Developers present ‘The Hill’ entertainment district; commission gives consensus to pursue a phased activation

Developers of “The Hill,” a planned mixed‑use project on the 14‑acre corner of Sunrise Boulevard and U.S. 441, briefed the Lauderhill City Commission on March 17 and won broad, informal support to proceed with a phased activation beginning with a 60‑foot immersive “dome” and adjacent commercial kiosks.

The Hill’s developer team — including Greg Brutes, Mike Julian and Marco Manzi — told commissioners the concept is meant to activate the site near the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC) with food, entertainment and a future hotel and parking garage. “We have a 60 foot dome project, that will house about 300 people,” said Greg Brutes, one of the developers. He said the dome’s steel frame and rubberized fabric cover have been built in hurricane‑prone areas and are engineered to meet building codes.

Why it matters: The site has been largely vacant for decades; proponents say the phased approach will provide near‑term activity — kiosks and the dome — while the larger master plan, including a hotel and parking structure, moves through permitting. Commissioners asked for firm timelines, community engagement with homeowners associations and assurances about security and local contracting.

What the developers proposed: The team described a multi‑phase build. Phase 1 would occupy roughly 2 acres in the northeast corner near the LPAC and provide commercial kiosks and a midsize immersive dome for educational programs, immersive art, corporate events and projection‑based sports viewing. Developers said the dome experience would run day and night, and that kiosks would offer food options tied to community needs.

Hotel and longer timeline: Marco Manzi, a hotel representative, said several major brands have expressed interest and the developers are conducting a feasibility study to determine the right size for initial hotel construction. Developer Mike Julian said the team has retained Gensler as architect and a consultant (Fulcrum) for hotel market analysis. Julian estimated a hotel could be built in roughly 24–30 months after permits and design work are complete; developers said the dome and kiosks could be activated much sooner. Julian said the firm has received a letter of interest from Wyndham Hotels.

Permits, process and conditions: Kenny Hobbs, interim city manager, emphasized the presentation was conceptual and that “this does not waive any other approval requirements that are still in place.” Staff and developers said the plan requires the standard planning and permitting steps, public hearings and HOA outreach before anything is built. Developers said site‑specific details — final siting of the hotel and parking garage and ingress/egress — will be determined through the formal master‑planning and permitting process.

Community, operations and security: Commissioners asked how long the dome would remain (developers said the dome would be permanent as part of the overall site), how many people it would hold (the proposed 60‑foot dome would hold about 300), staffing and security needs, and whether the venue would compete with the LPAC. Developers said they have coordinated with the LPAC director and that the dome’s programming is intended to complement, not compete with, LPAC performances. On security, developers proposed gates and on‑site cameras; staff said the city will review security and parking impacts during the site‑plan review.

Local hiring and small business participation: Commissioners pressed developers on opportunities for local contractors and small businesses. The developers said they intend to recruit local professionals and noted the city’s Small Business Enterprise (SBE) goals for construction contracts. “Our commitment is there,” a developer said on the record, adding the team would reach out to local firms during procurement and community engagement.

Commission response and next steps: Commissioners did not take a formal vote. Several expressed support for moving forward with additional outreach and planning: Commissioner Doncey said, “For the presentation, I’m in full support.” Commissioner Campbell said he would have preferred advancing the larger hotel more quickly but said he would not block the phased approach. Commissioner Dunn said she supported activation and noted possible synergies with Broward County tourism marketing. The commission requested the developer return with a clearer site plan, parking strategy, timelines and community outreach steps; staff agreed to schedule a workshop presentation for further review and to begin HOA briefings.

Public comment: Sam Wilkinson, a Lauderhill resident, asked why the developers chose to add the dome to the hotel and retail proposal; Greg Brutes answered the dome was conceived to create an entertainment anchor consistent with the city’s vision for the corridor.

What’s next: Staff and the developer will meet with HOAs and return to the commission at a workshop with concept plans, a permitting timeline and more detailed financial and security information. No entitlements, permits or binding approvals were granted at the March 17 workshop.

Ending: The meeting record shows the commission provided informal consensus to continue planning and outreach on Phase 1 activation of The Hill; formal approvals will follow the city’s standard site‑plan review and public‑notice procedures.