The iconic International Swimming Hall of Fame on Fort Lauderdale Beach is set for a major transformation, with city commissioners approving a $220 million upgrade Tuesday evening. The project, a public-private partnership, aims to modernize the landmark site while preserving its historic features.
Renderings reveal a six-story west building, a nearly 204,000-square-foot multi-purpose structure, and a family-friendly aquarium. The revamped site will also include a restaurant, a 24,000-square-foot museum, large event spaces, and wide pedestrian walkways along the waterfront. The iconic nine-story diving board will remain, ensuring the attraction retains one of its most recognizable features.
Mario Caprini, CEO of the private company overseeing the project, said the development has been in the works for roughly six years and will proceed in four phases. “It’s been a long time coming, a lot of effort went into it,” Caprini said. “We have an elevated promenade that’s going to connect the east to west building… all the way to the water taxi and the dock we’re going to be putting in.”
The east building’s renovation plans are expected to come before the commission later this year. The Hall of Fame, located at One Hall of Fame Drive, is operated by a private LLC called Hall of Fame Partners and is recognized by FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation) as the official hall for aquatics sports. Exhibits range from ancient art and historical memorabilia to artifacts celebrating swimming achievements and civil rights milestones in the sport.
The $220 million project promises to reshape Fort Lauderdale’s central beach area while keeping the Hall’s rich history and world-class attractions at the forefront of the city’s waterfront.