It’s been a while since my last one of these, so a quick update on me first. I’m full-time on the commercial side now, as Vice President at Native Realty. I do leasing and investment sales for retail, industrial, office and land, mostly here in Fort Lauderdale and around Broward.
I still live here, still love this city, and there’s a LOT going on right now: new towers, a wave of new restaurants (and a few goodbyes), Broadway, jazz on the river, car shows and the holidays coming fast. So I’m bringing the newsletter back to keep you in the loop. Grab a coffee.
Jump to: Development · Caviar Club · Restaurants · On stage · Jazz · Events & holidays · Car shows · Beer & food fests · THRIVE · Market data · Listings
Development Spotlight
317 N Federal: Twin Towers Get the Green Light
Downtown / Flagler Village · Merrimac Ventures
Remember the old Sherwin-Williams and the Greyhound stop on Federal Highway? That site is finally moving. On Oct. 20 the City Commission unanimously approved an updated plan from Merrimac Ventures (the Motwani family) for two residential towers with 773 units and about 7,800 SF of ground-floor commercial. The west tower got trimmed from 42 to 37 stories in the redesign. They bought the 1.8-acre site for $14M back in 2020.
My take: this is one of the last big pieces between the downtown core and Flagler Village. More people living on that stretch is great news for every shop and restaurant around it.
Source: The Real Deal
Pier Sixty-Six: Phase II Is Coming
2301 SE 17th St · Tavistock Development
Fitting for boat show week, since Pier Sixty-Six is one of the show’s venues. Tavistock has proposed a second phase: four 23-story towers with 339 residences, office space above the podiums, ground-floor shops and restaurants (including a grocery), a new one-acre boat basin and a longer waterfront promenade. They’re even planning a community space under the 17th Street bridge with the city and FDOT.
It’s still a proposal, so we’ll see how approvals go. But if you’ve been to the redone hotel and marina, you know they do it right. Pelican Landing, the two-story waterfront restaurant, is also coming back there.
Source: Florida YIMBY
Keep an Eye On: The Galleria
Sunrise Blvd & the Intracoastal · right down the street from our office
The new owners are using the state’s Live Local Act to turn the 31-acre mall site into a full neighborhood: roughly 3,100 apartments (about 40% workforce housing) across eight ~30-story towers, a 170-room hotel and over 1 million SF of retail, restaurant, office and wellness space. The FAA cleared the tower heights in May, and Wayfair has a roughly 94,000 SF store planned there for late 2027.
Love it or hate it, this changes East Sunrise. I’ll keep you posted.
Source: Florida YIMBY
Las Olas Is Getting a Makeover
Las Olas Boulevard Mobility Project · City of Fort Lauderdale
The city approved the Las Olas Boulevard Mobility Project this year: wider sidewalks, raised intersections and mid-block crosswalks, slower traffic, consistent street lighting and a lot more shade. The city expects tree canopy to roughly quadruple downtown and along the shops, and grow up to 12 times in Colee Hammock. And yes, street parking stays.
Add a Rolex flagship that was approved for the boulevard, plus all the restaurants below, and Las Olas is having a real moment.
Source: City of Fort Lauderdale
Huizenga Park Is Back (and Better)
32 E Las Olas Blvd, on the New River
After a two-year, roughly $15M redo, Huizenga Park is open again at Las Olas and Andrews. It now has a real restaurant (Sweetwaters, more on that below), a vintage-RV coffee and bakery stop from Miami’s Ophelia coming this fall, free yoga, outdoor movies and makers markets. It’s open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and about a 10-minute walk from Brightline.
Source: Visit Lauderdale
Native in the News: Caviar Club on Las Olas
833 E Las Olas Blvd · Falsetto Hospitality
Proud of this one: Native Realty did the lease. Marc Falsetto’s group (Runway 84, Pizza Craft) took over the old Unique Treasures building and reportedly put close to $10M into it. It’s a 1980s-style steakhouse and caviar lounge, about 4,200 SF with a 40-seat martini lounge, dry-aged and Wagyu steaks, tableside Dover sole and a 300-plus bottle wine list.
Public reservations open Oct. 27. Heads up: there’s a dress code (dress shirt and pants). Their invite-only Founding 100 membership sold out in three weeks. Who wants to go?
Source: Hoodline
New Restaurants, Coming Soon & Goodbyes
Naia (Opened Oct. 22)
904 E Las Olas Blvd (the old Mango’s)
From The Restaurant People (YOLO, Boatyard, S3). Mediterranean with Asian technique, cooked over a robata fire, plus sushi with fish from Tokyo’s Toyosu market. 5,700 SF and 225 seats, with a waterfall wall at the entrance. Open late: till 2 a.m. Fri–Sat.
Source: Read more
Sweetwaters (Opened Oct. 12)
Huizenga Park, Las Olas & Andrews
The Rusty Pelican family’s first Florida spot outside Key Biscayne. Coastal seafood right on the New River, almost 10,000 SF and 292 seats, with a riverfront patio and a terrace facing the park.
Source: Read more
Barchetta (New this fall)
Omni Fort Lauderdale, on the Intracoastal
An Italian chophouse with handmade pasta, seafood and big steaks (think bistecca for two), with a retro, mid-century look. The name means little boat.
Source: Read more
Hula Kai Tiki Bar (Opened Sept. 26)
1075 SE 17th St
James Flanigan’s group (Quarterdeck) built a three-level, 5,000 SF tiki bar with a rooftop lounge. Flaming Zombies, pupu platters and Spam musubi. Fun stop on the way to or from the boat show.
Source: Read more
Motek by the Sea (Opening in November)
W Fort Lauderdale, on the beach (the old El Vez space)
Miami’s Motek is coming to the W with Eastern Mediterranean family-style food, about 12,000 SF and 315 seats right on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Source: Read more
Also new
- Magie Wine Bar (551 N Federal Hwy, Flagler Village): Opened Oct. 15. Laid-back wine bar with a hidden speakeasy, from the Miami team (Little River, Coconut Grove).
- Peppi’s Pizza (Gateway, 1900 E Sunrise Blvd): The Miami pizza spot from Dave Portnoy’s One Bite reviews, now in Broward.
- Capybara Café (THRIVE Art District): Yes, really. You can hang out with capybaras ($59 for 30 minutes). PETA isn’t thrilled.
Coming soon
- Tonno Nero (510 N Federal Hwy (old Tacocraft)): Seafood and handmade pasta from chef Joe Anthony, who cooked at Daniel and Union Square Cafe. This fall.
- Amal (500 E Las Olas Blvd): Lebanese mezze from the Byblos group. Later this year.
- Pizza Queen (1217 E Las Olas Blvd): New York-style slice shop from the Caviar Club team. This winter.
- Little Hen (1201 E Las Olas Blvd (old Planta Queen)): English-style brunch and afternoon tea, 190 seats inside.
- Ophelia (Huizenga Park): Coffee, pastries and grab-and-go out of a vintage RV. This fall.
Goodbyes
- Big City Tavern (609 E Las Olas): Announced it’s closing after 25 years on the boulevard.
- The Alchemist Café (Wilton Manors): The garden café closed in October to make way for a 190-unit apartment building. The owners say they’ll be back.
- El Vez (W Fort Lauderdale): Stephen Starr’s beach spot is out; Motek by the Sea is in.
- Tacocraft (510 N Federal Hwy): Making way for Tonno Nero.
- Thasos Greek Taverna (3330 E Oakland Park Blvd): Closed in May. Meat Market bought the property and plans a steakhouse there.
- Foxy Brown (Victoria Park): Closed in May, citing lease and insurance costs. The owner calls it a pause, not goodbye.
My take from the commercial side: notice how fast these spaces turn over? Second-generation restaurant space (hood, grease trap, liquor history) almost never sits long in this city. If you know an operator looking, or a landlord with a space coming up, send them my way.
Sources: Visit Lauderdale, Edible South Florida, Axios Fort Lauderdale, Hoodline, CFood
On Stage
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 SW 5th Ave, downtown on the Riverwalk
- Nov 7: Bruce Cockburn with Livingston Taylor (Amaturo Theater)
- Nov 10–22: Hamilton is back (Au-Rene Theater)
- Nov 14: Paula Poundstone (Amaturo)
- Nov 27–29: Cirque Dreams Holidaze
- Dec 5: Dionne Warwick & Myles Frost: A Merry Motown Christmas with the Symphony of the Americas
- Dec 12: Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas, with 2,000+ candles on stage
- Dec 12–27: Slow Burn Theatre: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- Dec 13: Kenny G: The Miracles Holiday & Hits Tour
- Dec 15–27: Death Becomes Her (Broadway series)
The Parker (Parker Playhouse)
707 NE 8th St, in Holiday Park
- Oct 27: David Sedaris
- Nov 5: Greensky Bluegrass
- Nov 9: John Cameron Mitchell: Hedwig 25th Anniversary
- Nov 12: Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert (40th anniversary)
- Nov 18: An Evening with John Cusack + a screening of High Fidelity
- Nov 21: Leslie Jones: I’m Hot Tour
- Dec 5: South Florida Symphony: Handel’s Messiah & Holiday Pops
- Dec 12: Three Dog Night
- Dec 18–20: Arts Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker (29th year)
War Memorial Auditorium
800 NE 8th St, also in Holiday Park
- Oct 29: Black Label Society + Zakk Sabbath
- Nov 7: Victoria Monét
- Dec 3: Dark Star Orchestra (the Grateful Dead tribute)
Big shows nearby
- Oct 29–30: Ed Sheeran at Hard Rock Live
- Nov 5 & 7: RUSH at Hard Rock Live
- Nov 19–20: Olivia Rodrigo at Amerant Bank Arena
- Nov 19–22: Sebastian Maniscalco at Hard Rock Live
- Nov 15: Bowling for Soup at Revolution Live
Jazz on the River
Sunday Jazz Brunch is the best free thing in this city. First Sunday of the month, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at Esplanade Park on the Riverwalk, right next to the Broward Center. Three stages of live local jazz. Bring a chair or blanket and a picnic, and the dog is welcome.
Want it indoors? Gold Coast Jazz Society plays the Broward Center’s Amaturo Theater: Janis Siegel & the South Florida Jazz Orchestra on Nov. 11 and The Hot Sardines’ Holiday Stomp on Dec. 2, both at 7:45 p.m.
Source: City of Fort Lauderdale, Gold Coast Jazz
Boat Show, Festivals & Holidays
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Oct 28 – Nov 1 · Six venues incl. the Convention Center, Bahia Mar & Pier Sixty-Six
The 67th show and 1,300+ boats. Wednesday is preview day (noon–7), Thu–Sat 10–7, Sun 10–5. Tickets online only. Pro tip: free shuttle from the Brightline station.
Wicked Manors: Masquerade of Mayhem
Sat, Oct 31 · Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors · 6–11 PM
The big Halloween street party, with Wilton Drive closed to cars. General admission is about $18.
Downtown Day of the Dead
Sat, Nov 7 · Esplanade Park · 3–8 PM
Face painting, costumes, a costume stroll, roving performers and food along the river.
Riverwalk International Food Festival
Sat, Nov 14 · Esplanade Park · Noon–4 PM · Free entry
Bites from Caribbean, Latin, European, Asian and Middle Eastern spots, mostly $5 a taste, plus music. There’s a 21+ VIP tasting too.
Rum Cake & Caribbean Black Cake Festival
Sun, Nov 15 · The Venue, 2345 Wilton Dr · 2–6 PM
Rum cakes and black cakes from 20+ countries, Junkanoo performers and a holiday market. $30 in advance, $40 at the door.
Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot
Thu, Nov 26 · Las Olas Oceanside Park · 7:30 AM
The Thanksgiving 5K on the beach. Run off the pie before you eat it. $55, and prices go up after Oct. 26.
64th Annual Christmas on Las Olas
Tue, Dec 1 · East Las Olas Blvd · 5–10 PM · Free
Stages up and down the boulevard, vendors, food and drinks, and Santa.
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Sat, Dec 12 · New River & the Intracoastal · Preshow 5:30, parade 6 PM
The 12-mile lit-up boat parade with fireworks. This year’s theme is Party in the U.S.A. for America’s 250th. Free Family Fun Day at Esplanade Park on Nov. 22.
The City’s Light Up Series (all free)
- Nov 5, Light Up Lauderdale: Esplanade Park, kicks off 10 weeks of lights on the New River
- Nov 12, Light Up the Galt: 33rd St, live music and a tree lighting
- Nov 19, Light Up the Beach: Las Olas Oceanside Park: 50,000+ lights and Olas, the 20-ft beach snowman
- Dec 3, Light Up Sistrunk: Giant tree lighting, bands and a free toy giveaway
Car Shows
- Nov 7: Veterans Day Car Show, St. Coleman Church, Pompano Beach, 10–2. Free for spectators, honoring Honor Flight vets.
- Nov 8: Veterans Day Car & Truck Show at Plantation Walk, 11–3. Free, with live music.
- Nov 14: Supercar Saturdays at the Seminole Hard Rock (the Guitar Hotel) in Hollywood, 9–noon. Free to look.
- Nov 15: 9th Annual Exotics at the Colonnade, Sawgrass Mills, 11–4. 250+ hypercars, supercars and classics.
- Last Sunday: Fuelfed Coffee & Classics at THRIVE Art District, 8–10 a.m. Coffee and classic cars.
Beer & Food Fests
- Nov 14: North Miami BrewFest: 30 South Florida breweries and 100+ beers, $85. Worth the drive.
- Nov 21: Boca Raton Wine & Food Festival at Sanborn Square: unlimited craft beer, wine and spirits, a craft brew competition and local chefs. From $65.
- Watch for: Riverwalk Rhythm & Brews, the quarterly live music and local beer party on the river. Next date TBA.
THRIVE Art District
710 NW 5th Ave, Progresso Village · free parking
If you haven’t been, go. The city opened this 5-acre creative district this year with 80,000+ SF of studios, galleries, shops and food, and it’s become one of the coolest spots in town.
Art Walk is the last Saturday of the month (Oct. 31 is a Halloween edition with an open record spin and DJs). The Wellness Sunset Club (yoga, DJ, cold plunge) is Nov. 15. ArtBaselish, their art, fashion and music party, is Dec. 4, the same weekend as Art Basel in Miami Beach.
Source: THRIVE District
Bonus for families: NSU Art Museum (1 E Las Olas) is free on the first Thursday of the month (Nov. 5 and Dec. 3, 11–7), and the Museum of Discovery & Science has a Charley Harper wildlife art exhibit through Jan. 11.
What’s the Data Say?
Residential: The Fort Lauderdale median home sale price was about $605K for the three months ending in September, up roughly 14% from a year ago, per Redfin. Homes are getting about two offers on average, so buyers have more room to negotiate than a few years ago.
Commercial: Broward commercial sales hit $3.55B through the first three quarters of 2026, up 9%, the only South Florida county that grew. Big deals included LeFrak’s $180M purchase of The Harbour at New River and two Pompano Beach warehouse sales above $160M. Across South Florida, median sale prices per SF are up about 20% for retail and 10% for industrial.
Source: Hoodline / Redfin, MIAMI REALTORS®
A Few of My Current Listings
- 637 Art Lofts | 637 NE 4th Ave, Flagler Village · FOR SALE · $3,700,000
Some of you remember this one from an old issue: I sold this building for the developer and represented the buyer. Now that same owner hired me to sell it again. 9 furnished units (7 studios + 2 one-beds), built 2022, running as a short-term rental. Turnkey. - 460 SW 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale · FOR SALE · $2,000,000
0.33-acre development site, RAC-SMU zoning, roughly a 17-unit site - Tides at Bridgeside Square, Suite 304 · FOR SALE · $389,000
3020 NE 32nd Ave, 918 SF office condo by the Galt - 1636 NE 12th Ter, Fort Lauderdale · FOR LEASE · $16,000/mo
Warehouse + gated yard, 3-phase power, lease together or separately - Aviah, 441 NE 5th Ave Suite 5 · FOR LEASE · $3,000/mo
Flagler Village, ~1,200 SF ground-floor retail, spa & salon OK - 1130 Bayview Dr, Fort Lauderdale · FOR LEASE · $25/SF NNN
Second-generation medical office - 201 SW 1st Ave #145, Downtown · FOR LEASE · Call me
4,134 SF former nightclub / event venue with mezzanine, steps from the Wharf
Got a Commercial Question?
Past clients: if you own a building, storefront, warehouse or land, or you’re thinking about buying one, I’m happy to tell you what it’s worth or what it would rent for. Agents: send me your commercial clients and I’ll pay you a referral fee. Call or text 954.610.0440 or email [email protected].
Event dates and details come from organizers’ public listings and can change, so please confirm before you go. Project renderings and restaurant photos are credited under each image and belong to their owners. Other photos: Unsplash and Pexels contributors (free license), illustrative only.
