The buzz and excitement in anticipation of the new mixed-used development coming to the 1200 block of Sistrunk boulevard is comparable to the unveiling of a historic monument. Sistrunk Boulevard, formerly named Six Street, was once a vibrant main street for the Black community of Fort Lauderdale. It was the heartbeat of Black entrepreneurship, an economic corridor for Black-owned businesses and a corridor of Black pride and respect.
“After years of neglect that led to Black flight, new businesses and developments are restoring hope for the future,” said Dennis Wright, president of Wright Dynasty, LLC., the developer of the new mixed-use project.
Wright Dynasty, LLC. received CRA funding from the City of Fort Lauderdale City Commission to assist in the construction of a new six-story, mixed-use development that will include 27 residential rental apartments, 5 commercial units, two floors or covered parking, an active rooftop, two community spaces and a plethora of additional amenities.
The developer eagerly committed to providing an esthetically pleasing, environmentally conscious and sustainable building, while also preserving the rich heritage of the Black community and pioneers such as Walker’s Grocery Store, Helen’s Nursery and Kindergarten, and other legacy businesses.
Prior to finalizing the building plans, Dennis Wright met with Troy Walker, an heir of Walker’s Grocery Store, to discuss his vision for the sight. They shared similar sentiments and optimism for redeveloping Sistrunk. Both Wright and Walker have deep family roots imbedded in the history of the Sistrunk corridor. Dennis Wright’s grandmother, Helen Wright Morris, was the owner of Helen’s Nursery, one of Broward County’s first day care centers for Black children. For more than 42 years, Ms. Helen, as she was affectionately called, cared for and educated thousands of Black children in Fort Lauderdale.
Troy Walker is proud to say, “My grandparents, Beatrice and Willie Walker, started this grocery business in 1938 across the street from its current location. We served the Sistrunk corridor for 80 years with the intent to help Black families who needed a local grocery store within walking distance and one where they could purchase groceries on credit between paychecks. I remember my grandfather always giving back to the community in ways that could economically impact our family, but he just wanted to be a blessing to all he encountered. So, I am happy and pleased that Dennis Wright, as he said he would, has decided to keep the Walker Family legacy alive through the acquisition of the property. To join in this effort with Wright Dynasty to bring housing options and opportunities for families and businesses to once again thrive on the Sistrunk corridor is indeed a monumental upgrade for Northwest Broward community.”
“Revitalizing the Sistrunk corridor is a dream that I have had for a long time. Although, revitalizing a once blighted area can be a daunting challenge, my appreciation for the challenges that were overcome by Blacks during segregation, propels me to stay the course for the sake of legacy and history. Our history is about our past accomplishments; our legacy is our future impact,” Wright said.
The revitalization of the Sistrunk corridor is a benefit to the entire county. It leads to tangible and measurable increases in access to affordable housing, workforce housing, local jobs, community amenities, supportive services and overall quality of life. Many local residents have expressed an interest in the redevelopment of the Sistrunk corridor and doing business locally.
The Wright Dynasty development is one of the upcoming opportunities available to families and businesses who value the benefits of preserving our rich history and reimagining our promising future.
For more information on the Wright Dynasty’s new mixed-use development on Sistrunk Boulevard, contact: Dennis Wright @ (954)
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