Something wonderful is happening in Pompano Beach!

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Vision

Pompano Beach's New Downtown is rooted in history, brimming with opportunity, and focused on the future. It will be a vibrant community for our residents and visitors, seamlessly blending historic charm with modern innovation.

Our vision is to create a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly Downtown that’s activated for day and nighttime use and enhance community well-being by featuring a blend of cultural centers, recreational spaces, and mixed-use developments.

From beautifully renovated historic sites to modern amenities and efficient streets, every element is thoughtfully connected to create a cohesive and inviting urban environment.

Downtown Boundaries

Downtown Pompano Conceptual Master Plan

ECONOMIC IMPACTS - AT FULL BUILDOUT

$2 Billion

Transformation
Downtown

$3.3 Million

City of Pompano Beach
Park Impact Fees

$447 Million

Annual Spinoff
Business Revenue

$1.4 Billion

Construction
Spending

4.2 Million SF

New Public Spaces, office
retail,hotel and residential

$42.4 Million

Annual Local
Tax Revenue

3,080 + 5,752

Recurring Annual Jobs
Construction Jobs

>$1 Billion

Annual
Economic Output

Some Highlights of Our New Downtown Include:

9 Acres of Parks & Green Space

New Jobs

Shopping, Restaurants & Entertainment

Hotels

Pedestrian Friendly Streets & Sidewalks

Office Space for Local Businesses

New City Hall

Cultural Arts

How We Got Here - About Pompano Beach’s New Downtown

We’re creating a vibrant downtown where businesses and people want to be. The journey to create Pompano Beach's New Downtown began over 30 years ago with a vision to transform the area into a vibrant, economically robust community hub. Strategic planning and significant investments by the City of Pompano Beach and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) laid the foundation for this ambitious project. The initial phase involved acquiring and assembling land, followed by substantial infrastructure improvements, including realigning Atlantic Boulevard and enhancing streetscapes.

Investments in public spaces, pedestrian-friendly amenities, and plans for expanding multimodal transportation options will further solidify the area's transformation. The project's comprehensive approach ensures that Pompano Beach's New Downtown is not only a place of economic growth but also a community that honors its rich heritage while embracing future opportunities.

E. Pat Larkins:A Legacy of Leadership and Service

E. Pat Larkins Headshot

E. Pat Larkins was a pioneering leader whose impact on Pompano Beach and the broader Broward County community remains unparalleled. Born in Pompano Beach on April 29, 1942, as the eldest of nine children of farmworker parents, Larkins’ journey from humble beginnings to becoming the first African American Mayor of Pompano Beach is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and commitment to public service.

In 1982, Larkins made history as the second African American elected to the Pompano Beach City Commission, and he became the city's first African American Mayor. Over a remarkable 25-year career in public service, Larkins served an unprecedented seven years as Mayor, five years as Vice Mayor, and thirteen years as Commissioner. His tenure in office was marked by visionary leadership and a tireless focus on improving his community.

A proud Blanche Ely High School graduate in 1960, Larkins attended Tennessee State University. His career in public service began early when, in 1962, he was hired as the Housing Director for a local community action agency. By 1969, he was one of just two recipients in Florida to be awarded a prestigious one-year Ford Foundation fellowship to attend the National Housing Institute in Washington, D.C. His work as a Housing Development Specialist, certified by HUD, was a precursor to his lifelong commitment to advocating for marginalized communities.

Larkins also had a significant role in the national housing sector. He worked with the Foundation for Co-Op Housing in Chicago before returning to Florida to found the Broward County Minority Builders Coalition, Inc., in 1972. As CEO, he worked tirelessly to support minority contractors and developers in the region.

His civic engagement was wide-ranging and deeply impactful. Larkins was a founding board member of the Urban League, served on the United Way’s Board of Directors, and was involved with the Florida Committee on Public Education. He also represented Pompano Beach as a member of the National Black Mayors Conference and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Locally, he served for an extraordinary 14 consecutive years on the Broward County Planning Council, even becoming its first African American Chair.

Larkins’ extensive affiliations and volunteer work demonstrated his ongoing commitment to the community. He was a life member of the NAACP, a longstanding member of the Kiwanis Club of Pompano Beach, and an active participant in numerous organizations such as the Broward County Boys and Girls Club and the Florida Black Caucus/Local Elected Officials. He also served on advisory boards for local schools and hospitals and was a proud member of Hopewell Baptist Church.

Although Larkins made an unsuccessful bid for the Broward County Commission in 2001, he was re-elected to the Pompano Beach City Commission in 2003, continuing his legacy of public service. Unfortunately, his health forced him to resign from his role as Commissioner and Vice Mayor in May 2008, just a few months before his passing.

E. Pat Larkins’ legacy is one of unparalleled dedication to his community, fierce advocacy for equity, and profound leadership. He leaves behind a lasting impact on Pompano Beach and Broward County. As a public servant, mentor, and friend, Pat Larkins will forever be remembered as a trailblazer and a cherished figure in local history.

E. Pat Larkins (1942 - 2008)

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Q & A

The decision to construct a New Downtown stems from a collaborative vision shared by past and present city leaders, the Community Redevelopment Agency, civic organizations, and prominent members of our community with a vision for Pompano Beach’s future. This collaborative vision aims to create a Pompano Beach that is a dynamic, active community that stands out as a top destination for living, business, and cultural enrichment. The New Downtown will become the heart of our community, offering a vibrant place for everyone to live, work, and play.

Building a New Downtown goes beyond simply boosting economic metrics; it’s fundamentally about forging a community where culture, commerce and connections flourish. The New Downtown promises to enhance daily life for our residents through job creation and experiences unique to the character of Pompano Beach for locals and visitors alike, from diverse dining options to space for homegrown businesses to thrive. Most importantly, this development is designed with the well-being and prosperity of Pompano Beach at its core, ensuring our city not only increases in value but also remains a safe, beautiful, and thriving place that lives up to its nickname, “Florida’s Warmest Welcome.”

The City Commission has entered into a Master Developer Agreement with Roca Point Partners, paving the way for a New Downtown Pompano Beach. Civic building construction, including a new City Hall and other Phase I projects, is targeted for completion by 2034. Phase 1 is the foundation, including civic buildings, followed by five to ten years of private sector investments, including residential, commercial, entertainment, and inviting public places for gathering and enjoying Downtown.

Pompano Beach's New Downtown is envisioned as a vibrant mix of the historical and contemporary, seamlessly integrating the city's heritage with modern developments. The area will be anchored by significant projects such as the Cultural Arts Center and the renovated Old Town District, where the historic Baily Hotel has been transformed into BaCA. The newly developed Old Town’s Backyard highlights this melding of the old with the new, offering a communal space that encourages social and cultural activities as well as the development of Old Town Square, which offers urban living in a desirable downtown location.

These efforts are aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents and attracting employers, investors, and tourists alike. With the renovation of the Historic Ali Cultural Center and a plethora of recreational, entertainment, and civic opportunities, the New Downtown is set to be a bustling hub of activity and growth. This development will not only preserve Pompano Beach’s historical roots but also propel it into the future as a dynamic and inviting urban center.

The new downtown area in Pompano Beach is set to cover approximately 2.5% of the city’s total land area. The New Downtown will transform into a vibrant, mixed-use downtown district that will serve as an economic engine for our community. After two decades of careful planning, the city has now moved forward with the chosen developer to transform this space into a thriving urban center. The development includes a mix of office spaces, residential areas, retail locations, and civic facilities.

This project is not just about expanding the city’s physical landscape; it’s about enriching the community. Expected to generate an economic output of over $ 1 Billion at build out, the development aims to create more than 3,000 permanent job opportunities for local residents and establish a robust new tax base. This growth in the tax base is crucial as it will help maintain lower taxes for existing residents while adding and not sacrificing additional amenities. This project demonstratesthe City’s commitment to both progress and the well-being of its community.

The City of Pompano Beach is dedicated to significant pedestrian and infrastructure improvements at the Dixie Highway and Atlantic Boulevard intersection. This initiative is part of a broader $46 million streetscape improvement project designed to enhance safety and accessibility for both vehicles and pedestrians while establishing a distinctive gateway to our New Downtown. The City also has a Transportation Master Plan underway with a consultant as we explore ways to improve vehicular flow throughout the City. This plan will utilize various modes of transportation throughout the City and the Downtown, as it contemplates current and future development in the City. It will build upon the City’s micro- transit program (Circuit) and explore funding options to implement new initiatives.

The area will see the development of properties, including new office buildings, residential units, retail spaces, and other urban facilities. The project has been planned and made possible through partnerships with Broward County and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and aims to reduce the number of accidents historically reported in this location, optimize traffic light sequences to improve flow and reduce waiting times, and extend left turn lanes to decrease congestion. Additionally, traffic calming strategies have been implemented within nearby neighborhoods to ensure safer, slower driving speeds.

The transformative streetscape project will connect the three distinct districts of Downtown Pompano Beach: the Old Town District (Old Pompano), the Civic Commons District (which includes City Hall, the Cultural Center, and the Library), and the Downtown Core, with MLK Boulevard serving as the “main street” between Dixie Highway and I-95.

This comprehensive approach not only aims to improve safety and functionality but also enhances the visual appeal of the entryway into Pompano Beach, truly reflecting Florida’s Warmest Welcome and contributing to the vibrant community atmosphere.

Yes, and more public meetings and opportunities to get involved and stay engaged will be available in the future!

Since June 2008, there have been over 100 community meetings held for public input. These meetings have been integral in shaping the project, allowing community members to provide input, express concerns, and stay informed about the development plans.

Public Meeting History:

  1. 2008: Downtown Charette
    • A collaborative event with stakeholders to gather public input on the project.
  2. 2010 Onwards: Public Meetings and Presentations
    • The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) organized:
      • Three public meetings
      • May 3, 2023: Public Workshop
      • 2024: Community Meetings
    • These meetings helped shape the direction of the master planning process.
  3. May 3, 2023: Public Workshop
    • A joint workshop by the City and CRA featured presentations by two shortlisted firms.
    • The workshop was held to gather public input on the project.
    • Recordings of the presentations were posted on the City website, and the public was encouraged to provide feedback.
  4. 2024: Community Meetings
    • RocaPoint Partners, the selected Master Developer, held three community meetings on:
      • February 7, 2024
      • February 8, 2024
      • April 2, 2024
    • These meetings were designed for residents and business owners to learn about the project vision and provide valuable input. These public meetings have been crucial in ensuring community involvement and feedback throughout the development process.

Incorporating pedestrian and bicycle lanes into Pompano Beach's New Downtown is essential for enhancing safety, promoting environmental sustainability, and boosting the local economy. These features not only reduce accidents by providing safe, designated spaces for non-motorized road users but also attract foot traffic that benefits local businesses. The $46 million streetscape improvement project along Atlantic Boulevard and Dixie Highway aims to increase safety and create a signature entrance to Downtown. Moreover, they encourage healthier, more active lifestyles and improve overall community well-being by making the downtown area more accessible and navigable for everyone, including the elderly and those with disabilities. This focus on walkability and bike-friendliness is a critical component of creating a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable urban center in Pompano Beach.

Yes, some of the new housing in Pompano Beach's New Downtown will be built to support the growing local workforce, ensuring that the area's growth benefits all residents. The plan includes housing options and improved access to transportation, such as a new commuter rail station planned to be located on Dixie Hwy. This approach ensures that the benefits of the New Downtown development are available to a broad range of residents, including professions such as teachers, police officers, firefighters, and nurses. The goal is to create a development that works for everyone, including current residents, fostering a diverse and vibrant community where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy and contribute to the area’s growth. The project aims to be multifaceted, accommodating various housing needs and ensuring inclusivity.

Yes! The New Downtown in Pompano Beach will be designed with families in mind. The area will include a variety of amenities and features that cater to family-friendly activities such as outdoor music and movies. Key attractions like the Cultural Center and the Library provide educational and cultural experiences for all ages. The Cultural Center offers a 5,000 sq. ft., 336-seat theater/event space, a 750 sq. ft. art gallery, and a state-of-the-art multi-media digital center, while the 26,000 sq. ft. Library includes multipurpose rooms, conference rooms, teen activity rooms, storytelling rooms, and computer labs.

Planned green spaces and placemaking elements like entertainment, pop-up craft markets, and green markets offer places for relaxation and recreation. These elements create a welcoming environment for families, making it an ideal place to live, visit, and explore. The emphasis on including spaces that engage both children and adults ensures that the New Downtown will be a dynamic and inclusive community hub, suitable for families looking to enjoy a rich, connected urban life.

Downtowns have intrinsic cultural significance, defining the region’s brand by offering historical assets, culture, recreation, entertainment, and participation in civic activities. A blend of old and new, downtowns provide a high quality of life that attracts employers, investment, visitors, and residents.

Pompano Beach’s Downtown boasts all these assets. Key highlights include:

  • Cultural Center: The Cultural Center features a 5,000 sq. ft., 336-seat theater/event space, a 750 sq. ft. art gallery, and a state-of-the-art multi-media digital center, offering a wide range of cultural and entertainment options.
  • Library: The Library includes multipurpose rooms, conference rooms, a teen activity room, a storytelling room, adult and teen computer labs, and a Creation Station for maker projects, providing educational and recreational activities for all ages.
  • Old Town District: The redevelopment of the Old Town District, the original historic Downtown Pompano Beach, includes new restaurants, the renovation of the historic Bailey Hotel, now BaCA (Bailey Contemporary Arts), and the development of Old Town Square, a mixed use residential property, blending historic charm with modern amenities.
  • Historic Ali Cultural Arts Center: The renovation and development of the Historic Ali Cultural Center adds to the area's cultural richness, offering additional venues for community engagement and events.
  • Placemaking Elements: The inclusion of placemaking elements such as pop-up craft markets, green markets, outdoor music, movies, and various entertainment areas in the Fire Fountain Plaza and Old Town’s Backyard enhance the vibrancy of the downtown area, providing diverse entertainment options for the community.
These features make the New Downtown a dynamic and engaging destination, enhancing the quality of life and attracting a diverse array of visitors and residents.

The CRA has been acquiring land to build a New Downtown for three decades. Most of the land that is targeted for the next chapter of our city’s history is vacant. The creation of Pompano Beach's New Downtown involves a thoughtful restructuring of the existing land use, which includes the potential purchase of a small number of homes currently situated on the project site. This initiative supports the broader goal of revitalizing our city’s urban core by providing modern, mixed-income housing options and vibrant commercial spaces designed to benefit a larger segment of the community. The acquisitions of these small number of single family homes will only occur should the property owner be willing to sell.

We are deeply committed to ensuring that these transitions are handled with the utmost care and respect. That’s why we have included residential relocation opportunities for the few affected property owners to ensure they receive fair treatment.

Our goal is to create a dynamic downtown that enhances the quality of life for all in Pompano Beach, fostering opportunities for local small businesses to thrive and maintaining the integrity and unity of our community. This project is about transformation and growth, aiming to enrich our urban landscape while being mindful of the impact on every resident.

No. The City has been in the process of acquiring and assembling the available land for the New Downtown for many years. Many current properties are in disrepair. The new downtown will bring opportunities for the community by adding value, creating jobs, and becoming vibrant. The current state is unsustainable, and improvement is necessary. There is a significant opportunity for people in this area and all Pompano Beach residents.

The New Downtown Project in Pompano Beach is an ambitious endeavor that reflects our commitment to integrating the City’s rich heritage with forward-thinking economic development. This initiative is not about gentrification; it's about creating a harmonious blend of old and new that stimulates growth while celebrating our unique cultural history. The area has been an area of disinvestment for many years. The tide has changed and the area is now becoming an area of area of reinvestment.

The plan involves building a new, larger, modern center in a conveniently accessible site within the New Downtown area, ensuring that the center remains a prominent part of our community.

Absolutely! We understand concerns about Pompano Beach becoming overcrowded or overdeveloped, similar to other cities in South Florida. However, Pompano Beach’s New Downtown is designed with careful planning to ensure sustainable growth that enhances rather than overwhelms our community.

The project includes a balanced mix of commercial, residential, cultural, and recreational spaces, all thoughtfully integrated with existing infrastructure. Effective traffic management and improvements to public transportation are also key components of the plan, helping prevent congestion.

Our commitment is to grow Pompano Beach thoughtfully, preserving its charm while enhancing quality of life. This development aims to build on our city’s strengths, ensuring it remains a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

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Downtown News

Request for Qualifications

The Downtown Master Development Agreement with RocaPoint Partners, LLC, doing business as affiliate RP Pompano LLC, was approved at the June 20, 2024, special joint meeting held by the City Commission and its CRA. This achievement officially launches an exciting new stage in developing a Downtown destination!

As one of the first steps in creating the Downtown RP Pompano, LLC will issue Requests for Qualifications for professional architectural services for the design and permitting for the new City Hall and Parking Garage.

The Requests for Qualifications are posted below. Click on the solicitation name to download the document.
Solicitation Number Solicitation Name Addendum Submittal Deadline
RFQ NO. 0100 Design of New City Hall at Downtown Pompano September 13, 2024
RFQ NO. 0200 Design of New City Parking Deck at Downtown Pompano September 13, 2024

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