Inspired Communities of Florida has requested a final aesthetic review of a new mass-timber luxury apartment building and the Reverb by Hard Rock hotel from the City of Pensacola’s Planning Board, a requirement since the project is at the Maritime Park in the Waterfront Redevelopment District (WRD-1).
- This project will use Florida’s Live Local Act, which allows for increased density and height to provide affordable housing units. As a result, and under the Live Local Act, a building height of 150’ measured from the lowest occupiable floor is allowed by right, along with a density of 135 dwelling units per acre. The project will provide the required 40% affordable units. This review is only for aesthetics. Read 20250509_Planning Board Submission.
- The Planning Board meets at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10, at Pensacola City Hall.
Background
Last August, Hard Rock International announced plans for REVERB by Hard Rock® Pensacola, marking the sixth property in their energetic cultural hub hotel brand. The hotel is slated to break ground in 2026 and open in 2029, joining existing REVERB locations in Atlanta, Hamburg, Kalamazoo, Tampa, and Scottsdale.
- The Pensacola property will feature technology-enhanced accommodations, a full-service restaurant, rooftop bar, lobby lounge, quick service dining, and fitness center. Unique amenities include a podcast recording studio for local creators and conference meeting spaces, positioning the hotel as a creative hub for music fans and travelers. The development promises a significant economic impact, generating 500+ construction jobs and 75+ permanent hospitality positions with competitive wages. Hard Rock partnered with the experienced Dawson Company for project execution.
Adding star power to the venture, music icon Lenny Kravitz’s design firm, Kravitz Design, will collaborate with global architectural leader Gensler to create the hotel’s distinctive aesthetic. This partnership brings together world-class architectural expertise and Kravitz’s renowned artistic vision for groundbreaking yet approachable design.
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