The Lauderdale: Complete Buyer's Guide 2026

The Lauderdale represents one of Fort Lauderdale's most transformational developments: a 42-story, 422-residence luxury tower with a private pedestrian bridge to Brightline's FEC Station—the only such connection in Florida. Whether you're an end-user seeking your primary residence, an international investor exploring EB-5 visa pathways, or a portfolio builder analyzing downtown's next phase of appreciation, this guide covers pricing, floor plans, investment thesis, and everything you need to make an informed decision.

What Is The Lauderdale?

The Lauderdale is a ground-up luxury condominium development located at 200 SW 2nd Street in downtown Fort Lauderdale's Brightline corridor. Developed by EB5 Development Group, Inc., the project comprises 422 residences across 42 stories, with unit types ranging from studios through three-bedroom-plus-den floor plans. The tower is currently in pre-sales phase, with construction expected to commence in 2026 and estimated completion in 2029.

The development is distinguished by three core design pillars:

Each of these firms brings decades of expertise in luxury residential development. FSMY has designed multiple high-rise residential towers across Miami and South Florida. Michael London Design is renowned for curated, timeless residential interiors across multiple hospitality and residential brands. Suffolk Construction brings national-level expertise to complex vertical construction projects.

Where Is The Lauderdale Located?

The Lauderdale sits at the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale's Brightline corridor, specifically at 200 SW 2nd Street. This location places the development within walking distance of the Arts District, cultural venues, restaurants, and retail, while immediately adjacent to the Fort Lauderdale FEC Brightline Station.

Downtown Fort Lauderdale has undergone significant transformation over the past decade. The arrival of Brightline in 2018 catalyzed development along the FEC rail corridor. Today, downtown is home to mixed-use projects, office towers, residential high-rises, and an expanding cultural scene centered around the Arts District and Riverwalk.

The Lauderdale's positioning is strategic: residents enjoy downtown walkability, transit connectivity, and cultural access while avoiding the congestion of Brickell (8 miles south) or the seasonal tourism density of Miami Beach. For Fort Lauderdale-based professionals and international investors seeking U.S. real estate exposure, downtown represents an emerging alternative to Miami's established luxury markets.

What Are the Prices at The Lauderdale?

The Lauderdale pricing reflects pre-sales positioning in a Tier-2 market (versus Miami's Tier-1 premium pricing). Current offerings include:

These price points represent significant value compared to equivalent Miami Brickell or Edgewater properties, which typically command 15–25% premiums. However, they reflect The Lauderdale's pre-sales stage: as construction progresses and delivery approaches, pricing will increase incrementally. Early buyers lock in Friends & Family pricing; later phases and resales will carry higher entry prices.

What Floor Plans Are Available?

The Lauderdale's 422 residences span seven primary floor plan categories, each designed with the Michael London Design interior aesthetic. Floor plans emphasize open living, premium finishes, and integrated smart-home infrastructure.

Studio: 547–598 SF

Studios are designed as efficient one-space residences with separate bedroom alcove, full kitchen, and windowed bathroom. Ideal for young professionals, international investors, or pied-à-terre buyers. Units feature floor-to-ceiling windows and individual climate control. Price entry at $656K.

1-Bedroom: 614 SF

Classic layout with dedicated bedroom, living room with dining area, full kitchen, and bathroom. Most efficient floor plans in the tower. Pricing from $850K. Suitable for singles, couples, or small families.

1-Bedroom + Den: 821 SF

Adds flexible den space—perfect for home offices, guest rooms, or personal studies. Expanded kitchen and living area compared to standard 1BR. Pricing from $980K. Appeals to remote workers and professionals requiring dedicated work-from-home space.

2-Bedroom: 815–945 SF

Primary residential workhorse. Two true bedrooms, full living/dining, kitchen with island or bar seating, and two full bathrooms. Range: $1.1M–$1.35M depending on floor location, orientation, and specific unit. Strong rental income potential for investors.

2-Bedroom + Den: 1,198 SF

Two bedrooms, dedicated den/flex space, and expanded common areas. Total of three bathrooms. Pricing from $1.55M. Ideal for growing families, empty nesters with visiting grandchildren, or multi-generational living.

3-Bedroom: 1,106–1,495 SF

Three true bedrooms with two to three bathrooms depending on floor plan variation. Expanded kitchen, often with separate breakfast nook. Living areas emphasize flow and sightlines. Range: $1.7M–$1.95M. Targets family buyers and high-net-worth international residents.

3-Bedroom + Den: 1,688 SF

The tower's premium floor plan. Three bedrooms, dedicated den/office, three to four bathrooms, and premium finishes throughout. Large-format floor plans on select floors offer private outdoor space. Pricing from $2.19M. Typically located on higher floors with superior views and light exposure.

What Is the Deposit Structure?

The Lauderdale employs a staged deposit structure designed to align buyer capital deployment with construction milestones. This approach allows you to reserve premium units early while spreading your financial commitment over three years before closing.

Example: For a $1M unit purchase:

• $5,000 at signing
• $50,000 at 30 days
• $50,000 at year 1
• $50,000 at year 2
• $50,000 at year 3
• $800,000 at closing (2029)

This structure is advantageous for several reasons:

• Capital efficiency: Deploy cash according to your timeline, not the builder's.
• Financing alignment: Many construction loans allow you to secure a rate lock on the 80% due at closing while deposits are due separately.
• Tax planning: International investors can structure deposits and closings across fiscal years to optimize tax reporting.
• Appreciation capture: You've reserved a unit at pre-sales pricing while enjoying 3 years of projected appreciation before taking title.

What Amenities Does The Lauderdale Offer?

The Lauderdale's amenity program emphasizes health, wellness, entertainment, and social connection. Amenities are distributed across multiple levels, with premium facilities on mid-rise and upper floors.

Health & Wellness

• State-of-the-art fitness center with cardio, strength, and functional training zones
• Spa with sauna, steam room, and massage therapy suites
• Outdoor pool deck with spa and hot tub
• Yoga and Pilates studio
• Mind-body wellness programming

Entertainment & Social

• Private club lounge with wine bar and library
• Residents' restaurant and private dining
• Rooftop lounge with 360-degree city and waterway views
• Golf simulator and game room
• Theater screening room
• Piano bar and lounge areas

Lifestyle & Convenience

• Concierge services
• Valet parking and electric vehicle charging stations
• Pet spa and dog park
• Business center and meeting rooms
• Package receiving and management
• Bike storage and cycling infrastructure

Amenities are designed to foster community while accommodating diverse lifestyles. The lower-floor fitness and wellness facilities serve daily health needs. Mid-rise entertainment venues (wine bar, lounge, restaurant) cater to social and dining experiences. Upper-floor rooftop lounges offer premium entertaining and entertaining destinations.

Who Is the Developer Behind The Lauderdale?

EB5 Development Group, Inc. is the development entity for The Lauderdale. The firm specializes in mixed-use and residential development projects, with particular expertise in EB-5 visa program structuring and compliance. The Lauderdale represents the company's flagship pre-construction residential offering in the South Florida market.

Key development partnerships include:

FSMY is a Miami-based architectural firm with extensive hospitality and residential experience. Michael London Design brings luxury residential interiors expertise spanning residential towers, boutique hotels, and mixed-use projects across the United States and internationally. Suffolk Construction is one of North America's largest construction firms, with particular strength in complex high-rise residential and mixed-use projects.

The combination of experienced development, established architectural and design practices, and a national-caliber general contractor provides confidence in project delivery and quality execution.

What Is the EB-5 Visa Program at The Lauderdale?

The Lauderdale is EB-5 Opportunity Zone eligible, making it a pathway for foreign nationals and their immediate families to obtain U.S. permanent residency (green cards) through qualifying real estate investment.

What Is EB-5?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa program allows foreign nationals to invest in qualified U.S. real estate development projects and obtain permanent residency for themselves and their families, provided they meet investment thresholds and job creation requirements. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and USCIS.

The Lauderdale EB-5 Parameters

Key Advantages for The Lauderdale

• Opportunity Zone Designation: Downtown Fort Lauderdale qualifies as a Federally Designated Opportunity Zone, offering additional tax incentives and EB-5 processing preference.
• Direct Ownership: Unlike some EB-5 structures, you own your residence directly—not a financial instrument or development stake separate from occupancy.
• Dual Purpose: Achieve both residency and real asset ownership in a single investment.
• Professional Property Management: As a condo development, the building is professionally managed, handled, and maintained.
• Appreciation Potential: Your residence appreciates with downtown Fort Lauderdale's real estate market development.

EB-5 Process Timeline

EB-5 processing typically spans 2–3 years from initial investment through conditional green card issuance, with permanent green card following after the 2-year conditional period. The Lauderdale's 2029 completion timeline aligns well with EB-5 processing—you can plan for residency around occupancy.

How Does the Brightline Connection Work?

The Lauderdale's most distinctive feature is its private pedestrian bridge directly connecting the tower to the adjacent Fort Lauderdale FEC Brightline Station—the only such connection in Florida.

Why This Matters

Brightline operates high-speed rail service connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. Residents can access the station without exiting the building or crossing streets. This exclusive connection offers:

• True Transit Access: Year-round weather protection and security walking between your residence and rail platform.
• Reduced Vehicle Dependency: Commute to Miami for business or entertainment via train rather than driving I-95.
• International Travel Gateway: Brightline connects to Miami airport terminals (planned), offering convenient airport access without parking or car rental.
• Supply Chain Advantage: Real estate proximate to multi-modal transit commands premium valuations—especially in emerging markets.

Brightline Service Frequency & Destinations

Brightline currently operates 8–10 daily round-trip trains between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, with expanded West Palm Beach service. Travel time: Miami to Fort Lauderdale is approximately 30 minutes. Service is expected to expand as ridership grows and the Florida rail corridor develops.

The pedestrian bridge is an exclusive resident amenity

Is The Lauderdale a Good Investment?