August 19, 2024
Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority Officially Begins Construction of Huizenga Park Reimagined
MBR Construction to lead efforts with KEITH as CEI partner; the park improvement project is on track for completion in late 2025
Fort Lauderdale, FLA – August 19, 2024 – After years of planning, design, and community engagement, the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Huizenga Park Foundation are proud to announce the construction commencement of the Huizenga Park Reimagined project. As the
general contractor, Broward County-based MBR Construction, Inc. and KEITH, with construction, engineering, and inspection (CEI) services, will deliver an improved Huizenga Park for the Fort Lauderdale community.
"We could not be more excited for renovations to begin on Huizenga Park. This project represents the DDA's longstanding commitment to make Downtown Fort Lauderdale the most desired, livable community in the region," said Jenni Morejon, President & CEO of the Fort Lauderdale DDA. "MBR and KEITH's proven track record make them the perfect fit to carry out construction. Their dedication to improving public spaces in South Florida has not gone unnoticed, and they will do a phenomenal job transforming Huizenga Park."
Fort Lauderdale-based MBR Construction, a family-owned firm, has over three decades of experience transforming public spaces in South Florida. The DDA first contracted with MBR over 20 years ago to complete Downtown Fort Lauderdale's first major streetscape improvement project. The firm transformed the entire SE/SW 2 Street stretch from the Broward Center for the Performing Arts to the US 1 Tunnel.
"We are incredibly honored to partner with the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority on the revitalization of Huizenga Park," said Michael Boss, President of MBR Construction. "As a family-owned business, we deeply connect to the Fort Lauderdale community. Huizenga Park is a beloved destination, and we're excited to transform it into an even more vibrant and welcoming space for the community to enjoy."
Broward County-based KEITH brings over 60 years of experience shaping public spaces across South Florida. The team at KEITH has significant experience working to create great public spaces in Fort Lauderdale, such as the highly visible Las Olas Oceanside Park and the currently under-construction DC Alexander Park.
"Our partnership with the DDA on the Huizenga Park Reimagined project exemplifies KEITH's commitment to creating, expanding upon, preserving, and enhancing our community," said Paul Weinberg from KEITH. "By combining our expertise with a relentless focus on action and accountability, we are confident in delivering a world-class park to a city that deserves the best." The DDA and Huizenga Park Foundation are also thankful for KEITH's in-kind support for Huizenga Park Reimagined, which reflects the firm's legacy of giving back to the communities it works in.
"It is wonderful to finally see construction begin on the reimagined Huizenga Park," said DDA Chairman Charlie Ladd. "I was a member of the DDA Board when the namesake fountain was built, and the park was dedicated to Wayne Huizenga 20 years ago. To serve again and be a part of the DDA reconfirming its commitment to what is now a very different downtown from those early days is personally very rewarding." Ladd added that, "the DDA is about to create a new special destination that fits with the downtown community of today. We are confident that when complete, the new Huizenga Park will provide a special connection between Las Olas Boulevard and the Riverwalk that is a welcome respite for residents, downtown workers, and visitors alike."
"This milestone is a major step forward for Huizenga Park and our community," said Huizenga Park Foundation Chairman Steve Hudson. "It reflects Fort Lauderdale's commitment to progress while celebrating the incredible leaders that built our community, including my aunt and uncle, Marti and Wayne Huizenga. Huizenga Park has been a cherished gathering place for generations and will continue to be a cornerstone of Downtown Fort Lauderdale for years to come."
The project's redesign is being led by internationally acclaimed design firm Perkins&Will. Known for its work on the Jacksonville Landing Riverfront Park, the Sunset Boulevard Gateway in Los Angeles, and the Atlanta Beltline, Perkins&Will has extensive experience creating iconic public spaces. Design highlights include a rejuvenated Spirit of Fort Lauderdale Fountain, a stunning Riverwalk renovation, more than double the amount of shade, an improved civic lawn, the first public dog run on Las Olas Boulevard, a children's moundscape, and a variety of new seating options in unique terraces.
Additionally, Sweetwaters, a full-service restaurant, will be built and operated by the team behind Miami's iconic Rusty Pelican, which will make Huizenga Park its home. The park will also introduce fully attended public restrooms as an amenity to park users. Generously designed by Stiles Architectural Group as an in-kind gift to the Huizenga Park Foundation, this building will also be home to Huizenga Park's Legacy Wall, honoring the project's biggest champions.
Construction of the reimagined Huizenga Park is expected to take just over a year and reopen by the end of 2025. While the park will be closed during construction, a pedestrian pathway along the Riverwalk will remain available.
In anticipation of the start of construction, the Huizenga Park team has been sharing project news through Huizenga Hour events at neighboring residential buildings and connecting with residents, employees, and visitors on the Riverwalk with updates on what's to come. For more details and project
updates, visit www.huizengapark.org.
###
About The Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority
The Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is a public-private partnership agency that powers the experience, growth, and prosperity of Downtown Fort Lauderdale, a vibrant metropolitan city that is evolving at the center of the South Florida region, where all are inspired to live like locals. The
DDA implements projects that improve the urban core to create a flourishing destination for residents, employees, and visitors.
The DDA strives to grow Downtown with major investments in real estate, infrastructure, and transportation, improve public parks for all to enjoy, and connect the city with partnerships to cultivate an environment where people come together to celebrate community. For more information, please visit
About MBR Construction
MBR Construction, Inc., a family-owned and operated South Florida Licensed General Contractor based in Fort Lauderdale, specializes in public sector building and infrastructure projects. With over 200 projects completed for State, County, and Municipal Agencies across Florida in the past two decades, MBR is known for delivering professionalism on par with large contractors while maintaining a "Principal-in-Charge" approach to project management. Founded by Michael Boss and Ronald Boss, MBR has built a strong reputation as a reliable partner, completing City Halls, educational and public safety facilities, parks, and more, always on time and on budget.
About KEITH
For more than six decades, KEITH has been providing design solutions throughout the State of Florida, the Caribbean, and beyond. Our firm is built on the basic principle of serving as an advocate for the communities in which we build, live, and give back to. KEITH builds communities through our Practice Lines. It is through this careful and thoughtful combination of each of our Practice Lines that community is built. Our Practice Lines include KEITH Facility, KEITH Access, KEITH Campus, KEITH Life, and KEITH Play.
As a trans-disciplinary firm, KEITH provides creative solutions to each project and the community in which they serve. The firm provides resilient and sustainable design solutions for municipal agencies, private clients, and the Florida Department of Transportation.
Media Contact
Melissa Sweredoski
410.610.6321
Comments