One of the most recognizable shopping centers on Wilton Drive could be partially demolished to make way for 82 new apartments. Fort Lauderdale-based Stiles Corp. and Delray Beach-based New Urban Communities are behind the proposal at 2200 to 2292 Wilton Drive. The front retail building, with Georgie's Alibi Monkey Bar and Hunter's Nightclub, would remain. Only the vacant big box at the rear would be torn down. The Wilton Manors Development Review Committee is set to consider the rezoning and site plan applications on February 3.
Key Takeaways
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Stiles Corp. is proposing two five-story residential buildings with 82 apartments, 14,700 square feet of new retail, and 3,900 square feet of outdoor dining at the Shoppes of Wilton Manors.
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This is a scaled-down version of "Wilma on the Drive," a 252-unit project approved in 2024 that never broke ground before the property sold to Stiles for $27.63 million.
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The project follows a broader South Florida trend of developers adding multifamily housing to shopping centers to unlock the value of large parking lots and underperforming retail space.
What is Stiles proposing for the Shoppes at Wilton Manors?
This is not a tear-it-all-down-and-start-over project. The front retail building along Wilton Drive, which includes anchors such as Georgie's Alibi Monkey Bar and Hunter's Nightclub, would remain open and continue operating. The part being demolished is the rear building, which is currently vacant.
In its place, two apartment buildings would offer units mostly ranging from about 700 to 1,485 square feet, with three larger units going up to 2,515 square feet. Residents would have access to an interior courtyard with a pool, a club room, a spa, and a fitness center.
Project details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 2200 to 2292 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors |
| Site Size | 5.4 acres |
| Residential | Two 5-story buildings, 82 apartments (116,918 sq ft) |
| New Retail | 14,733 sq ft + 3,850 sq ft outdoor dining |
| Total Commercial | 52,069 sq ft (reduced from current) |
| Parking | 296 spaces (100 dedicated to residential) |
| Developers | Stiles Corp. (retail) + New Urban Communities (residential) |
| Architect | ARC4 Design, Boca Raton |
According to the developer's traffic study, the redeveloped property would generate fewer vehicle trips than the existing shopping center, because apartments draw less traffic than the retail space they would replace.
Why has this site been on developers' radar for years?
This is the third chapter for this property in terms of development ambitions. The previous owners, Grass River Property and Terra, won city approval in January 2024 for a much larger project called "Wilma on the Drive," a six-story, 252-unit apartment building with 24,000 square feet of commercial space. Construction never started.
Stiles then acquired the property in December 2024 for $27.63 million and initially signaled it would just renovate the existing retail. Now, less than two months later, they are back with this new residential proposal, teaming up with New Urban Communities and scaling the unit count down to 82.
The pivot tells you two things: Stiles sees residential demand on this corridor, and they are betting that a smaller, more targeted project has a better shot at getting built. Stiles previously owned the Shoppes of Wilton Manors from 2004 to 2007, selling after making improvements, so they know this property well.
Why are developers turning shopping centers into apartments across South Florida?
The Shoppes at Wilton Manors proposal follows a broader Broward County and South Florida trend of developers adding multifamily housing to shopping centers to maximize the value of large parking lots and underperforming retail space. Apartment residents become built-in customers for the remaining retailers on the property.
Other retail-to-residential conversions in South Florida:
- Southland Mall (Cutler Bay): $1.5 billion conversion to 4,395 residential units plus hotel and retail
- Searstown Plaza (Fort Lauderdale): Aimco planning 1,500 apartments
- Westland Mall (Hialeah): Codina Partners proposing 815 apartments
- Shopper's Haven (Pompano Beach): Stiles redeveloped and welcomed a new Publix in 2025
The Florida Live Local Act has accelerated these conversions by allowing mixed-use projects with workforce housing to preempt local zoning and access tax incentives. Fort Lauderdale retail vacancy remains tight at approximately 3.7%, making these properties attractive for developers looking to add residential while preserving productive retail.
What does this mean for homeowners and buyers near Wilton Manors?
When a developer with Stiles' track record targets a site like this for residential, it is a signal that the demand profile for Wilton Manors is shifting. Wilton Drive has evolved significantly over the past decade from a primarily retail corridor into an arts, dining, and entertainment destination. Adding residents directly on that corridor creates a built-in customer base for existing businesses.
As Larry Mastropieri explained on the Discover South Florida Podcast, "I think as much as some people don't want to see increased density in certain areas, on the other hand, it will make the area more affordable. And this also helps the businesses that exist in that retail right now."
For homeowners nearby, projects like this tend to support property values by adding density and economic activity to walkable areas. For buyers and renters looking at Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale, or Oakland Park, this is part of a broader wave of new housing coming online. The city has approximately 1,100 new apartment units in the development pipeline across multiple projects.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Shoppes at Wilton Manors redevelopment
What is being demolished at the Shoppes of Wilton Manors?
Only the vacant big box building at the rear of the property would be demolished. The front L-shaped retail building along Wilton Drive, which includes Georgie's Alibi Monkey Bar and Hunter's Nightclub, would remain and continue operating.
How many apartments are proposed?
The plan calls for 82 apartments across two five-story buildings. Units would mostly range from 700 to 1,485 square feet, with three larger units up to 2,515 square feet. This is significantly smaller than the previously approved 252-unit "Wilma on the Drive" project that never broke ground.
Who is developing the project?
Fort Lauderdale-based Stiles Corp. would develop the retail component, while Delray Beach-based New Urban Communities would handle the residential side. ARC4 Design of Boca Raton is the architect. Stiles acquired the property for $27.63 million in December 2024.
When will the city review the proposal?
The Wilton Manors Development Review Committee is scheduled to consider the rezoning and site plan applications on February 3, 2026.
What happened to the previous apartment proposal for this site?
The previous owners, Grass River Property and Terra, won city approval in January 2024 for "Wilma on the Drive," a six-story, 252-unit apartment building with 24,000 square feet of commercial space. Construction never started, and the property was sold to Stiles in December 2024.
Local help for buyers and investors in Wilton Manors
If you are buying, selling, or investing in Wilton Manors, understanding how new development affects the neighborhood and property values matters. Whether you are looking at homes near Wilton Drive, investment properties in walkable areas, or rentals in the growing downtown core, working with someone who tracks these developments can help you make informed decisions. Reach out to The Mastropieri Group, Realtors®.
For practical, hands-on support across Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale, and Oakland Park, call (954) 388-7738.
Posted by Larry Mastropieri
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