Metropica Relaunches with Poag and Waypoint Partners to Jumpstart Sunrise Megaproject

Key Points

• Metropica Development is moving forward with the next phase of its $1.5 billion mixed-use development in Sunrise, Florida.

• New partners Poag Development and Waypoint Residential will invest $300 million in retail and residential components.

• The upcoming phase includes nearly 1,000 luxury apartments, 150,000 square feet of retail, and 50,000 square feet of office space.

After years of delays and a stalled start, the Metropica project in western Broward County is finally regaining momentum. With construction on the next phase set to begin in October, developer Joseph Kavana is leveraging new partnerships and increased density approvals to bring this long-anticipated master-planned community to life. 

Project Scope

Metropica is a 65-acre mixed-use development intended to bring a live-work-play environment to the Sunrise area. When fully built, the plan includes more than 3,000 residential units, 650,000 square feet of office space, 485,000 square feet of retail, and two hotels.

The upcoming phase focuses on delivering about 1,000 rental units and over 150,000 square feet of retail, with 50,000 square feet of condo office space built above the storefronts. The retail will lean heavily into food, entertainment, and boutique offerings, positioned to complement nearby Sawgrass Mills rather than compete with it.

Financials and Partners

Poag Development, based in Memphis, is leading the retail portion of this phase. Waypoint Residential, headquartered in Boca Raton, is developing the residential component, committing to building at least 900 rental units over the next several years.

Together, these two partners are contributing approximately $300 million toward the next phase of Metropica. While exact land sale prices were not disclosed, Metropica Development retains responsibility for infrastructure and has the option to participate in the joint venture going forward.

History and Delays

Joseph Kavana began assembling the land for Metropica in the early 1990s and received city approvals in 2014. Despite this, only one tower—Metropica One, a 263-unit condo building—has been delivered, and that came in 2020 just before the pandemic stalled further activity.

In 2024, the city of Sunrise approved a density increase that allows the developer to spread fixed costs over a greater number of units, improving the project’s financial viability. The new partnerships with Poag and Waypoint were structured shortly after, marking the start of a strategic shift from solo development to shared risk and capital.

Challenges and Opportunities

The biggest hurdle for Metropica remains execution. With such a long timeline and significant capital needs, coordination across infrastructure, leasing, and phasing will be critical. Traffic mitigation and connectivity to nearby roadways also pose infrastructure challenges that could affect timing and tenant appeal.

Still, the site’s location near major highways and Sawgrass Mills gives it strategic appeal. If successful, this phase could catalyze further development and establish a true urban core in western Broward, an area that has long lacked this level of mixed-use density.

The Future of West Broward

Metropica’s return is more than just a restart—it’s a bet on the future of western Broward County. With the right mix of residential and retail, and credible partners like Poag and Waypoint on board, the project is better positioned to meet today’s market demands. The next three years will be critical in determining whether Metropica fulfills its original vision or remains a cautionary tale of overreach and delay.