The City of Fort Lauderdale is advancing the Himmarshee Tactical Urbanism & Streetscape Beautification Plan, an initiative focused on improving walkability and the overall quality of the public realm within the Himmarshee Historic District. Building on community outreach conducted in 2023–2024, the project translates identified needs and priorities into a temporary, test-and-learn installation that informs long-term streetscape investments. The effort is centered along Himmarshee Street (SW 2nd Street) and one block of SW 3rd Avenue, strengthening connections to the Riverwalk while enhancing the experience for residents, businesses, and visitors. 

The project applies a tactical urbanism approach to deliver a flexible, low-cost activation that can be implemented and evaluated in real-world conditions. These improvements include sidewalk extensions (parklets), landscaping and wayfinding strategies that support pedestrian activity and daytime uses. By implementing this tactical urbanism installation, the City is able to test new ideas, observe user behavior, and gather meaningful feedback before committing to permanent capital investments. 

The planning and design process integrates detailed site analysis with a collaborative, stakeholder-driven approach. A walking audit with City departments, including Transportation and Mobility, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Police, Economic Development, and the Downtown Development Authority, helped identify key challenges related to traffic operations, curbside activity, pedestrian safety, and business needs. These insights informed the development of context-sensitive design concepts that balance access and placemaking. 

Public engagement is central to the project, with interactive outreach activities designed to build consensus and allow stakeholders to shape the installation. The temporary nature of the intervention provides a tangible proof of concept, enabling the community to experience proposed changes firsthand and contribute feedback that will guide future improvements. 

Urbe Studio is leading this effort providing planning, urban design, and  tactical urbanism implementation strategy expertise. Our role includes developing a vision plan and supporting coordination across City departments and stakeholders. Our team will also assist in documenting performance outcomes and translating lessons learned into a long-term beautification plan that advances the City’s vision for a more inviting and walkable district.

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