Wilton Manors is a progressive city that’s seeing a lot of progress in its livability. But there’s little to no progress in creating more places for people to actually live. Five years and counting since the city adjusted its code to be more friendly to developers, and there are still no major projects underway.
A recent “summit” with developers and city staff yielded familiar requests from developers: lower parking requirements while increasing height and density caps and consider financial incentives.
“[We learned] about things in the development market that we need to know about in terms of financing, lending.” City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson said. “Those external factors that we don’t deal with on a daily basis. We had an open dialogue and developers were very candid with us.”
The commission has approved many major projects, most of which have stalled or collapsed for myriad reasons. Those include Shoppes of Wilton Manors (Alibi Plaza), Island City Plaza, and a long-anticipated hotel.
Meanwhile, the west side and Andrews Ave., aka The Ave, remains a gordian knot. Replete with two-story condo buildings and aging strip malls the area seems ripe for development. However, when you go just one block off The Ave, it quickly becomes very neighborhood oriented and not friendly to mid-rises. Despite that, Henderson says there is interest.
“There is private interest in The Avenue.” One idea in the early stages of development would bring about 140 units to Andrews and Oakland Park Blvd. and the site of the old Andrews Diner is still possible. “I think it’s showing momentum for the area, but it needs more.”
She says the city sees the potential. “It needs some more humanistic character to it. It’s just a big thoroughfare at this point.” Twenty million dollars is allocated for area enhancements including better lighting, landscaping, crosswalks and more. Those are under design and will be paid with dedicated surtax funds.
A Few Notes
-Given the cost of property, building materials, and interest rates, most projects need to be 200+ units to be profitable.
-The hotel planned for Dixie Hwy. by Five Points is officially still going forward. A planned groundbreaking for early 2026 is increasingly unlikely given that demolition on the old mortuary has yet to commence.
-A proposed six building project for Alibi Plaza appears to still be going forward, but it is still early in the process and any demolition or groundbreaking is unlikely until at least 2027.
-The 50 unit townhome project on NE 26th St. on the old church lot is making progress and significant construction is expected soon.
