The City of Fort Lauderdale has officially opened the Thrive Art District, a five-acre creative hub aimed at revitalizing an industrial corridor in the Progresso Village neighborhood.
Located at 710 NW 5th Avenue, the development spans more than 80,000 square feet and is designed to support small businesses, attract visitors, and expand the city’s cultural footprint. City officials described the opening as a milestone in ongoing redevelopment efforts.
“Today marks an exciting milestone for Progresso Village and for our entire city,” Mayor Dean Trantalis said. “The Thrive Art District reflects our commitment to thoughtful redevelopment that honors neighborhood character while creating meaningful economic opportunity.”
The initiative is the result of a partnership between the City of Fort Lauderdale, private developers, and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), with a focus on investing in the area while preserving its identity.
“This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking development our community needs,” said Commissioner Steven Glassman. “The Thrive Art District supports small businesses, creates jobs and gives residents a new place to experience the arts.”
According to the Thrive Art District website, the district’s origins date back to 2016, when developers known as the Fish Brothers identified Progresso Village as a neighborhood with untapped potential. The website notes that they envisioned transforming the area into a destination not only for Fort Lauderdale and Broward County residents, but also for visitors from surrounding areas.
The development includes an outdoor art gallery with murals, pedestrian walkways, and public gathering spaces such as a Music Square, Art Square, and central courtyard. The district also features boutique retail spaces, galleries, food and beverage establishments, a high-end street art gallery, a souvenir shop showcasing local artists, and a rooftop bar overlooking downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Once a rundown industrial area, Progresso Village has been transformed into a vibrant destination for arts, culture, and commerce — a project designed to support local entrepreneurs, create jobs, and provide residents and visitors new ways to experience the city.