master plan update - City of Boca Raton

SECTION AINTRODUCTIONupdating the visionThis Master Plan Update was commissionedto provide a framework for successfullyrealizing the Vision for DowntownBoca Raton in the context of theissues it faces today. The original Visionfor Downtown Boca Raton was clearlyarticulated in 1982:“The community of Boca Raton isunique. As part of one of the most rapidlygrowing regions in the country, ithas maintained standards of excellencein the residential neighborhoods whichensure continuing economic vitality andenvironmental quality. Now is the timeto apply the same standards of excellenceto Downtown, before its declineas a commercial center and accelerationof blight go any further. Redevelopmentimplies a long-range commitment to apublic policy to enhance the Downtownfor present and future generations tolive, work, shop, and enjoy.”Much was accomplished as a result ofthat vision and the plans that followed.SANBORN SQUARE This early effortto create a public space in the center ofDowntown provides a quiet and relaxingplace along Federal Highway anda setting for the historic Town Hall byAddison Mizner.MIZNER PARK One of the most recognizedand celebrated urban developmentsof recent times, this mixed-useproject created an urban focus for cultural,retail, business, and residentialuses in Downtown.ARTS AND CULTURE The Art Museumand Amphitheater, developed as partof Mizner Park, have become the focusof cultural life for the City.TAMING OF FEDERAL HIGHWAY Bycoordinating traffic on several arterials,it was possible to prevent the wideningto six lanes of this major thoroughfare.PLAZA REAL SOUTH A public easementthrough a private developmenthas created an urban street lined withrestaurants and mixed-use buildings.With Mizner Park, Boca Raton led theway in developing urban town centersand reestablishing the idea of a Downtownon the Florida Coast. It became amodel for others to follow. As a result,it now finds itself in competition withnewer, more urban developments. Andthere is an increasing sense that theDowntown has lost its way with respectto achieving the vision created in 1982.For these reasons, the City commissionedthis Plan Update to provide aframework for making informed decisionson the location, type, and design ofdevelopment, and on priorities for funding.This Master Plan Update will alsobe coordinated with the ComprehensivePlan Update and the Multi-ModalTransportation District efforts.Town HallSanborn SquareMizner ParkPlaza Real South2