Municipal Acquisitions Completes a $54 Million Investment in The International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, FL 

Municipal Acquisitions Completes a $54 Million Investment in The International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Municipal Acquisitions is excited to announce that it has made a $54 million investment in the redevelopment of the International Swimming Hall of Fame at the Ft. Lauderdale Aquatics Complex. The investment is structured as a public-private partnership between the City of Fort Lauderdale, Municipal Acquisitions, Hall of Fame Partners, and Hensel Phelps Construction.

The project will transform this iconic Florida property by providing much-needed public improvements and new facilities, including a new International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum, a headquarters for Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue, a world-class aquarium featuring local sea life and interactive features, new office space, conference facilities, and diverse food service options ranging from quick service outlets to an iconic rooftop venue with irreplaceable views over both the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, featuring a Michelin-starred chef.

Groundbreaking and Construction

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 16, 2024. Municipal Acquisitions was joined by the Mayor and members of the City Commission of Fort Lauderdale, along with executives from Hensel Phelps and Hall of Fame Partners. Construction is expected to begin after the first of the year and is projected to be completed in 2028.

A Multi-Phase Project

The project will be constructed over four phases.

The first phase of the project will consist of seawall improvements to address the potential impact of climate change, as well as the construction of a new headquarters facility for the City of Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue (FLOR) and its team of certified first responders, including Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics, who specialize in preventive actions, ocean rescues, and emergency medical assistance protecting the city’s world-renowned beaches.

The second phase includes the construction of the West Building. This structure rises above the Intracoastal Waterway and will house a 256,000-gallon aquarium, a 20,000-square-foot ISHOF Museum, a 7,000-square-foot main ballroom, and a junior 2,500-square-foot event space. The West Building also houses new parking facilities for 202 vehicles, a promenade at the western end of the peninsula, and a rooftop restaurant with outdoor dining.

The West Building also includes a new covered teaching pool, restrooms, and an administrative office for the aquatic facility. The 500-seat grandstand, which will be incorporated into the West Building, overlooks the existing pools and the iconic 89-foot (27-meter) Olympic dive tower, which is the highest in the world.

The third phase will involve the construction of the East Building, a mixed-use facility that will include shared office space, a welcome center, and a café.

The final phase will be primarily interior improvements for the East and West buildings, landscaping, and other public enhancements to complete the redevelopment project.

Positive Economic Impact

This project is projected to produce a significant financial impact on the city, with over 1,400 jobs and $290 million in economic output expected during construction. Once completed, the project is expected to generate over 700 jobs, 500,000 annual visitors, and over $75 million in annual economic output. The cost of the project is expected to be offset by the revenue generated through private sector tenants.

About Municipal Acquisitions

Municipal Acquisitions is a private real estate investment firm based in Washington, DC. With over $750 million in its current portfolio, Municipal Acquisitions is an established and reliable investor with a demonstrated record of successfully closing transactions that meet their programmatic parameters. To date, more than seventy of the world’s most respected insurance companies, pension and retirement funds, mutual funds, and family offices have co-invested in their transactions. They seek out opportunities throughout the United States with a narrow focus on real estate developed for or otherwise used by public sector entities, including state and local governments, as well as not-for-profit health systems and institutions of higher education.