Fort Lauderdale’s skyline has been stretching upward for years, but every so often a project arrives that shifts the tone of the waterfront itself. Gables Riverwalk, now complete along the north bank of the New River, is one of those rare additions. The 43-story tower stands tall in the Las Olas district, but its presence is less about height and more about finesse: curves shaped by the river, terraces angled to catch the changing light and a design philosophy that leans heavily into wellness and connection.
The river dictated many of the building’s earliest decisions. As the development team explains, the tower was positioned to maximize the view. “The tower was intentionally located 20 feet from the north property line to allow more apartment homes to enjoy the views of the New River,” they shared, noting that this shift also created space for stepped terraces and the premium “New River Flats.” Some terraces are larger than 750 square feet, and from the rooftop lounges, sunrise and sunset play out in opposite directions with 360-degree views of the skyline and waterways.
Those curves along the entry plaza aren’t just decorative flourishes, either. They were envisioned as a gesture toward the river’s natural bends. “The curved design features through the entry plaza landscaping and leasing office began with an idea to create a glowing lantern at the street level,” the Gables team explains. That lantern motif made its way indoors, where IDDI introduced arched ceilings, sculpted millwork and a soft, enveloping palette that echoes the landscaping outside.
The seventh floor is where Gables Riverwalk makes its boldest statement. As towers race to pack in amenities, this one stepped back to create something more meditative. “Inspiration came from a vision to create a community that focuses on health and wellness through both resident services as well as building design,” the team shared. Fresh air systems, water filtration and natural materials set the tone, but it’s the spa suite that truly pushes the property into resort territory. Residents move from a salt room to infrared saunas, from massage rooms to a stretch and recovery space, and finally to the swing garden (an element the developers designed after studying top spas around the country). “The swing garden allows our residents to relax after a massage… while tracing their toes through cool water,” they said. It’s experiential, unexpected and perhaps the most memorable corner of the building.
Higher up in the tower, the focus shifts toward social living. The sixteenth-floor lounge opens completely to the outside, creating a perch over the city. “The NanaWall style operable glass wall allows for the space to be fully opened to the outdoor terrace,” the team notes. Far above, the 44th floor offers panoramic views, with seating arranged to take advantage of the ever-changing water and sky.
In a district filled with cranes and rising towers, Gables Riverwalk had to find ways to assert its own identity. Asked how it stands apart, the team highlights its location and purpose. The tower is plugged directly into what residents love about downtown: the Riverwalk, the growing culinary scene, the parks, the cultural institutions. “Gables Riverwalk sets itself apart in the Las Olas District with a premier location on the New River and a sophisticated, modern architectural presence,” said Scott Clark, senior development manager. “The project delivers a distinctive residential experience through thoughtfully curated amenities, innovative design and utilizing a high standard of sustainability practices.” A vertical light feature stretching 28 stories adds a subtle signature to the skyline, visible from airplanes and distant bridges.
Designing a tower this complex required a collective hand. Borges Architects led the architectural design while CFE Architects and engineering teams shaped its functionality. IDDI crafted the interiors, blending comfort with elevated materials and Artrepreneur curated artwork to create cohesion in the residential experience. The result is a building that feels unified: smooth where it needs to be, sculptural where it matters and open to the river at almost every turn.
The Riverwalk itself plays a defining role. Wide sidewalks, lush landscaping and seating create a pedestrian experience that is both accessible and inviting. The tower doesn’t wall itself off; it leans into the public realm, acknowledging that the river (Fort Lauderdale’s quiet main character) has always been the city’s strongest asset.
As the city continues its rapid evolution, projects like Gables Riverwalk offer a preview of what downtown living is becoming: tall, yes, but also thoughtful; amenity-rich but grounded in place; modern yet connected to the river that sparked Fort Lauderdale’s story in the first place. The development team views the tower as part of the city’s long-term arc. “Gables Riverwalk will raise the bar for luxury services and amenities,” they said, “and we expect this will become the new standard for the foreseeable future.”
