Why Come Here?
The Water District is a one-of-a-kind waterfront destination on Fort Lauderdale’s beachfront. Here, visitors can explore immersive marine exhibits, watch elite athletes compete in world-class events, enjoy waterfront dining, and experience the true coastal lifestyle of South Florida.
Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot, hosting out-of-town guests, or traveling from afar, the Water District offers something for everyone: from marine adventures to dining and world-class sports events. It’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again.
About the Project
The Water District is a $220 million, public-private partnership (P3) between Capital Group Ventures and the City of Fort Lauderdale. Spanning the entire peninsula, it includes a 204,000-square-foot West Building and delivers $53 million in public infrastructure upgrades, including a new seawall, public promenade, and Ocean Rescue headquarters, all benefiting the local community.
The district unites five major attractions, including the International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum, Fort Lauderdale Aquarium, immersive tech experience, world-class event spaces, and the historic Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center (FLAC).
Backed by a coalition of stakeholders, the project is set to transform the site from fewer than 5,000 annual visitors to a vibrant destination expected to attract 300,000 to 400,000 visitors annually, providing significant economic and cultural benefits to the community.
$220M
Total Project
Investment
204K
Square Feet — West
Building
$53M
Public Infrastructure
Upgrades
400K+
Projected Annual
Visitors
International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) Experience
Recognized by World Aquatics as the official hall of fame and museum for aquatic sports, the ISHOF Museum is a must-see destination where you can explore the rich history and achievements of swimming and aquatic athletes.
Fort Lauderdale Aquarium
A ground-level, immersive marine experience with hands-on exhibits, interactive tech, and meaningful ocean conservation programming for all ages.
Tallest Dive Tower
The tallest dive tower in the Western Hemisphere, standing 27 meters high, hosts thrilling competitions like the World Aquatics High Diving World Cup.
Premium Waterfront Dining
From casual bites and live music on the public promenade to fine dining and rooftop events, there’s a reason to linger from dawn till dusk.
Elevated Public Promenade
Inspired by iconic pedestrian walkways like New York’s High Line, this elevated promenade loops around the peninsula, offering stunning views of the water and a traffic-free path to stroll, dine, and explore.
Water Taxi Access
A dedicated public dock brings you directly to the site from the Intracoastal, no car required.
How It’s Being Built
Phase 1
Public Infrastructure
New seawall, Ocean Rescue headquarters, and site access improvements. Construction is already underway.
Complete Summer 2026
Phase 2
Main Attraction
Fort Lauderdale Aquarium, ISHOF museum experience, interactive exhibits, event space and restaurant, and on-site parking.
Groundbreaking Summer 2026
Phase 3
Dining, Promenade &
Aquatic Training
Waterfront restaurants and retail, the elevated pedestrian promenade, a teaching pool, and dryland dive training facilities.
Phase 4
Public Water Dock
Direct Intracoastal access and dedicated Water Taxi connectivity.
The Water District opens late 2028.
For media inquiries, email waterdistrict@redbanyan.com
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