Fort Lauderdale is reviewing six proposals from developers for a new city hall, following the demolition of its previous government center. The original building, constructed in 1969 in a Brutalist style, was severely damaged during record rainfall and flooding in 2023. Water entered the basement, making the facility unusable and leading to its demolition last November. City staff have since been working from leased offices.
In May, Meridiam Infrastructure North America—known for projects such as the PortMiami Tunnel and part of Paris-based Meridiam—submitted an unsolicited proposal to build a new city hall at 100 North Andrews Avenue. In accordance with state law, Fort Lauderdale then invited other developers to submit competing bids by August 5.
Balfour Beatty, based in Malvern, Pennsylvania, presented three options designed by Kobi Karp and DLR Group. Their first proposal is for a 250,000-square-foot city hall that includes a library and commercial space. The second option adds more floors for leasing to retailers and office tenants outside of city use. The third is a larger campus combining one of the initial designs with another building intended for residential or commercial purposes. Balfour Beatty’s target completion date is mid-2028.
Meridiam’s submission offers three alternatives designed by Zyscovich. The largest option features a 12-story building spanning 340,000 square feet with up to three podium levels housing services such as child care, wellness facilities, and an art gallery. A baseline proposal outlines a seven-story structure totaling 200,000 square feet with limited shared spaces on two podium levels. A third option suggests a 10-story building of 275,000 square feet with smaller commission chambers and common areas than those in the largest plan. Estimated capital expenditures range from $172 million to $292 million; completion of commission chambers is expected in late 2028 with full project buildout projected for 2029.
A consortium led by Plenary Group of Melbourne proposes an oval-shaped ten-story city hall designed by Palma and PGAL architecture firms. This plan covers approximately 196,000 square feet at an estimated cost of $280 million and aims for completion in late 2028.
Gilbane Development Company has submitted plans for an Arquitectonica-designed building notable for its wave-like awning feature. Based in Providence, Rhode Island, Gilbane’s design would be about 229 feet tall and emphasizes hurricane-resistant windows along with energy efficiency and public spaces; completion is expected in 2027.
Industry Grade Construction Group also filed a proposal but did not specify details such as architect or size; it projects completion in 2028 using private financing that requires no upfront expenditure from the city.
Cypress West’s plan involves creating two campuses: one at North Operations Campus on Cypress Creek Road—which currently houses police operations—in an area designated as low flood risk (X flood zone), where they hold the leasehold; another roughly 100,000-square-foot building would be developed at North Andrews Avenue after further collaboration on design specifics with the city government.
“Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all financing approach, our development team will work collaboratively with [the city] to explore various financing structures,” Cypress West stated in its application.
All proposals aim for project completions between late 2027 and sometime in 2029.
