Fort Lauderdale has terminated the Arts Park deal that would have turned over a prime piece of taxpayer-owned land to a developer for anywhere from 50 to 100 years.
Tuesday’s unanimous commission vote frees up the 3.3-acre parcel in Flagler Village that has been fenced off by the developer for the past few years.
Nightlife entrepreneur Jeff John got approval for his $140 million project in late 2022 but never broke ground. His plans for the land at 301 N. Andrews Ave. called for a concert venue and towering food hall with a park in between.
The city recently declared John and his development team in default after he was unable to show proof he had the financing to build the project.
John, CEO of Damn Good Hospitality Group, declined to comment on Wednesday.
“It was an unfortunate set of circumstances,” said Commissioner Steve Glassman, an early champion of the project who had a change of heart.
“The reason I suggested we pull the plug was because I lost trust,” Glassman said. “I still think it was a good project. I’ve known Jeff John for a long time and believed him when he said he had the money together. I think everyone had good intentions.”
Known as the One Stop Shop site, the site was once home to Fort Lauderdale’s One Stop Shop permitting office. The building was torn down six years ago after sitting empty for more than a decade.
Many residents have made it clear they’d like the space turned into a much-needed park, declaring so at City Hall meetings and in social media forums.
Fort Lauderdale has reached out to the Downtown Development Authority for help coming up with a plan for the land, Mayor Dean Trantalis said.
“They’ve already shown experience in reimagining downtown space with Huizenga Park,” Trantalis said. “And we’ll reach out to the community too for ideas. I’m very open to what residents have to say. But I still think it should be maintained as open space.”
As the district commissioner for the neighborhood, Glassman says he too would like to see it preserved as a park.
“I want it to be park space, but not just barren,” Glassman said. “I want it to be activated, maybe an amphitheater with an arts component. I would still like to see it become an arts park with maybe some walking trails.”
Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com. Follow me on X @Susannah_Bryan