Metropica Development Transforms Sunrise with $1.5 Billion Mixed-Use Project and Land Donation

Metropica Development LLC, under CEO Joseph Kavana, is advancing a $1.5 billion mixed-use development in Sunrise, Florida, that will establish the city's first downtown core. The 50-acre Metropica project is approved for 3,000 residential units, 650,000 square feet of office space, 485,000 square feet of retail, and two hotels with 240 rooms each, positioned between Sawgrass Mills and Amerant Bank Arena.

The development recently finalized a significant land donation agreement, transferring 19 acres to the Florida Turnpike Authority via a memorandum with the City of Sunrise. This donation, located adjacent to the Sawgrass Expressway and Pat Salerno Drive, enables the design and construction of a full access interchange that will improve traffic flow to and from the northbound and southbound directions, particularly benefiting visitors to the Florida Panthers' arena and future Metropica residents.

Kavana described the land donation as a high-cost endeavor that required changes to the project's stormwater retention plan but was necessary to create direct expressway access. The development follows three core principles: Nature, Wellness, and Happiness, incorporated through green spaces and premium amenities including a state-of-the-art gym designed to rival those in luxury oceanfront communities.

The project's impact extends beyond its immediate boundaries, positioning western Broward County as a rapidly growing neighborhood alongside other major investments like the new Baptist hospital and American Express campus. Metropica will serve as a gathering place with a main-street-like spine featuring restaurants, shops, plazas, and entertainment venues, ultimately hosting an estimated 16,000 to 18,000 people daily.

This transformation from suburban to urban development represents a significant shift for Sunrise, creating a walkable community where residents can live, work, and play without extensive travel. The project's scale and strategic infrastructure contributions demonstrate how private development can collaborate with public entities to address regional transportation needs while creating vibrant, sustainable communities.