Miami-Based Boutique Firm Named Exclusive Retail Leasing Broker For FAT Village

Vertical Real Estate, the Miami-based brokerage renowned for curating experiential food and retail brands, has been selected as the exclusive retail leasing broker for FAT Village, a 5.6-acre mixed-use redevelopment redefining the heart of Downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Led by global real estate investment manager Hines and South Florida-based developer Urban Street Development (USD), FAT Village blends residential, office, retail, and cultural space into a walkable district that honors Flagler Village’s artistic legacy while embracing its future.

“Retail is a vital part of FAT Village’s identity. It’s what brings it to life,” said Alan Hooper, Co-Founder and CEO of Urban Street Development (USD). “Partnering with Vertical Real Estate ensures we’re bringing in concepts that match the district’s energy, values, and long-term vision. Their track record in Miami’s most dynamic neighborhoods makes them the right fit for this next chapter in Fort Lauderdale.”

Vertical will lead leasing for 80,000 square feet of curated retail space. The firm, known for working with category-defining brands including Sweetgreen, Planta, Maman, and Whole Foods, is focused on building a tenant mix that enhances FAT Village’s pedestrian-first experience and reflects its creative DNA.

“FAT Village is the kind of project that redefines how cities grow,” said Lyle Stern, Co-Founder of Vertical Real Estate. “This isn’t about just filling space, it’s about curating a retail experience that complements and amplifies a neighborhood’s cultural fabric. We’re excited to work with Hines and USD, both partners who value authenticity and creativity as much as we do.”

 

“Our focus is on finding the right tenants. Those brands that bring energy to the street and depth to the community,” said Noah Fox, Principal at Vertical Real Estate. “From local pioneers to national standouts, we’re curating a mix that reflects what makes Flagler Village special while giving people a reason to keep coming back.”

Construction is well underway at FAT Village, with the residential and the majority of retail components slated for delivery in 2027. Additionally, later this year, T3 FAT Village, the district’s 180,000-square-foot mass timber office building, will be topped off. As the first of its kind in South Florida, the building will introduce a modern, sustainable workplace model and serve as the anchor for the district’s office component. Blanca Commercial Real Estate is leading office pre-leasing efforts.