City Village working through approval process for mixed-use, 300-apartment complex

The team behind the planned City Village apartment complex and commercial development in downtown Coral Springs is gradually approaching the end of its approval process from Coral Springs officials.

The Amera Corporation, which also owns and operates The Walk on University, is looking to build out a two-phase, multi-use urban village consisting of 300 apartment units plus commercial businesses in downtown Coral Springs near the northwest corner of Sample Road and University Drive.

The first phase, City Village West, will consist of two buildings on 4.7 acres of land closer to the intersection of Coral Hills Drive.

One building is an eight-story structure consisting of 205 apartment units and roughly 11,000 square feet of commercial space, according to city documents. The second building will be five stories at its maximum and includes a parking garage with over 500 parking spaces, 95 apartments, amenities and the leasing office of the complex, as well as approximately 10,000 square feet of commercial and retail space.

“The project is designed to bring thoughtfully planned housing, walkability and neighborhood-serving retail that supports Coral Springs’ long-term vision,” Amera President Gisele Rahael told the Coral Springs News on Dec. 18. “Our goal is to deliver a project that reflects the character of Coral Springs and enhances the experience for residents, neighbors and local businesses alike.”

At the Dec. 18 Development Review Committee meeting, representatives from the development team received feedback on the second-round submission of their site plan from the committee, which consists of fire department officials, engineers, public works staff and others.

“City Village West is progressing through the City’s review process, and we appreciate the constructive engagement with city staff,” Rahael said.

The project at the site of the former City Hall has been in the works for years, with the city announcing in 2020 that it had approved conceptual plans for development and the $4.6 million sale of the City Hall land.

“Simply put, we love the community, which is why we choose to live and invest in our city,” said Amera Founder and CEO George Rahael in 2020.

The tax revenue from the City Village West development over 30 years is projected to be around $63 million, according to a letter of intent from Amera. The total development, including land costs, will be about $100 million for City Village West.

“We take great pride in investing in our hometown to ensure it is the best it can be for our family and the residents of Coral Springs,” he said in the statement. “We raised our children here and now our children are raising their children here. The revenue and vitality that results from development is key to keeping Coral Springs beautiful and thriving.”

Next steps

With a few steps remaining in the approval and permitting process, the team doesn’t have a hard timeline for when construction will begin. In November 2024, the developers shared they hoped to break ground by the end of 2025, but in later documents, that timeline was delayed to reflect beginning construction in 2026 and completing it by the end of 2027.

Developers must address the committee’s comments and submit the site plan for final approval from the Development Review Committee. The project still also needs to clear an approval vote from the City Commission, likely in January, to eliminate temporary access improvements in the phasing plan in lieu of permanent access to the property before the plan gets the final sign-off from the DRC, according to Tina Jou, Director of Development Services.

The developers additionally need to apply for plat exemption petition and dedication and abandonments of easements, the latter of which needs to also be approved by the City Commission.

At the same time, the developers can file for building permits, but they can’t get the final OK until the City Commission and DRC approve their site plan and petitions.

The team’s legal counsel said they hope to submit their final site plan for approval as soon as possible, though likely not before the end of the year.

After City Village West goes up, Amera plans to start developing the remaining 8-acre portion of the lot in Phase 2, City Village East. While more specific uses for the land haven’t been released, the owners plan to devote a minimum of 65,000 square feet for retail and restaurant use.