The Fort Lauderdale Trump Is Getting Trumped And A Whole New Look
After sitting vacant for over six years, what was known in Fort Lauderdale as The Trump International Hotel has a new owner.
What was going to be a 24 story oceanfront Condo Hotel property with 298 units will be revamped and will now offer 181 hotel units as well as 109 residents-only units. Gone is the Trump name. The new investor-owners have made a partnership agreement with the Hilton and they will manage the hotel portion of the building. Besides the change from condo hotel units to straight hotel and residential units, the property will have over 100M in improvements with a major change to its facade creating a more pedestrian friendly entrance from the beach. Gone are the bankruptcy hearings and lawsuits that have plagued the property since its completion. The official announcement will be made mid December disclosing more details including the new owners name and purchase price. The condo units will be placed in the front of the building and on the top floors of the tower. Needless to say, the local businesses and residential neighbors have embraced the new owners and their business plan. Fort Lauderdale City Fathers needed to give their blessings also because of the zoning change that was necessary to switch from a condo hotel to residential units. What has been an eye sore will become a magnificent much needed addition to Fort Lauderdale Beach. Fort Lauderdale has become a shining star with the additions of The Ritz-Carlton, The Hilton and The W. All of which have made Fort Lauderdale a world class destination over the past 5 years even though the area was suffering because of the recession. Fort Lauderdale is no longer the honky tonk spring break capital that originally put it on the map, but rather a year round sought after luxury vacation and ownership hot spot.
