A New Expression of Waterfront Living Takes Shape in Fort Lauderdale

Mornings begin with the quiet movement of boats gliding along the Intracoastal Waterway. Sunlight filters across private terraces as ocean breezes carry the salt air inland. By afternoon, residents drift between water, wellness, and social spaces designed to feel equally relaxed and refined. Evenings unfold slowly, framed by panoramic waterfront views and the effortless rhythm that defines South Florida living. This sense of place sets the tone for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Fort Lauderdale Beach, a new boutique residential development that places lifestyle, design, and service at the forefront of coastal living.

Announced by MICL in partnership with Admire Capital, the dual-tower development will rise 13 stories at 551 Bayshore Drive, positioned between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Comprising just 83 private residences, the project reflects a more intimate approach to luxury waterfront living, one that prioritizes thoughtful design, personalized service, and a strong connection to the surrounding environment. Sales and marketing are exclusively represented by Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, with residences starting from $2.5 million.

“Fort Lauderdale is having a genuine moment as a coastal lifestyle destination, reflecting the way buyers want to live today,” says Diana Ulis, CEO and Founder of Admire Capital. “This project brings together design-forward residences, a strong connection to the water, and the distinctive luxury and service associated with The Ritz-Carlton brand.”

Architecture Designed Around Water and Light

Designed by award-winning architecture firm Garcia Stromberg, with interiors by Dan Fink Studio, The Ritz-Carlton Residences Fort Lauderdale Beach embraces its waterfront surroundings through a carefully considered dual-tower design. The architectural composition responds directly to the site’s natural elements, capturing expansive views, maximizing natural light, and encouraging airflow that reinforces the open, breezy character of coastal living.

The development offers a limited collection of two- and three-bedroom residences with dens, ranging from approximately 1,550 to 3,480 square feet. Six penthouses crown the towers, featuring ceiling heights up to 11 feet and expansive floor plans designed to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.

Inside each residence, materials and finishes reflect a contemporary interpretation of coastal elegance. Wide-plank white oak flooring creates warmth and continuity throughout living spaces, while floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open to spacious terraces that extend entertaining areas toward the water. Select residences capture both Intracoastal and Atlantic Ocean views, reinforcing the sense of immersion in Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront setting.

Kitchens are designed as both functional and social hubs, featuring Shaker-style cabinetry, integrated Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, and refined detailing that balances craftsmanship with everyday usability. Primary suites are envisioned as private retreats, complete with generous walk-in closets and spa-inspired bathrooms that incorporate freestanding soaking tubs, Waterworks fixtures, and custom millwork.

Additional residential features include European-style solid-core doors, custom built-ins, and full-size vented washers and dryers. Select homes offer private elevator lobbies paired with separate service elevators, enhancing both privacy and convenience. The penthouse collection elevates the residential experience further with private rooftop terraces, and in select layouts, plunge pools that create secluded outdoor sanctuaries overlooking the surrounding waterways.

“From the beginning, this project was about creating homes that feel connected to the rhythm of Fort Lauderdale and its waterfront setting,” says Vatsal Shah, Director of MICL. “Every residence was designed to take advantage of the light, views, and openness that define the city’s coastal experience.”

A Curated Amenity Experience

The amenity offerings at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Fort Lauderdale Beach are designed to support both relaxation and connection, reflecting the growing demand among luxury buyers for residential communities that seamlessly integrate lifestyle programming.

Outdoor spaces form the heart of the development, where lushly landscaped gardens create a tranquil transition between the two towers. At the center, a lap pool and separate leisure pool offer distinct environments for exercise and relaxation, while private cabanas and an outdoor bar pavilion provide gathering spaces that encourage social interaction while maintaining an intimate residential atmosphere. A limited number of private dock slips along the Intracoastal further enhance the boating lifestyle that defines the area.

Indoor amenities extend the development’s resort-style environment, offering a resident lounge with a catering kitchen designed for entertaining, a private screening room, and a multi-sport simulator. A dedicated conference room accommodates remote work and private meetings, while a children’s playroom supports family-friendly living within a sophisticated residential setting.

“Today’s buyers in lifestyle-driven coastal markets are gravitating toward vertical residences that balance exceptional design with privacy, ease, and comfort,” says Jay Phillip Parker, CEO of Brokerage for the Florida Region and President of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, Florida. “The Ritz-Carlton Residences Fort Lauderdale Beach delivers a boutique residential experience supported by the service and amenities discerning buyers value most.”

Signature Service Anchors the Experience

Central to the residential offering is The Ritz-Carlton’s globally recognized service, delivered through a dedicated on-site residential team providing 24-hour valet, concierge services, and personalized lifestyle coordination. The service model is designed to support daily routines while enhancing travel, wellness, and entertainment experiences.

Ownership also includes membership in ONVIA, Marriott’s owner recognition platform, which provides elevated global travel status and access to curated partnerships and experiences. These offerings include yacht and golf privileges, exclusive cultural programming, and tailored wellness opportunities designed to extend the residential lifestyle beyond the property itself.

An Intimate Addition to Fort Lauderdale’s Waterfront Landscape

Developed by a team recognized for leadership in design-focused residential real estate, The Ritz-Carlton Residences Fort Lauderdale Beach represents a distinctive addition to Fort Lauderdale’s evolving waterfront skyline. The limited scale of the project reinforces a boutique residential environment that prioritizes privacy, personalization, and a strong connection to the surrounding coastal environment.

As Fort Lauderdale continues to attract buyers drawn to water-oriented living, The Ritz-Carlton Residences Fort Lauderdale Beach reflects a broader shift toward residences that offer not only architectural quality and location, but also a fully realized lifestyle shaped by service, amenities, and thoughtful design. The development captures the essence of contemporary coastal living, where everyday routines are defined by proximity to the water, connection to the outdoors, and the ease of a residence designed to support both retreat and gathering.

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