Rendering of redeveloped Old Library Site

Project Description: After the Delray Beach Public Library relocated to its new location on West Atlantic Avenue, its former site on SE 4th Avenue became available for redevelopment. In 2006 the CRA issued an RFP (Request for Proposals) for the old library site, including the adjacent public parking lot and the current site of the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, giving the combined parcel frontage on both SE 4th and 5th Avenues. The Downtown Plan suggests that the area be used for retail along 4th and 5th avenues, with a 200+ space public parking garage in between.

Two responses to the RFP were received, and the City and CRA chose the proposal offered by the Coastal Design & Development Group. The CDDG proposal offers plans for retail space fronting SE 4th and 5th avenues, up to 50,000 square feet of office space, a boutique-style hotel, a public-private shared parking structure, and two public plazas. In February of 2007, Ocean Properties agreed to work with CDDG to establish the hotel.

As part of the proposal, the developer will build out office space for the Chamber of Commerce on the ground floor of the Old School Square parking garage before demolishing its current building. Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2011.