The Fort Lauderdale beach area is slated to have some great changes coming soon. Specifically, the Las Olas Boulevard area and surrounding have 6 projects that have been planned and approved that will bring some nice changes to the area. The exciting improvements will offer a much better plan of space while seamlessly integrating recreation and function. Here is a closer look at what is coming.
Enhanced Parking
Work has already begun on the parking lot on the north side of the Las Olas bridge. The existing lot will become a 670 space parking garage with an estimated completion date of August of 2019. Additionally, a tram service will be offered to transport visitors to and from the beach. Additional public parking will be added on a vacant property that lies south of the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens.
Parks
The city parking lot that lies across from the Elbo Room bar has plans to be converted into a park with children play areas and restrooms. Additionally, the parking lot on the south side of Las Olas bridge will also be converted into a park. With the addition of the new parking garage any removal of spaces in these lots will be more than made up for nearby.
Restaurants
Las Olas Marina which is located off the Birch Road parking lot is soon to be expanded. Along with this comes two new restaurants with one of them being a casual tiki bar.
Pools
The Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center is soon to be modernized to the latest competitive swimming standards. The pools which are open to the public for an entry fee have been approved for a nearly $20 million dollar renovation which puts an end to the controversial debate over price and scope of the enhancement. The Aquatic Center is also the home of the Swimming Hall of Fame museum.