Renovating in
Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale is several markets inside one city. A canal estate, an oceanfront condominium and a 1920s bungalow each call for a different conversation with a builder. Johnson Construction and Remodeling works from Fort Lauderdale, and Mike personally manages a limited number of projects, so you deal with the contractor responsible for yours.
Island and canal estates
The finger islands and canal neighborhoods around Las Olas show the most rebuilding in the research. Las Olas Isles, Idlewyld, Seven Isles, Riviera Isles, Lauderdale Harbors and The Landings all place older coastal or Mediterranean homes beside new contemporary houses. Some Riviera Isles homes are described as selling as knockdown lots for new construction.
Idlewyld shows a different path. The sources describe 1930s Mediterranean homes renovated with their wrought iron and fireplaces kept and the kitchens modernized. Bay Colony, a gated community, is described the same way: updated interiors behind the original Mediterranean exteriors.
Every one of these lots touches water, so the seawall and dock belong in the first conversation. As general knowledge, the seawall, the slab elevation and the age of the roof shape what a house can become. Flood and seawall rules differ by property, so check with the city before you design.
- Is the house worth renovating, or does the lot want a new house?
- What is the condition of the seawall and dock?
- Which flood rules apply to this lot, and do they limit the scope?
Beach and condominium
Along the barrier island the mix changes. Harbor Beach and Lauderdale Beach are described as places where older homes are knocked down and replaced by contemporary houses. Central Beach and Galt Ocean Mile are mostly condominium towers, with only a limited number of single-family homes on the sand.
Condominium work follows the building's rules. The research notes that many interiors in the older Galt Ocean Mile towers are already remodeled, while some keep original finishes. As general knowledge, the association often sets approvals, work hours and elevator scheduling, and reading those rules before design saves redesign later. Johnson's brochure includes comments from Fort Lauderdale clients about complete condominium renovations.
Oceanfront and barrier-island lots can add coastal construction and flood requirements that inland lots do not. Check with the city which of those rules reach your lot before you commit to a design.
Historic and bungalow neighborhoods
Several older neighborhoods have been studied in the city's architectural surveys. Colee Hammock, Victoria Park, Croissant Park and Tarpon River have potential historic districts or potential landmarks identified, and Rio Vista has potential individual landmarks. Sailboat Bend is a locally designated historic district, where exterior work needs preservation review.
The work in these streets is restoration and careful addition. The sources mention original pine floors and exposed beam ceilings in Victoria Park, and 1920s Mediterranean Revival and Art Moderne homes in Colee Hammock. In a bungalow, general knowledge points to wood windows, siding and porches as the details that matter.
A potential designation is not a final one. Whether review applies to your house is a question for the city, so ask before you design.
Ranch neighborhoods
Inland and along the northern Intracoastal, much of the housing is post-war. Coral Ridge, Poinsettia Heights, Imperial Point and Lake Ridge are described mostly as ranch homes from the 1950s and 1960s. In Coral Ridge, builders and buyers purchase homes built before 1960 to tear down or renovate into large new houses. In Poinsettia Heights, small post-war homes are being expanded or replaced.
Rules differ from one enclave to the next. Imperial Point listings note no HOA restrictions, while Breakwater Surf Club Homes has an HOA and a potential historic district with a 1950s period of significance. Harbour Isles and Shady Banks also sit in potential historic districts, and Coral Ridge, Dolphin Isles and Laudergate Isles were part of a 2025 city survey. Ask early who has a say over your exterior.
As general knowledge, original block ranches often need the roof, windows and electrical looked at while the kitchen and baths are redone. One planned sequence keeps the house from being opened up twice.
Neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale
Questions owners ask
Is my Fort Lauderdale home under historic review?+
It depends on the neighborhood and the property. City surveys flagged potential districts or landmarks in Colee Hammock, Victoria Park, Croissant Park, Tarpon River and Coral Ridge. Sailboat Bend is a locally designated district. A potential designation is not final, so check with the city about your address before you design.
Should I renovate or rebuild on an island or canal lot?+
The research describes both. Idlewyld and Bay Colony show renovations that keep Mediterranean character, while Las Olas Isles, Riviera Isles and Lauderdale Harbors show knockdowns. The house, the slab and the seawall decide it, so walk the property before design.
Who sets the rules for a condominium renovation?+
In a tower the association usually does. Get the building's rules on approvals, work hours and deliveries before design. Mike manages a limited number of projects, so you deal with the contractor responsible for yours.
What Johnson does here
Nearby
Where this comes from: bexrealty.com, bexrealty.com, bexrealty.com, bexrealty.com, bexrealty.com, bexrealty.com, fortlauderdale.gov, fortlauderdale.gov.