Stiles, a 72-year old full-service commercial real estate development firm based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, is honored to have joined the groundbreaking ceremony of The Jim Moran Foundation headquarters on a 2.43-acre parcel located at 4545 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Attended by Jan Moran, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis and other officials from the City of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, the groundbreaking held on Wednesday, June 7th, celebrated the life and legacy of Jim Moran, an automotive pioneer and philanthropist. The project is being developed and constructed by Stiles and designed by Nashville-based HASTINGS Architecture.
“Today is a momentous occasion that marks the beginning of a new chapter for The Foundation’s development and plan to be a continuous creator of positive change in our community,” Stiles CEO Ken Stiles told attendees. “The Stiles relationship with The Jim Moran Foundation started decades ago with my father Terry and Jim Moran, who shared a similar vision not only in business but also philanthropy and community building. I am proud that this relationship continues today with this important project, and deeply honored that we have the opportunity to be a part of it.”
The 63,151-square-foot, five-story building is a connected two-volume structure that features large open floor plates housing various components including offices, program space for The Jim Moran Foundation and the Jim Moran Institute, shared event space and archives exhibits. This site will also house the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, a development program for small business owners and nonprofit leaders that was formed in 1995 at Florida State University College of Business.
Established by Jim Moran in 2000 to ensure his philanthropy would endure beyond his lifetime, The Jim Moran Foundation has invested more than $230 million since inception to improve the quality of life for the youth and families of Florida through the support of innovative programs and opportunities that meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Moran believed that “the future belongs to those who prepare for it,” and this new building will allow The Foundation to prepare for its future by creating an innovative and resilient home that will continue its founder’s life story and heart of generosity.
“With property available adjacent to Holy Cross Hospital’s Jim Moran Heart and Vascular Center – a connection that was so significant in my husband’s life – we knew this would be the right place for The Jim Moran Foundation to build its new headquarters,” said Jan Moran, chairman and president of The Jim Moran Foundation. “Jim considered Broward County his home. I know he would be so very happy that his giving back will have a positive impact in this community for generations to come.”
The project’s timeless design features a series of pathways dispersing off from larger plazas to weave a continual walking loop around the campus. The materials, shading and landscaping draw inspiration from Florida’s coastline and help minimize effects on wildlife habitats by reducing heat while lush gardens surround the property to create resiliency from flooding.
The building is structured to be hurricane resistant and is anticipated to achieve LEED Gold certification. Estimated completion is March 2025.