Sights and Scenes: Downtown Fort Lauderdale

Incorporated in 1911, Fort Lauderdale is the third largest city in South Florida with a 2020 Census population of 182,760. A major tourist destination, Fort Lauderdale's downtown is in the midst of an unprecedented development boom. By 2030, it is anticipated that more than 20 new major developments will add 13,000 new residential units, 600,000 square feet of retail and dining space, 1,000 new hotel rooms and 1.1 million square feet of office space. Here is a February 2022 virtual tour of Downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Published February 25, 2022
Ennis Davis, AICP

Las Olas Boulevard connects Himmarshee Village and the Las Olas Riverfront with Fort Lauderdale Beach. The name “Las Olas” means “The Waves” in Spanish. Largely developed after World War II, the boulevard has developed into one of South Florida’s premier walkable commercial strips.

Completed in 2017, the 455-foot Icon Las Olas (tower on the left) is the tallest building in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.

200 East Las Olas is a 21-story tower that was completed in 1990.

The Las Olas Riverfront at Las Olas Boulevard and South Andrews Avenue.

The Las Olas Riverfront a SW 2nd Street and SW 1st Avenue.

Looking north along NE 3rd Avenue.

Looking west along NE 4th Street.

The 19-story Tru by Hilton Fort Lauderdale Downtown opened in 2019.

Brightline’s Fort Lauderdale passenger rail station.

The Museum of Discovery and Science.

The Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk runs along the north side of the New River between SW 7th Avenue and SE 5th Avenue.

Article by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com