Delray Beach, FL (April 4, 2018)…The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority(DDA) hosted the Annual Town Hall Session for Property & Business Owners – “State of the Downtown”- on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at the Crest Theatre at Old School Square.  DDA Board President Peter Arts welcomed the more than 150 guests, followed by Laura Simon, Executive Director who shared the mission and focus of the organization –  marketing of the Downtown District, placemaking, and economic vitality.  She also included highlights of Delray Beach Fashion Week, the Downtown Security Ambassador Pilot Program and Savor the Avenue. 

Featured speaker Robert Gibbs, Gibbs Planning Group presented the results of the Downtown Delray Beach Downtown Retail Market Study and the Downtown Shopability Analysis.  Highlights included: 

  • Through the Retail Market Analysis, provided the categories of retail/restaurants that are supportable within the Downtown.
  • Providing strong recommendations from the customers point of view regarding ways to enhance the Downtown shopping experience including first impressions, and how important these are for a return visit.
  • Downtown Delray Beach has a walkability score of 92 out of 100 - among the highest in the nation. 
  • Reviewed all master plans, land development regulations, codes, parking regulations, and signage, and provided short, medium and long-term recommendations to create the #1 Downtown in the US.

 

“Delray Beach is one of the top five downtown shopping districts in the US,” said Robert J. Gibbs, AICP, ASLA, Gibbs Planning Group.  “It is filled with an exciting collection of restaurants, specialty shops and hotels all clustered around beautiful, walkable streets and squares. Delray has the rare X-Factor desired out by many millennials, young families, empty nesters and tourists.”

 

To view the complete reports, please visit:  www.DowntownDelrayBeach.com/Research-Data. The DDA is appreciative of Dada and Dr. Doodles Donuts for providing refreshments at the Property & Business Owners Town Hall.

 

About the Downtown Delray Beach Retail Market Study:  The report includes a written and illustrated summary of relevant population and demographic characteristics of the Downtown trade area, including the socioeconomic characteristics and buying patterns; and a qualitative opinion as to whether or not retail development is supportable, sales forecasts, and size estimates of the retail categories.

 

About the Downtown Shopability Analysis:  A comprehensive, market-based plan for the downtown commercial district to improve its retail market share and become more appealing to leading retailers and restaurants.  The plan includes short- medium- and long-term strategies and recommendations for building infill, lighting, open space, parking, storefronts, streetscape, tenant mix, vehicular circulation and walkability that can be made to achieve maximum shopper appeal and potential sales

 

 

For more information, please contact the DDA by email DDA@DowntownDelrayBeach.com or call 561.243.1077. 

 

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About the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority mission is to stimulate, enhance and sustain the economic vitality of Downtown Delray Beach and the quality of life enjoyed by locals and visitors.  For more information, please visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com or phone 561.243.1077.