Florida marina could be demolished for warehouse space

The Banyan Bay Marine Center, a full-service marina in Dania Beach, Florida, could be demolished, with its basin filled to make way for new warehouses.

A local property developer has filed a proposal to fill in the marina basin and remove all marina-related uses to construct two warehouses totalling 169,286 square feet (15,727sqm). The plan also includes 169 parking spaces and eight loading bays.

Originally developed in 1956, the marina currently has over 400 boat slips and offers boat storage, sales, and service.

Local news outlets, including the South Florida Business Journal, report that the City Commission will now consider the site plan for the 11.76-acre property. Banyan Bay Marine Center LLC is managed by John T. Loos III, who currently owns the marina, and is under contract to Miami-based Constellation Operating Co., part of industrial developer Constellation Real Estate Partners.

LSN Law, representing Constellation Operating Company, notified area residents about the proposed changes. The notice stated that the company plans to “improve” the site by constructing two warehouse buildings and filling in the marina.

The marine industry plays a vital role in Broward County’s economy, driving strong demand for boat slips and storage. However, industrial rents have risen sharply in recent years, and many tenants are seeking warehouse space near the high-traffic Port Everglades.

The news follows Blackstone Infrastructure, a division of Blackstone Inc., agreeing this month to acquire Safe Harbor Marinas—the largest marina and superyacht servicing business in the United States—from Sun Communities for $5.65bn in an all-cash transaction.