Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlHZJ-TYcHw&list=PLOQvdw7d0cd9RZZkd2lZy2hmrnJv-cfLI&index=41
Evan Snow: We are back here on the Choose 954 Platform Podcast, special Hollywood show. A favorite series with Sammy Cohen of 81 Development, here in their downtown Hollywood office. If you didn't know about Choose 954, we started a social movement to be a cultured community here in Broward County, where I'm from, and in an effort to keep people informed about all the great things that are going on and make this a better place to live and not just a vacation spot. The point of the podcast is to connect with people like Sam who are doing important things in the community to help us grow. This podcast is sponsored by the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency, working very diligently to bring new initiatives, efforts, businesses, and life to downtown Hollywood and the beaches. To find out more, log on to www.mptv.org.
But without much further ado, Sam, won't you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Sam Cohen: Hi, my name is Sam Cohen, principal here at 81 Development.
Evan Snow: OK, and for those that aren't familiar with the development stage, why is development an important thing to our communities and the economy?
Sam Cohen: Well, primarily, development leads to job creation, increasing cities' tax bases, which then goes back into the city. In one sentence: more jobs, more growth.
Evan Snow: And for those that are familiar with the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), their revenue comes from tax revenue. So, more new, successful, thriving businesses allow the city to add more money to the programs. Some of the programs that the CRA has brought to the community offer a lot of free things that are available for anyone in the community to check out. What are some of your existing developments that people might see around the area?
Sam Cohen: Well, you might have seen the window part being that beautiful property; it's the newest on the block, and we won an award for it this year. We’re also developing across the street from that property, a Tru by Hilton, which should be ready in a couple of weeks.
Evan Snow: Can you share, for those who are fans of architecture and design, a little bit about some of the design features and elements?
Sam Cohen: This Wednesday and Thursday, you’ll be able to see from us 100 retail spaces on the ground floor. There’s future retail space planned. The way cities are planning now is recognizing the importance of including retail, hotels, and nice restaurants.
Evan Snow: Thankfully, Hollywood does have really good walkability within the downtown corridor. I’m glad that developers are factoring in ground-floor retail so people don’t have to get in their cars to go to all these places. When you're in a city like New York or Chicago, they’re all right there at the ground floor.
Sam Cohen: Exactly. We’re trying to create multiple spaces where people can have diverse retail experiences all in one spot.
Evan Snow: What are some upcoming things that you are able to share?
Sam Cohen: There’s not a lot I can share, but we are looking into a few new projects.
Evan Snow: Very good. So, for those who aren’t familiar with your company, you guys are based here in downtown Hollywood. You have multiple offices here. Why did you choose Hollywood?
Sam Cohen: Hollywood has always attracted us. It’s one of the few places where you can walk everywhere and have a great variety of restaurants and spaces. Most of my employees can go out for a snack at lunch and come back without needing a car. It’s suburban, close to the tourist areas, and one of the closest proximities in the world from airport to port to downtown and the beach. There aren’t many places that offer these advantages, so we’re interested in developing more hotels here.
Evan Snow: Prices are still relatively good in the area compared to other places, which makes it more attractive for development. As it comes full circle, prices go up, leading to a higher tax base, which means more money for the city to put back into the community.
Some of the things that the Hollywood CRA is doing to make this a better place to live include the Hollywood Art Walk, which has been going on for 15 years and just celebrated its 15th anniversary. It takes place in downtown every third Saturday night of the month. You can go at your own pace from 6 to 10 p.m., and if you want more insight and a more curated experience, there is a free tour of the Art Walk, galleries, and studios that I lead at 7 p.m. every third Saturday night. We meet at the information tent on Harrison and 20th. As an arts advocate and community builder, I guide people around the galleries, studios, and vendors, sharing the importance of the art and the Art Walk. I help bridge the gap for those who might feel intimidated by talking to an artist or unsure about understanding the art.
Before that, at 6 p.m., we have a world-class mural project in downtown Hollywood called the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project, another initiative by the Hollywood CRA. Curated and managed by Jill Weisberg, there are now 27 world-class murals throughout the walls in downtown Hollywood. If you aren’t familiar with a place called Wynwood, public art and street art have the ability to transform communities. Wynwood is a shining example of how public and street art can take a place filled with blighted, dilapidated warehouses and make it one of the most desirable places to develop, travel, visit, and frequent. Jill leads the tour of the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project every third Saturday night at 6 p.m., and it’s free.
There’s also the Dream Park Dream Classic Car Show every first Sunday of the month, which is a phenomenal free family-friendly event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This Sunday is the next one. There’s also a food festival coming on March 21st and a St. Patrick’s Day festival. There are plenty of family-friendly events and activities at night as well. You can follow along on social media, and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. I’m on Instagram at 3954 and Devon Snowden 13. I’m an open book and would love to hear why you choose to follow the Choose 954 Platform.
We appreciate you taking the time, Sam, and I look forward to seeing the unveiling this week and bringing more life, color, vibrancy, jobs, and all the other benefits to downtown Hollywood.
Sam Cohen: Thank you.
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