New Ft. Lauderdale Beach Hotel/Condo project raises concerns.
(The Elad Hotel location - almost oceanfront)
The 'newly' approved Elad Hotel/Condo project has area residents and city officials asking more questions. The project was approved by the city on November 4th, 2008. The proposed hotel/condo would consist of 256 hotel rooms with 41 condos on the top floors. The building is planned to stand 19 stories and will have space for retail and restaurants on the street level. It's interesting that only 41 condos are planned...which is a huge departure from projects in the past. Due to the housing market mess....condos are falling in demand and price. I personally think that a hotel is needed more than condo units...but I'm also hoping that the hotel rooms won't be so expensive, they will be empty. Ft. Lauderdale needs more mid-priced new hotels to bring a more diverse vacationer. It's nice to see some of the older places being replaced by these high-end luxury properties...but who can afford $450 a night?
While many are glad to see the property being developed (since it is currently a vacant parking lot)...you might be surprised at what the 'concerns' are about. It's not "we don't need more condo's" or "not another hotel" attitude. The concerns revolve around the unique 'parking structure' that will be built underground. It's supposed to be one of those 'automated' parking structures. What happens is the a valet will take your car...and robotics take over. Your car is automatically placed into a spot. There is no squeezing your car in...the spots are all uniform. (Visit 'http://www.automotionparking.com/video.php' tp see this parking system in action.)
The main concern is about the construction. The water table on the beach is very high and digging deep enough to support the new structure and house this parking facility means it could impact existing structures nearby. There is something in the way the construction progresses that includes water being pumped out as walls are solidified. The developers assure that those on the task of mapping out the construction are well versed in these types of areas and that their method will ensure no surrounding building is damaged. Problem solved.
Here is a graphic (courtesy of Sun Sentinel) of the construction process-
Another concern is the possibility of a hurricane causing storm surge. What happens to the storm surge water in the parking structure? Simple answer...it floods. Just like everything would if the storm surge were that high. I mean EVERYTHING...houses, hotels...etc. During a storm that strong...the hotel would be evacuated and the whole island should be empty. If you keep your car there and flee...then it's as safe in this garage as the street. The developers have said that the parking facility will contain water pumps along with a flood gate. Problem solved.
The last concern is maybe the silliest..but I guess you have to ask. What happens if there is a power outage and the robotics parts don't work? Hmmm. Let me think. Oh, right. A generator! The developers plan to have generators that would cover this issue. The city is also requesting that the hotel have an 'alternate' parking area in the event the garage isn't working. Problem solved.
It's good to see that questions are being raised, but these parking structures are not new. They've been around for 5-10 years around the US and parking is always a problem around South Florida. It's nice to see some creative solutions...as long as they are constructed according to code. I'm sure we will hear more 'concerns' as the project moves through different phases. I haven't heard of a start date yet...but will put money on a LATE 2009 or probably more 2010 time frame.
We really need this... The price range is very affordable watch out. Why can't they come up with better ideas, its so boring.
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