Merrimac Ventures, a South Florida-based development firm, recently began construction on Merrimac Plantation, a new multifamily development at 1711 N. University Drive. The property will encompass 293,945 square feet with 306 rental apartments across two six-story midrise buildings. Construction is expected to be completed in 2023.

Apartments will range from one to three-bedroom layouts. Each unit will include modern stainless-steel appliances, high-end European cabinetry, quartz countertops, and smart locks and thermostats. Amenities at the facility feature a double-height lobby, club room, pool, covered terrace, barbecue grilling stations, two exterior courtyards, fitness center, a co-working and business center with private offices and conference rooms. A resident ‘hangout’ lounge, dog park and dog spa, electric vehicle charging stations and Wi-Fi connectivity are also available throughout the property.

“Once completed, Merrimac Plantation will meet [the] growing demand for market-rate rental housing in Central Broward County, which is experiencing an influx of new residents drawn to the area’s accessible location, appealing quality of life, and proximity to several major employers,” says Nitin Motwani, Managing Partner of Merrimac Ventures.

Merrimac Plantation will sit adjacent to the Plantation Midtown Business District, an 860-acre master-planned development featuring 2.5 million square feet of retail and restaurants with 3 million square feet of office space. It is also close to Plantation Pointe Office Park, the Westside Regional Medical Center and the Plantation Walk mixed-use redevelopment.

In addition to Merrimac Plantation, real estate developments in the Merrimac Ventures’ portfolio include the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale Beach; Riverfront East, a new mixed-use development underway in downtown Fort Lauderdale; the recently opened Flagler Village Hotel and an approved 27-story, 92-unit luxury condominium tower along the beachfront in Pompano Beach, among others.