Transforming Plantation Square: MMG's Ambitious Mixed-Use Development Brings 308 Apartments With Affordable Housing Component

Revolutionary Mixed-Use Development Takes Shape in Plantation

In a significant move that highlights the evolving landscape of South Florida real estate, MMG Equity Partners has successfully secured crucial approvals to transform part of their Plantation Square shopping center into a substantial residential development. The Plantation City Council's recent decision marks a pivotal moment for urban development in Broward County, potentially creating a new blueprint for mixed-use properties in the region.

The Pinecrest-based development firm received approval through two critical 4-1 votes during the council's second reading, fundamentally changing both the land use designation and zoning classification of the 12.9-acre property located at the southwest intersection of West Sunrise Boulevard and North University Drive. This regulatory transformation converts the site from purely "commercial" to "commercial and irregular residential," while simultaneously rezoning from a "central business district" (B-2P) to "planned commercial development district" (B-7Q).

Affordable Housing Integration Creates Community Value

What distinguishes MMG's development from typical luxury apartment projects is its meaningful commitment to affordable housing – a pressing need throughout South Florida's increasingly expensive real estate market. Of the planned 308 apartment units, 25% (77 units) will feature below-market rents, creating vital housing opportunities for moderate-income residents in an area with exceptional accessibility to employment centers.

"The inclusion of affordable units makes this development particularly valuable to the Plantation community," notes urban planning expert Jennifer Ramirez, unaffiliated with the project. "Mixed-income developments like this help create more balanced communities while addressing critical housing shortages."

The apartments will rise eight stories adjacent to the existing shopping complex on 5.5 acres of the overall property. This marks a strategic shift in land utilization, converting previously underutilized space into much-needed residential inventory in a market facing persistent housing shortages.

Strategic Banking Facility Reconfiguration

Beyond the residential component, MMG's comprehensive vision includes modernizing the property's banking facilities. The development plan calls for replacing the existing two-story Bank of America building and its five drive-through lanes along North University Drive with a more efficient single-story structure featuring two drive-through lanes relocated to West Sunrise Boulevard.

This reconfiguration not only improves traffic flow but creates a more pedestrian-friendly environment around the property's perimeter. The change represents a forward-thinking approach to integrating financial services within mixed-use developments.

Preserving Commercial Vibrancy While Expanding Use

MMG Partners – led by Gabriel Navarro, Marcel Navarro, and Martin Pico – has emphasized that the 69,000-square-foot Plantation Square shopping center will remain intact throughout this transformation. The firm is currently completing a $4 million renovation of the retail space, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining commercial vibrancy while expanding the property's functionality.

Current tenants including Conviva Care Center, Japan Inn, Al Natour Mediterranean, The Vitamin Shoppe, and a Denny's outparcel will continue operations during and after the development process. This ensures neighborhood residents maintain access to essential services while new housing options are introduced.

MMG acquired the property for $12 million in May 2021 through its MMG Plantation Square LLC entity, according to Broward County property records. This timing aligns with an increased focus on mixed-use conversions throughout South Florida's commercial corridors.

Strategic Location Enhances Development Potential

The property's location significantly enhances its development potential. Plantation Square sits directly across West Sunrise Boulevard from Plantation Pointe office park, home to major employers including pet supplies e-commerce giant Chewy.com, telecommunications leader Motorola Solutions, and innovative technology company Magic Leap.

This proximity to major employment centers creates a natural synergy for residential development, offering future residents the possibility of walk-to-work opportunities in a region typically dominated by lengthy commutes. Urban planners increasingly recognize such employment-adjacent housing as crucial for sustainable development and traffic reduction.

Key Insights About This Development

How does this project impact Plantation's housing market?

This development introduces 308 new residential units to an area previously zoned exclusively for commercial use, helping address the critical housing shortage in Broward County. The 77 affordable units are particularly significant, as they provide housing options for essential workers who often struggle to find reasonable accommodations near employment centers.

What makes the rezoning process significant?

The rezoning from B-2P to B-7Q represents a progressive shift in urban planning philosophy. By allowing residential development in previously commercial-only zones, municipalities like Plantation are embracing mixed-use concepts that create more vibrant, walkable communities and maximize land utilization.

How does this development compare to other mixed-use projects in South Florida?

While mixed-use developments are increasingly common throughout the region, MMG's project stands out for its substantial affordable housing component (25% of units) and for repurposing existing commercial property rather than demolishing and rebuilding from scratch. This approach preserves neighborhood character while adding density.

What's driving developers toward mixed-use projects?

Multiple factors are accelerating this trend, including rising land costs, changing consumer preferences toward walkable neighborhoods, municipalities seeking higher tax bases, and the post-pandemic reassessment of how commercial properties can be better utilized. MMG's project exemplifies these converging trends.

When might construction begin on the residential portion?

While exact timelines haven't been announced, the development process typically proceeds to site plan approval following rezoning. Construction could potentially begin within 12-18 months, pending final approvals and market conditions. The shopping center's ongoing $4 million renovation suggests MMG is committed to moving forward expeditiously with property improvements.

As South Florida's real estate landscape continues evolving, developments like MMG's Plantation Square transformation demonstrate how thoughtfully planned mixed-use projects can address multiple community needs simultaneously – from housing affordability to commercial revitalization. The project bears watching as a potential model for similar developments throughout the region.