Nonprofit Seeks Approval to Convert Coral Springs Hotel into Veteran Housing

A South Florida-based nonprofit is seeking approval to redevelop a 1980s-era La Quinta Inn & Suites in Coral Springs into housing for veterans. The project would convert the five-story hotel, which spans about 81,463 square feet, into 100 units, down from the 122 hotel rooms now on site.

The units would be studios of roughly 430 square feet and one-bedroom apartments of roughly 800 square feet, each with a kitchenette. Residents would have access to on-site social services, including financial literacy courses, job application help and credit counseling.

Tunnel to Towers Foundation is the developer. Georgia-based Thomas & Hutton is preparing the site plan, and Leo A Daly of West Palm Beach is the architect. The project is estimated to cost $20 million.

The Coral Springs Planning and Zoning Board will consider the request for special exemptions and waivers at its November 9 meeting. The site is at 3701 N. University Drive in Broward County.

For developers and lenders, the key near-term item is the board's ruling on exemptions and waivers, which will shape the site plan and unit mix.