Ongoing Projects

More DDA Projects

Ongoing Projects:

Transportation Demonstration Project - The Downtown Development Authority is currently overseeing a downtown transportation project, called the Transportation Demonstration Project. The goal of the project is to develop a transit master plan that provides various options for people coming to and traveling within the Downtown region. Included in the list of partners is the City of Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, the MPO, FDOT and the CRA.

One of the key components of the project includes a demonstration transit shuttle system, such as light rail, that will link various destinations in the Downtown to nearby parking facilities. The project will also include corridor improvements, such as streetscape amenities, including landscaping, wide, shaded sidewalks, lighting and street furniture.

The DDA committed $7.8 million towards the project. This will include a $4.3 million prototype streetscape project that is currently under construction along SE/SW 2nd Street from Federal Highway to SW 4th St. A free trolley is now available along transit connector, linking the Arts and Entertainment district to the west to the Las Olas shopping district to the east and all points in between. The DDA also received TEA-21 funding. In the future, a light rail line will replace the trolley, making Fort Lauderdale the premiere city to live, work and play. For more info. click Downtown Rail Project.

Downtown Marketing - the Downtown Development Authority has undertaken the exciting mission of marketing Downtown Fort Lauderdale as a “Live, Work and Play” destination. Through an advertising campaign consisting of airport welcome signs, airline magazine ads, and Water Bus signs the DDA is spreading the word about the many exciting features of our growing downtown, including new residential units, cultural, educational and recreational opportunities and the addition of new, diverse housing choices. The DDA continues to be an advocate for business relocations and expansions. There are numerous partners for this campaign, including Riverwalk, the Performing Arts Center, Stiles, Trammell Crow and CB Richard Ellis. The campaign also contains the development of a new downtown map and brochure. To receive one, or for more information on how you can get involved, please e-mail the DDA office.

Downtown Streetscape - A prototype streetscape plan, developed by by Ed Stone and Assoc. (EDSA) for the SE/SW Second Street Corridor includes input from adjacent property owners along Second and the Second Street Merchant Association. Construction is near completion. To view photos, please click Downtown Streetscape Photo Gallery.

Improvements include the wide paved sidewalks, additional bulb-out parking, brick pavers crosswalks and street furniture, such as attractive lights, signage, benches and trash receptacles.

Tying together transit opportunities, pedestrian-friendly amenities and access is another goal of the DDA. To this end, the DDA has initiated a Transit Demonstration Project (see above) with the goal of creating a plan with which to develop a pedestrian-oriented design for Downtown that facilitates improved transit access, funds new parking facilities and mitigates congestion problems.

Huizenga Plaza - Phase III renovations to the Downtown park were completed in 2002. Improvements funded in this phase include the building of an amphitheatre for day and night events. Funding is awarded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection FRDAP Grant. The Downtown Development Authority provided the $100,000 matching contribution. The DDA continues to make improvements to the Park, using DDA funds, such as landscaping improvements, signage and the addition of restrooms. Be sure to check out events in the Plaza under Breaking News.

Huizenga Fountain - the H. Wayne Huizenga, Spirit of Fort Lauderdale Fountain was officially dedicated in 2003. Funding for this state-of-the-art interactive fountain complete with lights, music and dancing water jets was provided by donations from friends of the Downtown and the DDA. Situated at the northwest end of the Plaza, the fountain provides hours of entertainment for residents, workers and visitors alike. For a schedule of performances, please click Fountain.

DDA Bond Referendum - On August 31, 1999, Downtown Property owners who voted by an overwhelming majority to issue general obligation bonds, totaling $12 million. The DDA Board specified four areas as general categories within which to structure individual projects including: land acquisition; parking enhancement and development; streetscape enhancements and; redevelopment of Flagler Heights. Also included in the list of targeted areas for development is Riverwalk. Plans are now under development to finish the construction of Riverwalk on the south side of the New River. Taxes due to the DDA will NOT exceed current taxes to retire existing bond service obligations. Bonds issued for this referendum will be based upon an amortization of 1998 assessed values in the Downtown at the same mileage rate in effect in 1998.

For further information, please send a request via EMAIL, call the DDA office at (954) 463-6574.



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