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Sunrise approves purchase of 6190 NW 11th St. to explore coworking/incubator space
Summary
The City Commission voted 5-0 to authorize staff to proceed with a contract to buy a two‑story office building at 6190 NW 11th Street for use as a coworking and business incubator, with staff to return with an operating plan and partners before launching a program.
The City of Sunrise voted unanimously Tuesday to move forward with an agreement to buy a two‑story office building at 6190 Northwest 11th Street for use as a coworking and business incubator.
The vote, taken as Resolution 17B, authorizes city staff to execute an agreement for sale and purchase with Canaan Vital Property Investments LLC for $1,040,000, a price the city manager said matches the appraised value. City Manager Mark Lubelski told commissioners the building totals about 3,460 square feet and appears to be in good condition based on an initial tour.
Why it matters: the purchase is part of the East Sunrise Improvements Master Plan and is intended to expand small‑business supports in the city’s eastern corridor. Lubelski said the facility could host coworking members, provide conference and mailbox services, and house a defined incubator curriculum that would offer mentoring, education and investor connections.
Commissioners and staff said they view the acquisition as a catalytic investment rather than a revenue play. "We are not attempting to buy property to flip it," Mayor Michael J. Ryan said. "This is about bringing a return to city residents and inspiring entrepreneurs who need a push." Deputy Mayor Kirch and Assistant Deputy Mayor Jacqueline A. Guzman also expressed support for the concept while urging staff to pursue partnerships with universities and nonprofits.
City staff laid out three operating models: (a) city operates the facility using city employees; (b) the city contracts with a nonprofit, educational institution or private operator to run the facility (staff described this as the preferred path); or (c) the city leases the space at low or no cost to an operator. Lubelski said staff had not yet identified the final operator and would return with specifics on operating costs and revenue projections.
On operations and cost: Lubelski said an earlier evaluation, conducted several years ago for a different incubator concept, estimated annual operating costs around $300,000; that figure did not account for potential membership and program revenue. He told commissioners a formal due‑diligence period would follow contract approval to check for structural issues such as termites or roof defects, and staff would not close if significant problems were discovered.
Commissioner Joseph A. Scudo and others pressed staff to prioritize Sunrise residents when setting admission or pricing, and to explore preferential rates for residents and Chamber of Commerce members. Commissioner Latoya S. Clark recommended outreach to universities and incubator programs with established tracks.
Next steps: staff was authorized to proceed with the purchase transaction and to return to the commission with a detailed operating plan, partner proposals and a budget for ongoing operations.
The purchase resolution passed 5 to 0. The commission directed staff to pursue partnership options and to protect city residents' access as the operating plan is developed.
