Sunrise's 4 Million SF Project Metropica Wins Key Approval

Metropica, a $1 billion project expected to change the Sunrise skyline, scored another city approval Tuesday.

Commissioners gave initial approval to Metropica’s request to rezone 28 acres at the northeast corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Northwest 136th Avenue. Commissioners are expected to take a final vote on the rezoning July 15. They also plan to vote on the project’s master plan at that time.

The 4-million-square-foot development will rise on 50 acres just west of Sawgrass Mills and take an estimated 10 years to build.

Initial phases call for 1,250 high-rise units, 485,000 square feet of commercial and 150,000 square feet of office space.

When finished, Metropica would have up to 2,500 condos, 300 townhomes, 485,000 square feet of commercial space and 785,000 square feet of office space, plus a 2-acre park that will be deeded to the city.

The height of Metropica’s condo towers has been capped at 30 stories. If the developer opts to build that high, Metropica would boast the tallest buildings in Sunrise.

Some have criticized the size of the project and say it will contribute to traffic congestion. Supporters say it will be a boon for the area, bringing crowds and construction jobs.

Upon completion, the project is expected to generate at least $5 million a year in city taxes along with 1,000 permanent jobs.

Sunrise has promised the developer up to $48 million in tax incentives, said Lauren Marks, a spokeswoman for developer Joseph Kavana. The money will come from property taxes generated by the project and will be paid out over 25 years based on the progress of the development, she said.

Kavana has referred to the transit-oriented development as a “dream community” that would encourage residents to ditch their cars and travel by foot or bike.

He hopes to break ground in early 2015.

Source:  SunSentinel