Buildings in Fort Lauderdale’s historic Himmarshee Village may soon get taller — and more modern.
City commissioners will vote on an ordinance updating the rules for the city’s Historic Preservation District, which Himmarshee Village is part of, at Thursday’s meeting. If approved, the ordinance will increase the building height limits for new construction and additions: up to six stories (with a step back of 15 feet required above three stories) along SW 2nd Street and up to three stories along SW 2nd Avenue and SW 3rd Avenue. Buildings considered to be historic are not affected by the changes.
According to a memorandum about the ordinance from city manager Rickelle Williams, the current restrictions are perceived to have been “holding back the economic development” of the historic district. The proposed changes are meant to preserve the area’s historic heritage “while balancing future redevelopment within the district.”…