Florida Construction News staff writer
The City of Fort Lauderdale has received the Smart Growth Excellence Award from the Smart Growth Partnership recognizing the city’s efforts to create a “vibrant, sustainable community”.
The award highlights the Uptown Urban Village project, an initiative transforming the Uptown area into a lively, walkable neighborhood. Designed with a focus on mixed-use development, sustainable infrastructure, and collaboration, the project is redefining how people live, work, and enjoy Fort Lauderdale.
“This award is a reflection of our efforts to create communities that put people first and embrace sustainable practices,” said Mayor Dean J. Trantalis. “The Uptown Urban Village project shows how innovative ideas and partnerships can bring positive change to our city.”
Located near the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, Uptown spans from the C-14 Canal and McNab Road in the north to NW 57th Street in the south, with Powerline Road to the west and Interstate-95 to the east. The idea for this innovative project began with a group of local landowners and business leaders who envisioned a thriving “live, work, and entertain” district that would meet the needs of a modern workforce while adding diverse amenities to the community.
“The success of Uptown reflects the hard work and vision of our entire community,” said Commissioner John Herbst. “By focusing on thoughtful planning, we’re not only transforming this district but also setting the stage for long-term prosperity across our city. It’s exciting to see this area evolve and bring new opportunities to Fort Lauderdale.”
The Smart Growth Partnership formally presented the award on January 9, 2025. The city invites everyone to join in celebrating this milestone and Fort Lauderdale’s commitment to a brighter, more sustainable future.