The Leaseholder clearly agreed that “the leased premises shall be used as a first-class hotel-marina and resort complex” and to “maintain the character of Bahia Mar as a marina”. But nothing about this proposal satisfies nor is consistent with the stated purposes of the leased premises. A supermarket and 651 rental apartments are not “first class” or “marina” concepts, nothing else adds to the resort concept and the proposal does nothing to enhance, only detract from, Bahia Mar’s character as a marina. Aesthetically, the architecture is uninspiring and unimaginative and the buildings’ symmetrical spatial relationships are predictable, crowded and congested, reminiscent of public housing projects. Bahia Mar has historical significance as the site of the Fort named for its commander, Major William Lauderdale in the 1840’s. Yet, the Proposal makes no links to this or notable maritime history from Ponce De Leon to WW II. Although the home of the most Internationally famous Boat Show, there is no maritime theme which connects the elements of the Leaseholder’s site’s design. Alternatively, many ideas come to mind to expand Bahia Mar as a maritime oriented hotel-maritime trade show-resort. It could be a year-round world class mecca for the rapidly growing $300 Billion international marine industry. This would aim to advance innovation and education in yacht design and all forms of yacht technology. Hotel facilities could be built that Industry sponsors could use to host year round trade shows and small conventions and meetings for marine products and services that would culminate every year in the FLIBS. An entertainment venue can be built to book popular musical performers that will bring the public to the area at night culminating in annual events such as the Tortuga Festival. Restaurants, taverns, retail shops and offices can be seafood and marine related. Bahia Mar could provide interactive educational and recreational exhibits for all ages designed to expose and promote to the public the appeal of recreational boating. The US Navy and Coast Guard could provide visiting vessels as attractions for tourists, the public and local school area youth as a means of encouraging recruitment and enlistment in maritime military careers. Bahia Mar could also be the Home Port of a Tall Ship, Clipper Ship or other vessels that could attractions for tourists or local school field trips. Owners of the world’s Super Yachts could be encouraged to schedule short-term visits to Bahia Mar where they would be available for public tours of their yachts. The admission proceeds could be used to support a maritime trade school for qualified local youth, for example. These ideas are not new. Myself and others incorporated some of these concepts and more in the design of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor Redevelopment 40 years ago. Baltimore’s waterfront today is considered one of the 10 best developments in the world. Fort Lauderdale would be well advised to learn the lessons of other cities’ waterfront experiences. https://www.pps.org/reference/stepstocreatingagreatwaterfront/ http://www.traveller.com.au/worlds-20-best-waterfront-cities-gkuced