The steady state of development in Fort Lauderdale is no more evident than on the Intracoastal Waterway near the port. The Broward County Convention Center expansion project is well underway and will feature a new Omni Hotel, the Disney Cruise Terminal, and 1.2 million square feet of exhibition space. What is less understood is what is happening on the other side of the waterway at the iconic Pier Sixty-Six property.
For more than 60 years, Pier Sixty-Six has been a monumental property in Fort Lauderdale. With its iconic spire-topped tower and its location at the junction of the 17th Street Causeway and Intracoastal Waterway, the property has welcomed celebrities, honeymooners and virtually all of the world’s greatest yachts.
Pier Sixty-Six was originally a fuel dock and gas station that was opened in the 1950s by Phillips Sixty-Six Petroleum. The resort was later built in the 1960s by legendary developer Richard McLaughlin. He played a pivotal role in its transformation from a fuel dock to the iconic luxury hotel and marina complex that became synonymous with the upscale side of Fort Lauderdale in the mid-20th century. Under McLaughlin’s vision and leadership, Pier Sixty-Six became a renowned destination and a testament to its time’s innovative architectural and development practices. Over time the property became stagnant and in disrepair, resulting, ultimately in the closing of the iconic hotel.
Tavistock Purchase
British Billionaire Joe Lewis’ Tavistock Development Company acquired Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina, along with the neighboring Sails Marina, in late 2016. The acquisition marked a significant move by Tavistock into the South Florida real estate and hospitality scene. They announced plans to revitalize and enhance the iconic waterfront property while respecting its historic value to the Fort Lauderdale community.
Tavistock has “reimagined” Pier Sixty-Six as Fort Lauderdale’s “social harbor.” A destination where those seeking relaxation and refuge, engaging events and alluring amenities, and an approachable marine and resort lifestyle all come together.
The new-look property will retain the iconic Pier Sixty-Six tower, including the Pier Top Lounge with its rotating views of Fort Lauderdale along with the Atlantic Ocean. It will also offer luxury condominium homes. The resorts’ plans evoke images of Mediterranean-style luxury resorts from exotic locales
like Ibiza.
Pier Sixty-Six Resort
Set to open in late 2024, Pier Sixty-Six Resort will up the bar in luxury living in Fort Lauderdale. Each of the property’s 325 rooms will boast a timeless design with modern luxury touches. The resort will include a 15,000-square-foot spa, state-of-the-art Fitness Center, dynamic multi-level pool, more than 40,000 square feet of entertainment and meeting space, a marina promenade and one of the largest superyacht marinas on the eastern seaboard,
Pier Sixty-Six will introduce 12 restaurants and lounges including several signature restaurants along the newly built waterfront promenade. The property will feature concepts from local and internationally acclaimed chefs.
Most notably will be the restoration of the iconic rotating Pier Top lounge, admired for decades for being the only 17th-floor observation deck showing 360-degree panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, and Downtown Fort Lauderdale. The glamorous social bar and lounge will come to life with a bird’s eye view in an energetic and lively setting.
Residences
Pier Sixty-Six will include 92 luxury two-to-four-bedroom condominiums situated in four buildings within the property. Tavistock began sales of residences in its initial tower, Azul last year and initiated sales at its Indigo Condominium Residences at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show last month.
“There’s truly nothing like Pier Sixty-Six Residences on the Eastern Seaboard,” says Craig Collin, President and Chief Operating Officer at Tavistock Development Company. “Offering owners a unique collection of sophisticated residences, a world-class marina, and premier resort amenities, The Residences at Pier Sixty-Six will be one of the finest marine communities in the world. Our transformation of Pier Sixty-Six will create a cornerstone gateway to Fort Lauderdale, reinvigorating Pier Sixty-Six’s status as a landmark destination.”
The new Pier Sixty-Six will undoubtedly change the dynamic at the south end of Fort Lauderdale Beach. The combination of ultra-luxury residences, a high-end resort, with an integrated marina that is able to accommodate the largest yachts in the world, and what is sure to be the city’s trendiest cocktail lounge will put the place back at the top of Fort Lauderdale’s elite social scene.
