Ethos lofts at Koi Marina Pompano aimed at millennials, young professionals

By Michael d'Oliveira, Pelican Newspaper

November 11, 2016

Big trend to smaller Spaces

Ethos is defined as “the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations.” And for developer Christopher Longsworth, the inspiration behind the next phase of his waterfront community was expressing the vision he has for the emerging Pompano Beach through the innovative, forward-thinking design featured in Ethos at Koi Marina.

A planned six-story, loft style condo building, “Ethos” is the second phase of the 8.9- acre, waterfront community at Koi Residences & Marina, located at 450 E. Atlantic Blvd.

Ranging in square footage from 900 to over 2,000 sq. ft. and in price from $299,000 to $499,000, the 92 lofts of “Ethos” are similar in layout to urban studio apartments. The interiors of the lofts feature industrial modern kitchens with exposed brick and sleek finishes, high ceilings, Florida ceiling glass and an elevator that opens directly into each unit.

“Lofts are designed to be wide open spaces, similar to a studio but with the added benefits of larger spaces with higher ceilings that create a blank canvas that easily conforms to anything from a minimalistic or highly creative interior design approach. Lofts have long been a trend in urban cores Ethos at Koi Marina is the innovative work of developer, Christopher Longsworth. The six-story edifice offers loft-living on East Atlantic Boulevard. such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles with strong interest and demand in South Florida over the last few years,” said Longsworth.

“Millennials tend to favor the flexible characteristics of the space because it supports the live/work lifestyle with empty nesters appreciating both the abundance of natural light that the large windows provide as well as the simplistic, low maintenance aspect.”

Longsworth estimates Ethos will be ready for occupancy in late 2018, with groundbreaking slated for 2017. Sales are expected to begin in the next 60 to 90 days. “We’ve had consistent demand for this phase of the project since the onset of Koi. Even though the South Florida condo market has cooled over the last six months, we feel the value, coupled with the demand for progressive design will perform well with sales.” said Longsworth.

The first phase, consisted of 46 three and four-story townhomes; 44 of which have already been sold and many already occupied. Along with the residences, there is also a 26-slip marina, 900 feet of waterway access, a mangrove preservation trail, clubhouse, cyber café, volleyball court, two pools, reflection garden and pond, dog park, rooftop restaurant, promenade, outdoor movie theater, and gym. A cardiovascular training center is also planned to compliment the gym.

The third phase called Envy, is two 10-story buildings with a total of 204 units. Already approved, the towers would be built along Atlantic Boulevard along with 15,000 square feet of commercial space. Longsworth estimates the groundbreaking will take place next year. “We’re in the final stages of design. It’s going to be a very modern, progressive design.”

But none of the Koi development would have happened, said Longsworth, if city commissioners didn’t take steps towards the revitalization of Pompano Beach. Specifically, the new cultural center and library which is under construction and only 0.2 miles from Koi.

“That was an audacious, game changing, very big endeavor for the city at that time. I wanted to make sure it would actually happen before we pulled the trigger [on Koi].” While Koi is a place where people can live and work, the cultural center and new pier development featuring fine dining, shopping and even a new recreation with the ship wreck for divers, showed it was also a place where they could play – the final portion of the popular phrase “Live. Work. Play.” that many cities are trying to live up to.

“That was the hardest sell. Getting people to believe in the vision and believe that Pompano was quietly turning into a progressive community, after decades of stagnation,” said Christopher Longsworth.