Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront skyline reflects decades of growth, and the Motwani family has played a major role in that. But their story isn’t just about real estate — it’s about seeing potential where others didn’t and making decisions that shaped the city’s future.
“Our journey to Fort Lauderdale was deeply personal,” says Dev Motwani, co-managing partner of Merrimac Ventures. “Our parents, Bob and Ramola Motwani, initially settled in Missouri after coming to the U.S. in search of new opportunities. However, when our dad was diagnosed with scleroderma, his doctor advised that a warmer climate would be beneficial for his health. This crucial recommendation led our family to relocate to Fort Lauderdale Beach in 1986.”
That move set everything into motion. The Motwanis purchased the 49-room Merrimac Beach Resort Hotel, which laid the foundation for their future in real estate.
At the time, Fort Lauderdale Beach was in transition. The city had just ended its long-running spring break tradition, a shift that concerned many area property owners. “Rather than running from this change, our parents leaned in and set a visionary plan for the future — one that focused on luxury hospitality and sustainable, high-end residential development,” explains Nitin Motwani, co-managing partner of Merrimac Ventures.
That decision changed everything. Many property owners left or faced foreclosure, but the Motwanis stayed, acquiring more land and rethinking what the area could become. “Initially, our parents purchased the Merrimac Beach Resort Hotel to capitalize on the bustling spring break tourism that defined Fort Lauderdale Beach at the time. However, they quickly recognized that the area held far greater potential,” Dev explains. “As other property owners were foreclosed on or left town, they took the opportunity to consolidate and eventually acquire the whole block.”
Rather than focusing on short-term gains, they looked ahead, working with city officials and local leaders to push Fort Lauderdale Beach toward a different future. “Our parents understood the long game,” says Dev. “They rolled up their sleeves and worked closely with elected officials and the public at every step.”
As the city evolved, so did the family’s business. They moved from operating motels to development, starting with Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, a project that proved Fort Lauderdale could compete with other high-end markets.
“The key moment came with the redevelopment of Fort Lauderdale Beach itself,” says Nitin. “As the city embraced a more sophisticated vision for its waterfront, we saw an opportunity to be at the forefront of that transformation.” Rezoning allowed for larger developments, and the Motwanis helped shape what followed.
“Changing the perception of Fort Lauderdale Beach was a challenge,” Dev says. “It took years of working with city officials and other stakeholders to prove that high-end development could thrive here.” Their mother, Ramola, helped lay the groundwork for future luxury projects.
One of those projects was the Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences, a development that helped alter the beach’s reputation. “While we have completed multiple projects on Fort Lauderdale Beach that we are incredibly proud of, the Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences stands out as the defining moment for our firm,” Nitin explains. “The Four Seasons is the top luxury brand in the world, and bringing it to Fort Lauderdale not only elevated the city’s profile but also cemented Merrimac Ventures as a key player in global real estate development. This project demonstrated that Fort Lauderdale could compete on the world stage, attracting discerning buyers and travelers while solidifying the city’s reputation as a premier destination for luxury living.”
The Motwanis’ success was not without adversity. Ramola pushed forward even after tragedy struck. “Our mother has always emphasized the importance of long-term thinking and persistence,” Dev says. “She navigated major challenges, including the sudden loss of our father in 1994, and still managed to expand the business. We’ve learned that in real estate, resilience and patience are just as important as vision.”
Even as they built new properties, the family remained committed to maintaining Fort Lauderdale’s character. “We believe that preserving the legacy of Fort Lauderdale is essential while also embracing modern innovation,” Dev says. “Many of our projects, including Bungalow East, are carefully designed to blend into the neighborhood’s character while offering the modern luxuries that today’s buyers expect.
“For example,” he notes, “while we were developing The Gale Hotel & Residences, we preserved the historic hotel’s original structure – a key piece of our city’s heritage – while developing a new condominium right next door that was built to the appropriate scale of the neighborhood. This approach allows us to honor the past while actively shaping a vibrant future for Fort Lauderdale.”
The Motwanis’ latest project, Bungalow East, reflects that balance between history and progress. Located at 530 N. Birch Road, the 14-story residential development will include 34 units ranging from 2,100 to 4,000 square feet. Designed by Swedroe Architecture with interiors by Adriana Hoyos Design Studio, the residences will feature private elevators, large terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows and gas-range stoves — something rarely seen in South Florida condos.
They want these homes to feel like true “vertical residences” rather than just condos. “The idea is that people will be able to live there with the same comfort and space they’d expect from a single-family home.
Amenities at Bungalow East will include a fitness and wellness center, rooftop lounge, library, entertainment lounge and pool deck with cabanas. Residents will also have exclusive memberships, including access to Conrad Fort Lauderdale’s beach club, a yacht club and a private restaurant network with access to 200+ venues worldwide.
Beyond Bungalow East, the Motwanis are expanding their portfolio with other projects. “We’re involved in several large-scale developments, including continued growth in South Florida with the Waldorf Astoria Pompano Beach,” Nitin says.
For the Motwanis, success is about long-term impact as much as development. “If, in 20 years, we can look at Fort Lauderdale Beach and see thriving, walkable neighborhoods, family-friendly spaces and a community that blends world-class luxury with local charm, we’ll know we’ve succeeded,” Dev reflects.
“We want to be remembered as a family that believed in Fort Lauderdale Beach before the rest of the world did — and helped shape it into a luxury destination while staying true to its character and history,” Nitin says.
“Fort Lauderdale offers a unique mix — it has the sophistication of Miami but retains a sense of community and ease that’s hard to find elsewhere,” he says. “That’s why it’s becoming one of Florida’s most sought-after luxury markets.”
