Sixth & Rio Nears Completion: Move-In Dates, Remaining Developer Units & What Buyers Should Know

If you’ve been looking at new condo developments in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, you’ve probably noticed a common theme: almost everything is still years away from delivery.

Buildings like Andare and Ombelle are exciting, but if you’re relocating soon or want something brand-new right now, you don’t want to wait until 2027 or 2028.

That’s what makes Sixth & Rio so interesting right now.

The building at 501 SE 6th Avenue is in the final stages of construction, with initial move-ins currently targeted to begin in November 2026 (though, as with any new construction in South Florida, final dates always depend on city sign-offs and finishing inspections).

Instead of building another 40-story high-rise with 250+ units, developer OceanLand Investments went in a completely different direction: an 8-story boutique building with only 94 total residences and bi-level townhomes, sitting directly on the south bank of the New River.

If you’re trying to decide whether Sixth & Rio makes sense for you, here is what’s happening on site, how the building is set up, and how it compares to other options in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

You can also explore building specs and floor plan details on our dedicated Sixth & Rio Development Page.

Where Construction Stands Right Now

Following the structural top-off, the trades have moved inside for interior build-outs and final finishes:

• Kitchens & Cabinetry: Italkraft Italian cabinets, quartz waterfall counters, and Sub-Zero/Wolf appliances are going in floor by floor.
• The 8th-Floor Rooftop: The rooftop infinity pool, cabana area, and fitness studio are getting their final tile, equipment, and glass installations.
• Ground-Floor Promenade: The street-level spaces, including the restaurant/café area and the walkway connecting directly to Smoker Family Park and the Riverwalk, are taking shape.
• Pre-Closing Walkthroughs: Punch-list inspections and buyer walkthroughs are expected to get underway heading into late Q4 2026.

The Location: Why the South Bank Feels Completely Different

One of the biggest reasons people choose Sixth & Rio over other downtown buildings is where it sits.

Most downtown Fort Lauderdale condo towers sit north of the New River along Las Olas Boulevard or Broward Boulevard. That area is lively and walkable, but it also comes with taller buildings, tighter traffic, and a lot more energy right outside your front door.

Sixth & Rio sits south of the New River, right at the edge of the historic Rio Vista neighborhood. That location creates a few distinct advantages:

• Smoker Family Park is right next door: You step outside and you’re immediately next to open green space, shady trees, and water views rather than a concrete intersection.
• Rio Vista’s residential feel: Just across SE 6th Avenue, you have the quiet, tree-lined residential streets of Rio Vista, which gives the immediate area a much calmer neighborhood vibe.
• Walkable when you want it to be: You can walk right out onto the Riverwalk to watch yachts go by, or cross the SE 3rd Avenue bridge to be on Las Olas Boulevard for dinner in about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Convenient travel times: You’re about 5 minutes from the Fort Lauderdale Brightline station, 10 minutes to the airport (FLL), and less than 7 minutes down SE 17th Street to the beach.

Quick Facts: Sixth & Rio Fort Lauderdale

• Address: 501 SE 6th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
• Neighborhood: South Bank / New River (Bordering Rio Vista)
• Developer: OceanLand Investments
• Building Style: 8-Story Boutique Mid-Rise
• Total Residences: 94 Luxury Condominiums & Bi-Level Townhomes
• Floor Plan Sizes: 1-, 2-, and 3-Bedroom Layouts + Townhomes (~932 to over 2,700 sq. ft.)
• Target Move-In Date: November 2026 (subject to change based on final inspections)

How Sixth & Rio Compares to Other Downtown Buildings

If you’re shopping the downtown Fort Lauderdale condo market, you’re almost certainly weighing Sixth & Rio against older riverfront buildings or upcoming high-rise towers. Here is how they stack up in the real world:

Comparing your options across Downtown Fort Lauderdale? Take a look at our side-by-side guides for 100 Las Olas, Andare Residences, and WaterGarden.

What’s Available: Remaining Developer Inventory

Even though a significant portion of the building sold during earlier construction phases, the developer still has select inventory available across different floor plans:

• 1-Bedroom + Den (from ~932 sq. ft.): Ideal for someone looking for a low-maintenance primary home, a seasonal winter getaway, or a pied-à-terre near downtown.
• 2-Bedroom & 2-Bedroom + Den (1,400 to 1,900 sq. ft.): These are split-bedroom layouts with generous private balconies overlooking the park and river.
• 3-Bedroom Corner Units (2,200+ sq. ft.): These offer wraparound glass balconies with wider river views and larger primary suites for buyers downsizing from a single-family home.
• Bi-Level Townhomes: These have street-level entries on SE 6th Avenue, giving you the feel of a private townhome with full access to the building’s rooftop pool, gym, and security.

You can view current Sixth and Rio Condos for Sale here or contact me directly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sixth & Rio

When will move-ins actually begin?

The target is currently November 2026. As with any South Florida new construction, exact closing dates depend on final certificates of occupancy and municipal sign-offs.

What are the biggest trade-offs with Sixth & Rio?

Because it’s an 8-story boutique building rather than a 45-story skyscraper, you won’t get 40th-floor ocean views. What you get instead is direct park and river views, much less elevator waiting, and only 93 neighbors instead of several hundred.

What amenities are included?

An 8th-floor rooftop pool with an infinity edge overlooking the river, private cabanas, a resident clubroom, a modern fitness studio, ground-floor dining space, and direct access to the Riverwalk.

How do I see remaining inventory and current pricing?

Developer pricing and available tiers change as units sell. If you’d like the current inventory sheet, floor plans, or estimated HOA breakdowns, feel free to reach out.

Thinking About Sixth & Rio?

If you’re considering a condo at Sixth & Rio or comparing it with other buildings in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, feel free to get in touch. I spend a lot of time in these buildings, and can help you look at floor plans, developer pricing, and nearby resale options with clear, objective advice.

• Direct Cell / Text: (913) 710-8481
• Email: [email protected]
• Schedule: Request a Private Tour or Confidential Consultation