Sunrise, Florida is poised for a significant urban evolution with the expansion of the Metropica megaproject, set to introduce approximately 3,000 new condominiums and apartments. This ambitious development aims to transform the city into a vibrant, cosmopolitan hub, offering a comprehensive live-work-play environment.
Key Takeaways
- Metropica, a $2 billion mixed-use development, will add 3,000 residential units, four office towers, two hotels, and extensive retail space.
- The project, spanning 50 acres near Sawgrass Mills mall and Amerant Bank Arena, is expected to be completed over the next seven years, with the entire development taking 15 years from start to finish.
- Metropica aims to create a bustling downtown for Sunrise and west Broward County, providing residents with amenities within walking distance.
A Vision For Downtown West
Joseph Kavana, the driving force behind Metropica, envisions the sprawling project as a "dream community" and a "mini-city." The development, located near Northwest 136th Avenue and Sunrise Boulevard, is designed to inject a more cosmopolitan feel into suburban Sunrise. Kavana has been acquiring land for the 50-acre tract for over two decades, with the goal of creating what he calls "Downtown West" of Broward County.
So far, one 28-story condo tower, One Metropica, with 263 residences, has been completed and opened in 2020. The project is being developed in phases, with the full build-out anticipated by 2032. Kavana emphasized that the project is executing a long-held vision to give Sunrise a much-needed downtown area.
Phased Development And Future Plans
Phase 1 of the project includes an additional 1,000 apartments across three buildings, a hotel, an office building, and over 150,000 square feet of retail space. While Phase 2’s timeline depends on market conditions, it is planned to include 1,500 residential units and more retail. Phase 3 will develop the final 10 acres, featuring a second hotel, three office buildings, and additional retail.
Despite past setbacks, such as the bankruptcy of a key anchor tenant, iPic Entertainment, Kavana remains confident in the project’s vision. He noted that the development is proceeding with "something far better" than originally planned.
Economic Impact And Demand
Sunrise Commissioner Joey Scuotto expressed strong confidence in the demand for Metropica’s residential units, citing the influx of people moving to South Florida from northern states. He believes the development will become a significant destination, attracting visitors with its entertainment and dining options.
Industry experts like housing expert Brad Hunter see Metropica as a catalyst for Sunrise to shed its bedroom community image and gain a more sophisticated edge. He highlighted the synergy created by combining residential, retail, office, and entertainment components, which is expected to drive demand for both housing and commercial spaces. Hunter also noted that Metropica offers a more affordable alternative to downtown Fort Lauderdale for high-rise living, with residents enjoying sunset views over the Everglades instead of ocean sunrises.
A Long-Term Vision
The development of Metropica has been a long journey, with its initial phases facing challenges, including the 2008 housing crisis. However, former Sunrise Mayor Roger Wishner acknowledged the current demand and Kavana’s persistence in resurrecting the project. He anticipates Metropica will become a destination, potentially attracting high-end restaurants and offering a walkable urban experience that rivals downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Developer Doug Eagon echoed optimism, emphasizing that the project’s phased approach allows it to adapt to market conditions. He compared Metropica’s potential to the transformation of downtown Fort Lauderdale, suggesting that with a clear vision and developer commitment, something exciting can indeed happen in Sunrise.