Metropica's $1.5 Billion Development to Transform Sunrise into Urban Hub
Metropica Development's massive mixed-use project will create Sunrise's first true downtown center while addressing regional traffic challenges through strategic land donations.
Metropica Development LLC is advancing its $1.5 billion master-planned community that will fundamentally reshape Sunrise and western Broward County. The 50-acre development, positioned between Sawgrass Mills and Amerant Bank Arena, represents one of the region's most significant urban transformations, bringing comprehensive mixed-use infrastructure to an area previously dominated by suburban sprawl.
The project's scale is substantial, with approvals for 3,000 residential units, 650,000 square feet of office space, 485,000 square feet of retail, and two hotels. CEO Joseph Kavana describes Metropica as "a dream community where people can live, work and play without having to travel." The development's next phase includes 1,000 luxury rental apartments, a retail plaza with restaurants and entertainment, and one of the two planned hotels, establishing what Kavana calls "the downtown area of Sunrise."
A critical component of the project's regional impact involves recent infrastructure collaboration. Metropica finalized a landmark agreement donating 19 acres to the Florida Turnpike Authority via a memorandum with the city. This donation, adjacent to the Sawgrass Expressway and Pat Salerno Drive, enables the design and construction of a full access interchange that will significantly improve traffic flow, particularly for visitors to the Amerant Bank Arena, home of the Florida Panthers.
The development incorporates three guiding principles: Nature, Wellness, and Happiness. Kavana emphasizes that "being surrounded by nature and having access to wellness activities promotes happiness," with the project featuring extensive green spaces and premium amenities exceeding those found in oceanfront communities. This philosophical approach aims to enhance resident quality of life while creating a distinctive community identity.
Metropica's emergence coincides with broader regional growth, including new Baptist hospital facilities, the American Express campus, and Florida Panthers development projects. The $1.5 billion investment solidifies western Sunrise as a high-demand growth corridor, transforming the city's development pattern from purely suburban to incorporating genuine urban density. When complete, Metropica is expected to host 16,000 to 18,000 people daily, creating Sunrise's first true gathering place and urban focal point.
The project builds on Metropica Development's previous success with One Metropica, a 28-story, 263-residence condominium tower developed through collaboration with architect Chad Oppenheim and YOO Design Group, founded by John Hitchcox and Philippe Starck. That nearly sold-out project demonstrated market demand for high-quality urban living in western Broward County, paving the way for the current expansive development phase.