Historic Stranahan House Museum Breaks Ground on $3.3 Million Transformation to Revitalize Community Role

The Historic Stranahan House Museum celebrated the groundbreaking of its campus-wide transformation into the Center of Community, marking a return to its original 1901 role as Fort Lauderdale's first gathering place. Florida State Representative Chip LaMarca, Florida Senator Rosalind Osgood, Broward County Commissioner Lamar P. Fisher, and City of Fort Lauderdale Commissioners Ben Sorensen and Steve Glassman joined Executive Director Jennifer Belt, incoming Board President Maggie Gunther, and donors for the ceremony.

Initiated in 2018, the $3.3 million capital improvement campaign aims to protect the historic site and create new opportunities for locals and visitors, with completion expected by the end of 2026. Accomplishments to date include the new seawall, the New River Patio, and updated historic porches donated by Old Florida Lumber. Executive Director Jennifer Belt stated, These enhancements will allow residents and visitors of all ages to learn about Fort Lauderdale's fascinating history, furthering the community's social, cultural and historical viability.

The innovative expansion, led by architect Leo Hansen, Miller Construction, EDSA, and Brizaga, includes the renovation of the administration building with The Egret Classroom, a state-of-the-art education center funded by a Private Family Foundation, and the Kitchenworks Hospitality Center. New ADA-compliant facilities, restrooms, and an on-site archival and storage facility will enhance the museum's ability to serve the community. The Mosser Family Education Planning Center, funded by John and Pamela Wilkes, will ensure dynamic programming.

The east side will feature a new welcome center with a ticketing window and gift shop, funded by the City of Fort Lauderdale, and an event pavilion funded by Broward, Palm Beaches, and St. Lucie Realtors. The Rogers Family Foundation donated the Virginia and Dwight Rogers Courtyard for community gatherings. The campaign has raised $2.7 million from organizations including the Broward County Cultural Division, the Fritch Foundation, the R.O. Powell Family Foundation, the Salah Foundation, and the Ted Drum family, with recent state appropriations helping reach almost 75% of the funding goal.

Florida State Senator Rosalind Osgood emphasized, The Stranahan House is a cornerstone of Fort Lauderdale's history and a symbol of our community's resilience. This transformation will preserve our rich heritage while creating a vibrant space for generations to come. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis added, It's extremely important that we maintain Fort Lauderdale's rich history even as the city grows and matures. The museum and welcome center will take the property to the next level as one of the city's most important historical elements.