Las Olas makeover

New tenants aim to bering younger crows to the street.

FORT LAUDERDALE – Looking to appeal to a younger crowd, plans to revitalize one of Fort Lauderdale’s famous boulevards is in full swing.

The Las Olas Company, a commercial real estate firm that leases space along Las Olas Boulevard, has announced that Red Door Asian Bistro is the newest tenant to sign a long-term lease and it’s expected to open in early 2018.

The popular eatery joins a growing list of businesses to lock up store frontage, including El Camino restaurant, beauty retailer Bluemercury, and jeweler Alex and Ani.

“Fort Lauderdale is growing and changing, but the need for a walkable lifestyle destination like Las Olas Boulevard will always be there,” said Vann Padgett, senior vice president and director of real estate for the Las Olas Company.

“We’re working to keep its unique personality while simultaneously refreshing its offerings to better appeal to future generations.”

Jeff Evans and Michael Comras, of the Comras Company, represented The Las Olas Company in the Red Door deal. Galleria International represented the tenant.

The Comras firm has been retained by The Las Olas Company, Barron Real Estate and Hudson Capital Group to help recast five blocks or roughly 250,000 square feet of storefronts.

Attracting new businesses is part of a coordinated effort to bring new energy to the area amid an increase in residential and commercial development.

About 8,000 residential units are taking on owners or tenants and another 7,000 units are under construction.

It’s not the only overhaul the boulevard could get.

Fort Lauderdale city commissioners voted in May to send a proposal to the state for study and design that would reduce the number of driving lanes and remove the median.

The segment of Las Olas scheduled for a potential makeover stretches from the U.S. 1 tunnel east to 11th Avenue.

Mayor Jack Seiler said the city still could back out once the redesign returns in about a year for construction funding.

SUSAN STOCKER/STAFF FILE Las Olas Boulevard’s plans for revitalization are underway, aimed at drawing a younger crowd to the area.