CTZN PARK is coming. ETA Fall 2026.
Credit: CTZN PARK
One of Fort Lauderdale's most ambitious new gathering spaces is taking shape in Progresso Village.
Slated to open this fall at 825 Progresso Drive, CTZN PARK is a 10,000-square-foot outdoor venue built from 10 repurposed shipping containers that aims to blend live music, chef-driven food, wellness programming and family-friendly events into one destination. Led by hospitality veteran Bobby Velez and restaurateur Thuan Lam, the concept has quietly been years in the making and could become one of Broward County's most distinctive new attractions.
According to Velez, the idea dates back to before the pandemic, when Lam approached the property's landlord with a vision for transforming a vacant lot into something entirely different.
"We presented him this shipping container concept and he loved it," Velez tells Browardist. "The pandemic happened and the project went on standstill for a bit, and then it started to pump up to get the project moving full steam."
Construction began in 2023, but bringing the concept to life required navigating unfamiliar territory.
"There have been some challenges, but we're there," Velez says. "Broward County has never had plans submitted like this before. This is the first of its kind from what I was told."
That distinction goes beyond the architecture. Velez describes CTZN PARK as Broward's first open-air shipping container destination centered around stacked containers, live entertainment and family-focused programming.
Upon opening, guests can expect everything from local bands and national touring acts to international DJs, wellness meetups, run clubs, fitness events and community night markets. Weekends will cater to families during the day before transitioning into evening programming.
"I think live music is definitely evolving more," Velez says. "People want to get outside and be off their phones and really engage with a space."
The culinary program will be equally important.
Lam, owner of Miso Japanese Tapas in nearby Flagler Village, plans to occupy one of the permanent container spaces himself with a Vietnamese concept serving bánh mì, smoothies and coffee. Another container will be reserved for an up-and-coming chef looking for an affordable opportunity to showcase their talent.
"The reason why I have those containers there is to help a chef because I know how hard it is to open up a storefront," Lam says. "I'm not charging them an arm and a leg just for them to get in there and kind of showcase what kind of talented chef they are."
For Lam, the project also represents an investment in the neighborhood he already calls home.
The venue's industrial design will be softened with extensive landscaping, creating what Velez describes as "an industrial oasis" tucked into the heart of Progresso Village.
As for what's left before opening day, the finish line is finally in sight.
"Just the final touches and finishes is kind of where we stand right now," Velez says.
For more information and updates, visit instagram.com/ctznpark.
