Superyachts and high end restaurants: Fort Lauderdale unveils new $130 million marina

What was once a Fort Lauderdale parking lot is now a state-of-the-art marina at “the yachting capital of the world.”

Fort Lauderdale city officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday to open the renovated and expanded Las Olas Marina, a $130 million project located at 240 Las Olas Circle that includes a three-story building, enhancements to public parking and walkways and space for “superyachts,” vessels that reach 80-feet and beyond.

The 40,000-square-foot marina’s opening comes just in time to host the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which runs from Wednesday to Nov. 3.

The marina, which is currently accepting reservations for dock space, features floating concrete docks designed to accommodate some of the largest yachts in the world, ranging from 65 to 315 feet. The marina’s brand new building—so new, much of the inside is empty or under construction —will house several retail stores and restaurants. Ocean Prime, a glamorous surf and turf restaurant, will open in May.

With a back drop of glistening water and bright white luxury yachts, Mayor Dean Trantalis thanked city officials, local residents and Suntex Marinas, a national developer and marina operator, for bringing the marina to life.

“Finally, right? Who knew this was a parking lot?” Trantalis quipped during the event. “Today is a very momentous occasion marking a culmination of eight years of dedication, collaboration and planning.”

The city requested proposals for the site in 2016 after it had rejected a different proposal years earlier, the Sun Sentinel reported. The Fort Lauderdale City Commission later voted unanimously to approve plans for the Las Olas Marina and entered a 50-year lease with Suntex to develop and operate the space. Construction began May 2022.

Fort Lauderdale, often called “the Venice of America,” is known internationally for its vast network of waterways and boating culture. The boat show is a major tourism draw and played a role in the Las Olas Marina project. City officials decided they needed more space to dock massive superyachts, which are notable attractions during boat shows.

The city estimates the marina will generate an economic impact of $221 million annually. The city’s redevelopment project also replaced one of the city’s largest sanitary sewer pump stations and improved the seawall.

“This new marina, nestled in the heart of our city, is more than a just dock to place your yacht,” said Trantalis. “It’s a gateway to Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant culture and rich history. It’s a place where locals and visitors can enjoy the beauty of our waterfront.”

David Filler, the Suntex chief development officer, thanked the mayor, commission and the residents of the condos surrounding the marina for their support.

Alongside Ocean Prime, Filler said he expects two to three more restaurants on the ground floor of what’s called the Marina Services Building. The second and third floors will house marine industry-related businesses, like yacht brokerages, he said.

“We believe in the long term vision of the city of Fort Lauderdale and helping it maintain its yachting capital of the world designation,” he told the Herald. “I hope that everyone comes out to experience this world class marina as it’s open to the public, for all to enjoy.”

This story was originally published October 29, 2024 at 5:50 PM.