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Laura Simon Named To International Downtown Association Council

Wednesday, April 18, 2018 - 12:56pm

 

Delray Beach, FL (April 2, 2018)…Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority(DDA) Executive Director Laura Simon has been selected to serve on the International Downtown Association (IDA) Nighttime Economy Council.  She will work with five other members representing Downtown Orlando, Jacksonville, Lower Eastside NYC, Denver and Winnipeg, to create best practices for developing a nighttime economy for established, growing and emerging Downtown urban districts. Ms. Simon has worked for the Delray Beach DDA since 2010, and was promoted to Executive Director in 2015.

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 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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CHEERS TO A SUCCESSFUL 10th ANNUAL SAVOR THE AVENUE; SALT7 WINS BEST TABLE DÉCOR AND PEOPLES CHOICE AWARDS

Wednesday, April 11, 2018 - 1:06pm

 

Delray Beach, FL (April 4, 2018)… Cheers to a successful 10th Annual Savor the Avenue 2018!  Downtown Delray Beach on East Atlantic Avenue from Swinton Avenue to East Fifth Avenue (U.S. 1) was once again the place to be on March 26th as 1,100 guests sat down for dinner together at the five block long, 1,320 feet dining table.  This culinary tradition, made possible by the Delray Beach Magazine & Boca Raton Magazine’s partnership with the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and hosted by Steve Weagle of WPTV NewsChannel 5, showcased many of the award-winning restaurants located within the Downtown area.

 

For the 6th year, the Savor the Avenue restaurants competed in the “Best in Show” table décor contest. The winners were: 1st place – Salt 7, 2nd place – Max’s Harvest, and 3rd place – 50 Ocean. For the People’s Choice Award, guests voted for their favorite Savor the Avenue table scape by uploading a picture of the best table to Facebook or Instagram, using #SavorPeoplesChoice and checking in to or tagging the restaurant name.  The 2018 People’s Choice Award winner for the restaurant with the best table décor was Salt7.

 

The 16 restaurants with three chefs and at least 10 staff each prepared 4,400 food courses and included: 32 East, 50 Ocean, Avant, Cabana El Rey, Caffe Luna Rosa, Che!!!, City Oyster & Sushi Bar, Cut 432, Gary Rack's Farmhouse Kitchen, Lemongrass, Max’s Harvest, Rack’s Fish House & Oyster Bar, Rocco’s Tacos, Salt 7, The Office, and Vic & Angelo’s.

 

“Savor The Avenue is an economic development focused program for the DDA, and as such, guests were asked to participate in a survey and were entered into a drawing for an opportunity to win a dinner for two at a Downtown Delray Beach restaurant of their choice, ” said Laura Simon, Executive Director. In addition, the Not One Homeless Hungry Student Delray Beach initiative was the beneficiary of $3,200. Each guest reservation included a $3 contribution to this non-profit whose focus is to fill the hunger gap over the weekend for homeless students in Delray Beach. We greatly appreciate everyone’s support for this unique and social dining experience.”

Savor the Avenue is presented by: Delray Beach Magazine, Boca Raton Magazine, and the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority.  Savor the Avenue 2018 was sponsored by: 236 Fifth Delray, Douglas Elliman, Atlas Event Rentals, and Grimes Events & Party Tents.

For more information, please visit downtowndelraybeach.com or phone 561.243.1077. To view photos from the event visit facebook.com/DelrayDDA and #SavorTheAvenue on Instagram.

 

ABOUT 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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10TH ANNUAL SAVOR THE AVENUE IN DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH TIME TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS!

Monday, January 15, 2018 - 12:07pm

Delray Beach, FL (January 12, 2018)… It is time to make your reservations for the 10th annual Savor the Avenue on Monday, March 26th at 5:30 p. m. !  Tickets are on sale beginning February 1st for this amazing evening of dining under the stars—and down the double yellow line of famed Atlantic Avenue—at the food and wine event of the year. Join hundreds of guests—and 16 of Downtown Delray’s finest restaurants—at Florida’s longest dining table, one that runs more than five blocks and 1,300 feet long stretching from Swinton Avenue east to Fifth Avenue (U.S. 1). This is the event you don’t want to miss! 

 

This year’s participating restaurants are: 32 East, 50 Ocean, Avant, Cabana El Rey, Caffe Luna Rosa, Che!!!, City Oyster & Sushi Bar, Cut 432, Gary Rack's Farmhouse Kitchen, Lemongrass, Max’s Harvest, Rack’s Fish House & Oyster Bar, Rocco’s Tacos, Salt 7, The Office, and Vic & Angelo’s. Each 4-course dinner is paired with select libations. The menus can be viewed at www.DowntownDelrayBeach.com/SavortheAvenue and www.bocamag.com. Reservations are made with the restaurants directly, and seating is limited. 

 

Savor the Avenue is a Delray Beach culinary tradition made possible by Delray Beach Magazine’s partnership with the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and is a way of showcasing the collection of fine dining establishments located within the downtown area. The DDA is pleased to announce that a portion of all tickets sold will benefit the Not One Homeless Hungry Student Delray Beach initiative. This year, in addition to the judging panel, there will also be a People’s Choice Award granted to the restaurant with the best table décor. Be sure to vote for your favorite Savor the Avenue tablescape by uploading a picture of it to Facebook or Instagram, using #SavorPeoplesChoice and checking in to or tagging the restaurant name.

 

The 2018 sponsors are: Delray Beach Magazine, Boca Raton Magazine, Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority, 236 Fifth Delray, Douglas Elliman, Atlas Event Rentals, and Grimes Events & Party Tents.

 

Reservations begin February 1st and last day to reserve your seat is March 24th.  For information and menus please visit www.DowntownDelrayBeach.com/SavortheAvenue and www.bocamag.com or call 561.243.1077. #SavorTheAvenue

 

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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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