New shopping. New Housing. A new… vibe? All that and more is coming to the heart of Wilton Drive. Probably. A plan to redevelop The Shoppes of Wilton Manors (aka Alibi Plaza) passed the city commission. The multi-building project will have commercial businesses facing Wilton Drive while 89 housing units will be further back.

Also part of the plan: exterior upgrades to the existing building. The staid and sturdy structure with Alibi, Hunters, and more will match the aesthetic of the new project.

The empty building on the lot has been vacant for years. The previous owner also had redevelopment plans and stopped renewing leases. Pride Factory was able to relocate, Sherwin-Williams left the city, while other businesses faded away. But they all could have stayed a lot longer, as the WilMa On the Drive project stalled and collapsed.

This iteration came with its own set of issues, primarily how it creeps into the neighborhood.

The city relaxed the setback, allowing the back of the project to be much closer to about seven neighboring properties. Residents fought hard, and got a few feet back. But they still feel betrayed.

Others continue to fight an increase of traffic through the neighborhood. They want a physical barrier forcing people to turn left on 7th Ave. toward Wilton Drive. People already turn right and speed through the residential area, putting adults, kids, and animals at risk. Neighbors say the problems will get worse as the project attracts more people.

There is no word yet on when demolition will begin. The first structures built will likely be the commercial properties facing The Drive.