FORT LAUDERDALE — A new condo tower, the first to rise on Las Olas Boulevard in 20 years, will soar 540 feet into the air, making it the tallest building in town.
The 46-story tower, dubbed Andare Residences, is expected to open in 2027. The $350 million project calls for 163 units, with prices starting at $2 million.
The downtown high-rise is sure to be a head-turner with its sleek design by Pininfarina, the firm behind Ferrari. Curvy wraparound balconies offering panoramic views of Fort Lauderdale lend the building a flowing, wave-like appearance.
Andare will rise next to Tunnel Top Park at 521 E. Las Olas Blvd., just 2 miles from the beach on the west side of the U.S. 1 tunnel.
Related Group, Miami’s largest condo developer, bought the parcel more than five years ago and decided the time was right to build a luxury condo in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Nick Pérez told the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
“This is our 10th groundbreaking in Fort Lauderdale since 2010,” Pérez, president of Related’s Condominium Division, said Thursday during a lively groundbreaking ceremony.
But it will be the first condo Related has built in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
“Breaking ground on Andare is an important milestone for both Related and Fort Lauderdale,” Pérez said. “We’ve spent years getting to know this market and contributing to its transformation, but it’s been 20 years since a property of this caliber has risen above Las Olas. With Andare, we’re proud to be writing downtown’s next chapter, offering an elevated living experience in the heart of the city.”
Once built, Andrare will be the tallest building downtown. For now, that distinction is held by 100 Las Olas, a 45-story luxury condo tower that’s 499 feet tall.
“The pile rig will be here June 1,” Pérez said. “The tower crane will go up at the end of summer.”
When Related officials were planning the project, Pérez said they asked people whether they wanted apartments or condos.
“Overwhelmingly people told us they wanted condos,” he said. “Given the shift with COVID, the condo market really heated up. Our buyer here is local and very wealthy. These buyers are coming from big houses in Lighthouse Point and big houses on Las Olas. As well as buyers from Chicago, New York and New Jersey.”
The units — including the penthouse — are already 50% sold, said Daniel Teixvira, vice president of sales for Andare.
“The buyer of the penthouse lives three blocks away,” Teixvira said. “What I think the secret to this site is you feel like you’re in the Las Olas shopping district. This is a walkable community. That is the No. 1 reason people are buying here.”
Buyers up North are already familiar with Fort Lauderdale, Teixvira said.
“In Chicago and New York I didn’t have to sell Fort Lauderdale,” he said. “They all know Fort Lauderdale. They view it as boating and fun and not just the beach, but Las Olas. Las Olas is now synonymous with Fort Lauderdale.”
Most of the units at Andare will range in size from 1,800 to more than 4,300 square feet.
Andare’s $16 million marquee penthouse will span over 6,000 square feet and feature a wine room along with a private theater.
Residents at Andare will have access to more than 35,000 square feet of amenities.
On the 10th floor, they’ll find a state-of-the-art fitness center, a pickleball court and a wellness spa with dedicated salt, sauna, steam and massage rooms along with hot and cold plunge pools.
Andare’s 11th floor will include a private dining room with a catering kitchen; a Sports Lounge with gaming tables; an Executive Lounge with private conference rooms and a resident’s Club Lounge with a Central Bar.
On the rooftop, residents will find an outdoor kitchen, swimming pool, private cabanas, an expansive sun deck, a hot tub and food and beverage services.
On the ground floor, Andare will be home to a 6,000-square-foot restaurant envisioned by restaurateur Tim Petrillo, CEO of The Restaurant People.
Petrillo’s portfolio of Fort Lauderdale restaurants includes YOLO, Java & Jam, Casablanca, S3 (Sun Surf Sand), Boatyard, Taste, Rooftop @1WLO, Nube Rooftop, Tarpon River Brewing.
Petrillo said he does not yet have a name for his new venture, but he will by 2027.
“It’s a great location,” he said, referring to Andare’s chic Las Olas address. “I’m very bullish on Las Olas. So I figured I’d jump at the chance to have that spot.”
Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com. Follow me on X @Susannah_Bryan