Mike Stocker, Sun Sentinel
/
February 27, 2014
Fort Lauderdale warehouses could be next hot spot
Sun Sentinel
A 30-year-old warehouse district on the fringe of downtown is on track to become the city's next hot spot.
Some
envision it as a version of Miami's Wynwood Arts District, with trendy
cafes, galleries and boutiques occupying the dated buildings near the
railroad tracks between Sistrunk and Sunrise boulevards.
The transformation is just waiting to take off, says area art gallery owner Larry Clemons, but is dependent upon reduced parking requirements to make it practical for new businesses to open.
"The synergy for this area is such a no-brainer," Clemons said. "What I'm talking about is a true village, where on the weekend, everybody goes."
The city agrees and has given initial approval to reduced parking in the area east and south of the tracks. It is expected to extend the rules into the triangle area bordered by Andrews Avenue, Sunrise and the tracks.
Already some seeds of change have sprouted. There's the FAT Village Arts District along the tracks west of Andrews near Sistrunk, and the Laser Wolf craft beer bar in the vintage 1920s train station at the tracks and Northeast Third Avenue.
The new businesses would serve the Flagler Village community to the south and the hundreds of new apartments now under construction there. And they would benefit from the planned nearby stops for the Wave electric streetcar, the All Aboard Florida rail between Miami and Orlando, and the proposed Tri-Rail Coastal Link.
Mayor Jack Seiler said "this is an area that's crying out for some sort of relief."
He and commissioners said they are receptive to the proposed changes, which would create opportunity for property owners who are ready to get on board with the idea.
Read the rest of the article here
It would be great for downtown Fort Lauderdale and to all the new development to see the nearby warehouses converted into an art and restaurant destination. Although it will be important for the private sector to drive the gentrification The City can help by making sure to change the zoning and parking requirements in anticipation of the changing use.
Larry Clemons who is quoted in the article is a good friend and owner of the Purvis Young Museum. If you ever want a truly unique art experience make sure to stop by the Museum. Larry's love of art is infectious.
Purvis Young Museum website
The transformation is just waiting to take off, says area art gallery owner Larry Clemons, but is dependent upon reduced parking requirements to make it practical for new businesses to open.
"The synergy for this area is such a no-brainer," Clemons said. "What I'm talking about is a true village, where on the weekend, everybody goes."
The city agrees and has given initial approval to reduced parking in the area east and south of the tracks. It is expected to extend the rules into the triangle area bordered by Andrews Avenue, Sunrise and the tracks.
Already some seeds of change have sprouted. There's the FAT Village Arts District along the tracks west of Andrews near Sistrunk, and the Laser Wolf craft beer bar in the vintage 1920s train station at the tracks and Northeast Third Avenue.
The new businesses would serve the Flagler Village community to the south and the hundreds of new apartments now under construction there. And they would benefit from the planned nearby stops for the Wave electric streetcar, the All Aboard Florida rail between Miami and Orlando, and the proposed Tri-Rail Coastal Link.
Mayor Jack Seiler said "this is an area that's crying out for some sort of relief."
He and commissioners said they are receptive to the proposed changes, which would create opportunity for property owners who are ready to get on board with the idea.
Read the rest of the article here
It would be great for downtown Fort Lauderdale and to all the new development to see the nearby warehouses converted into an art and restaurant destination. Although it will be important for the private sector to drive the gentrification The City can help by making sure to change the zoning and parking requirements in anticipation of the changing use.
Larry Clemons who is quoted in the article is a good friend and owner of the Purvis Young Museum. If you ever want a truly unique art experience make sure to stop by the Museum. Larry's love of art is infectious.
Purvis Young Museum website
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