3 min read October 2023 — President and CEO of the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Jenni Morejon sat down with Invest: to discuss the countless opportunities presented to the city’s urban core as it grows, plans for projects in the future and ensuring Fort Lauderdale remains on the international stage for years to come.
What priority investments are you looking forward to going into 2024?
Great cities on the rise like Downtown Fort Lauderdale are constantly reinvesting in their public spaces, streetscapes and essential infrastructure. This is a priority for the DDA and City of Fort Lauderdale with more than $150 million being invested in Downtown parks and civic amenities. In 2024, construction of the newly designed Huizenga Park will commence, kicking off a $15 million capital project led by the DDA to improve downtown’s signature urban park for generations to come. The park’s renovation will be complemented by the recently completed $15 million Tunnel Top Plaza which created a new public space on top of U.S. Hwy 1 as it moves under the New River. These two parks are joined by Las Olas Boulevard, which will be redesigned to improve pedestrian safety and comfort with major upgrades to Fort Lauderdale’s most iconic corridor. Our community leaders understand the value of making these priority investments in shared spaces to improve livability and attract new businesses to the city’s urban core.
What highlights and milestones have defined the past year for the DDA?
2023 was a remarkable year for Downtown Fort Lauderdale and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. Downtown continues to be a major hub for growth and investment at a time when big cities throughout the country are still making a comeback from 2020. Over the past five years, the downtown population has increased by 63% with an 80% increase in the number of kids and families living in the urban core. Driven by this growth, Downtown is a major economic engine with a $36 billion annual economic impact. Las Olas Boulevard sees close to five million visitors per year and out-of-town tourists are now staying downtown in record numbers. All this activity sustains the high level of pedestrian foot traffic necessary for a safe and active downtown, booming with new retail and restaurant offerings. The Florida Panther’s run to the Stanley Cup Final and Lionel Messi’s arrival to Fort Lauderdale has renewed our civic pride while putting the city on the global stage. Our focus this past year on improving parks and public spaces has set the stage for Fort Lauderdale’s recognition as one of the most livable cities in South Florida.
How has micromobility been implemented in plans for Downtown Fort Lauderdale?
One of Fort Lauderdale’s biggest assets is the connectivity between a thriving downtown and a world-class beach. Our residents and visitors truly get the enjoy the best of being in a coastal urban center with immediate access to an international airport and cruise port. The City’s partnership with Circuit to provide nimble electric shuttles free of charge has been transformative in connecting our must-see destinations. This service began as a pilot program last year and now serves more than 20,000 people per month with downtowners eagerly taking advantage of the fun and free service. Circuit also made first and last mile connections seamless through its partnership with Brightline. As the central station along the rail corridor, Fort Lauderdale has seen a tremendous increase in the number of employees and residents riding the train. And we can’t forget about the Riverwalk Water Trolley, which operates daily from morning through late night with eight stops along the New River. Talk about a fun and uniquely Fort Lauderdale option to navigate Downtown!
What is the future of office space in Downtown Fort Lauderdale and how are you approaching it?
We’ve been tracking return to work levels for the past three years in Downtown Fort Lauderdale and have consistently found that our employees are returning to the office at a rate 15 to 20 points better than the national average. Because of this, office vacancy rates have consistently diminished since the pandemic high. Buildings like The Main Las Olas, which opened at the height of covid, are now fully leased because of the flight to quality that employees and their companies demand. We’ll see that trend continue as new boutique offices open in emerging neighborhoods, and campuses like FAT Village, by Hines and Urban Street Development, are planned with a healthy mix of uses to complement office space. Employees want to come back to an environment that is conducive for enjoying the best experiences a city offers, good retail, great restaurants, and attractive public spaces. It’s about creating a city you never want to leave.
What are your priorities for Downtown Fort Lauderdale in the near term?
Downtown Fort Lauderdale is arriving as a top-of-mind destination to live, work and visit. The downtown population has doubled over the past decade and more than 200 people per month have moved to the urban core since 2020. All this increased density is transforming Downtown Fort Lauderdale into a dynamic 18-hour city that in the same conversation as recently hot destinations like Austin and Nashville. For decades, the DDA has worked to attract investment to Downtown Fort Lauderdale and create the cultural amenities that all great downtowns have. The DDA is focused on sustaining this momentum as Downtown Fort Lauderdale continues to evolve into a world-class city. We will only see success if we continue to reinvest in our public spaces and essential infrastructure to create a well-rounded community.
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