Proposed Development of Sears Location
More Fort Lauderdale development is afoot with the latest proposal for a project over at the juncture of US-1 and Sunrise Boulevard. Residential towers boasting mid-century architectural designs could be replacing the Searstown plaza changing the skyline for the immediate area, yet becoming an extension of nearby Flagler and downtown. The proposed development calls for the two tallest towers to rise by 30 stories with additional new 15 and 17 story buildings offering a total of over 800 residential homes.
The proposal for development is being offered by RK Centers, led by Raanan Katz, who is a part owner of the nearby Miami Heat NBA basketball team.The plans that were recently shared by the developer to a review committee call for a total redesign of the property located off North Federal Highway with it being turned into a new community boasting shops and restaurants as well as a 10,000-square-foot art studio.The proposal had three parts to it including the following:
-A 17 story tower that would include a 240 room hotel located at 550 NE 9th St. This also includes almost 3,500 square feet of restaurant space, a café featuring outdoor seating as well as parking for almost 300 cars.
-A 15 story residential tower located at 450 NE 9th St. This would house 135 units as well as retail and restaurant space, an art studio spanning over 10,000 square feet and parking for 230 cars.
-The two 30 story towers and the 15 story tower that would be home to 819 residential units would be located at 901 N. Federal Highway. This also includes over 70,000 square feet of both retail and office space, 4,000 square feet of restaurant space, a 4,000 square foot food court, as well as parking for 1,351 cars.
The planning for the project had started back in August, stated Andrew Zidar, leasing and development manager with RK Centers. Apparently there is yet to be a timetable for both groundbreaking and completion. However, the company who owns approximately 8 million square feet of retail properties in both Florida and New England is aggressively moving forward with the needed city approvals to begin. ‘We are full speed ahead,” he said.