The City of Delray Beach, Florida has experienced a dramatic rebirth of its downtown inner core within the last decade. Restaurants, jazz clubs, art galleries and specialty retail provides the genesis for this exciting area on Atlantic Boulevard.
The last major property for redevelopment was several square blocks located between US 1 and the Intercoastal Waterway on the north side of Atlantic Boulevard. Through the efforts of several development partners, including the Edwards Company from Ohio, a highly designed mixed-use project was proposed for the site. This includes ground level retail and restaurants, underground garages, Class A office space and residential apartments and townhomes.
The project consists of 37,000 square feet of retail, approximately 38,000 square feet of restaurants, 83,000 square feet of office, and approximately 371,000 of residential space, which is comprised of 343 units. The structures to be placed on the property were designed to replicate the various architectural styles, which are representative of downtown Delray Beach.
As with most urban infill projects, neighborhood concerns as to traffic, density and compatibility were raised by surrounding neighbors. Following a public hearing that lasted more than 7 hours, the City Commission approved the development by a 3-2 vote. A neighboring property owner has appealed the decision and that matter is presenting pending in the 15th Judicial Circuit.