Broward wants to make certain that a new 801-room Omni hotel in Fort Lauderdale becomes a success when it debuts later this year as one of the county’s largest hotels.
So the county is hiring a company, also known as an “asset manager,” to ensure that happens.
The County Commission recently approved an agreement with North Star Research Corp., which operates as HVS Convention, Sports & Entertainment Facilities Consulting, which will analyze monthly revenue, expenses and more details to ensure the 29-story hotel “is operating at peak performance,” according to the county contract.
The new Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, at 1950 Eisenhower Blvd., will connect with the expanded Broward County Convention Center. They are two projects estimated at more than $1 billion, “and will be iconic additions to the downtown skyline,” according to the county.
“This hotel and convention center will be a source of pride in our community,” Broward Commissioner Nan Rich said in a past statement. “I believe it is a true example of the power of collaboration as we work together to achieve more.”
With 801 rooms, the new Omni will be the third-largest-room-sized hotel in Broward, according to Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale, the county’s tourism promotion arm. The two larger hotels are the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood with 1,241 rooms, and the Diplomat Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, with 998 rooms, she said.
The opening of the Omni could be in September, according to Ritter. The hotel will include an amenity deck, rooftop bar and a 6-acre outdoor plaza with amphitheater, art installations and a waterfront view.
The asset manager will be paid $3.6 million for the 10-year contract, and a renewal option could extend the contract for another 10 years.
A spokeswoman for HVS could not be reached by the South Florida Sun Sentinel despite an attempt by phone and email.
In a 2024 memo by George Tablack, who recently retired as the county’s Chief Financial Officer, the asset manager must compare and analyze industry data. “This helps ensure and confirm the hotel’s financial performance, including revenues and operating profit revenue streams,” he wrote.
The convention center expansion could be completed in June, and will feature the largest waterfront ballroom south of Orlando at 65,000 square feet, according to Visit Lauderdale.
Jaime Sturgis, CEO of Fort Lauderdale-based real estate agency Native Realty, said business people are looking forward to the opening and hope it brings more business to Broward.
“I’m very tired of going to Orlando for conventions,” he said. “Selfishly, I hope we can attract some of the conventions that take place there.”
Lisa J. Huriash can be reached at lhuriash@sunsentinel.com. Follow on X, formerly Twitter, @LisaHuriash
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