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The Evolution of
Downtown

PUBLIC SPACES
By Steve Hudson

owntown Fort Lauderdale’s
growth is driving major
Dinvestment into public
spaces. Vibrant, growing cities
like Fort Lauderdale are raising
the bar on new and redesigned
urban parks and plazas. The
growth Downtown Fort Lauderdale
is experiencing has created an
opportunity for us to create high-
quality experiences for residents
and visitors as we rethink how we
are utilizing our key public spaces.
Over the past decade, Downtown
Fort Lauderdale has been evolving
into a world class city for residents,
employees, and visitors. Since the
start of the pandemic alone, over Photo courtesy of FDOT
3,000 new residents have chosen
Downtown Fort Lauderdale as their Tunnel Top Plaza
home. More families and young professionals are choosing Tunnel Top Plaza is creating a new public space where none
to live downtown. In just the last 10 years, the number of previously existed. As part of the rehabilitation of the Henry E.
kids under the age of 14 has increased by over 40% and Kinney Tunnel, the construction of Tunnel Top Plaza will create
the number of 24- to 34-year-olds has surpassed the number a 117-foot pedestrian plaza on the north side of Las Olas
of residents over 55. Now more than ever, Downtown Fort Boulevard stretching over Federal Highway to complement
Lauderdale is an in-demand place to live for people of all ages. Laura Ward Plaza on the south. The creation of this space will
Downtown is also rivaling Fort Lauderdale Beach as the home function as a gateway to Las Olas Boulevard and the Riverwalk.
base of the visitor experience due to multiple new hotels that Funded by the City of Fort Lauderdale’s park bond, the
have opened in the urban core. The opening of The Whitfield Florida Department of Transportation began construction of the
in 2024, my project with Charlie Ladd, will bring to life a project last fall with the plaza expected to be completed by
5-star luxury hotel experience that further elevates Las Olas the end of 2023.
Boulevard as a key tourist destination.
War Memorial Auditorium
The momentum created by these trends is driving major
investment into downtown public spaces like Tunnel Top Located on the western edge of Holiday Park and adjacent
Plaza, War Memorial Auditorium, and Huizenga Park. These to Flagler Village, a revitalized War Memorial Auditorium
projects, either currently under construction or slated to begin is coming to life. The Florida Panthers are transforming this
construction within the next year, will help to create signature space into a world-class venue in partnership with the City.
public spaces that enhance the quality of life and experience War Memorial will become the official practice facility of the
for residents, employees, and visitors. Florida Panthers Hockey Team and provide opportunities for

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