After years of struggle, Pines City Center ready to rise

For nearly a decade the dream was nothing more than a ghostly expanse of dirt lots. Empty roads, sidewalks and a lonely clock tower were the only testament to the city's grand vision of a vibrant downtown area.

It was an ambition that struggled to take flight.

Officials' hopes of an urban center bringing new energy to this city of 160,000 Broward County's second largest were derailed over the years by reluctant developers, a housing slump and a stalled economy.

But now the City Center dream has returned.

Groundbreaking is scheduled next month on a $58 million civic center, the centerpiece of the city's resurrected ambitions. There will also be entertainment venues, office and retail space, restaurants, a hotel and other amenities on 80 city-owned acres near the intersection of Pines Boulevard and Palm Avenue.

"It's taken much longer than I wanted, much longer, but I am happy to say that we are at a point right now where everything is going forward," said Mayor Frank Ortis.

The City Center plan dates to the late 1990s. But work was limited. Roads, sidewalks and a clock tower, along with a seating area and series of fountains, were built on the site in 2006.

Then the recession came and stalled further construction. Thirty five acres of undeveloped land still sit shovel ready.

The civic center will contain a 3,500 seat auditorium and conference space suited for trade shows or conventions. City Hall will also relocate to the civic center, which Stiles Construction has been hired to build. The Broward County Commission approved Tuesday a $462,000 grant for the civic center.

The groundbreaking signals a significant step for the City Center. While about 450 apartment units have already been built and housing construction continues on the site, this is the first imminent construction of a commercial space.

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After years of struggle, Pines City Center ready to rise