Downtown Core

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Located in the heart of West Palm Beach, the Downtown CRA target area is a focal point for community revitalization. Collaborating with a diverse array of partners, the CRA spearheads efforts to enhance and transform this vibrant urban core.
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) plays a crucial role, receiving a significant portion of its annual operating budget from the Downtown CRA. The DDA's initiatives include developing impactful marketing strategies for economic growth and maintaining essential streetscapes within the area.

Moreover, the Downtown CRA dedicates funding to provide incentives that attract businesses to the downtown core through the City's Economic Development fund. These efforts contribute to fostering a dynamic and thriving business environment in downtown West Palm Beach.

Explore how these strategic partnerships and investments are reshaping our downtown community. For more information on our collaborative initiatives, visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we're building a prosperous and vibrant future for West Palm Beach's downtown district.

Map:

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Projects:

The 415

Chase Streetscape Redesign/Trinity Park

Burkhart Construction has been awarded the contract for the Chase Streetscape Redesign/Trinity Park project, currently in the drafting phase. This initiative will bring streetscape improvements from Okeechobee Blvd to Flagler Avenue, including the installation of new pavers, enhanced lighting, and landscaping.

The project aligns with significant private sector investments in the CRA's Okeechobee Corridor and Downtown Core subdistricts. By modernizing infrastructure in coordination with private development, the aim is to create seamless connectivity between these areas. Enhancements will also facilitate access to a new 250,000-square-foot office building, green spaces, and a historic church.

Construction is slated to commence by the end of 2024, marking an exciting step forward in enhancing both functionality and aesthetics within our community.

Stay updated on our progress and learn more about how this project is contributing to the transformation of West Palm Beach's urban landscape.

314 Clematis

Explore the transformation of 314 Clematis, a property with a storied past as a nightclub amidst the changing landscape of Clematis Street. Partnering with the property owner, the CRA embarked on a redevelopment initiative to reintroduce retail businesses and reduce entry barriers on this iconic street.

Following higher-than-anticipated cost estimates, the CRA Board decided to purchase the building using proceeds from the Series 2019 Bond. Recently, the Board approved a term sheet for the lease-to-purchase and sale of the 29,181 square foot property to Brand Atlantic. This decision came after a notice of disposition was posted in fall of 2024, and Brand Atlantic emerged as the sole bidder for the permitted use.

The proposed revitalization plans envision a vibrant establishment featuring food, beverage, and entertainment across the ground and second floors, breathing new life into the heart of Clematis Street.

Stay updated on our progress and learn more about this exciting project that promises to enrich the cultural and commercial landscape of Downtown West Palm Beach.

Clematis Alleyways

Clematis Street businesses have long experienced the challenge of converting former department store spaces that are deep and wide into current retail and office space needs. By improving the aesthetics of the alleyways, the businesses have opportunities to activate the rear of their space. The Clematis 300 Block, South Alley, was selected for the initial design construction for activation of the alleyway spaces. Construction of the Alleyway was completed in 2020 and included new underground infrastructure and undergrounding of low voltage power and cable. The CRA continues to work with property owners to upgrade the rear facades and lighting to create a space that can be activated and utilized for additional connections downtown.

Design for the north side of the 300 Block Clematis Street alley upgrade, inclusive of similar improvements implemented in the south alley, began in 2022 with construction beginning in late 2023 as a CRA/Public Private Partnership. Completion of the improvements on the eastern portion of the alley have been completed with a new restaurant utilizing the enhanced public space.

West Palm Point (Tent Site)

West Palm Point, a significant property acquired years ago by the CRA, is strategically located on Okeechobee Boulevard just east of the FEC railroad tracks in downtown West Palm Beach. Known as the Tent Site, this prominent CRA land at 801 S. Dixie Highway has long been earmarked for redevelopment, recognized as a pivotal parcel in the heart of downtown.

In April 2020, the CRA entered into a Lease and Development Agreement with Cohen Brothers Realty for the construction of a Class A office tower on the Tent Site (West Palm Point). Valued at $25.7 million, this prime property promises to enhance downtown's skyline while generating annual lease payments for the CRA.

 

Following the approval of the conceptual site plan in August 2020 and subsequent city approvals in 2021, the project secured final site plan approval from the City Commission on January 10, 2022. Currently, the project is progressing through the process of obtaining necessary building permits.

Construction is set to commence by the end of 2024, with groundbreaking scheduled for Fall 2024. Stay informed about this transformative development that will redefine downtown West Palm Beach.

Play + Art + Connect

Play + Art + Connect has evolved into a multigenerational PlayLab on the north section of the Great Lawn.

Background: The City of West Palm Beach’s Great Lawn currently hosts a successful Green Market, Screen on the Green, Clematis by Night, and events from other agencies, such as The Boat Show. However, during the in-between hours the area is greatly underutilized. The city has budgeted the reimaging of the north side of the Great Lawn to repurpose the visitor center’s functionality, create a playlab, and integrate an immersive world-class public artwork.

What does the project aim to do? Reimagine the visitor’s center and surrounding area.

PlayLab aims to transform this city’s public space into an everyday destination by creating playful experiences for people of all ages including, distinct encounters, experiences, food, beverage, and immersive-public art.