Signature City Winter 2016 by City of Palm Beach Gardens

The Honda Classic Cares

THINK OUTSIDE THE CUBICLE Dancing Under the Stars

FRIDA

Y 2 6th, 6-8 p.m. 4404 Burns Road Palm Beach Gardens

THE CITY OF PAL M BEACH GARDENS IS HOSTING ITS 2 1 s t ANNUAL

Daddy-Daughter Date Night! Dance the night away with your dad, grandpa or uncle and enjoy food & fun! Leather jackets, poodle skirts & bobby socks are encouraged. Don’t forget your camera! See you there! Age: Daughters 4 and up

RESIDENT FEE:

$42/per couple (dad & one daughter) NON-RESIDENT FEE:

$53 (dad & one daughter) Additional daughter: $12 each Pre-registration is required. Register online at www.pbgfl.com/Recreation or at any Recreation Service Desk.

PRODUCTION

Public Media Relations Division CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Allyson Black Candice Temple CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

signaturecity@pbgfl.com 561.799.4152 Signature City magazine is a free publication produced quarterly by the City of Palm Beach Gardens Public Media Relations Division. Signature City is mailed to every household in Palm Beach Gardens, as well as distributed at city facilities.

Steven Martine Candice Temple

W I N T E R

2 0 1 6

Daddy-Daughter Date Night

A Message from City Hall

City Briefs

Featured Art

Calendar of Events- Pull Out Poster!

City 411

Social Pages

F E A T U R E S

Get Social! Follow us on your favorite social media sites

Thinking Outside the Cubicle

The Center for Building Technology

The Honda Classic Cares

@CityofPalmBeachGardensCityHall @PalmBeachGardensPoliceDepartment @CityofPalmBeachGardensRecreation @SandhillCraneGolfCourse

@CityofPBG @PBGardensFire

@CityPBG

WINTER 2016

A MESSAGE FROM CITY HALL

Eric Jablin Mayor ejablin@pbgfl.com 561-799-4102

“The changes I have seen in our city over the past twenty-nine years, since making it my home, have been nothing short of spectacular.”

Dear Residents,

s I begin my 25th year of service to our City and reflect over the year gone by, I am acutely aware of all the changes that have occurred. Some people resist change as if it were going to alter their way of life for the worst. Others embrace the changes as an evolutionary process and see a bright future for all of us, our children and grandchildren. Life does not stand still and none of us are the same persons today that we were years ago. The changes I have seen in our city over the past twenty-nine years, since making it my home, have been nothing short of spectacular. Having been a part of that process for me has been both a privilege and a responsibility that I have taken very seriously. Therefore, it is with great pride that I look back on this past year with a great sense of accomplishment.

its very talented and hardworking Director Kelly Smallridge, for all the work behind the scenes that nobody sees. I must also thank our staff, headed by our City Manager Ron Ferris, for the professional way they handled the planning and permitting process that helped expedite this project. As I look forward to 2016, I do see more changes to our landscape. As leaders of our city, it is the Council’s job to balance growth with quality of life. I hope you see these changes, as I do, as progress designed to make this community an even greater place to live, work and grow our families. From my family to yours, may you have a peaceful New Year. Warm regards, Mayor Eric Jablin City of Palm Beach Gardens, FL

By far the most noteworthy economic change in 2015 has been the locating of United Technologies Corporation to our city on what used to be referred to as the Briger property, now known as Alton. Our fall issue of Signature City magazine included an article detailing the ALTON project. In this issue, you will find comprehensive coverage of the UTC project and their vision for The Center for Intelligent Buildings. This very important addition to our list of major corporations in our city was accomplished with the invaluable help of so many people. Firstly, let me thank the Palm Beach County Business Development Board, and 4

SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

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(l to r) David Levy, Eric Jablin, Joseph Russo, Marcie Tinsley, Bert Premuroso

CITY BRIEFS

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE GARDENS! Contribute Your Skills, Knowledge and Experience by Becoming a Member of a Citizen Advisory Board or Committee

department, city manager, and city council with a broad outlook towards improving present recreational facilities and increasing utilization of the facilities by the public. Evaluating and recommending future community needs for recreational projects and facilities.

David Levy Vice Mayor dlevy@pbgfl.com 561-799-4105

Joseph Russo Councilmember jrusso@pbgfl.com 561-799-4101

Robert Premuroso Councilmember rpremuroso@pbgfl.com 561-799-4104

Art in Public Places Advisory Board The purpose of the Art in Public Places Advisory Board is to promote greater public participation in, and access to, arts and culture in the city and to make recommendations to the city council to implement the art in public places regulations. This includes site and artwork selection and review of artist(s) and artwork(s) commissioned or purchased by the city. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board The purpose of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board shall be: To serve as advocates for the citizens by conducting constructive investigation, discussion, and review. Providing advice to the community services

Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board The purpose of the Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board is to make recommendations to the city council on development petitions that appear before the board, and hear and decide upon variance requests and appeals to administrative decisions made by the administrative officials of the city on issues related to the land development regulations. As the construction board of adjustment and appeals, the board shall have the power to hear appeals of the decisions and interpretations of the building official and to consider variances of the technical chapters of the building code as set forth in chapter 86 of the city code. Budget Oversight Committee The responsibility for the members of this committee is to provide citizen input in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budgeting process.

ALL MEETINGS ARE CONDUCTED AT CITY HALL IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

For further information please call the Office of the City Clerk at 561-799-4121, or visit our website at www.pbgfl.com to submit an online application and view archive agendas, audios and minutes. C I T Y O F PA L M B E AC H G A R D E N S E L E C T I O N I N F O R M AT I O N

CANDIDATES FOR CITY COUNCIL The Palm Beach Gardens Municipal Election will be held in conjunction with the Federal Presidential Preference Primary on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Marcie Tinsley Councilmember mtinsley@pbgfl.com 561-799-4103

GROUP 2 Maria G. Marino Takeata King Pang

GROUP 4 Kevin Easton David J. Levy Carl W. Woods

For questions, please contact the Office of the City Clerk @ 561-799-4122 or psnider@pbgfl.com

WINTER 2016

EVERY TEAM HAS A MASCOT

Pictured at the infamous “Bear Trap” at PGA National Resort & Spa’s Champion Golf Course: (l to r) Bill Decker, Joseph R. Russo, Dana Johnson, Michele Jacobs, Kenneth R. Kennerly, John Domenico and Andrew George. 6

SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

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very year our community, as well as an international audience, prepare for The Honda Classic golf tournament to come to Palm Beach County. Now hosted at PGA National Resort & Spa’s Champion Course, Palm Beach Gardens has proudly been the Host City for the past 13 years for the tournament voted “Most Fan Friendly” event on the PGA TOUR in 2014. In 2015, the tournament boasted more than 165,000 spectators over an eight day period. Much media coverage takes place when the tournament is in town and the entire City is abuzz as fans pine for a glimpse of their favorite golf pro. What the community at large may not realize is that The Honda Classic is about more than the game of golf. It is easy to see the excitement generated by the weeklong event, the population that swells from inside the temporary golf village, the prolific media coverage that reaches foreign shorelines, or even the thrill of watching the best players in the game of golf battling the infamous Bear Trap, and think that this huge undertaking is all about crowning another champion. In addition, the economic impact to the community is undeniable. In 2015, there was a 15% increase in

hotel room nights in Palm Beach Gardens and 30,000 visitors from outside of Florida- representing 24 different states and 25 different countries.

sic is a non-profit that donates net proceeds from the tournament to charities aimed to impact the lives of youth in need right here in our community.

All of these things are important and noteworthy; however, the lesser known purpose

“Our true mission is giving back to the children of the community”, says Dana Johnson, Director of Community Relations for The Honda Classic. “While The Honda Classic tournament strives to provide Palm Beach County with a premier professional sporting event, the ultimate goal is to positively impact youth in need and create a brighter future for our community.” Recently, tournament organizers have committed to a targeted initiative to get out the word about its giving called “The Honda Classic Cares.”

of the event is that of philanthropy. In fact, many do not realize that The Honda Clas-

Last year, The Honda Classic awarded $2.55 million in charitable contributions during Honda Classic Cares Week and supported 129 organizations in South Florida through its two programs- Birdies for Children and Children’s Healthcare Charity the tournament’s host organization that administers funding to children’s non-profit organizations. The Honda Classic Cares Initiative is aimed at giving back to the children of the community through programs targeted at children’s health and (continues)

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“We had to get creative to build more than just a professional golf tournament; we had to build an event that would be embraced by our entire community comprised of golf fans and non-golf fans.” - Ken Kennerly, Executive Director The Honda Classic welfare. These programs have impacted over 15,000 children and families locally. “The Honda Classic moving to Palm Beach Gardens was part of the inspiration behind Jack and Barbara Nicklaus establishing the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation” says Patty McDonald, Foundation President and CEO. “What started as a vision, has turned into a reality, bringing world-class pediatric health care to children and families in their own backyard.”

build more than just a professional golf tournament; we had to build an event that would be embraced by our entire community comprised of golf fans and non-golf fans.” Aside from tournament revenue, The Honda Classic has another way for local charities to benefit from the week of events. Birdies for Children is a fun way for 501 (c)(3) organizations to participate in fundraising by soliciting pledges from individuals to guess the number of birdies during the four

date, organizations like Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, Urban Youth Impact, The Arc of Palm Beach County, Quantum House and Els for Autism have been part of a growing list of over 300 local charities to benefit from the tournament in the last nine years. Executive Director Kenneth Kennerly believes that the success of the tournament and the viability of its fundraising capacity lie in its appeal to fans. The event draws everyone from

Pulling things off for the maximum benefit to Palm Beach County takes a team effort. The staff of IMG Golf, the marketing and management company that produces the award winning tournament, works year round to coordinate a successful golf event. Once that group has risen to the occasion that is expected of a premier PGA TOUR event, the Board of Directors of Children’s Healthcare Charity takes up the torch to manage funding to a growing list of local charitable organizations. The Board is responsible for overseeing the event and leading the mission of the charity. The joining force between management of the event and Children’s Healthcare Charity is Executive Director of The Honda Classic, Kenneth Kennerly. When Children’s Healthcare Charity was established in 2006, the Board of Directors looked to Kennerly and his team to reenergize and build The NEW Honda Classic. “When the Board became involved in 2006, they believed and supported the new vision of the management company, led by myself, and allowed us to create something truly special and to think out of the box as we develop The “New” Honda Classic,” said Kennerly of his involvement. “We had to get creative to 8

SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

Executive Director of The Honda Classic Kenneth R. Kennerly snaps a quick photo of Children’s Healthcare Charity Board Members Joseph R. Russo, John Domenico and Michele Jacobs.

days of tournament play. Not only does the charity receive the money they raise, but they earn an additional 10% bonus for each dollar raised. The top prize for the guessing public is a brand new vehicle donated by American Honda. Those guessing the right number of birdies are entered into a drawing where the winner takes away a new car. In the last two years, Birdies for Children has raised $2 million for participating charities. To

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die hard golf fans to casual standers-by, all with a common desire to come out and have a good time in Palm Beach Gardens. “At the end of the day, we are in the entertainment business, not just the golf business. Hence the reason The Honda Classic has grown and become one of the most popular events in South Florida.” The Honda Classic l PGA National Resort & Spa February 22 - 28, 2016

Mother and Baby Giraffe T

alk about a tall tale! A majestic set of giraffes graze in the palm trees and greet all visitors as they approach the entrance of Toys “R” Us in Palm Beach Gardens. This pair represents the caring adult with child experience that has taken place countless times inside a toy store. Toys “R” Us has long used a giraffe as its company mascot, so it’s no wonder that they chose to feature the land mammal as the subject of the development’s art installation. Designed by sculptor Barry Wenger of Arizona in 1992, Mother and Baby Giraffe is created out of corten steel with a stainless steel overlay. All dark areas of the giraffes, including spots, hoofs, eyes, nostrils, mane and tail are exposed corten steel. All white areas are created by a ground down stainless steel. Known for its weathering quality, which eliminates the need for painting and allows a stable rust-like appearance to form, the corten steel of this sculpture has been allowed to oxidize according to nature’s timetable. This combination creates an unpredictable beauty that will change with the coming years – much like the adult and child experience.

Leg

Fairchild G

811

ac yA v e.

786

. arde n s A ve

The Gardens Mall

3195 PGA Blvd.

TOYS “R” US BUILDING

PALM BEACH STATE COLLEGE

WINTER 2016

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JAN. 16 Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival Edgar Allen Poe Unmasking A Genius 7 p.m. at Veterans Plaza, PBG Free to attend

JAN. 17 Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall

JAN. 18 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day City Administrative Offices Closed

JAN. 19- FEB 25

JANUARY JAN. 11- FEB. 24 GardensArt Exhibition: “Growing Into” by Rita Boutros Mixed Media on Canvas and Paper M-Sat: Call ahead for viewing hours 4404 Burns Road

JAN. 12 Opening Art Reception: “Growing Into” by Rita Boutros Mixed Media on Canvas and Paper 6-8 p.m. 4404 Burns Road, PBG Free to Attend

JAN. 15 Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival Edgar Allen Poe Unmasking A Genius 7 p.m. at Veterans Plaza, PBG Free to attend

Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall

City Council Meeting 7 p.m. at City Hall Public Meeting

FEB. 7 Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall

FEB. 15 President’s Day City Administrative Offices Closed

FEB. 5 Meet & Greet the Artist Anthony Burks 6-8 p.m., City Hall Lobby Free to attend

FEB. 21 Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall

FEB. 9

FEB. 23

Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board 6 p.m. at City Hall Public Meeting

Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m.-5 p.m. at City Hall

FEB. 14

FEB. 26

Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall

21st Annual Daddy-Daughter Date Night: Dinner, Dancing & Fun 6-8 p.m. at Burns Road Recreation Center

Parking Violations Hearing 1 p.m.- 1:30 p.m. at City Hall

FEB. 27 Dancing Under the Stars: Dancing and Fun 7-9pm at City Hall Plaza

JAN. 26

JAN. 31 Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall

SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

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JAN. 26

Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m.-5 p.m. at City Hall Public Meeting

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FEBRUARY

FEB. 28 Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall

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Arbor Day 2016 Planting 9:30 a.m. at Lake Catherine Park *Free pine tree seedlings will be given

JAN. 24

E V E N T S

JAN. 15

GardensArt Exhibition: “The Call of the Wild” by Anthony Burks Mixed Media Paintings, Pastels, Drawings M-F 8:00am-5:00pm at City Hall Lobby

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February 22 through 28 PBG

FEB. 29-APR. 14 GardensArt Exhibition Past & Present: A Retrospective Watercolors by Sue Archer City Hall Lobby, M-F 8:00 a.m.-5:00pm

MAR. 27

APR. 14

Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall

GardensArt Exhibition Past & Present: A Retrospective Watercolors by Sue Archer M-F 8:00am-5:00pm at City Hall Lobby

APRIL

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APR. 1 MAR. 17

MARCH MAR. 1 Opening Art Reception PBG Student Art Exhibition Oil & Acrylic Paintings 6-8 p.m. at 4404 Burns Road Free to Attend

MAR. 3 City Council Meeting 7 p.m. at City Hall Public Meeting

MAR. 5 Indoor Yard Sale Saturday, March 5 7:30-11:30 a.m. Burns Road Recreation Center North Gymnasium, PBG

MAR. 6 Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall

GardensArt Exhibition PBG Student Art Exhibition Oil & Acrylic Paintings 4404 Burns Road, PBG M-Sat: Call ahead for viewing hours

Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall

APR. 24

APR. 1-28 GardensArt Exhibition Riverside Youth Enrichment Center 2nd Annual Spring Art Exhibition 4404 Burns Road, PBG M-Sat: Call ahead for viewing hours

MAR. 18 Meet & Greet the Artist: Sue Archer 5-7 p.m. City Hall Lobby Free to attend

APR. 7

MAR. 19

City Council Meeting 7 p.m. at City Hall

Egg Extravaganza 9:00 a.m. at Gardens Park Free to attend

MAR. 20 Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall

MAR. 23 Parking Violations Hearing 1-1:30 p.m. Public Meeting

Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall

APR. 26 Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing 2-5 p.m. at City Hall Public Meeting

* NOTE: All Public Meeting dates are subject to change. Please confirm meeting dates/times via pbgfl.com. Audio recordings of all public meetings are available on the City’s website.

APR. 8 Opening Art Reception & Silent Auction Riverside Youth Enrichment Center 2nd Annual Spring Art Exhibition 5:30-7:30pm at 4404 Burns Road Free to Attend

APR. 10 Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall

MAR. 8 Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board 6 p.m. at City Hall Public Meeting

MAR. 13 Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall

MAR. 23 Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m. at City Hall Public Meeting

MAR. 25

APR. 12 Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board 6 p.m. at City Hall Public Meeting

Good Friday City Administrative Offices Closed

WINTER 2016

T H E

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F O R

Intelligent Buildings

n October 2015, the City Council approved a site plan for the Carrier Corporation, an affiliate company of United Technologies Corporation (UTC), to build a Showcase Building at Donald Ross Road and Interstate 95. This state-of the-art facility will be known as The Center for Intelligent Buildings. The approval was for the first 241,400-square-foot office complex with the potential for an ultimate 700,000 square-foot campus facility.

SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

b y A l ly s o n B l a c k

United Technologies Corporation, a Fortune 50 company, is a leader in the global building systems and aerospace industries. Its four commercial businesses include Otis elevators and escalators, Pratt & Whitney, UTC Aerospace and UTC Climate, Controls & Security. To date it has 196,200 employees worldwide. In 2014, the company had net sales of $57.9 Billion worldwide and an R&D investment of $4.5 Billion. The facility being built in Palm Beach Gardens will serve as a Show-

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case Headquarters for Carrier Corporation which includes the operating segments of Otis Elevator and Carrier Air. The approved site will provide a facility for the Carrier Corporation to serve as an international showcase of building systems. The facility will demonstrate new building technologies for security, fire safety, building automation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, elevator, escalator, and refrigeration systems.

The Carrier Corporation received the Governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund from the State of Florida this past fall, as well as an employment grant and tax exemption incentive package from Palm Beach County. The company has committed to retaining 70 local existing jobs and creating 380 new jobs for a total of 450 employees working at the facility. The average annual wage of these employees will be $85,000. As an incentive, the City also committed to an economic incentive grant of $1,400 per job retained and $1,400 for each new job created for a total of $630,000. The City Council also conceptually approved an Ad Valorem Tax Exemption of 100% for the first five years and 50% for years six through ten. The company has dedicated a total Capital Investment of $115 Million for this project. The Regional Economic Model estimates the company will have a five year local economic impact of $662.4 Million. The project site is approximately 29.90 acres within the 99.91-acre Parcel B, of the 681acre Alton Planned Community Development. It will consist of a 241,400-squarefoot building that has been designed as two buildings that are connected by a large central lobby/atrium. The buildings are five stories with a maximum height of 79 feet and 6 inches to the finished roof level. The site will also have a four level parking garage that is connected to the office building by a covered pedestrian bridge. The company currently attracts many conferences and events to the area with over 5,000 attendees. Therefore, the internal design of the building’s floor plan combines a variety of uses. The first two building levels are dedicated to a large central lobby/ atrium, conference facilities, auditorium, cafeteria and kitchen, large showcase rooms to display state-of-the-art technologies and building systems, and a fitness facility. Levels three through five are dedicated to professional office space for the 450 employees.

The goal of the building is to be LEED Platinum, which is the highest level of certification the U.S Green Building Council offers. The intent of LEED is to maximize opportunities for integrated, cost-effective adoption of green design and construction strategies, emphasizing human health as a fundamental evaluative criterion for building design, construction and operational strategies. As part of achieving this level of certification, projects are required to encourage carpooling and compact vehicle use. There will be a four level parking garage. In addition to the vehicle parking spaces being provided, the site also includes 32 bicycle parking areas for employees and five designated bus parking spaces for corporate events and conferences.

The Center for Intelligent Buildings is utilizing a contemporary and modern building design architectural theme to reinforce the building’s state-of-the-art technologies and building systems. The design includes walls constructed of glass windows that incorporate three different color hues. The building itself has been designed as a visual expression of new technologies and building systems. The remaining 458,600 square feet of development is identified on the site plan as Future Development Areas “A” and “B”. These future development areas will require site plan review and approval prior to any development on those sites. To date, limited site preparation has begun for construction to begin.

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thinking

THIS PAGE: Not quite a board room and definitely not formal. Collaborative workspaces like this one at the offices of Levatas make team projects more productive. OPPOSITE PAGE (larger photo): Noise

concerns in large, open areas like these are addressed by a white noise system throughout the facility. 14

SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

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OUTSIDE the

CUBICLE

by Candice Te m p l e

mizes the use of small, individual private offices. Other common features include flexibility in the use of space with movable elements such as screens and furniture, as well as incorporating natural light and a lively color palette. The Open-Office Plan is based on ideas found in the work of U.S. architect Frank Lloyd Wright and Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, who called it "Le plan libre"… The Free Plan.

As the American business world has evolved, so have the spaces in which workers are expected to be productive. Employee workspace has most certainly evolved as the business environment has changed. The journey has led from the carrel desk to cubicles to a phenomenon that is quickly finding its place in Palm Beach Gardens: The Open-Office Plan.

Of this concept, Google says, “When you want people to think creatively and push the boundaries of what’s possible, their workspace shouldn’t be a drab maze of beige cubicles. Our offices have become well known for their innovative, fun and – some might say – wacky design.”

Most famously adopted by Google, the Open-Office Plan is one that employs large, open spaces and mini-

The model has caught on worldwide, and today Palm Beach Gardens is home to a number of (continues)

ou pass them every day, but are likely unaware of the buzz going on behind the reflective glass. They are prevalent in Palm Beach Gardens where corporate headquarters sprout like banyan tree vines. If you haven’t guessed yet, we’re talking about offices.

WINTER 2016

businesses that have implemented an open-office plan similar to that made famous by Google. Most recently, Dycom Industries opened a new 50,000 sq. ft. facility in the Northcorp Business Park. The Palm Beach Gardens headquartered company, whose shares grew by 98 percent in 2015, specializes in engineering and construction infrastructure services for the telephone and cable industry. As one of the project leads, Christen Lockamy, a Business Analyst for Dycom with a master’s degree in Organizational Psychology, says the

options for sitting or standing and offer tech savvy solutions such as conference rooms that will allow staff to easily telecommute and share project ideas. The one-story space is divided into three themes; each with energy reflecting a city’s Downtown, Midtown, and Uptown districts. Seeing its start in a garage and now expanded into two spaces at Downtown at the Gardens, Levatas is a marketing and advertising company that has seen the benefits of working in a non-traditional office space. The group did much of its own design work,

ABOVE LEFT: This isn’t your father’s break room. Dycom’s new café creates a relaxing atmosphere for employees that allows ample room, especially for those company potlucks. RIGHT: A common feature found in open office layouts are spaces created for play. Two Levatas employees decompress with some gaming.

company got the idea to embark on an open workspace model when it began exploring the different work styles within its office. “We interviewed a sample set of employees to better understand how they work and how they differed from one team to the next,” said Christen. “Overall, we discovered that many of the daily tasks we perform involve frequent collaboration and communication. What better way to reflect and facilitate that style than to develop a space that encourages this behavior?” And encourage they did! With the expertise and enthusiasm of Synalovski, Romanik & Saye Design, the finished product boasts an innovative approach to meeting spaces with well researched, multifunctional use. Conferencing hubs give employees seating 16

SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

from sketching to choosing textiles, and used architect Francis Lussier of Stephen Boruff Associates and Sisca Construction to make it all happen. “We strongly feel that open office environments are the right approach for agencies like us,” says the company’s founding partner and CEO Chris Nielsen. “We stayed up to speed on trends in our industry and general trends for companies that almost exclusively employ knowledge workers. It was important to us to make sure we were selecting a layout and approach to our workspace that best met the needs of our teams.” Not completely unexpected, coworking spaces can come with challenges. According to the companies interviewed, employees often note privacy and noise as

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a concern when transitioning to this new office environment. “That’s not to say that there aren’t the occasional frustrations with it,” says Nielsen. “Chatter amongst team members can be helpful as they work or interact socially, but can be a distraction to others within earshot. Fortunately, Levatas employees have a high degree of mutual respect for one another, which means that these occurrences are the exception, not the rule.” Dycom’s internal team dedicated one year to the planning process and researched solutions to address privacy, such as providing optional space away from common areas for employees to brainstorm and collaborate without restraint. Throughout the facility a “white noise” system creates a buffer to conversations for those concentrating on their work. There is also a library that creates a zero noise zone, allowing employees to escape into complete solitude, as needed. IMG also acknowledges that while their team has transitioned well into the new office space and enjoys the tremendous views from the eighth floor, there have been challenges. “We experience the same challenges other open-space offices face, from sound to limited privacy issues. On occasion, with the open floor plan, there are times when it is difficult to separate the distractions when focus is critical,” offered the company’s Director of Marketing Bill Decker, but the benefits are also apparent. “We have seen more interaction and collaboration between the various team members, and it has enhanced productivity and communication. With the trend growing in Palm Beach Gardens, it seems the fit is really related to the type of work employees are conducting in the space. When asked if he misses working in a “traditional” office space Levatas’ Nielsen gives an emphatic “Nope.”

CITY 411

GOLF COURSE:

N Military Trail

Sandhill Crane Golf Course: The Gardens Golf Course is 1 of the only public golf courses in Florida that winds through natural preserved and wetlands areas. It plays to 6,500 yards through southern pines, palm trees and marsh land, while making defined elevation changes creating breathtaking views. It’s quality golf, while still being affordable! Visit our website at www.pbgfl.com/ Golf for more information and start receiving valuable information and discounts.

RECREATION:

PUBLIC SERVICES:

Plant a Tree: The City of Palm Beach Gardens provides residents with an opportunity to plant a tree in their local parks...commemorating people or events in their lives. The program is also designed to enhance the recreational areas by providing shade, beauty, and a haven for birds and other animals. To commemorate an event or loved one by erecting a tree in one of the City’s parks, please visit our website at www.pbgfl. com obtain the application.

Johnson Dairy Road

PALM BEACH GARDENS POLICE DEPARTMENT

10500 N Military Trail

The Gardens GreenMarket: The GreenMarket is a farmer’s market and Burns Road community event with art, entertainment and food. For BURNS ROAD COMMUNITY general information please CENTER call 561-630-1100 or email recinfo@pbgfl.com. The GreenMarket is held Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 10500 North Military Trail.

THE WEISS SCHOOL

GET INVOLVED IN THE NEW YEAR! 2016 Council Meetings Looking forward to 2016, the schedule for the next 6 months of City Council meetings is now available for you to start planning your civic involvement. City Council meetings for the City of Palm Beach Gardens are generally held in the City Council Chambers located at 10500 N. Military Trail in City Hall and take place on the first Thursday of each month beginning at 7:00 PM. Mark your calendars for the following dates:

JANUARY 6 & 7 FEBRUARY 4 MARCH 3

APRIL 7 MAY 5 JUNE 2

THREE WAYS TO ACCESS MEETINGS Listen Live By Phone at 561-799-4150 LiveStream Online at www.pbgfl.com Watch via meeting archives saved on our website POLICE DEPARTMENT:

Volunteers in Police Service: The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department’s Volunteers in Police Service program provides needed support to the department’s sworn and civilian personnel to allow them to deliver effective law enforcement services to the community. The Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program has been a huge success and continues to grow. Currently, the VIPS program has some 75 civilian volunteers including members of our Police Explorer Post. All of these volunteers have assisted the department in numerous avenues throughout the year. For more information on how to join the VIPS, visit the website at www.pbgfl.com/Police.

WINTER 2016

SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

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WINTER 2016

City of Palm Beach Gardens 10500 N Military Trail Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

Dancing Under the Stars 2016 T 1 0 t h

A n n i v e r s a r y

he City of Palm Beach Gardens will host the 10th Anniversary of Dancing Under the Stars, on Saturday, February 27th from 7:00-9:00pm at the City Hall Veterans Plaza, 10500 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, 33410. Come and dance the night away outside under the beautiful Florida sky. Live music provided by Palm Beach Quintet with special guest Maurice Frank, vocalist. This is a complimentary event open to the public. Food and beverage available for purchase.

SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

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