Redevelopment Success Stories
Our membership is working to redevelop their communities throughout Florida. Our association is pleased to help them celebrate their success. If you are interested in what works in redevelopment, check this page frequently.
Recent Additions:
North Lauderdale
Apopka
The 1998 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Commercial Revitalization program began with an award of $750,000 for the downtown CRA District. This grant provided funding for new sidewalks, underground utilities, trees and facade renovations. More than 14,436 lineal feet of new sidewalks were installed, which included brick stamp inlay on 5' of every 15 LF. Underground utilities (electric, cable & phone) was also completed, thus eliminating overhead lines, and the underground electric provided service to 253 new decorative light fixtures. Landscape improvements consisted of 72 new trees, shrubs and grass throughout the project area. As part of the CDBG application process, the Facade Renovation Grant Program (FRGP) was established to give assistance to existing businesses. The FRGP grants were available for up to $5,000 per store front, which resulted in nine business renovations. In addition, seven businesses were funded by the CRA.
The CDBG program leveraged improvements by the State DOT which included three new intersections, traffic lights, pedestrian cross walks. In addition, street repaving included portions of Main Street, Central Ave., 4th Street and 5th Street. The 1998 CDBG program resulted in more than 2.4 million dollars in improvements. The 2001 CDBG program was awarded $750,000. This program has resulted in 13,379 lineal feet of new sidewalks with brick stamp inlays; underground utilities which supply electric for 215 new decorative lights; two facade renovations using the FRGP; and, more than 50 new Washintonia Palms were installed on Central Ave., 6th Street and 7th Street. In addition, more than 13 overhead lines are also planned to be placed underground on Park Ave. and Main Street. The 2001 CDBG program has resulted in more than 1.2 million dollars in improvements.Total improvements resulting from Apopka's CDBG programs: $3,600,000
Boynton Beach
The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has teamed up with developer Cornerstone Group to include affordable housing at The Preserve, a new master-planned luxury condominium and townhome community under construction in Boynton Beach.
Through the joint financing effort, income-eligible buyers can qualify for as much as $160,000 in financial assistance on a condo or townhouse. With up to $60,000 developer contributions, up to $50,000 in funds from the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (S.H.I.P.), and another potential $50,000 from the CRA’s Homebuyer’s Assistance Program, the price on a $279,990 three-bedroom condo can be reduced to as low as $119,990.
“The Boynton Beach CRA is intensely committed to pursuing every opportunity to create affordable housing in our community,” said CRA Chairman Henderson Tillman. “With our Homebuyer’s Assistance Program and partnerships with developers like Cornerstone Group, we’re removing some of the obstacles that Boynton Beach residents face as they try to get out of rentals and into homeownership.”
Located at 1801 NE 4th Street, The Preserve will have 180 two and three-story townhouses and condos at market rate prices ranging from $279,000 to $299,000. There will be 50 units set aside as affordable housing for people who meet certain income guidelines. Applicants’ income cannot exceed 120 percent of Palm Beach County’s median household income relative to family size. For a family of four,that would be $77,280.
“In today’s high-priced housing market, middle income workers like teachers, police officers, and nurses are often frozen out of homeownership opportunities that offer an excellent quality of life for them and their families,” observed Tillman. “The Preserve is an example of what is possible when developers and local leaders work together to find solutions to critical issues like the affordable housing shortage.”
Designed around a park-like setting, The Preserve’s condos and townhouses range from 1,398 to 1,994 square feet in two-and-three bedroom models. The project’s amenities include a decorative entry into a gated community, clubhouse and pool, and children’s tot lot.
For financing qualification information, call Barbara Sanford, The Preserve sales manager, at 1-866-740-3111 or 561-706-3525. For more information on The Preserve, visit the on-site office at 1801 NE 4th Street (south of Gateway Blvd.), Boynton Beach, or log on to www.preserveboyntonbeach.com. To apply for homebuyer’s financial assistance, call the Boynton Beach Faith Based Community Development Corp. at 561-752-0303. For more information on homebuyer’s assistance, log on to www.boyntonbeachcra.org and click on “What’s New.”
Cornerstone Group is a Coral Gables-based developer that has built more than 16,000 apartment and condominium units throughout Florida.
The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is committed to serving the community by guiding redevelopment activities and stimulating economic growth within its 1,650 acre district. The organization focuses on creating a vibrant downtown core, providing affordable housing, and revitalizing neighborhoods. For more information on the CRA, its events and activities, call (561) 737-3256 or visit www.boyntonbeachcra.org.
Fort Lauderdale
The relatively new Community Redevelopment Agency in Fort Lauderdale's Sistrunk area has taken steps to use $4.5 million in CRA bonding capacity or other funding sources for a gateway project. The plan includes streetscape and infrastructure improvements along Sixth Street and Sistrunk Boulevard, the main street through the center of the CRA. Kim Jackson, CRA Manager, emphasizes the importance of giving developers immediate assurances from government that the area is worth the investment, because it is perceived as a high risk. "They need a confidence level that the public sector is behind them", she said. In addition, the CRA approved spending $300,000 to buy 10 parcels, seven of which are vacant, to encourage a private developer to build model homes. The CRA and City are also teaming up to hire two code enforcement officers whose sole responsibility will be to ensure that areas targeted for improvement in the district are well-maintained.
Jacksonville
As the sole economic development and community redevelopment agency for the City of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC) is responsible for developing and executing policies that result in sustainable job growth, rising personal incomes and a broader tax base. Recent major projects that have been approved and will soon be developing downtown include the relocation of Macquarie Mortgages USA Inc, which will relocate its U.S. headquarters operation from Memphis to downtown Jacksonville. Additionally, Fidelity National Financial has committed to its second major investment in the community, with the addition of 800 new jobs and approximately $23 million in private capital investment.
Downtown Jacksonville was most recently designated as a Transportation Concurrency Exemption Area (TCEA) under the Florida Administrative Code (FAC). This designation will complement the continued downtown development and revitalization in regards to downtown DRI development rights and required transportation improvements. Recent area infrastructure improvements such as the $12 million widening of Riverside Avenue, the $207 million new I-95/I-10 interchange, the new $112 million Fuller Warren Bridge and improved interstate access throughout downtown are key to further growth.
The downtown Jacksonville residential market is thriving, both along the Northbank and Southbank. Over 800 units of housing are under construction to add to the current 1,572 residential existing inventory. The city’s Design Review Committee (DRC) has approved future development of over 4,200 residential units in the urban core area. Private capital investment remains strong with over $211 million in development completed in downtown last year and over 14 projects representing $479 million are under construction pursued by both regional and national developers. This combined with downtown’s healthy 8.5-million-square-foot office market with an average lease rate of $18.06 help make downtown Jacksonville a prime location for business. Continued development helps to employ more than 55,000 downtown workers at companies such as Bank of America, Blue Cross Blue Shield, CSX and Fidelity National Financial.
The popular downtown Riverwalk is expanding its reach with the redevelopment of a seven acre site along the Northbank that was formerly the Jacksonville Shipyard Property. LandMar Group, LLC will redevelop this site into an estimated $450 million mixed-use community, creating over $40 million in public riverwalk parks and pier space.
Community revitalization continues to occur throughout Jacksonville, with increased efforts focusing on the Brooklyn, LaVilla, Cathedral district and Soutel-Moncrief areas. Particular emphasis has been placed on retail, parking and workforce housing. This new redevelopment complements The Better Jacksonville Plan, a $2.25 billion comprehensive growth management strategy for the City of Jacksonville that aims to benefit revitalized neighborhoods in all parts of the city.
Largo
The City of Largo has been trying to revive the economy of downtown through financial incentives and infrastructure improvements. A group of consultants visited the city through the Main Street Program last spring to take stock of Largo's progress and to make suggestions on what the city needs to do to make downtown a vibrant area of commerce. The group concluded that they are making real strides, and presented their findings to civic and business leaders at the Greater Chamber of Commerce. Largo is an associate Main Street city, coordinated by Lotta Baumann.
Since that time, the $4.2 million widening project of a major thoroughfare is well under way, and the city has taken bids from developers interested in buying land just west of the project that used to be the City Hall. Largo has a residential area around the area being developed, with brick streets and homes built before World War II, which could be designated an historic district. Projects being discussed for the future are a parking garage and library in the downtown area.
Lauderdale Lakes
Lauderdale Lakes held a groundbreaking for the commencement of the 32-acre Bella Vista mixed-use project, located on Oakland Park Boulevard in the new “Town Center”. This project was developed through a partnership between the Lauderdale Lakes Community Redevelopment Agency and developer United Homes International. The project will be designed in the “New Urbanist” style of urban planning seen in other successful projects such as Mizner Park in Boca Raton and CityPlace in West Palm Beach. It will incorporate elements of “Traditional Neighborhood Design.”
Miami
The Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA authorized the rebuilding of the N.W. 3rd Avenue Business Corridor in Overtown from N.W. 7th Street to N.W. 14th Street. The Board created the N.W. 3rd Avenue Streetscape Committee to select street design features including: lighting, landscaping, paver designs, and street furniture on this avenue, which was the historic business center of Overtown. Project design is being handled through the City of Miami's Office of Capital Improvement and Transportation and design drawings are currently at the 80% complete stage. In addition to rebuilding the roadway, the project will also upgrade the water main along N.W. 3rd Avenue to provide better service to area residents. It is expected that this project will be put out for bid and construction in August of 2007 at an estimated cost for construction of approximately $5,000,000.
In November of 2006, the Board of Commissioners authorized a grant to Downtown Miami Partnership (DMP) in an amount not to exceed $525,000 for facade improvements for buildings along N.W. 3rd Avenue. The improvements will include, painting the buildings, replacing the store front with hurricane/impact resistant windows and new awnings. So far under this program, the facade of the Masonic Lodge has been completed and nine other buildings have been painted including Cafe China Restaurant, Caring Touch Barber Shop, Econo Supermarket, Mary's Soul Food, and the Dunn Hotel. DMP is in the process of bidding out the storefront and awning facade improvements.
North Lauderdale
*Photo courtesy of Merrill Tritt Photography
City of North Lauderdale residents are proud the call their city home to marine artist Wyland’s 99th and final mural in the United States. The City recently celebrated the completion of this International Year of the Reef Wall created by Wyland as part of his world renowned Whaling Wall art project, comprised of 100 murals. The artist painted the historic wall along McNab Rd., just west of Rock Island Rd., in the City of North Lauderdale, with the help of famed artists Romero Britto and Guy Harvey, plus numerous art enthusiasts and youth throughout the South Florida community.
“This project has done much to enhance the City of North Lauderdale by creating a great spectacle for residents and the millions that will pass this wall each year,” Mayor Jack Brady said. “We are extremely appreciative to Wyland for selecting the City of North Lauderdale as home to his final mural in the United States, and confident that this historic happening will allow us to continue ‘Building a Future’ for our residents.”
Wyland’s 10’ x 1,000’ mural is adorned with mangroves, inspired by the Everglades, in addition to manatees, coral reefs, dolphins, turtles, mangroves and other sea life. Over the next year, this wall will be transformed into Wyland Walk, a fully remodeled McNab/Cypress Creek corridor spanning the length of the world-renown mural, featuring park benches, lush landscaping and a spiraling walkway marveled with sea-toned colors of recycled glass. The new area will anchor the City’s “Arts in Public Places” program, which strives to implement thought-provoking, original art to help inspire residents. The program, coupled with ongoing redevelopment initiatives, help to foster distinctive, attractive communities with a sense of place.
Pensacola
The City recently embarked on a project that included a breakwater, a 92-slip marina, the 7,200 square foot Harbormaster Building housing a restaurant and professional offices, and a 21,000 square foot Class-A office building known as the Ice House. The building took its name after being built on the site of E.E. Saunders' Ice House that supplied Pensacola's red snapper fishing fleet with ice at the turn of the century.
The second phase of the development, the construction of two buildings totaling 72,000 square feet of mixed-use space, was recently completed. For sale in the building are 12 high-end residences, all with dramatic views of Pensacola Bay, and for lease are 36,000 square feet of retail/office space. The mixed-use condominium is a model that offers interesting possibilities to creative developers. As a part of the public/private partnership, the city invested $1.2 million along the pier to construct a waterfront promenade, landscape pedestrian plazas, and install new railing and historically styled lighting. Walkways, benches, a fountain and outdoor dining at Lillo's Italian Restaurant invite people to linger for the spectacular sunsets over the marina.
Phase three of Palafox Pier is in the planning stages, awaiting a decision on the future of the Bayfront Auditorium. One idea, if the existing auditorium is demolished, is to create a large, open plaza for picnics, concerts, and fishing tournaments and that would provide the public with a place to view the panorama of Pensacola Bay.n overlay district that would allow denser development in the downtown.
Pinellas County
Click here to see the latest redevelopment projects from Pinellas County.
Tallahassee
People who visit Tallahassee for government or legislative meetings know Adams Street in Downtown Tallahassee as "that nice short winding brick road through the center" of activity leading to the Capitol. Reconstruction and streetscaping of a one block widening and extension of Adams is underway, linking the chain of parks at the other end. The very popular Friday night festivals called "Getdowns" continue this year coinciding with home FSU football games. Revenues from the event support United Way of the Big Bend.
Tampa
Tampa Bay and more specifically downtown Tampa is experiencing a boom in development and business activity. Currently there is more than $2.2 billion in new development taking shape in Tampa’s urban core. The value of taxable properties in the Special Services District (SSD) for the downtown area continues to increase year over year at a vigorous rate. The Tampa Downtown Partnership manages, promotes and coordinates the SSD. As more people come to downtown Tampa to work, visit and now live, it means the Partnership and its programs need to make the adjustments necessary to give greater awareness of the SSD program and the amenities in the City Center. Downtown Tampa boasts a daily workforce of over 66,000 people. More than 2.4 million attended a concert, sporting event, cultural exhibition or theatrical performance at a downtown venue in 2005. Residential growth is healthy and steady. With $1.7 billion in residential development the downtown landscape is quickly changing. At the end of 2005, 600 people called downtown Tampa home. This number will double at the end of 2006 and again at the end of 2007 making downtown’s residential population equal 2,400 individuals. It is a truly remarkable number when one realizes that at the end of 2003 approximately 80 people lived in downtown Tampa. The Tampa Downtown Partnership is quickly making adjustments in various departments to meet the demands of these diverse audiences. This includes better printed materials, community events and a new interactive Web site that gives site visitors the feeling of what Tampa’s Downtown is quickly becoming. To learn more about downtown Tampa and the current initiatives of the Tampa Downtown Partnership visit www.tampasdowntown.com.
West Palm Beach
Downtown West Palm Beach has celebrated the fifth anniversary of their "Clematis By Night", the weekly downtown event and fountain side concert series. Rending Company negotiated a $2 million purchase of a 1.32-acre parcel downtown from Dixie Partnership Limited. The property was sold in 1995 for $944,000, and is slated for development as a five-story office building. Housing in downtown is increasing with 53 CityPlace townhomes sold within twelve days, and rental units 25 percent leased. Renaissance Partners' Waterfront Clematis office space is already 60 percent leased, slated for completion in October 2000. Several projects are on the table to connect the Clematis Street District with CityPlace as well. The Rosemary Streetscape Project and trolley are already underway, and now a residential community containing 400 market-rate rental apartments with ground floor commercial space is being considered. BAP Development, Inc., is preparing to develop the $50 million project. The US Post Office will need to relocate or be housed within the new development. Finally, the North American Corporate Games will be held in Downtown West Palm Beach October 27-29. This is a global corporate sports competition expected to draw 3-5,000 participants to downtown and other host sites in Palm Beach County.
Winter Haven
The Ritz Theatre in Winter Haven has been awarded state grant monies for renovations. When finished, the theater will look much like it did in the 40's. For the second consecutive year, the Ritz has been included in the state budget and received more than $200,000 to renovate the building. Ronni Wood, Mainstreet Director and Ritz Board member says the project is vitally important to the future development and growth in the downtown area. Winter Haven is fortunate to have an historic and cultural base of support and a beautifully preserved town square with businesses and potential residential sites surrounding it. The Ritz Theatre began hosting vaudeville acts and silent movies in the 1920s, and several years ago it served as a teen night club. About four years ago, the restoration group bought the aging structure and made plans to restore the building to its past glory. |