New station poised to revitalize Downtown Fort Lauderdale, increase tourism and spur economic growth
As Planned, Construction on South Segment to Begin this Summer, with Segment North of West Palm Beach to Commence Following Completion of FRA's Environmental Impact Statement
Miami, FL (July 8, 2014) – Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief and Fort Lauderdale Mayor John P. “Jack” Seiler joined All Aboard Florida executives today to reveal designs for All Aboard Florida's new Fort Lauderdale station, which was planned and designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) in association with Zyscovich Architects. The downtown Fort Lauderdale station unveiling is the latest in a series of recent milestones and announcements made by All Aboard Florida as the project continues to move forward.
The Fort Lauderdale station will be located on 4.8 acres of land adjacent to the Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) corridor on NW 2nd Avenue, between Broward Boulevard and NW 4th Street. Located at the northern end of downtown Fort Lauderdale, the nearly 60,000 square foot station and platform will stimulate a currently underutilized area, driving new visitors into downtown and the surrounding cultural, economic and shopping destinations.
“Today's Fort Lauderdale station design unveiling marks a significant milestone in the start of construction within the segment between Miami and West Palm Beach,” said Michael Reininger, President and Chief Development Officer of All Aboard Florida. “As planned, construction will commence on the segment north of West Palm Beach after the environmental impact statement process is completed.”
Providing a new gateway into the city and all of Broward County, the Fort Lauderdale station will include a modern, multi-story lobby spanning an elevated passenger lounge area for travelers, and parking facilities. The station, located between NW 2nd street and Broward Boulevard, was chosen as it provides convenient connections to the Sun Trolley, Broward County Transit system, future Wave Streetcar and planned Tri-Rail station.
“All Aboard Florida will bring new jobs, increased business opportunities and an enhanced quality of life to Fort Lauderdale. This project helps to further our 'Fast Forward Fort Lauderdale' plan for the future, which includes becoming a fully connected 'City of Tomorrow' that is anchored by alternative modes of transportation and allows for less reliance on vehicles,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor John P. “Jack” Seiler. “This exciting project will also assist in our downtown redevelopment and, from a tourism standpoint, this new mode of transportation should bring visitors right to our front door and allow us to showcase our many attractions and destinations.”
“Fort Lauderdale is a dynamic city whose leadership understands the importance of creating new opportunities and solutions that keep up with the needs and demands of our increasingly mobile world,” added All Aboard Florida's Michael Reininger. “As with our other planned stations in South Florida, All Aboard Florida will not only set a new standard in passenger rail, but will revitalize Fort Lauderdale's downtown core, fueling job and business growth, reducing road congestion, increasing tourism, delivering state and local tax revenues and contributing long-term environmental benefits.”
Each of All Aboard Florida's three planned stations in South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach) will serve as both gateways to their respective cities, and as key portals and iconic destinations with ready access to places to shop, eat and connect. As part of the urban infrastructure of each area, the stations are expected to generate significant economic impact to the State. Economists estimate that All Aboard Florida will add more than $6 billion to Florida's economy over the next eight years, including $333 million in economic impact for Broward County through 2021. Nearly 800 jobs will be created in Broward County through the construction of the station and the rail line.
“All Aboard Florida's Fort Lauderdale station will not only stimulate our local economy and drive consumers to the area, but will also create thousands of direct jobs during construction and implementation for locals and cities along the route,” said Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief. “All Aboard Florida will bring significant opportunities to Broward County and enable our local businesses to thrive in a global marketplace.”
“Herein lies an excellent opportunity for Fort Lauderdale's urban vitality to be further enhanced by direct and efficient connectivity to the hubs of Orlando and Downtown Miami,” said Bernard Zyscovich, CEO and Founder of Zyscovich Architects. “This 21st century, central station will be a catalyst for redevelopment along the western edge of downtown Fort Lauderdale.”
About All Aboard Florida
All Aboard Florida is an intercity passenger rail project being developed by Florida East Coast Industries, Inc. (FECI) – owner of Florida's premier passenger rail corridor – that will connect Miami to Orlando with intermediate stations in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. This rail service will give Floridians and visitors a viable transportation alternative to congested highways and airport terminals. All Aboard Florida will provide a high-quality experience for passengers and will be the first privately owned, operated, and maintained passenger rail system in the United States. For more information, visit www.AllAboardFlorida.com .
About Florida East Coast Industries
Florida East Coast Industries, LLC (FECI) is one of Florida's oldest and largest full-service commercial real estate, transportation, and infrastructure companies. Headquartered in Coral Gables, Fla., FECI has a rich history dating back over a century. Mr. Henry Flagler first established a predecessor company in 1892, which became a pioneer in the development of Florida's eastern coast. Today, FECI continues to transform Florida as the parent company to four distinct business lines including Flagler, a full-service commercial real estate company; All Aboard Florida, the United States' first privately owned and operated intercity passenger rail system; Flagler Global Logistics, an integrated logistics company that offers a wide range of logistics services and real estate solutions; and Parallel Infrastructure, a leader in third-party Right of Way (ROW) investments and management services. FECI is owned by private equity funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group, LLC. For more information, visit www.feci.com .
About Zyscovich Architects
Zyscovich Architects is an international master planning, architecture, and interior design firm with offices in Miami, Orlando, New York City and Bogotá. The firm's innovative approach to planning, Real Urbanism®, embraces the history and economics of a community to create a unique vision that brings tangible value and improved quality of life to the area. The firm's commitment to customized solutions is also evident in its award-winning architectural design work for both public and private clients. Zyscovich's broad range of experience includes large-scale mixed-use, transportation, educational, commercial, retail, and multi-family residential, and hospitality projects.
About Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) is one of the leading architecture, interior design, engineering, and urban-planning firms in the world, with a 75-year reputation for design excellence and a portfolio that includes some of the most important architectural accomplishments of the 20th and 21st centuries. Since its inception, SOM has been a leader in the research and development of specialized technologies, new processes and innovative ideas, many of which have had a palpable and lasting impact on the design profession and the physical environment. The firm's longstanding leadership in design and building technology has been honored with more than 1,700 awards for quality, innovation, and management. The American Institute of Architects has recognized SOM twice with its highest honor, the Architecture Firm Award-in 1962 and again in 1996. The firm maintains offices in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Mumbai and Abu Dhabi.