A mid-century high-rise in the heart of Fort Lauderdale
Essex Tower, a 17-story condominium building completed in 1971, stands as a fixture in Fort Lauderdale's Idlewyld neighborhood. With 168 units, this full-service residential complex offers a blend of urban convenience and coastal living. Situated just west of the Intracoastal Waterway and a short distance from Las Olas Boulevard, Essex Tower provides residents with easy access to both the vibrant city life and the serene beach atmosphere that Fort Lauderdale is known for.
Diverse layouts with stunning views
Essex Tower offers a range of floor plans to suit various lifestyles, from cozy one-bedrooms to spacious four-bedroom units. The smallest units start at 841 square feet, while the largest stretch to 1,610 square feet, providing ample space for comfortable living.
One-bedroom units, ranging from 841 to 1,228 square feet, are available with up to two bathrooms. These units are priced from $309,201 to $456,000, offering an affordable entry point into the building. Many of these units feature updated kitchens with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops, as well as renovated bathrooms.
Two-bedroom units, spanning 841 to 1,534 square feet, all come with two bathrooms and are priced between $375,000 and $700,711. These units often boast open floor plans, perfect for entertaining, and many have been thoughtfully renovated with modern finishes.
For those requiring more space, three-bedroom units range from 1,218 to 1,610 square feet, also with two bathrooms, and are priced around $550,000. The four-bedroom units, approximately 1,500 square feet in size with two bathrooms, offer the most spacious living arrangements in the building.
Many units throughout Essex Tower feature hardwood floors, impact windows and doors, and private balconies offering breathtaking views of the ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, or the Fort Lauderdale skyline. Some units have been customized with walk-in closets, updated lighting fixtures, and electric blinds, adding to their appeal.
Monthly HOA fees range from $700 to $1,400, covering a comprehensive list of services and amenities. These include management, cable TV, electricity, laundry facilities, structural maintenance, parking, pool maintenance, contributions to the reserve fund, and utilities such as sewer, trash removal, and water.
Recently renovated facilities for modern living
Essex Tower has undergone significant renovations to enhance the living experience for its residents. The building now boasts a newly remodeled lobby, providing a welcoming entrance for residents and guests alike. The hallways have also been updated, creating a fresh and modern atmosphere throughout the common areas.
On the second floor, residents will find a newly renovated amenity level. This includes a state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with modern exercise equipment, perfect for maintaining an active lifestyle without leaving the building. Adjacent to the gym is a spacious community room, ideal for social gatherings or private events.
One of the highlights of Essex Tower is its heated infinity pool, offering a refreshing retreat with stunning views. The pool area is complemented by a BBQ area, perfect for outdoor entertaining and socializing with neighbors.
For those who prefer two-wheeled transportation, the building provides a secure bike room and storage facilities. Electric vehicle owners will appreciate the convenience of on-site EV charging stations, reflecting the building's commitment to modern, eco-friendly living.
Essex Tower prioritizes security and convenience with its 24-hour front desk service and concierge. The building also features a library for quiet reading or work, and laundry facilities are available on every floor for residents' convenience.
Additional amenities include a sauna for relaxation, extra storage units for those needing more space, and guest parking in the garage. The building's new roof adds to its structural integrity and long-term value.
These amenities, combined with the building's prime location and recent upgrades, make Essex Tower a compelling choice for those seeking a comfortable and convenient lifestyle in Fort Lauderdale.
Coastal living with urban convenience
Essex Tower is situated in the desirable Idlewyld neighborhood, known for its picturesque waterfront properties and proximity to some of Fort Lauderdale's most popular attractions. This "quintessential coastal community," as described by long-time resident and real estate agent Karin Gillette, offers a perfect blend of waterfront living and urban convenience.
The building's location provides easy access to the famous Las Olas Boulevard, a vibrant thoroughfare lined with upscale shops, art galleries, and diverse dining options. Just a short walk away, residents can enjoy the white sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or engaging in various water activities.
For those who enjoy outdoor recreation, the 4-acre Idlewyld/Merle Fogg Park is practically at the doorstep of Essex Tower. This green space offers a serene setting for leisurely strolls along the banks of the New River Sound, a small segment of the Intracoastal Waterway. The park is an ideal spot for picnics, people-watching, or simply enjoying the Florida sunshine.
Food enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to various dining options. The Floridian Restaurant, a venerable local diner open 24/7, is about a mile away and offers substantial fare and excellent people-watching opportunities. For those craving international flavors, Chima Steakhouse, a popular Brazilian all-you-can-eat restaurant, is nearby on Las Olas Boulevard.
Shopping needs are well-catered for with several options in the vicinity. The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, a sophisticated two-story shopping mall featuring fashionable retail stores and eateries, is about a 3-mile drive from Essex Tower. For everyday necessities, a Publix Super Market is conveniently located at the Galleria, ensuring residents have easy access to groceries and household items.
The neighborhood also boasts excellent recreational facilities. The Las Olas Oceanside Park, just a 10-minute walk away, features bike trails, an amphitheater, and even a waterpark, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and community events.
While the area is primarily residential, it's worth noting that living in Idlewyld means being part of a community at risk of flooding and extreme winds, particularly during hurricane season. However, this is balanced by the unparalleled access to water views and activities that make the neighborhood so desirable.
Strategic location with multiple transit options
Essex Tower's location offers residents a variety of transportation options, balancing the convenience of personal vehicles with public transit alternatives. The building's proximity to major thoroughfares and public transportation hubs makes it easy for residents to navigate the city and beyond.
For those who rely on public transportation, there's a bus stop just a five-minute walk from Essex Tower. The Las Olas B & SE 25 A stop serves the US 441/Prospect R - Brow Term - US 1/Copans R line, providing a convenient connection to other parts of the city.
Residents who need to travel further afield have access to the Fort Lauderdale Tri-Rail station, about a 15-minute drive from the building. This station, served by the Tri-County Commuter line, offers connections to Miami, West Palm Beach, and other major destinations in South Florida.
For air travel, Essex Tower is conveniently located about 20 minutes by car from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. This proximity is particularly beneficial for frequent travelers or those who often receive out-of-town guests. For international or connecting flights, Miami International Airport is accessible within an hour's drive.
While the area's walk score suggests it's somewhat walkable, and the bike score indicates it's somewhat bikeable, many residents find that having a car is beneficial for getting around Fort Lauderdale efficiently. The building accommodates this with covered parking for residents, and there's even the option to rent a second parking space if needed.
Essex Tower also caters to the growing trend of electric vehicles by providing EV charging stations in the garage. This forward-thinking amenity allows residents to conveniently charge their electric cars at home, adding an extra layer of convenience for environmentally conscious drivers.
For those who prefer two-wheeled transportation, the building offers secure bicycle storage, encouraging a more active and eco-friendly mode of getting around the neighborhood. This is particularly useful for short trips to nearby attractions like Las Olas Boulevard or Fort Lauderdale Beach.
While the immediate area around Essex Tower may not be considered a walker's or biker's paradise, the strategic location of the building ensures that residents have multiple transportation options at their disposal, whether they're commuting to work, running errands, or exploring the wider Fort Lauderdale area.
Association fees include management, amenities, cable TV, insurance, laundry, maintenance structure, pest control, reserve fund, roof, sewer, security, trash, water
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
4/ 10
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
43/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
43/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
30/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Idlewyld Park/Merle Fogg Park
3 min walk
Boating
Picnic Area
Trails
Las Olas Oceanside Park
11 min walk
Bike Trails
Trails
Ocean
D.C. Alexander Park
14 min walk
Trails
Beach
Events
Colee Hammock Park
3 min drive
Boating
Fishing
Lake
Victoria Park
3 min drive
Picnic Area
Trails
River
Annie Beck Park
3 min drive
Trails
Kayak/Canoe
River
Fort Lauderdale Beach Park & Playground
5 min drive
Basketball
Boating
Grills
Virginia Young Park
7 min drive
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Francis L. Abreu Place
8 min drive
Trails
River
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
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