17 Feb CRA Board Approves $275,000 Incentive for the Abbey
On February 2 , 2021, the Fort Lauderdale City Commission, acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners, approved $275,000 in CRA incentives to Knallhart Holdings II, LLC for the Abbey, located in the heart of Flagler Village, at 441 NE 3 Ave.
The Abbey, which is currently under construction, consist of the renovation and adaptive reuse of a historic church ( former First Evangelical Lutheran Church) into a 220-seat, full-service restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining and a event space. The Abbey is estimated to create over 140 jobs in the hospitality area and offer world class food and beverages. The estimated cost of the renovations is $3,000,000.
In addition, patrons to the Abbey will have access to parking at a new 53-space private parking lot located at the Northwest corner of NE 3rd Avenue and NE 5th Street. There is also on-street parking on NE 3rdAvenue, NE 5th Street and surrounding streets.
The owner of Knallhart Holdings II, LLC is David Cardaci, a local hospitality veteran that specializes in creating diverse restaurant and event venues. Cardacis’ mission is to be the most interesting and guest centric hospitality group where attendees can expect a unique and special experience. He also currently owns and operates the Whole Enchilada, Rhythm and Vine and Roxanne’s Bar and Kitchen in Fort Lauderdale.
The Abbey is a project that helps maintain the history and scale of Flagler Village, while bringing active uses to the neighborhood that are unique and that help create a vibrant place to live, work and recreate. The restaurant and event space is estimated to be completed in 2021.
Consistency with the NPF-CRA Community Redevelopment Plan
The NPF-CRA Community Redevelopment Plan is designed, in part, to stimulate private development of areas planned for commercial development. The Abbey project is consistent with the NPF-CRA Community Redevelopment Plan which provides for direct physical improvements to enhance the overall environment, improve the quality of life and attract sound business and commercial development that provide employment and job opportunities.
Per the CRA plan, the CRA will establish incentive programs to address redevelopment obstacles. The CRA Plan strategic objectives and goals include targeting and attracting businesses, retail uses and industries to establish a presence in the redevelopment area. In addition, it calls for investing in development projects that create job opportunities for area residents, promote public private partnerships and investment in the redevelopment area.