Upcoming Boca Raton Developments That Will Impact the Rental Market
- Maria V.
- Mar 17
- 9 min read
Boca Raton, Florida, is on the brink of significant transformations that are poised to reshape its rental market landscape. Several upcoming developments, ranging from mixed-use projects to expansive residential communities, are set to enhance the city's appeal and offer diverse rental opportunities.
Government Campus Redevelopment Proposals
The city is evaluating four ambitious proposals to redevelop the Government Campus area, each aiming to introduce a blend of residential, commercial, and public spaces:
Boca City Center LLC (Terra and Frisbie Partnership):
Boca Raton is poised for a transformative development as Boca Raton City Center LLC—a collaboration between Terra Group and Frisbie Group—embarks on a comprehensive redevelopment of the city's government campus. This ambitious project aims to seamlessly blend urban living with natural elements, enhancing the city's landscape and community offerings.
Project Overview
The proposed development encompasses a 2.5 million-square-foot mixed-use complex, strategically located near the city's Brightline station at 201 West Palmetto Park Road. Key components of the project include:
Residential Units: A total of 1,129 units, featuring a mix of a 10-story building and several three-story garden homes, designed to cater to diverse housing needs.
Hospitality: A 150-room hotel spanning approximately 94,600 square feet, aiming to accommodate visitors and bolster local tourism.
Office and Retail Spaces: The development includes 250,000 square feet of office space and 156,690 square feet designated for retail and restaurant establishments, fostering economic growth and job creation.
Civic Facilities: Plans for a new city hall complex ranging from 36,000 to 100,000 square feet, a 50,600-square-foot community center, and a 10,000-square-foot police substation are integral to the project, enhancing public services.
Emphasis on Green Spaces and Recreation
A standout feature of the proposal is its dedication to integrating green spaces and recreational amenities:
Racquet Sports Center: The inclusion of a dedicated facility for racquet sports promotes active lifestyles and community engagement.
Public Parks and Pavilions: The design incorporates expansive open areas, including a park near the Brightline Station and a pedestrian bridge over North Dixie Highway toward Mizner Park, providing residents and visitors with serene environments for relaxation and social interaction.
Economic and Community Impact
Beyond its architectural and environmental contributions, the development is set to make significant economic impacts:
Job Creation: The addition of office and retail spaces is anticipated to generate employment opportunities, attracting businesses and professionals to the area.
Enhanced Public Services: The modern civic facilities will improve the efficiency and accessibility of municipal services, benefiting the broader community.
Selection Process and Future Steps
The Boca Raton City Council's unanimous selection of the Terra-Frisbie proposal underscores its alignment with the city's vision for sustainable and community-centric development. The council's decision followed extensive evaluations and public consultations, reflecting a commitment to transparency and resident involvement.
As the project progresses, ongoing community engagement and meticulous planning will be pivotal in ensuring that the development meets the aspirations of Boca Raton's residents, fostering a vibrant and inclusive urban environment.
Related Ross Company:
Boca Raton is on the cusp of a transformative development as Related Ross, a renowned developer recognized for upscale mixed-use projects, unveils an ambitious proposal to revitalize the city's downtown area. This initiative aims to seamlessly blend luxury living, hospitality, office spaces, and community-centric amenities, enhancing the urban fabric of Boca Raton.
Comprehensive Development Plan
The proposal by Related Ross encompasses a diverse array of components designed to create a vibrant and inclusive urban environment:
Luxury Rentals: The development includes high-end residential units that offer modern amenities and elegant designs, catering to individuals and families seeking upscale living options in the heart of the city.
Four-Star Hotel: A premium hotel is planned to accommodate visitors, providing luxurious lodging options that enhance the city's appeal as a tourist and business destination.
Affordable Housing: In addition to luxury accommodations, the proposal thoughtfully incorporates affordable housing units, ensuring a diverse and inclusive community that addresses the needs of various income levels.
Office Spaces: The inclusion of modern office spaces aims to attract businesses and professionals, bolstering economic growth and establishing Boca Raton as a hub for commerce and innovation.
Upscale Dining and Event Spaces: The plan features a variety of upscale dining establishments and versatile event spaces, fostering social engagement and making the downtown area a focal point for both residents and visitors.
Enhancing the Downtown Experience
A central objective of the Related Ross proposal is to invigorate Boca Raton's downtown district, creating a dynamic environment that appeals to a broad spectrum of people:
Elegant and Convenient Lifestyle: The development emphasizes an elegant lifestyle, with thoughtfully designed spaces that promote convenience and accessibility, aligning with contemporary urban living trends.
Attracting Residents and Visitors: By offering a blend of luxury and affordability, along with diverse amenities, the project aims to draw new residents and increase tourism, contributing to the city's vibrancy and economic vitality.
Developer's Vision and Impact
Related Ross has a distinguished history of executing upscale mixed-use developments that harmoniously integrate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Their commitment to quality and innovation is evident in this proposal, which seeks to transform Boca Raton's downtown into a lively, inclusive, and economically thriving area.
This project is poised to significantly impact the local community by creating job opportunities, enhancing the urban landscape, and providing a variety of housing options. The integration of luxury and affordable housing ensures that the development caters to a diverse population, promoting social equity and community cohesion.
Namdar Group and RocaPoint Partners:
Boca Raton is evaluating ambitious redevelopment proposals for its downtown government campus, with notable submissions from Namdar Group and RocaPoint Partners. These proposals aim to integrate public facilities with residential and commercial components, contributing to the city's growth and diversification of housing options.
Namdar Group's Vision
Namdar Group has presented a comprehensive plan featuring:
Residential Units: A total of 8,015 apartments, with 3,206 designated as affordable or workforce housing, addressing diverse housing needs.
Hospitality: A 180-room hotel to accommodate visitors and enhance local tourism.
Commercial Spaces: 100,000 square feet of office space and 150,000 square feet of retail areas, fostering economic growth.
Civic Amenities: A 170,000-square-foot city hall, a 50,000-square-foot community center, and a 10,000-square-foot synagogue, enriching community infrastructure.
This proposal aims to create a mixed-use community that enables future generations to stay in the area.
RocaPoint Partners' Approach
RocaPoint Partners proposes a phased development strategy:
Civic Facilities: Construction of 432,000 square feet dedicated to civic uses, including essential public services.
Residential and Commercial Development: Preparation of the site for 960 residential units, 145,000 square feet of retail space, and 115,000 square feet of office space, promoting a balanced urban environment.
This approach emphasizes building public facilities first, followed by residential and commercial development, ensuring a cohesive integration with the city's infrastructure.
Community Considerations
While these proposals offer expansive visions for Boca Raton's future, city officials and residents are carefully considering factors such as scale, community impact, and alignment with the city's character. Public forums and workshops are being held to gather input and ensure that any development aligns with the community's aspirations and sustainable growth objectives.
Florida Atlantic University's (FAU) Student Housing Expansion
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is set to expand its on-campus housing to better accommodate its growing student body. The university plans to construct a seven-story residence hall featuring 670 beds, with each student enjoying a private bedroom alongside shared bathrooms and kitchenettes. This development is anticipated to alleviate pressure on the local rental market by offering more on-campus living options, potentially reducing the demand for off-campus accommodations.
Project Details
The proposed 204,000-square-foot facility is slated for construction east of Parliament Hall on FAU's Boca Raton campus. The Florida Board of Governors approved the issuance of $117.75 million in debt to fund the project, with construction expected to commence in December 2024 and completion targeted for the fall 2026 semester.
The residence hall will offer a mix of three- and four-bedroom semi-suite units, each equipped with a kitchenette and designed for single-occupancy bedrooms. Amenities will include study spaces, kitchen facilities, laundry units, and flexible spaces distributed throughout each level. The site configuration will also address connectivity to the campus core by providing shaded outdoor areas for gathering and recreation.
Addressing Housing Demand
A feasibility study by Brailsford & Dunlavey projected that FAU will require an additional 1,066 student housing units by 2026. The planned 670-bed facility represents a significant step toward meeting this anticipated demand.
Financial Considerations
The project's cost is estimated at $160,500 per bed, the highest for student housing at a state university. FAU attributes this to inflation and current market conditions in Boca Raton.
Impact on the Local Rental Market
By increasing on-campus housing availability, FAU aims to ease the demand for off-campus rentals. This expansion could lead to a more balanced rental market in the surrounding community, potentially stabilizing rental prices and offering students more affordable housing options.
Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRIC) Mixed-Use Project:
The Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRIC), renowned as the birthplace of the personal computer, is poised for a significant transformation into a vibrant mixed-use community. The approved development plan encompasses residential, retail, hospitality, and entertainment components, aiming to create a self-sustained environment where residents can seamlessly live, work, and engage in leisure activities within a walkable setting.
Comprehensive Development Plan
The approved expansion for BRIC includes:
Residential Units: 1,243 apartments designed to cater to a diverse population, offering modern living spaces within the campus.
Retail Space: 125,000 square feet allocated for retail establishments, featuring a 40,000-square-foot grocery store to serve both residents and employees.
Hotel Accommodation: A 140-room hotel intended to accommodate visitors and business travelers, enhancing the campus's hospitality offerings.
Entertainment Venue: A 5,000-seat entertainment venue designed to host a variety of events, enriching the cultural and social landscape of the community.
This development strategy aims to transform BRIC into a dynamic, mixed-use community that integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.
Historical Significance and Modern Vision
Originally established in the 1960s by IBM, BRIC holds a pivotal place in technological history as the site where the personal computer was developed. The current redevelopment plan seeks to honor this legacy by evolving the campus into a modern, self-contained community that fosters innovation and connectivity.
Implementation and Future Outlook
The redevelopment of BRIC is a collaborative effort involving CP Group, Rialto Capital Management, DRA Advisors, and Terra Group. The project is currently in the planning stages, with detailed master plans and development sequences under preparation. The phased approach will ensure that each component integrates seamlessly, enhancing the overall value of BRIC and benefiting the larger Boca Raton community.
By integrating residential, retail, hospitality, and entertainment facilities, the BRIC redevelopment aims to create a holistic environment that supports diverse lifestyles and fosters a sense of community. This transformation reflects a forward-thinking approach to urban development, positioning BRIC as a model for sustainable, mixed-use communities.
Impact on the Rental Market :
Boca Raton is undergoing a significant transformation with multiple large-scale developments set to reshape the rental market. These projects, ranging from luxury residences to workforce housing, will introduce a diverse range of housing options, catering to various demographics, including young professionals, families, and students.
Diversification of Rental Options
The integration of residential units within mixed-use developments—such as the Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRIC) and proposals by developers like Related Ross and Namdar Group—aims to create a balanced housing market. The inclusion of both luxury and affordable housing units ensures that a wider spectrum of renters can find suitable accommodations within the city.
Luxury Rentals: High-end residences in developments like Related Ross’s mixed-use project will appeal to professionals and executives seeking upscale living with premium amenities.
Affordable and Workforce Housing: Namdar Group’s proposal, which includes over 3,000 affordable units, will help address Boca Raton’s need for more budget-friendly rental options, making the city more accessible to middle-income families and essential workers.
Student Housing: Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) expansion will provide dedicated student housing, reducing pressure on local apartment rentals and opening up more options for non-student renters.
Rising Demand for Mixed-Use Developments
A key trend emerging from these projects is the focus on self-contained communities that blend residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Renters are increasingly looking for environments where they can live, work, and socialize within walking distance.
Projects like BRIC, with its combination of apartments, retail spaces, a hotel, and an entertainment venue, reflect this shift toward convenience-driven living. Similarly, the inclusion of green spaces, grocery stores, and social hubs in many proposals aligns with modern urban living preferences.
Market Outlook and Future Trends
As Boca Raton’s rental landscape evolves, several potential trends may emerge:
Increased Competition Among Landlords: The influx of new rental units could lead to more competitive pricing and incentives for renters.
Higher Demand for Amenity-Rich Properties: Tenants will prioritize buildings with on-site conveniences, such as fitness centers, coworking spaces, and entertainment areas.
Potential Stabilization of Rental Prices: With a larger supply of rental units, rent prices may see steadier growth, benefiting both long-term residents and newcomers.
Ultimately, these developments will enhance Boca Raton’s appeal as a thriving urban hub while ensuring a wider variety of rental options for individuals and families at different income levels.
Sources:
Boca Raton Council Selects Top Developer for City Hall, Downtown Redevelopment – Boca Daily News
Boca Raton to Choose From Four Proposals for New Government Complex, Apartments, Stores – Boca Daily News
FAU plans new student housing in Boca Raton – South Florida Business Journal
South Florida Business Journal
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