It will be a two-step process, he said. City staff first will evaluate the qualifications of each of the interested companies. Those who demonstrate they can undertake the project will move on to the second step.
The city then will require a detailed explanation of the plans and test each company's ability to develop the area in a timely fashion.
"We are looking for people who are as passionate for this development as we are," Ishmael said.
The city has high expectations for the project, which is centrally located in an attempt to unite the east and west communities in the 14-mile-long, linear city.
The downtown area would stretch along a 54-acre site around Red Road and Miramar Parkway. Companies would bid on 14 acres assigned for private development. It would consist of 500 residential units, 101,000 square feet of retail and 78,700 square feet of office space, Ishmael said.
The residential portion would be made up of mainly townhomes and apartments to introduce a type of "urban lifestyle" to the city, Ishmael said.
The city will require that developers adhere to the Mediterranean architecture prevalent in Miramar's most recent developments.
At least 100 companies have shown interest in the various commercial and residential components.
The multimillion-dollar Town Center would include City Hall, a theater and a library. Plans are to move into the new City Hall in August.
The city is negotiating with Broward Community College and Nova Southeastern University and expects both schools to begin constructing branches soon, Ishmael said.
"It's a dynamic, growing area," Ishmael said. "It has all the elements to make it successful."

(source) Sun Sentinel (Milton D. Carrero Galarza ) 1-18-04