FORT LAUDERDALE — A New York developer is proposing a 22-story luxury high-rise that will use cantilevers to help preserve views and spaces for neighboring residents and visitors.
Located at 2317 N. Ocean Blvd. between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean in Fort Lauderdale, The Amalfi is on deck to join other upscale high-rises in the Central Beach neighborhood such as the tony beachfront Auberge Beach Residences, the pink twin-tower Palms and the Cambria Hotel.
Developed by The Moore Development Group of Baldwin, N.Y., which is on Long Island, The Amalfi would boast 38 multi-family units and 115 parking spaces. It would stand 236.5 feet high, which is just below a 240-foot limit for the area set by the city. The property occupies a collection of five lots totaling 0.84 acres.
“A modern, automated underground parking system is proposed subgrade, to eliminate view obstructions and garage ventilation is above the surface,” according to an application to the city filed by Fort Lauderdale land use attorney Stephanie Toothaker. “Additionally, the Project caters to bicyclists’ needs by providing thirty-two (32) bicycle spaces within the building. There is a considerable 19,405 square feet of open space provided at grade and at the amenity deck for the public, residents, and guests to utilize.
“The Project is surrounded by extra-wide sidewalks with pavers, landscape buffering, pedestrian furniture, and lighting, to create a welcoming and safe public realm,” the application added. “’The proposed public amenities and realm are a vast improvement from the existing conditions and create a continuous walkable path between the surrounding properties. Additionally, shade trees and pedestrian shading make an even more comfortable walking experience for the public when navigating the site.”
The application also notes the tower’s “initial slender profile forges minimal impact on neighboring views, gradually expanding northward to capitalize on panoramic vistas.”
The developer’s use of cantilevers — projecting beams that are supported at only one end — is relatively rare in Broward County.
“At its zenith, a daring cantilever to the south evokes the fluidity of ocean waves, achieved through innovative structural engineering,” the application states. “A base of light stone fosters pedestrian engagement, while a 360-degree glass facade maximizes ocean panoramas. Sinuous balconies, meticulously integrated into the facade, offer intimate connections to the surrounding environment.”
The project’s name was inspired by the “European seaside villas including lush and fragrant landscaping, art deco entrances, and arched corridor doorways with aromatic air systems inspired by the Amalfi Coast.”
The Amalfi will have two residential wings and contain two units per floor. Exclusive elevators will transport residents to their units, “so the resident experience will be exclusive and private from car entrance to unit entrance.”
Toothaker was not immediately available for comment.
Asked what prompted the developer to build in Fort Lauderdale, company director Gareth Moore said: “Our organization believes Fort Lauderdale is one of the best business and lifestyle communities in the country and we look forward to working with the city and neighboring community to bring this exciting project to life.”
Maximizing light, preserving views
The building is designed by Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design of Miami, which also designed the Four Seasons and the Selene Oceanfront Residences twin tower condo project to the south.
The Moore firm spent two years performing site studies for The Amalfi, working with Karp to ensure the project took into account view corridors for neighboring residents. The building’s footprint was minimized and underground parking became part of the plan.
In a telephone interview, Karp said he is not aware of any other area projects deploying cantilevers. But they play an important role, he said, in creating “a play with a tropical sun with a shade and shadow as it moves along the southern axis from East to West.”
“In essence [the developer] wanted to make a design that is not only contemporary and luxurious but also creates the most light and air at the ground level,” Karp said.
The project was discussed Tuesday by the City of Fort Lauderdale Development Review Committee.
Gareth Moore said construction and completion dates have yet to be determined.
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