Boca Raton has received two proposals to redevelop the roughly 30 acres around City Hall in a public-private partnership. One proposal is ambitious and detailed. The other is self-promoting and vague.
The detailed proposal is a joint venture from Miami-based Terra and Palm Beach-based Frisbie Group. It envisions a mixed-use project that creates a “livable, walkable community” with a “sense of place” in the area bounded by West Palmetto Park Road, Dixie Highway, Northwest Fourth Street and Crawford Boulevard.
Terra/Frisbie would build a new City Hall and community center, replacing those outdated, small public facilities. In return, Terra/Frisbie would get to build 1,163 apartments, nearly 72,000 square feet of retail, roughly 65,000 square feet of restaurants and bars, 150,000 square feet of office space, and a 130-room hotel. The project would require 3,073 parking spaces, two-thirds of those in garages.
The project would happen in four phases, beginning with the civic space. City Hall and the community center would move to the north end of the area, near the library and the Brightline station. This phase also would include almost 90,000 square feet of park space and 461 of the apartments.
Next would come more retail and restaurant space and the hotel. After that would be racket courts—the area includes the city’s main tennis facility—356 apartments and the offices. Last would come the balance of retail and restaurant and 346 apartments.
The apartment buildings would range from three stories to eight stories to 10 stories, with the tallest facing Palmetto Park Road. Some office buildings would be six stories. Others would be seven stories. So would the hotel.
Park space would dominate the middle part of the area. Terra/Frisbie envisions Northwest Second Avenue—which bisects those 30 acres—as a retail street.
Terra/Frisbie devotes much of its proposal to the public nature of the project: a planned “civic and events lawn.” There’s a fountain resembling the popular gathering spot on Clematis Street in West Palm Beach, a “Leisure Loop” and “The Nook.” Outside hotel space would blend with public space.
The developers also have aligned their proposal with the city’s sustainability goals and the city council’s wish to leverage the Brightline station. Terra/Frisbie refers to its “transit-oriented, micro-climate design.” Water runoff would be retained on site and recycled. The presentation cites “biophilia,” the connection between living things and the natural world.
Terra/Frisbie estimates four years to design and build the project. There’s no cost estimate, though Councilman Marc Wigder has said that the deal could reach $1 billion.
In a statement, Terra said, “City Hall has the potential to be redeveloped as the centerpiece of a vibrant neighborhood that’s home to a mix of civic, residential, and commercial uses. Terra and the Frisbie Group have a shared vision for transforming City Hall and the surrounding area into an innovative, eco-friendly district centered around walkable streets, inviting public spaces, and connectivity with the Brightline.
“The project aims to include a number of sustainable elements, including dense tree canopies to reduce urban heat, pedestrian accessibility, and stormwater management while integrating green and grey infrastructure with 10–15-minute walking paths throughout the district. We look forward to collaborating with the city of Boca Raton and the broader community to bring this concept to life.”
The other proposal comes from Related Ross, the new venture led by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. He was previously CEO of Related Cos., where he remains the main shareholder. Ross created the new company, based in West Palm Beach, to focus on development in South Florida. He is chairman and CEO.
Ross Related wants to create “an architectural palette and live-work-play environment that will be the foundation for the next generation of Boca Raton’s history” as the city prepares to celebrate its centennial next year. Ross Related says the project would create “a retail destination.”
Beyond that, however, are few details—especially compared to the Terra/Frisbie proposal. Ross Related says only that it would “rebuild and relocate” the public facilities. There is no specific mention in either proposal of the police station and existing ballfields.
Much of the Ross Related presentation is an advertisement for the company, focusing on its many West Palm Beach office projects. Ross Related’s president is Ken Himmel. He and Ross teamed in the mid-1990s to create West Palm Beach’s CityPlace. One of Related’s most notable projects is the massive Hudson Yards on Manhattan’s west side.
Because both proposals were unsolicited, council members can discuss them in public. If the council chooses not to select either one at this time and conducts a formal bid process, a “cone of silence” will prohibit public discussion until the staff has evaluated and possibly ranked all the offers.
At their last meeting, council members made clear that the City Hall redevelopment is their top priority. An agreement with a consultant to guide the city’s negotiations could be ready for approval at next week’s meeting.
Deputy City Manager Andy Lukasik said it is “highly likely” that the city will seek bids. The staff is “very excited about what we’ve received,” implying that other offers could be even more ambitious. City Manager George Brown wants the council to hold a “visioning session. What do you want to see?”
Whatever it is, the council wants to see it soon. Lukasik estimated that it could take between seven and nine months to send out a request for proposals and choose a finalist. Councilwoman Yvette Drucker said, “Let’s move.”
Mayor Scott Singer agreed. He wants the staff to “cut that time in half. Let’s get something magical and transformational for the next generation.”
Delray Beach recognized for tech excellence
Delray Beach can call itself a “smart city” when it comes to linking government and technology.
The city announced last week that it is a winner in the most recent Digital Cities Survey, conducted by the Center for Digital Government. Its website calls the organization “a national research and advisory institute on information policies and best practices in state and local government.”
In a news release, Delray Beach cited its Real-Time Crime Center as an example of technology improving services. Other examples related to better management of public records and a “proactive stance” on cybersecurity.
Another DeSantis ally selected as president of Florida university
Another Republican former state legislator has become president of a Florida college. The move likely will cause more worry over the next leader of Florida Atlantic.
This time, the choice is Mel Ponder, an ex-House member. A search committee chose him to run Northwest Florida State College in the Panhandle city of Niceville. Ponder has been serving on the Okaloosa County Commission.
Though Ponder chaired a higher education committee in Tallahassee, he has no related occupational experience. That’s true for another former GOP House member, Fred Hawkins, who emerged at the last minute to land the presidency of South Florida State College in Avon Park.
It’s also true for Rep. Randy Fine, R-Palm Bay. He was Gov. Ron DeSantis’ choice for Florida Atlantic. When Fine didn’t become a finalist, DeSantis-appointed officials in the state university system ended the search.
Search committee members have stated that this effort will be fair and transparent. One can forgive faculty and staff at Florida Atlantic their skepticism.
Florida Atlantic interim president honored with leadership award
Meanwhile, Florida Atlantic Interim President Stacy Volnick continues to get praise.
In her most recent evaluation from the trustees, Volnick received a rating of Outstanding. Last week, she received one of the university’s Talon Awards for leadership. Volnick, who has three degrees from Florida Atlantic, has worked there since 1991. She has been interim president since January 2023.
Until next time
My next post will be Nov. 19.
