Page 24 - LOBI0922

Downtown Update continued

Over the past two years, the DDA has been planning for a years to advance a downtown street framework with wide
complete transformation of Huizenga Park. During this time, sidewalks, lush shade trees, and new light fixtures. These
Charlie’s input has been key to our progress. He has spent elements were essential to the early growth of Flagler Village
countless hours reviewing plans and contracts as well as and are critical to further elevate the neighborhood’s livability
learning about how great parks around the country become and vibrancy. While adding these elements may seem like
successful, ensuring the vision for an exquisitely designed park minor additions to a rapidly growing downtown, Charlie
becomes reality. Charlie treats these types of public projects knows that these infrastructure investments add up over time
as if they were his own business endeavors; with pride, and are critical to create a safe and walkable city.
thoroughness, and laser-focus.
As the city moves the Las Olas Boulevard Mobility Plan
It is commonly said that retail follows rooftops. With a forward, Charlie has been a strong advocate for enhancing
downtown population exceeding 24,000 residents, the the quality of the street. And he’s making catalytic investments
density of DowntownFTL will continue to drive quality retail to jump start the transformation of Las Olas. The Whitfield
and restaurant options to the city - especially on Las Olas Hotel, a five-star boutique asset slated to open in 2024, is the
Boulevard and in Flagler Village. Charlie’s leadership of brainchild of Charlie and business partner, Steve Hudson. This
Barron Real Estate and his service on the Las Olas Association new hotel will elevate the level of hospitality on Las Olas for
Board of Directors has helped DowntownFTL create an decades to come and continue to grow the foot-traffic on our
elevated dining and shopping experience, and he is just beloved retail street.
getting started.
So, whether you’ve lived here your entire life or are a
Popular restaurants and shops like Louie Bossi’s, PLANTA, recent transplant, I’d bet you can’t walk Downtown without
Doc B’s, Tacocraft, Vale Food Co, Temple Street Eatery, experiencing a new streetscape, restaurant, or shop that Charlie
Shuck ‘N Dive, Santiago’s Bodega, Fresh Market, YETI, and helped bring to life. And with that impact on our community, the
Warby Parker were all made possible due to Charlie’s vision. DDA is excited to celebrate Charlie at the Chamber’s annual
Additional food and shopping options coming soon to Ladd- Saluting Excellence In Business & Beyond event on October 7th
owned properties are Etta, Lululemon, and Mister O1 Pizza. at 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale.
Come celebrate with us! Tickets and sponsorship opportunities
Charlie is an enthusiastic supporter of investing in streetscapes
and has worked closely with city and civic leaders for 25 are available at www.ftlchamber.com

22 LAS OLAS BOULEVARD & ISLES

8/25/22 10:21 PM
LOBI 0922.indd 22
LOBI 0922.indd 22 8/25/22 10:21 PM