This article, originally published by Al Zucaro on BocaWatch.org, is preserved for historical purposes by Massive Impressions Online Marketing in Boca Raton.
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21st Century cities are changing…there are multiple generations co-existing side by side, and returning to live in the downtown core of the city. This new, diverse demographic wants to live, work and play in the same area with minimal use of a car. They’re looking for a City with a Heart and Soul and gravitate towards “Main Street” with unique shops, specialized services, restaurants, and outdoor cafes on the doorstep of their home and workplace. While they thrive in this density, they expect shared communal open space, a community “Front Yard” of sorts, to replace the large suburb properties they left behind. Here, they can walk the dog in the morning or take a jog along the downtown waterfront, grabbing a coffee at the bustling Java pavilion before heading to work. In the afternoon, they prefer to join downtown office mates around shaded tables by the water to hash out work, lingering afterwards to enjoy a craft beer and watch the boats as the day ends. Parents want to walk with children to nearby parks, and residents of all ages enjoy a stroll by the water under the stars, and weekend festivals by the water. This active urban communal open space is integral to a city-dweller’s life…they want to be social and expect the full experience, and successful downtown waterfront destinations all over the world are recruiting them to fill vacant residential and commercial buildings in their downtown core.
Boca Raton has the framework to bring the city-dweller’s expectation to life…and it starts with the timely design on the drawing boards right now. This is a call to action: to put differences in the past aside, and unite in revitalizing the city we all love; the responsibility is in our hands….what legacy will we leave?
The following presentation I shared with City Council Tuesday night outlines the process and elements that have proven vital to the success of other great waterfront destinations. Join me in reaching out to neighbors, the City and Council to urge investment in a comprehensive, 21st century design of our downtown waterfront properties: the east-end heart along Boca Raton’s own “Main Street” to the Beach.
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CLICK BELOW TO VIEW MARGARET’S “NEXT STEPS” POWERPOINT PRESENTATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL
Downtown Waterfront Plan – Next Steps_07-26-2017
By Margaret Fitzsimons, M. Arch, Assoc. AIA, LEEDap
Excellent article Margaret! I appreciate your steadfast efforts to move this conversation forward in a collaborative manner, I support this vision to create a vibrant and unique downtown experience. There is so much opportunity!
Thank you Council O’Rourke, and for your work on this over the years…we look to your leadership on Council to help bring this to fruition!
I’m picking up what you’re puttin’ down, Margaret👍
I couldn’t tell what happens to the boat ramp in the proposed ideas. Could you comment on where it would be relocated to?
To my knowledge the boat ramp remains but there has been talk about a boat ramp in Rutherford Park. There is no final decision on any waterfront park property yet. I suggest you communicate your concerns to City Council members. Al Zucaro
Margaret, luckily you have landed in Boca at just the right time. We need your visioning for the continuous redevelopment of the Downtown and for its future planning.
Thank you Mike; I welcome this opportunity to work with you all on a prosperous future for our Downtown…
I like the presentation and what Margaret is proposing is very much needed in downtown Boca. It needs a heart and soul and what she is proposing would do that. There is no foot traffic except for Mizner and Royal Palm.. everything is disconnected and self contained. we have all the elements they just need to be enhanced and connected. This would do that. walking down Palmetto Park rd right now is not friendly and missing heart. Make Boca the next Delray but even better.
Thank you Diann, I agree; reach out to Council as well to share your comments on this timely and important effort.
Once again GREAT WORK Margaret! Boca Downtown needs your vision and is blessed to have you on board!