Fort Lauderdale approves development agreement for Pier 66 project

Tavistock has until January to submit site plans to the city commission

Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina and Tavistock president Jim Zboril
Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina and Tavistock president Jim Zboril

Billionaire Joseph Lewis’ Tavistock Development Company is one step closer to envisioning his plans for the historic Pier Sixty-Six property in Fort Lauderdale.

On Tuesday, the Fort Lauderdale City Commission approved a 15-year development agreement for the 22-acre Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina at 2300 and 2301 Southeast 17th Street and its neighboring Sails Hotel Marina & Shops, according to the Sun Sentinel.

Tavistock worked with the city to rework the agreement, which now calls for up to 575 residential units, fewer than the 750 initially proposed. The Orlando-based developer removed language regarding plans for commercial space and a community development district. Also as part of the agreement, the commission recognized Pier Sixty-Six and The Sails as one property.

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Tavistock has until January to submit site plans for the development, which will include renovating the hotel and submitting it for historic designation, and building a connection between both properties under the Southeast 17th Street bridge.

The firm spent $187 million acquiring on both properties in 2016 and 2017.

In March, three new city commissioners who ran on “smart growth” platforms were sworn into office, signaling a major shift in how the city will approach future development.  [Sun Sentinel] – Amanda Rabines