Over the past 10 years, Ft. Lauderdale Beach has really changed. There are new upscale resorts all along the beach, but now developers are looking to make more changes in the next few years that could mean great things for the area.

Large condos and hotels were the plan when the housing market and the economy was red hot. Now…developers are looking to enhance Ft. Lauderdale Beach by bringing a more 'urban' feel. Sure…there are some great hotels along the beach…but there isn't much to do. The plans will bring Ft. Lauderdale into new light, creating more art galleries, better dining options, more retail and more 'entertainment'.

The Sun-Sentinel ran a story that outlines some of the plans. The Swimming Hall of Fame will get an expansion (quite large from what I can see). The Bahia Mar Hotel will be renovated along with the marina creating a Waldorf-Astoria upscale hotel and a permanent home for the International Boat Show. There are many small developers also planning new project all over the beach…from the Bahia Mar to Sunrise Blvd. The new B Hotel opening on Sunrise and A1A has created some interest in giving that area a facelift that is long overdue. An outdoor concert venue and more parks and parking are also in the plans.

All of the plans actually sound good for the community. It also looks like no 'high-rise' buildings are in the plans…which should keep residents happy. I think it's about time Ft. Lauderdale Beach start to work on a more 'urban village' feel. I love a place that you can park your car and just walk to all kinds of retail/entertainment and dining options. That's actually one of the draws to the area where I live..Wilton Manors. Lots of places within walking distance. Let's face it…when gas goes up to $4 a gallon…we'll all be looking for more places like that.

Here is a graphic from Sun-Sentinel showing some of the plans: