The new shade sails at Tunnel Top Plaza in downtown Fort Lauderdale are getting a mixed response ranging from snarky praise to snarky criticism.
Tunnel Top Plaza opened in December 2023. The $12 million-plus project sits on Las Olas Boulevard right above the U.S. 1 tunnel. Soon enough, the blazing heat made it apparent something was missing: Shade.
The beige-colored sails went up two weeks ago, adding an additional $62,000 to the tab.
Fans and critics took to social media to share their thoughts on the new addition.
“The homeless will love it,” said one post. “Wtf,” said another.
“A poorly designed concept turned boondoggle,” remarked another.
Admirers of the shade sails gave them a thumbs up.
“This place is genuinely super cool,” one poster said. “My friends and I hang there almost every day.”
Another wrote: “I was by it today and it really looks great. Can’t imagine it will hold up in the weather or for very long, but it sure looks great today.”
Commissioner Steve Glassman said the shade sails seem to be a hit with most people.
“For the most part, I’m receiving positive comments,” he said. “Not surprising considering almost anything would have been an improvement. I am still looking to see more greenery; lusher landscaping is needed to soften the hardscape.”
Shade sails, shown on Feb. 14, are bringing much needed shade to Tunnel Top Plaza on Las Olas Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Mayor Dean Trantalis says most folks like the new addition.
“It’s a more functional space now because of the shading,” he said. “Now people can enjoy their lunch during the day and tourists and families can go there and not be overwhelmed by the elements.”
Some say the plaza and its artificial turf ground covering is still missing one thing: Trees.
That includes Ted Inserra, president of the River Oaks Civic Association.
“We have that other thing that’s a really good shade giver, and they’re called trees,” he said. “They’re just putting lipstick on a pig. And it’s still a pig. It still has no grass and no shade trees.”
It’s hard to plant trees when there’s no dirt, Trantalis said.
Commissioner Ben Sorensen, whose district includes the neighborhood, says trees are on the way. They won’t be planted in the ground but instead will be in planters.
Sorensen says he too is getting positive feedback, though some people are asking whether beige was the happiest, most vibrant color choice.
“Some people have asked if this was the only color available,” Sorensen said. “We can change the color as we evaluate how it’s going. I think the sails will do well (in a storm), but if there are rips or tears we will replace them. They’re holding up pretty well so far and we’ve had some decent wind.”
Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com. Follow me on X @Susannah_Bryan