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Economic Development

Our goal is to connect merchants with consumers who are willing to support the local economy and find the quality local products and services that Delray Beach is known for. The areas in and around Atlantic Avenue are filled with exceptional small businesses that offer the types of consumer goods that have been vital in helping us grow our Village by the Sea. If you know of any business who is looking to locate to Downtown Delray Beach, or who is currently in Downtown Delray Beach but needs help reaching their local market, we are here to help.

Downtown Delray Beach Property & Business Owners and Residents Attend Annual Town Hall Session

Wednesday, April 18, 2018 - 12:10pm

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.

 

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DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH PROPERTY & BUSINESS OWNER ANNUAL TOWN HALL SESSION THE PUBLIC IS WELCOME!

Friday, March 16, 2018 - 1:19pm

Delray Beach, FL (March 16, 2018)…The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority(DDA) will host 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, 51 N. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach.  The public is encouraged to attend this event featuring Robert Gibbs, Gibbs Planning Group who will present the results of the Downtown Delray Beach Downtown Retail Market Study and the Downtown Shopability Analysis.

“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 my many millennials, young families, empty nesters and tourists.”

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.

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

To RSVP, please contact the DDA by email DDA@DowntownDelrayBeach.com or call 561.243.1077.  To view the report:  www.DowntownDelrayBeach.com/Research-Data.

 

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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.

Media Contact: Sarah E. Flynn - Willcaro Communications LLC

561.866.5064 - sarahf@willcarocomm.com

 

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CELEBRATE THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF DELRAY BEACH FASHION WEEK JANUARY 24-28, 2018!

Friday, December 8, 2017 - 9:01am

VIP PASS ON SALE – 100% OF TICKET PROCEEDS BENEFIT DELRAY CHARITIES

 

41 RETAILERS – 11 HAIR SALONS - 80 MODELS

4 RUNWAY SHOWS – 1 STILETTO RACE – FASHION WEEK BOUTIQUE

 

Delray Beach, FL (December 8, 2017)… Downtown comes alive with style!  Celebrate the 5th anniversary of Delray Beach Fashion Week from January 24 – 28, 2018.  Experience spectacular fashion, local designers, art and beauty at this special event created by the Downtown Development Authority and the Downtown merchants.  The local designs and diverse fashions will take center stage at the fashion runway events, Downtown fashion designers and hair show, fashion luncheon, Stiletto Race, and the Delray Beach Fashion Week Boutique Shopping Event. 

Events will take place throughout Downtown Delray Beach and two of the runway fashion shows are free to the public to stand and watch.  The 5th Anniversary VIP Pass and reserved runway show seat tickets are available at www.DelrayFashionWeek.com, and 100% of ticket proceeds throughout Delray Beach Fashion Week benefit the Achievement Centers for Children and Families and the Arts Garage’s educational programming for children. The 5th Anniversary VIP Pass is $165, is limited, and includes a front row reserved seat at all runways shows, receptions, luncheon and a signature Amanda Perna tote with swag from Downtown merchants.  Runway show reserved seats range from $25-$50.

“We are thrilled to be hosting this award-winning and special event again this year, ” said Laura Simon, Executive Director, DDA. Delray Beach Fashion Week is a unique, fun and all-encompassing opportunity to share with our local residents and visitors the fashion and beauty that is found right here in Downtown Delray Beach.”

There is a “Chance to Win” Downtown Delray Beach Package valued at $500 which also benefits the Achievement Centers for Children & Families. Receive one “Chance” with each VIP Pass or runway seating ticket purchased.   Additional Chances to Win will be available at each runway show for $5 per chance or $10 for three chances.

 

2018 Delray Beach Fashion Week Highlights

Events details will be updated on www.DelrayFashionWeek.com

As of 12.8.2017

 

Wed., Jan 24, 2018:

6-10PM            An Evening Downtown Evening Wear Runway Show

                        Location: The Colony Hotel, 525 E Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach

Ticketed runway seating, Downtown Merchant Tent, Red Carpet – Step and Repeat, Live Entertainment from Fred Astaire Delray Beach Champion Dancers and Achievement Centers Dance Team and more

Ticket: $30 per seat for runway seating benefiting the Achievement Centers for Children and Families, free to stand and watch

6PM- 8PM: Live jazz entertainment; Artist on display, Silent Auction, Beauty Bar

8PM SHOW: Evening Wear

Emcee:  Amanda Perna

Recommended attire: Cocktail Attire

 

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018

7-10pm           Delray on the Runway Designer Fashion Show & Hair Show

                        Location: ARTS GARAGE, 94 NE 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach

                        Ticketed Event $50 per person benefiting the Arts Garage Art and Education Programs for Children

Ticket includes: Reception (2 drinks and passed apps) silent auction and Fashion Show

                        Theme: Shades of Blue – blues music & attendees encouraged to wear blue

                        7-8pm Reception and Entertainment

                        8pm – Designer Runway Show and Hair Show

                        9pm:  Entertainment and Meet the Designer post reception

Emcee:  Amanda Perna

                        Recommended attire: Creative, blue cocktail attire

 

Friday, Jan. 26, 2018

11:30am-1pm Tropical Paradise Luncheon & Fashion Show

                        Location: CHE!!! Restaurant, 900 E Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach

Tickets: $40 to include lunch and the show; Benefiting Achievement Centers for Children and Families

11:30 – 12:15: Entertainment, Lunch, Raffle

12:30  - Fashion Show to begin

Emcee:  Suzanne Boyd, WPEC CBS 12 Morning Anchor and Delray Beach resident

Following the event – shopping Downtown!

Recommended attire: Resort wear

 

5:30-7:30pm   6th Annual Vince Canning Stiletto Race

                        Location: Old School Square Pavilion and Park, NE 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach

Costs: $25 entry fee per runner; ($35 day of the race) Benefiting the Achievement Centers for Children and Families

                        Produced by the ACCF

 

Sat., Jan. 27, 2018

7PM-9PM         Swim & Surf Runway Show

Location: Old School Square Park, NE 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach

Tickets:  $25 per seat for runway seating – benefiting the Achievement Centers for Children and Families, free to stand and watch

                        Theme: Celebrate the tropics

Emcee:  Suzanne Boyd, WPEC CBS 12 Morning Anchor and Delray Beach resident

                        7pm – 8pm: Fun Music, Beach games, vendor tables 

                        8pm: Swim Wear Runway Fashion Show

                        8:45pm: Thank you ceremony and final walk

                        Recommended attire: Tropical

 

Sun., Jan. 28, 2018

1pm-4pm       Delray Beach Fashion Week Boutique

Location: Old School Square Fieldhouse, 51 N Swinton Avenue (entrance off of NE 1st Avenue), Delray Beach

Cost: Free to attend

Shop the runway looks that you loved during Delray Beach Fashion Week at this convenient, one-stop-shop, pop-up boutique at the Old School Square Fieldhouse. Join us at the Fashion Week Boutique for the ultimate shopping experience featuring 18 participating Fashion Week retailers, light bites, libations, music, a step & repeat, and more.

 

The 2018 Delray Beach Fashion Week Committee:  Jule Guaglardi, owner Roxy Lulu; Jelena Loverich, owner LoveRich Boutique; Margaret Dorrer, owner Margaux Riviera; MaryAnn Brown, stylist at In the Grove Hair Salon; and Glavidia Alexis, owner of Glavidia Hair Studio and Glavidia: by Glavidia Alexis; Victoria DeSilvio Group and the DDA Team.

Thank you to the Delray Beach Fashion Week 2018 sponsors who make this event possible:

Platinum Sponsors:  

 

 

Gold Sponsors: Victoria DeSilvio Group, In the Grove Hair Studio, VUP Media, Grimes Events & Party Tents 

Silver Sponsors: Comcast Spotlight, Parisi Events, LivingFLA, Glavidia Hair Studios, The Sandy Shoppe, ShearLuck Salon, Tipsy Salonbar, PURSTRANDS, 236 Fifth Avenue Delray Beach, Ramen Lab Eatery

Bronze Sponsors: Park View Realty, The Colony Hotel & Cabana Club, Che!!!, Old School Square Fieldhouse, LOCAL Magazine, Cockspur Rum, Iceberg Vodka, Deluxe Properties, Delray Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, Mellow Mushroom, Avant

Downtown Delray Beach Participants – As of 12/8/2017:

            Retailers:

Amanda Johnson Studio, Antica Sartoria, Aqua Swimwear, Beverly Hills Boutique, Blings & Things, C.Orrico, Charleston Shoe Co., Coco & Co., DeBilzan Gallery, Elektrik Boutique, Gallery at Studio 5, Glavidia:  by Glavidia Alexis, Greenlines, Haystacks, House of Zen Dali, Hy Pa - Hy Ma, Kismet Vintage, LoveRich Boutique, LF Delray Beach, Margaux Riviera, Morley, Nina Raynor, Oh My Bod, Patchington, Periwinkle, Petite Connection, Private Jewelers, Ramona La Rue, ROXYLULU, Sara Campbell, Sequin/Biba, South Ocean Beach Shop, Spice, Sunday State Style, Swatches & Rags, The Drop In Surf Shop, The House of Perna, The Sandy Shoppe, Tommy Bahama, Vince Canning Shoes, Who's Karen Boutique.

            Hair Salons:

B. Calvin Smart, Glavidia Hair Studios, In the Grove Hair Studio, Odeon Salon, PURSTRANDS, Salon EscapeE, The Sandy Shoppe, ShearLuck Salon, Tammy Benz, Tipsy Salon Bar, Upper Cutz Barber Shop & Salon.

 

For more information, event details, and to purchase tickets in advance, please visit www.DelrayFashionWeek.com, facebook.com/DelrayFashion, #DELRAYFASHIONWEEK, or phone: 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.

 

About the Charity Partners:

Achievement Centers for Children & Families' (ACCF) mission is to ensure school readiness, provide skill building opportunities, promote academic achievement and support healthy lifestyles. Affordable, nationally accredited programs allow families to work, increasing their overall stability.

Arts Garage is a not-for-profit, performing & visual arts venue located in Downtown Delray Beach. From award-winning, world-class artists to emerging local talent, Arts Garage provides a diversity of programming that appeals to all demographics.  Arts Garage wants to say "YES!" to every parent that wants their children to participate in their Arts Education programming. Event proceeds from the Delray on the Runway Designer Fashion Show & Hair Show will help Arts Garage make this happen by funding their scholarship program. Ticket proceeds will support their Arts Education programming by helping cover the costs of instructors, assistant instructors, materials, and technical fees.

 

 

Media Contact: Sarah E. Flynn - Willcaro Communications LLC

561.866.5064 - sarahf@willcarocomm.com

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Delray Beach Annual Boat and Holiday Parade Advisory

Thursday, December 7, 2017 - 8:39am

Important Road/Bridge Closure, Trolley Service, and Parking Information

Friday, December 8 - Holiday Boat Parade

Mark. R. Lauzier

City Manager

The annual Holiday Boat Parade will set sail on Friday, December 8.  Beginning at 6:30 p.m., decorated vessels will proceed from the Lantana Bridge to the C15 canal, just south of Delray Beach.

Between 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be restricted over the George Bush Boulevard, Atlantic Avenue and Linton Boulevard bridges at various times while the boat parade travels south. 

Trolley Service - From 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Downtown Roundabout will provide free, transit service along Atlantic Avenue between the Tri-Rail Station on South Congress Avenue to NE/SE 7th Avenue.  NO SERVICE will be provided east of the Intracoastal Waterway during this time.  Normal service will resume once bridge closures are no longer in effect.  

Please expect delays in trolley service due to anticipated traffic.  For more information, call the City of Delray Beach Parks and Recreation at (561) 243-7000 ext. 5100.

               

Saturday, December 9 - Delray Beach Holiday Parade

 

The City of Delray Beach is proud to sponsor the Delray Beach Holiday Parade on Saturday,December 9. In celebration of this year's theme "Holidays in Candyland", more than 70 entries are expected to participate.  Santa will even make a special visit and ride on a fire truck with Delray Beach Fire Rescue. At 6 p.m., the parade will proceed down Atlantic Avenue from the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge to NW/SW 5th Avenue. 

During the parade, the following road/bridge closures, paid parking facilities and modified trolley service will be in effect:

Road Closures - From 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Atlantic Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic from Ocean Blvd/A1A to NW/SW 8th Avenue.  Roads will reopen to vehicular traffic as the parade completes that section of the route.   Other sections of Atlantic Avenue will reopen right after the parade. 

Additionally, northbound and southbound US1 Federal Highway (NE/SE 5th & 6th Avenues) at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic for the duration of the parade.  

Detour Routes - Motorists are advised to use the following alternate routes during road closures:  For eastbound/westbound travel, use George Bush Blvd or Linton Blvd.  For northbound/southbound travel, use Ocean Blvd/SR A1A or Congress Avenue.

Motorists traveling in the downtown core area are advised that the following detour routes will be in effect during road closures:  Eastbound traffic will be rerouted to either NW/NE 2nd Street or SW/SE 2nd Street.  Westbound traffic will be rerouted to NW/NE 2nd Street. 

Bridge Closure - The Atlantic Avenue bridge will be closed to boat trafficbetween 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Trolley Service - While road closures are in effect (2 p.m. to 10 p.m.), the Downtown Roundabout will provide free transit service along Atlantic Avenue between the Tri-Rail Station on South Congress Avenue and NW/SW 8th Avenue.  Normal service will resume after roadways reopen.  Please expect delays due to additional traffic generated by this event.

Parking Facilities

A $5 fee per vehicle, paid upon entry, will be in effect at the following locations beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 9:

·       Robert Federspiel Parking Garage - 22 SE 1st Avenue

·       Old School Square Parking Garage - 95 NE 1st Avenue 

·       The north parking lot of City Hall - 100 NW 1st Avenue 

·       South County Courthouse Parking Garage - 65 SW 2nd Avenue 

 Parking attendants accept cash only, upon entry, and will monitor the parking facilities until the posted closing times.     

 

For more information on the Delray Beach Holiday Parade, contact Danielle Beardsley at (561) 243-7000 ext. 5101 or E-mail beardsleyd@mydelraybeach.com.  For inquiries regarding road closures, event parking and/or trolley service, call (561) 243-701

 

  

 

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SOFA Partners Celebrate Breaking Ground At 111 First Delray

Friday, November 17, 2017 - 1:00pm

       

FOR: SOFA PARTNERS

 Media Contact:

Howard R. Miller

305-573-0882

Howard@gohrmc.com

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

SOFA Partners Celebrate Breaking Ground At 111 First Delray With Dignitaries And Brunch                   

 

Delray Beach, FL – November 6, 2017 – Sofa Partners, a South Florida real estate and development firm, broke ground during a ceremony held November 2nd at  111 First Delray, a signature new residential project in the heart of the arts and entertainment district. At the gala event, hard hats, golden shovels, and construction equipment surrounded dignitaries of the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, developers, and city officials as they marked a milestone in local history.

Delray Mayor Cary Goldstein and Felipe Vergara of Sofa Partners spoke to the crowd, along with Vin Nolan, Executive Director of the Delray Chamber of Commerce. Working with the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce for the occasion, the developers, and Nestler Poletto Sotheby’s International Realty sales team hosted realtors as well as community and business leaders at the sales center for a delicious brunch after the groundbreaking ceremony event, where Vice-Mayor Jim Chard was the guest speaker.

”We are pleased to have started construction and anticipate completion in early 2019,  as the season begins,” said Developer Felipe Vergara. “This luxury condominium will provide a unique product and lifestyle, unmatched in the marketplace, all set in the center of this vibrant neighborhood.”

The property, located at 111 SE 1st Avenue one block south of Atlantic Avenue, sits on a 1.12-acre parcel and will bring contemporary urban living to downtown Delray Beach. The 70-unit condominium gives residents access to modern design and upscale appeal with floor plans ranging from one, two, and three-bedroom units. All units include luxurious standard features such as Bosch appliances, wood-look Spanish porcelain plank flooring, quartz countertops, the latest smart-home technology and security, and private storage space.

Community amenities are impressive, ranging from a 5th floor state-of-the-art gym to a beautifully landscaped pool deck with cabanas, lounge chairs, a fire pit, and a covered, open air club room which has TVs, a bar, summer kitchens, and a pool table. Additional features include excellent resident and guest parking, private balconies (select units offer private roof decks with 360-degree views), integrated home automation, lightning fast internet speeds, bicycle storage, and low HOA dues. 

“SOFA” refers to the two blocks south of Atlantic Avenue from Federal Highway to Swinton Avenue. The district is undergoing a renaissance and Atlantic Avenue is at the forefront with its burgeoning reputation as an arts and entertainment hub. Due to its convenient location, 111 First Delray residents will be able to take a short relaxing stroll to enjoy the many delights Delray Beach is famous for such as award-winning cafes and restaurants, unique art galleries, entertainment venues, boutiques, and of course, the crystal-clear Atlantic Ocean with one of the premier beaches in Florida. 

The Developer of 111 First Delray is Sofa Partners, a development group led by two father-son teams, Manuel and Felipe Vergara, and Rafael and Daniel Rincon, in which Felipe and Daniel team up to oversee and manage operations. Collectively, the Vergaras and Rincons have over 70 years of development experience in Colombia across a comprehensive range of asset classes including residential, office, and retail. To ensure the success of the project, Sofa Partners has assembled an all-star team of professionals, including George Ligeti of The Greenfield Group and Paul Kilgallon of Mainstreet Capital Partners. Each brings an extensive array of business acumen and general management experience to the table, as well as a thorough knowledge of the construction industry in South Florida. Further sourcing the best talent, Sofa has contracted with Richard Jones Architecture and Carrie Leigh Designs, two award-winning boutique firms known for their ability to enhance living spaces through high-quality design. Current Builders is the general contractor, with 44 years in business and a ranking of 9th largest residential contractor in Florida. Lastly, Sofa has retained Nestler Poletto Sotheby’s International Realty, the region’s preeminent residential brokerage firm, known for representing only the most exclusive properties, to lead the sales efforts.

Priced from the $400ks, 111 First Delray  is selling at an unprecedented rate and prices are expected to rise after this groundbreaking. Take advantage of the momentum now to invest in the ultimate Delray-Centric lifestyle at 111 First Delray.

For more information about Sofa Partners and 111 First Delray floor plans, visit https://www.111firstdelray.com/.

 

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