Brooks + Scarpa Architects has completed DC Alexander Park, a 52,300-square-meter waterfront park project in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that addresses the unique challenges of extreme coastal environments. The project, finished in 2022 with a total construction cost of $5 million, represents a significant urban redevelopment initiative undertaken by the City of Fort Lauderdale's Community Redevelopment Agency and Parks and Recreation Department.
The park's design specifically tackles the environmental challenges inherent to its beachfront location, including frequent flooding and constant exposure to salt spray from the ocean. These conditions required innovative engineering solutions and material selections that could withstand the harsh coastal climate while providing functional public space for the community.
Lead Designer Lawrence Scarpa, FAIA, and Principal in Charge Jeffrey Huber, FAIA, led the design team alongside Project Architect Daren Chen. The comprehensive project team also included Angela Brooks, FAIA, Heather Akers, David Garcia, Dionicio Ichillumpa, Eric Mosher, Iliya Muzychuk, Zachary Schoch, Arty Vartanyan, and Yimin Wu, demonstrating the collaborative approach taken for this complex waterfront development.
The project required extensive coordination with multiple engineering disciplines to address the site's challenging conditions. PLAN(t) served as the landscape architecture firm, while Keith Engineering provided structural, civil, and geotechnical engineering services. RGD handled both lighting design and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, with Sasso contributing additional lighting design expertise.
Steel emerged as a primary material choice for the park's construction, reflecting both aesthetic preferences and practical durability requirements for the coastal environment. The material selection process had to carefully consider the corrosive effects of salt air and the need for long-term maintenance efficiency in the public park setting.
Shiff Construction served as the general contractor for the project, working closely with Brooks + Scarpa Architects, who also handled security planning, wayfinding design, specifications development, and facade engineering. This comprehensive approach ensured consistency across all aspects of the park's design and implementation.
The permitting process for DC Alexander Park presented significant challenges related to flood management and environmental compliance. The project team had to navigate complex regulatory requirements while developing solutions that would protect both the park infrastructure and surrounding community from flood risks.
DC Alexander Park stands as an example of contemporary landscape architecture that prioritizes climate resilience and community accessibility. The project demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform challenging coastal sites into valuable public amenities that serve both recreational and environmental protection functions for growing urban waterfront communities.
