Merrimac Ventures, one of South Florida’s most experienced real estate investment and development firms, is launching sales for Bungalow East, a new luxury condominium in Fort Lauderdale Beach, just steps away from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Located at 530 North Birch Road, the 14-story development will boast an intimate boutique experience with only 34 elegantly designed residences, highly curated amenities and services, and a walkable beachside location in the heart of one of Fort Lauderdale Beach’s most desirable communities. Construction is estimated to begin in late 2025, with an estimated delivery timeframe of 18 months.
Bungalow East will benefit from the track-record of Merrimac Ventures, a South Florida-based family owned and operated real estate investment and development company focused on transforming communities. The firm’s impact on Fort Lauderdale Beach took shape more than 35 years ago, when the Motwani family acquired a string of motels along the popular oceanfront strip with a vision of transforming the once “Spring Break haven” into a luxury resort destination. Today, the properties where the family’s motels once stood are now the sites of various luxury hotels and condos including the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences, the Conrad Hotel, The Gale Boutique Hotel and Residences, and Paramount Fort Lauderdale. The family has also been a visionary in bringing to life other major projects across South Florida including Downtown Miami’s 27-acre Miami Worldcenter development, the country’s largest mixed-use project to take shape South of New York City’s Hudson Yards.
“Fort Lauderdale Beach’s transformation has been extraordinary – the result of many years of careful, thoughtful development, planning, and public investment in the community, which our family has spearheaded over the last three decades since we’ve owned the site,” said Dev Motwani, Co-Managing Partner of Merrimac Ventures. “While we’ve completed several luxury developments in the area over the years, we’ve always felt that this property – and its proximity within North Beach Village – was unique and intentionally waited until we found the right vision for this specific location.”
“Bungalow East is not just another condominium; it represents the final piece in a journey that has seen our family shape the future of this beautiful area,” said Nitin Motwani, Co-Managing Partner of Merrimac Ventures. “We are committed to creating a luxurious living experience that honors the past while embracing the vibrant future of Fort Lauderdale Beach.”
Designed by Miami-based Swedroe Architecture, with exceptional interiors imagined by Adriana Hoyos Design Studio, Bungalow East’s impeccably finished and spacious residences will feature expansive terraces, floor-to-ceiling, impact-resistant sliding glass doors and windows, private residence elevators, and breathtaking ocean and Intracoastal views. The building’s interiors will showcase natural woods and neutral color palettes, all complemented by top-of-the-line finishes, refined details, and sleek elements. Each residence will also feature gas-range stoves, highlighting a true chef’s kitchen that, combined with the spacious floor plans and expansive outdoor terraces with summer kitchens, will make the building’s units feel like vertical homes in the sky.
Finished residences will feature three- and four-bedroom layouts measuring between 2,100 to 2,800 square feet in size, with the option of converting to a three-bedroom plus den floorplan or a two-bedroom plus den floorplan. Additionally, the building will include two exclusive four- and five-bedroom penthouse residences with private rooftop decks, each measuring at about 4,000 square feet in size. Residences are priced between $2 million and $4 million.
Bungalow East’s distinctive portfolio of highly curated and customized resident-exclusive amenities and services inspires a lifestyle of relaxed luxury and tailored experiences. Amenities will include an expansive pool deck with a jacuzzi area and cabanas, a resort-style fitness and wellness center complete with massage and treatment rooms, sauna, steam and cold plunge facilities as well as a beauty salon. Other amenities include a yoga lawn and movement studio, a private rooftop sunset lounge, a dog run and pet spa, a library and conference center, and a gaming and entertainment lounge. Additionally, the building’s lobby will include approximately 1,300 square feet of retail/restaurant space with plans to compliment the neighborhood’s offerings with a future café, bistro or wine bar for residents. Bungalow East will also offer residents a Yacht Club membership, a private restaurant membership with access to 200+ venues around the world, as well as an exclusive membership to the Conrad
Hotel Fort Lauderdale, providing residents prime beach access and beach service along with access to all the hotel’s amenities.
Leading Bungalow East’s sales and marketing efforts is OneWorld Properties, one of South Florida’s most prominent full-service residential brokerage firms.
“Bungalow East is a fantastic addition to Fort Lauderdale Beach, perfectly positioned to meet the growing demand for luxury living in this community,” said Peggy Olin, CEO of OneWorld Properties. “We are proud to partner with Merrimac Ventures in creating a boutique development that embodies relaxed luxury, with exclusive amenities steps from the beach that cater to the needs and desires of our residents. This is a pivotal time for Fort Lauderdale, and we are excited to be part of its ongoing growth and transformation.”
The launch Bungalow East coincides with the revitalization of the Fort Lauderdale Beach area, fueled by demand from local residents looking to move closer to the beach and domestic buyers looking to relocate from major U.S. cities who are attracted to Florida’s desirable quality of life, lower business and living expenses, and tax-friendly policies. According to the latest U.S census report, Florida had the highest net migration increase of all states in 2022, gaining a net population of 249,064 people.
Located within the heart of the budding enclave of Fort Lauderdale Beach’s charming North Beach Village, steps away from the glistening waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, and just minutes from the famed Las Olas Boulevard, Bungalow East is within walking distance to the area’s most popular restaurants, retail, hospitality and cultural offerings. Nearby hotspots include Archibald’s Village Bakery, The Secret Garden Dining Club at the Pillars Hotel, Truluck’s, Wine + Garden, La Fuga, Casa Playa and Casablanca Café, as well as numerous four- and five-star hotels including the Four Seasons, the Conrad Hilton, the W Hotel, the Kimpton Shorebreak, the Westin, among others. The property is also conveniently located within proximity to the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens and Birch State Park, which includes some of the region’s best biking and hiking trails, catering to those looking for a wellness-focused lifestyle.
Read More: https://communitynewspapers.com/realestate/merrimac-ventures-to-develop-bungalow-east-residences-in-fort-lauderdale-beach-florida/
