December 10, 2024
As DowntownFTL continues to grow, so do the amenities that make it a thriving live-work-play destination. Alongside new residential developments, an array of grocery stores, fitness providers, doggy daycare centers, and more have opened their doors—or announced plans to do so. This wave of growth reflects the increasing demand for convenience and lifestyle services right in the heart of the city.
Local and national retailers alike are recognizing DowntownFTL as a vibrant, untapped market. With a burgeoning population and a bustling urban core, the area offers unparalleled opportunities for businesses to thrive. From boutique shops to larger retail establishments, these new additions are reshaping downtown into a premier destination for residents and visitors alike.
With DowntownFTL’s population increasing by 38% since 2020 and having doubled since 2010, a greater range of daily services and shops have sprouted throughout the urban core.
This is especially true in Flagler Village, one of South Florida’s fastest-growing urban neighborhoods, which has seen a 44% increase in population over the last four years and now has the greatest concentration of residents per square mile compared to any other neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale.
The neighborhood currently has access to a greater concentration of residents than successful districts like Coconut Grove and Delray’s Atlantic Avenue.
Another benefit to retailers is that Flagler Village remains one of South Florida’s most affordable urban neighborhoods to open a new restaurant or shop. Its average retail rent rate of $50 per square foot is considerably lower than the $70-80 per square foot found in Coconut Grove, Wynwood, and Delray’s Atlantic Avenue.
With all the food and beverage spots to enjoy, it’s no surprise that there’s also a strong growth in membership-based fitness offerings downtown, from Rumble Boxing, Reforming Pilates, Yoga Joint, and CycleBar in Flagler Village, to Sweat 440 at Flow, Solidcore at the new Coasterra apartments, and the popular Legacy FIT south of the River. Many of these fitness options have opened on the ground floors of the new developments that have opened in recent years.
This momentum extends to grocery stores as well. A third downtown Publix is currently planned to serve the Flagler Village neighborhood, complementing the existing grocery chains of The Fresh Market, Whole Foods, Aldi, and Winn-Dixie all within walking distance to DowntownFTL or less than a 10-minute drive from Las Olas.
What does it all mean? More and more options continue to come to downtown, introducing the daily essentials and experiences that Fort Lauderdale residents expect.