spa and wellness area
Impact of the Fort Lauderdale Luxury Condo Market
Between 2024 and 2029, 1,600 to 1,800 new luxury condo units priced above $2 million are projected to enter the market. This increase represents a 25% to 30% expansion of Fort Lauderdale’s high-end housing inventory.
Developments in the area are designed to attract buyers looking for large residences with ocean, Intracoastal, or city views. These properties typically offer high-end finishes, resort-style amenities, and privacy-focused layouts.
Opus at 701 will be among several luxury condo developments underway or recently completed in Fort Lauderdale, including:
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Selene Fort Lauderdale – Twin oceanfront towers rising 26 stories with expansive terraces and direct Atlantic views.
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The Residences at Pier Sixty-Six – A luxury waterfront community with dock-slips for yachts.
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Auberge Beach Residences & Spa – A branded luxury condo with spa services and beachfront access.
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Viceroy Residences Fort Lauderdale – Upscale living with hotel-style amenities and full-service convenience.
Manhattan Tower Hotel’s History
Originally built in 1952 as a corporate retreat for General Motors, the Manhattan Tower Hotel was designed by Charles McKirahan, a prominent figure in Mid-Century Modern architecture. Its most recognizable features, a 50-foot iron crown and sweeping circular staircase, became visual landmarks along Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway.
In the late 1950s, the building was transformed into an all-suite boutique hotel, catering to vacationers, business travelers, and celebrities. Among its most well-known guests was Helen Brach, who maintained a long-term stay in the penthouse.
Over the decades, Manhattan Tower gained recognition as a stop on architectural tours and the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi route. Today, residents and preservation advocates have expressed concern over the potential loss of this distinctive piece of the city’s architectural and cultural identity if it is replaced by a modern high-rise condo tower.
Design Review and Community Concerns of The New Fort Lauderdale Luxury Condo
The proposed building would rise 155 feet, aligning with the height of other nearby high-rises and within local zoning guidelines. Still, local residents have expressed concerns related to increased traffic, pedestrian safety, and the visual scale of the new structure compared to the existing streetscape.
In response, Fort Lauderdale planning staff have provided initial feedback and suggested the following design revisions:
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Improved screening of the parking podium
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Reduction in balcony sizes
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Enhanced features for pedestrian walkability
Before construction can begin, the project must undergo formal review by the Development Review Committee (DRC) and receive approval from the City Commission. These steps will include opportunities for public input and may result in further design adjustments.
FAQ about The New Fort Lauderdale Luxury Condo at Opus 701
What is Opus at 701 in Fort Lauderdale?
Opus at 701 is a proposed 13-story luxury condominium project located on Bayshore Drive in Fort Lauderdale. The development will feature 54 high-end condo units and a variety of luxury amenities.
Where is Opus at 701 located?
Opus at 701 is planned for the site at 632 and 701 Bayshore Drive in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It will be situated along the Intracoastal Waterway.
What is happening to the Manhattan Tower Hotel?
The Manhattan Tower Hotel, a historic Mid-Century Modern building constructed in 1952, is set to be demolished to make way for the new Opus at 701 condo development.
How tall will Opus at 701 be?
The proposed Opus at 701 tower will be 13 stories tall and reach a height of 155 feet, which is similar in scale to other nearby buildings in the area.
What types of residences will be offered?
The building will include 54 luxury condominiums, with a mix of two-bedroom units, three-bedroom residences, and penthouses that feature additional dens. Units will range from 1,303 to 3,384 square feet.
What amenities will Opus at 701 provide?
Opus at 701 will offer amenities such as two resort-style pools, a rooftop amenity deck, private cabanas, a spa, fitness and yoga rooms, club rooms, private dining areas, and a three-story parking podium with 114 spaces.
Is Opus at 701 approved by the city?
As of now, the project has not yet received full approval. It is currently under review by the Fort Lauderdale Development Review Committee.
Work With Local Experts
Navigating the fast-moving luxury condo market requires local expertise. A Fort Lauderdale real estate agent understands which projects are undervalued, what’s coming to market, and how to negotiate effectively.
Looking to buy or sell luxury property in South Florida? Trust the The Mastropieri Group, Realtors®. Call us today at (561) 544-7000 for personalized support from one of the top real estate agents in Fort Lauderdale Florida.
Posted by Larry Mastropieri on
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