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Neighbors Fight Five-Story Jewelry Store Planned for Fort Lauderdale Boulevard

Weston Jewelers won commission approval despite resident concerns over height, mass and parking.

Published

6 months ago

May 28, 2026

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Rendering of the five-story Weston Jeweler branch. PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTON JEWELERS

A plan to build a five-story luxury watch and jewelry store on Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard cleared a unanimous commission vote last week despite vocal opposition from residents who say the project is too big for its surroundings, the Sun-Sentinel reported.

Weston Jewelers, a family-owned retailer carrying Rolex and other luxury brands, plans to open at 1117 E. Las Olas Blvd. as soon as December 2027, according to the paper.

Nearly 80 people signed up to speak at the meeting, with opponents arguing the 74-foot building would overwhelm the neighborhood, worsen parking and alter the character of the area.

“The fact that it’s so big changes the feeling of the community,” the Sun-Sentinel quoted resident J.K. McCrea as saying. “It doesn’t fit in with the community.”

Weston’s owner Ed Dikes defended the project, telling the commission. “We are not a large outside corporation coming into Fort Lauderdale. We are a local family business.”

A second and final commission vote is scheduled for June 2.