4 minute read
the City for the Better
Lauderhill CRA
TRANSFORMING THE CITY FOR THE BETTER
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The winds of change are blowing through Lauderhill. The bustling State Road 7 (SR7) corridor is undergoing a major facelift under the guidance of the City and the Lauderhill Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The effort comprises two districts — the Central CRA and the State Road 7 CRA. Even in the midst of the pandemic, the City and agency are facilitating positive transformation with the goal of showcasing the diversity, style and function of the area. Initiatives such as the Commercial Facade Grant Program and the Arts and Entertainment District are breathing new life into the City’s cultural, dining and shopping hub with the hopes of instilling a renewed sense of civic pride and strengthening local businesses.
STATE ROAD 7 CRA PROJECTS ON 38TH AVENUE
While COVID-19 has delayed events planned for the City’s emerging downtown arts and entertainment district, the physical preparation of the area is well underway. Among the improvements is a revitalization of the warehouse corridor of N.W. 38th Avenue.
The City will spend nearly $ 5 million to improve 38th Avenue between 16th and 19th streets, just off SR7— the City’s main north-south thoroughfare. Once realized, it will become home to a number of dinein restaurants, fashion boutiques, comedy clubs and more. Exciting events hosted there will include a Business Expo, the Color Me Healthy 5K Run, and Jazz Under the Stars.
The complementary 38th Avenue Extension project will unify the arts and entertainment district, creating a fully immersive experience. The updates will connect the SR7 corridor to the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center and Central Broward Regional Park, home of the only International Cricket Council stadium in North America. This design is intended to promote connectivity. Patrons who see a theatre production might venture out to explore the many shops and businesses located in the newly developed area.
Private projects taking advantage of the city’s redevelopment include the addition of luxury living on 38th Avenue. At LePARC, 320 apartment units will be outfitted with a full array of lavish amenities and feature architectural design that complements the district’s new, modern aesthetic.
“Our goal is to create a fully immersive entertainment experience for all of those who visit the district. We want it to be not only aesthetically pleasing but to create a sense of place that reflects the diversity of cultures in Lauderhill and demonstrates how we came to be an All-America City,” said CRA Director Sean Henderson, who also serves as the organization’s Deputy Finance Director.
These projects are still in the planning phases with the completion dates to be determined in the near future. That means opportunities for businesses interested in working on projects or selling services or goods to the City. Visit colvendor.com to receive alerts and updates on all City projects out for bid.
COMMERCIAL FACADE GRANT PROGRAM
This program offers businesses and commercial properties along the SR7 stretch the resources to improve building exteriors as well as correct building code violations. The façade grant program is designed to enhance the appearance of the corridor especially in the vicinity of the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center.
To qualify for the grant, the improvements must be made on the section of the building that is visible from the main thoroughfare. Commercial façades or code compliance projects that are not part of a building structure are not eligible. For more information or to apply, visit lauderhill-fl. gov/departments/community-redevelopment-agency/programs.
A new Bright Star Credit Union building will be constructed near the transit center at the Lauderhill Mall. Lauderhill Mall Transit Center on the State Road 7 corridor.
A great benefit of Lauderhill living is that the City has an abundance of affordable housing, particularly in the central CRA area. Prices remain modest despite the area’s desirability. The CRA formed the Neighborhood Improvement Program to create character and instill a sense of pride for community residents. Programs 38th Avenue CRA concept drawing.
aim to improve the quality of living for residents through homeownership, neighborhood beautification and educational events.
In December, the CRA celebrated breaking ground on the Renaissance Point infill housing project, which will include new single-family homes and townhomes. These modern, energy-efficient three- and four-bedroom, two-bath units feature open floor plans, two-car garages and energy-saving appliances. The homes will be located along 56th Avenue, 27th court and 28th Street with convenient access to all major transportation routes, and a variety of recreational, restaurant and shopping options. Prices will range from the low to mid $300,000s. Renaissance Point is just one component of the Lauderhill CRA’s efforts to promote homeownership to both existing and future residents of the everblossoming City. Progress is being made on the Central CRA’s neighborhood beautification initiatives. In November, the agency hired its first employees tasked with maintaining safe, clean and sustainable neighborhoods. Also, its landscape technicians are responsible for removing litter and debris in public spaces while maintaining the landscaping of the medians on the 55th and 56th Avenue corridors.
