Major Redevelopment Project Proposed for Former Church Site in Fort Lauderdale

A new multifamily housing project is set to transform a former church site in Fort Lauderdale’s Progresso Village area. Developers Tal Levinson and Eric Malinasky are proposing the construction of a 422-unit multifamily residential complex on the southeast corner of Northwest Seventh Street and Northwest Fourth Avenue.

Project Overview

Key Features of the Development

• Building Specifications: The project will feature an eight-story building constructed on a 2.5-acre site, formerly home to the First Eben Ezer Missionary Christian Church.

• Residential Offerings: The development will include studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, with a commitment to providing affordable housing.

• Affordable Housing Units: Approximately 43 apartments will be designated as affordable, split between:
  • Units for households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
  • A one-person household cannot exceed an annual income of $64,560.
  • A two-person household cannot exceed $73,760.
  • Units for households earning up to 100% of the AMI
  • A one-person household cannot exceed $80,700.
  • A two-person household cannot exceed $92,200.

According to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Broward County’s annual AMI is currently $96,200.

Additional Amenities

The complex aims to offer a blend of comfort and community through various amenities, including:

• Co-working spaces
• A mini-market
• Courtyards and green spaces on the ground floor
• A rooftop pool
• A 3,000-square-foot gym and clubhouse

Timeline for Development

The project is currently under review by the Fort Lauderdale Development Review Committee, comprising city staff members. If all goes according to plan:

• Site Plan Approval is anticipated by the first quarter of the upcoming year.
• Construction is projected to commence in the second or third quarter of next year, with completion expected by the first half of 2028.

Community Involvement

Levinson and Malinasky are committed to working closely with local congregations during the development process. The First Eben Ezer Missionary Church has already relocated to a new building in Oakland Park, thanks to the developers’ assistance.

Broader Redevelopment Trends in South Florida

The Fort Lauderdale project is part of a growing trend in South Florida where developers are repurposing underutilized religious sites. While some projects opt to replace churches entirely, others focus on retrofitting these spaces into offices, retail venues, or mixed-use developments.

Notable Projects in the Region

Levinson and Malinasky are not alone in their vision. Other developments include:

• A 500-unit residential project on Northwest Fourth Street and Seventh Avenue.
• A 160-unit project at several Northwest Ninth Avenue addresses, which includes a former church site.

Prominent developers, such as Arnaud Karsenti of 13th Floor Investments and the Ardid family of Key International, are also pursuing ambitious projects around church sites, demonstrating the increasing demand for urban redevelopment in South Florida.

Conclusion

The proposed multifamily project in Progresso Village represents both a significant opportunity for housing development and a thoughtful approach to urban planning. As developers continue to navigate the complexities of repurposing religious sites, the focus on affordable housing remains a top priority.

For more information on affordable housing initiatives in Fort Lauderdale, visit the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.

This development not only offers new housing options for residents but also contributes to the ongoing revitalization of Fort Lauderdale’s urban landscape. Stay tuned for updates as this project progresses through the city’s review process!