The newly renovated Las Olas Marina is already making an impact as the $60 million project, that was in the works for around 8 years, has brought a bit of an upscale vibe and classy ambiance to the Fort Lauderdale waterfront.
The 88-slip marina, with floating concrete docks built for some of the biggest yachts that can come to shore, officially opened back on December 1st at 151 Las Olas Circle, taking the spot that was formally occupied by a parking lot that was built way back in the 1950s.
Dan Lindblade, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce says that more big changes are on tap.
“We are no longer the Spring Break Capital of the World,” Lindblade said, according to the Sun Sentinel. “We are now the Yachting Capital of the World. This is what we envisioned back in the 1990s. I know some people like the old Fort Lauderdale, but we have to move on and move forward. Everything is coming together for us now.”
Vice Mayor Steve Glassman says that the Las Olas Marina is just one part of the process.
“Everyone wants to be here — businesses, residents, yachts,” Glassman said, while touting that Las Olas Marina’s immediate impact. “We’ve become a very popular destination. And we have to plan for that.”
“I don’t remember how many slips were there, but it’s a fraction of what’s there now,” Glassman added. “And it was not a megayacht marina. It’s a whole new presence for that spot. It’s going to be a great destination.”
Here is what is on tap:
- Bahir Mar
- Las Olas Ocean
- The International Swimming Hall of Fame
“The marina has the chance to re-anchor this part of the beach, with the public promenade and the walkability of the project,” Eric Metz, senior director of development with Suntex Marinas said. “Ocean Prime is a signature, high-caliber restaurant. When you put that into the fold of what we’re doing, it’s going to redefine that whole area.”
