D O W N T O W N
W E S T
P A L M
B E A C H
DOWNTOWN by design
www.westpalmbeachdda.com
by design
DOWNTOWN “West Palm Beach … is now a destination in its own right, helped by the $600 million CityPlace retail, entertainment and residential complex, and the new $84 million Palm Beach County Convention Center.” The Wall Street Journal
R WEST PALM BEACH DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 400 Clematis Street, Suite 202 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561.833.8873 www.westpalmbeachdda.com
Published by:
Journal Florida Real Estate
Jim Phillips, Publisher jphillips@frej.net 150 Third Street, SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880 800.274.2812 • www.frej.net
Custom Design by:
George Byfield, Art Director gbyfield@j2creativegroup.com
Michelle Jerla, Designer mjerla@reni.net
Successful growth doesn’t happen by accident. Just look at Downtown West Palm Beach and you’ll see what happens when things are accomplished by design. prominently located on Clematis Street, will With two synergistic shopping and become the home of City Hall, the Public entertainment districts (the Clematis Library, and the world famous Palm District and CityPlace) as well as world-class Beach Photo Centre, thus cultural venues, a signature creating a cultural and waterfront, a growing civic hub in the downtown residential and business core. Development of the community, and amazing waterfront will open the weather; Downtown West Clematis Street vista to a Palm Beach is one of the breathtaking and dynamic country’s most exciting and waterfront park and public most desirable mid-size gathering areas. cities in the nation. Downtown’s entertainment Development in Downtown districts, Clematis and West Palm Beach is booming, CityPlace, showcase exquisite with more than 4,500 new eateries, boutiques, art residential units currently A message from DDA galleries, theaters and clubs. under construction or
Executive Director Our popular downtown trolley approved for the immediate Melissa Wohlust traverses the short route core. These new residential between both districts, providing visitors enclaves, along with street improvements with a charming experience. and new public open space, encourage a An already bustling core with award pedestrian environment in the city’s center. winning events like Sunfest and Clematis The developments are creating a dense by Night, coupled with exciting new downtown neighborhood where residents residential and civic developments, as well can walk to shops, dining and culture — as new business and office development, urban living at its best. sets the stage for establishing Downtown In addition to residential developments, West Palm Beach as a unique, dynamic the city is actively working on two exciting destination offering an authentic urban projects — City Center and development experience — with a tropical twist. of the waterfront. The City Center site,
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West Palm Beach
Downtown Development Authority
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The DDA Board is composed of 7 members who are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Commission. To qualify for the appointment, prospective members must reside, have their major business, or own property in the Downtown Development District. Each member serves a three year term and may be re-appointed. The Board establishes policy and approves the work program for the organization. They work closely with the executive director, who is a full-time professional employee of the DDA.
Board of Directors • Roy Assad, DDA Chair • Bruce Lewis, DDA Vice Chair • John Ahrenholz, Board Member • Elaine Darwin, Board Member • Amelia Ostrosky, Board Member • Robert Samuels, Board Member • Evelyn Ziegler, Board Member • George Greenberg, Honorary Board Member
DDA Staff • Melissa Wohlust, Executive Director • Roxanne King, Director of Administration • Raphael Clemente, Transportation, Planning & Public Services Director • Annette Gray, Marketing and Business Development Director • Debra Miller, Community Coordinator • Elizabeth Hoffman, Marketing Coordinator
Board of Commissioners • Mayor Lois Frankel, Chair • Commissioner Ray Liberti • Commissioner James Exline • Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell • Commissioner William Moss • Commissioner Ike Robinson
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400 Clematis Street, Suite 202 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561.833.8873 www.westpalmbeachdda.com
Behind the design at 400 Clematis Street “I feel this is a town on the cusp of reinventing itself,” says Roy Assad. “The environment is better than ever.” Assad, chairperson of the Downtown Development Authority Board, continues by saying two reasons for downtown’s success are the DDA’s vision and design. “Our goals are unified. We’ve rallied around the DDA’s strategic plan and mission. It’s not happening by accident. When you have a vision of what you want, you are more likely to achieve it.” It’s a philosophy shared by DDA board members and staff since the organization was created in 1967. The Authority was established to analyze and impact downtown’s economic conditions; formulate long-range plans for improving the appeal and accessibility of downtown facilities and promote their use; provide remedy to any deterioration of downtown commercial and residential property values; to retain and attract businesses; and, to advocate the interests of both commercial and residential property owners. The DDA is actively involved in planning, marketing, serving, and developing the city’s center. Principle services and initiatives
include quality of life improvements in regard to safety, cleanliness, and beautification; downtown retail recruitment and retention; community advocacy; central planning; consensus building; marketing; promotions; and events. The DDA is funded principally through an ad valorem tax, levied annually, on all property within the Downtown Development District, as well as trolley advertising, sponsorships, and grants. At times, the DDA receives additional funding for special capital improvements projects and operations from the CRA, thus enabling the DDA to expand its range of services and incentives for downtown revitalization. Over the next five years, the CRA plans to allocate over $6 million to further the DDA’s efforts, in addition to the public/ private partnership investments, for the City Center and waterfront projects. Through these efforts, downtown will continue to thrive and remain the urban gem of South Florida.
Photos by Bevins Bennett Jr.
The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority sponsors numerous events throughout the year to attract people to downtown businesses and entertainment venues.
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“Those looking for more action can find it in West Palm Beach’s Clematis Street District with its funky restaurants and late-night clubs.” The Wall Street Journal
“I believe there is no better place to be. It’s where I live, it’s where I work and it’s where I play. It’s everything I want.” — Roy Assad, West Palm Beach DDA Board Chair
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Roy Assad, who owns several businesses in downtown West Palm Beach, enjoys the hookah at his Middle Eastern inspired restaurant, Leila. A hookah is an Eastern smoking pipe. Unlike cigarettes, the tobacco is a smooth, molasses fused blend with the taste of apples, apricots, cherries, mint and the list is growing.
Cuillo Centre for the Arts
Clematis Street
Clematis Street Festival
(photo by neillondon.com)
… i t ’ s g o t a n e w a t t i t u d e.
by design
REDEVELOPMENT
Until recently, Clematis Street and CityPlace have been seen as distinct entities, something the DDA’s plan hopes to change. “We are trying to create a visible and invisible
series that has run for more than 10 years.
linkage between (the two),” says Annette Gray,
Improvements to the district are continuous.
marketing director for the Downtown Development
With the addition of the $3 million dollar Meyer
Authority (DDA). “We want visitors and locals to
Amphitheater on the waterfront to renovating the
begin thinking of the combined area as ‘Downtown
Cuillo Centre for the Arts, the city has further
West Palm Beach.’ ”
strengthened the cultural appeal of the Clematis
Running from the Intracoastal Waterway straight
area. This type of appeal has inspired the recent
into the heart of downtown, Clematis Street was once
addition of two mixed-use waterfront buildings
the heart of West Palm. Today, it is still at the center
containing retail, dining and residential elements.
of entertainment, nightlife and dining, while it
With the help of private and public investments,
continues to provide glimpses into its humble
two projects are currently under way to enhance
beginnings. Historical buildings, once home to rows
the downtown area.
of real estate offices during the 1920s boom, are now
The waterfront park and boardwalk project
filled with some of the hottest nightclubs, restaurants
is currently in the planning stages. This new
and shops in South Florida.
addition will include new boat docks, watercraft
Accessible by automobile, bus, trolley, water taxi,
rental concession, kiosks, gardens, picnic and
bicycle taxi and horse-drawn carriage, Clematis
activity areas for the enjoyment of residents and
boasts 250,000 square feet of shopping, 2 million
visitors alike.
feet of office space and more than 45 restaurants and
Also in the initial planning stage is the “City
nightclubs. Although the scene is always bustling, the
Center” project, a new governmental and cultural
street literally comes alive on Thursday evenings
hub, containing the Palm Beach Photographic
from 5:30 to 9 p.m. during Clematis by Night —
Centre and Museum. The Center is planned for
an award-winning, weekly fountain-side concert
the 400 block of Clematis.
“The Clematis Street District is definitely growing. This area is going to be crazy and incredible in a couple of years.” — Adrian Pafundi, Co-owner of Wine Living 400 Clematis Street
R “I think downtown is really making a comeback. It’s got great restaurants and great shops — L’Opera and Wine Living to name a few. There’s a little bit of everything — French, American, Italian. It’s all very cosmopolitan.” — Carmen Bernard, Realty Associates Florida Properties 610 Clematis Street
R “Downtown is definitely changing for the better. It’s getting busier and busier every day. Our business increased 110 percent in one year.” — Robin Painter, Manager of The Sanctuary BarberSpa 120 South Dixie Highway
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“I see a lot of people moving into downtown and businesses opening. I definitely see a revival.” — Okan Hazar, Owner of Silver Mood 319 Clematis Street
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With the revitalization of Clematis Street and the birth of CityPlace, Downtown West Palm Beach is experiencing a modern renaissance that’s transforming the area into an urban gem.
Downtown West Palm Beach’s CityPlace District is a haven for cultural seekers and shoppers. There is truly something for everyone.
by design
EUROPEAN
Inspired by Northern Italian architecture and design, CityPlace attracts both residents and visitors to its restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. Only a short distance from Clematis Street, the retail and entertainment center is a quick trolley ride to its downtown counterpart. Since it opened in October 2000, CityPlace has drawn consumers to a compelling array of more than 60 unique shops alongside popular favorites, 20 incredible restaurants, a live theater in a restored 1920s church, a central plaza with a $3 million show fountain and a 20-screen Muvico cinema complex featuring stadium seating and gourmet concessions. CityPlace also features nearly 600 private residences, including town homes, rental apartments and live/work lofts. The mixed-use project combines the lifestyle, architecture and ambiance of a European town center, with the tropical elegance that is the signature of Palm Beach. As one of West Palm Beach’s most exciting downtown destinations, CityPlace is a haven for cultural seekers and shoppers alike. There is truly something for everyone. When the sun goes down, CityPlace is a vibrant playground. With live entertainment on the Plaza stage, the Improv Comedy Club and hip restaurants, like Bellagio and City Cellar
Wine Bar & Grill, CityPlace is an energetic nightspot where the fun continues into the night. When you see the trolley running through CityPlace, jump on and it’ll take you to the Clematis Street District. Here, you’ll experience an eclectic and SoHo environment filled with unique shops and restaurants. With an exciting nightlife, including Clematis By Night — a street party held every Thursday evening — there’s always something exciting and fun happening in downtown. Other activities and highlights in downtown include yearly festivals, a seasonal outdoor market and an amphitheater. The birth of CityPlace has also helped the city attract development interest, including the regional convention center and hotel.
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Just in the last decade, new civic, cultural and residential project investments totaling more than $1.4 billion have created new excitement and interest in downtown West Palm Beach.
by design
DEVELOPMENT
In March 2004, the New York Times identified West Palm Beach as one of the country’s hottest real estate markets. The investment and development in downtown West Palm Beach is evident of the confidence in the city’s momentum. The 12 major residential projects under way, with investments totaling over $500 million dollars, have solidified the real estate value in West Palm Beach. With new initiatives, such as the 2,500 residential units mandated to come online by 2008 as stated by the city’s 1996 master plan, businesses, cultural organizations, new and longtime residents and residential developers are being drawn to the City of West Palm Beach and its bright future. The city is currently revitalizing its master plan to help increase the quality of residential developments. As the face of the city continues to grow and change, more and more people are inspired to relocate to the bustling downtown Taras Diakiwski, vice president of The Weitz Company, says many people are moving to downtown to avoid the hassle of travel. People want to live where they work and where they play. He speaks from experience. Since entering the market 27 years ago, The Weitz Company has built or has under contract an unprecedented 58 projects exceeding $700 million within a 10-mile radius of downtown West Palm Beach. The many appeals of the city and county’s
2,203 square miles of tropical paradise serve to draw all types of people, such as retirees, established business moguls, young professionals, families, city dwellers, nature lovers and sun worshippers. Today, more than 1.2 million people live in West Palm Beach County compared to the 5,300 people that were present when the county was first established. Half of the county’s current population lives in one of the city’s 37 municipalities, while the other half reside in the unincorporated areas. With the dramatic population increase that has occurred over the last few years, there has been an overwhelming demand for downtown urban living. It is calculated that over 6,000 new residents will reside in one of the downtown core’s newest developments, such as Sail Club, The Edge, 610 Clematis and The Slade. Thanks to the mixed-use concept, the city has encouraged apartments to be built over the retail shops in the Clematis District, allowing dining, retail and entertainment venues in the downtown core to thrive. CityPlace mimicked this concept of Clematis Street, and by doing so, became an overwhelming success.
D OWNTOWN D EMOGRAPHICS
R • Zip Code . . . . . . . . . . . . 33401 • Nearest zip codes . . . . 33480, 33409, 33405, 33407, 33406
• Population (2000) . . . 20,510 • White . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,659 • Black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,154 • American Indian . . . . . . . . 72 • Asian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander . . . . . . . . . . 36 • Some other race. . . . . . . . 622 • Two or more races. . . . . . . . 772
• Urban population . . . . 20,510 • Rural population . . . . . . . . . 0 • Projected 2006 population . . 21,030 (approx 5% increase)
• Median age . . . . . . . . . . . 39.1 • Average household size . 2.03 • Median household income (1999) . . . . . . . . . . . . $30,642
• Housing units. . 11,310 (2001) • Land area. . . . . . . . 5.2 sq. mi. • Water area . . . . . . 0.1 sq. mi.
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Palm Beach Dramaworks
Can-can on Clematis
Ballet Florida
by design
CULTURAL
When one thinks of West Palm, images of sun, sand, tropical trees and languorous tropical days fill the mind. In recent years, however, the area acquired a new energy and has become a vibrant center of cultural energy and high style. The cultural institutions of downtown West Palm Beach have helped to identify the community and have been a deciding factor for residents and companies, such as the Scripps Research Institute, looking to relocate to the area. More than $300 million dollars have been invested, pledged and planned for the many cultural organizations of Palm Beach County, including the Kravis Center, the South Florida Science Museum and many more. These investments have also helped renovate the 1916 county courthouse to become Palm Beach County’s first major history museum. This type of remarkable and ongoing investment to the downtown’s cultural and historical institutes have stimulated growth and continued to make international news. When asked about their favorite downtown attractions, DDA Marketing Director Annette Gray pin-points
afternoon high tea at Hibiscus House, a local bed and breakfast, while DDA Executive Director Melissa Wohlust details a dazzling array of precious places. “The array of cultural events and entertainment at the Kravis Center is great” she says. “And the waterfront area is developing into a really nice and special destination — and the interactive fountain; kids love that.” Wohlust is perhaps most excited about the future, including a planned relocation of the library, which will extend the vista of the water from Centennial Plaza. “We’ll have a very special mix of waterfront attractions unlike anything else in Florida,” she says. West Palm is “Dramatic by Design” and has something to keep everyone entertained. And then, of course, there are Clematis District and CityPlace, the dining jewels of this famed locale.
Norton Museum of Art
Cultural Highlights
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Armory Art Center
1703 S. Lake Avenue Call 561.832.1776 for information regarding exhibitions, lectures, events and art classes. www.armoryart.org
Ballet Florida 500 Fern Street Call 561.659.2000 for tickets and details. For information regarding the academy, call 561.659.1212. www.balletflorida.com
The Cuillo Centre for the Arts 201 Clematis Street Call 561.835.9226 for tickets and details. www.cuillocentre.com
Improv Cityplace 550 South Rosemary Avenue Call 561.833.1812 for performance schedule and tickets. www.palmbeachimprov.com
Kravis Center for the Performing Arts 701 Okeechobee Boulevard Call 800.520.2324 for tickets. www.kravis.org
Norton Museum of Art 1451 South Olive Avenue Call 561.832.5196 information regarding current exhibits. www.nortonmuseum.org
Palm Beach Dramaworks 322 Banyan Boulevard Call 561.514.4042 for tickets and performance information. www.palmbeachdramaworks.org
Palm Beach Opera 415 South Olive Avenue Call 561.833.7888 for tickets and performance information. www.pbopera.org
Kravis Center
Additional Downtown Features: Centennial Square / The Meyer Amphitheater Many free events, concerts and performances take place at these two public destinations in the Clematis Street District. For information regarding current events, call 561.822.1515. www.cityofwpb.com/events/
CityPlace Plaza / Harriet Himmel Theater The CityPlace Plaza and The Harriet Himmel Theater host a wide variety of entertainment, family activities and events. For information regarding current events at the Plaza, Call 561.366.1000. For the Harriet Himmel, call 561.835.1408 for tickets and details.
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by design
Destination
D OWNTOWN W EST P ALM B EACH, F LORIDA
CLEAR LAKE
1
DIXIE HIGHWAY
AVENUE
AUSTRALIAN
PALM BEACH LAKES BOULEVARD
CLEMATIS STREET
2
PALM BEACH
OKEECHOBEE BOULEVARD
BANYAN BOULEVARD
Clematis
District
Street
14
12
7 LAKE WORTH
FERN STREET
District
CityPlace
13
10
GARDENIA STREET ROSEMARY AVENUE
4
FL AG LE RD RIV E
EVERNIA STREET
9
NARCISSUS AVENUE
10
OLIVE AVENUE
11
SAPODILLA AVENUE
DATURA STREET
SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY
15
QUADRILLE BOULEVARD
3
Flagler Park
11
CLEMATIS STREET
HIBISCUS STREET
5 8
6
14
OKEECHOBEE BOULEVARD
N EW C ONSTRUCTION 1. The Edge
A TTRACTIONS
2. Sail Club
10. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
3. 610 Clematis
11. Centennial Square
4. The Metropolitan
12. Meyer amphitheater
5. Archstone
13. Ballet Florida
6. City Plaza
14. Norton Museum of Art 15. Palm Beach International Airport
7. The Whitney 8. Opera Place 9. Evernia West
Information provided by the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority
ATLANTIC OCEAN