Fort Lauderdale is reviewing six proposals from developers to build a new city hall, following the demolition of its previous government center after severe flooding in 2023. The former eight-story building, constructed in 1969, was rendered unusable when record rainfall led to water entering the basement. Since then, city staff have been working from leased offices.
The site for the new city hall is at 100 North Andrews Avenue. In May, Meridiam Infrastructure North America submitted an unsolicited proposal to partner with the city on the project. This prompted Fort Lauderdale to open a competitive process for other developers to submit their plans by August 5.
Balfour Beatty, based in Malvern, Pennsylvania, has offered three options designed by Kobi Karp and DLR Group. The first is a 250,000-square-foot city hall that includes a library and commercial space. The second adds more floors for retailers and office tenants not affiliated with the city. The third option expands into a campus with residential or additional commercial buildings alongside one of the first two designs. No cost estimates were provided for these options, but Balfour Beatty aims for completion by mid-2028.
Meridiam’s proposal includes three designs by Zyscovich. Its largest plan is a 12-story building totaling 340,000 square feet with amenities such as child care, wellness facilities and a gallery on up to three podium levels. Another option proposes a seven-story structure covering 200,000 square feet with limited shared spaces. A middle-ground design offers ten stories and 275,000 square feet with smaller commission chambers and common areas than the largest version. Estimated capital expenditures range from $172 million to $292 million. Meridiam projects completion of commission chambers in late 2028 and full buildout in 2029.
A consortium led by Plenary Group of Melbourne proposes an oval-shaped ten-story building designed by Palma and PGAL architecture firms. The proposed size is 196,000 square feet at an estimated cost of $280 million with completion targeted for late 2028.
Gilbane Development Company’s plan features Arquitectonica’s design marked by a wave-like awning on a building rising to 229 feet tall. Gilbane emphasizes hurricane-resistant windows, energy efficiency and public spaces with expected completion in 2027.
Industry Grade Construction Group did not specify an architect or provide details about height or size but expects to finish construction in 2028 using private financing that would not require upfront expenditure from the city.
Cypress West proposes splitting government operations between two campuses: back office functions would move to an existing building at 1515 West Cypress Creek Road—currently used by police—in an area considered least vulnerable to flooding according to federal flood zone maps (https://www.fema.gov/flood-zones). A new approximately 100,000-square-foot facility would be built at North Andrews Avenue with final specifications determined collaboratively with the city.
“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.
Most proposals anticipate completing construction between 2027 and 2029 as Fort Lauderdale moves forward in selecting its next civic headquarters.
