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DELRAY BEACH VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER

Saturday, March 25, 2017 - 1:57pm

 

DELRAY BEACH VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER

RENOVATION PROJECT REQUEST FOR BIDS

Due: 3/1/17

Overview

Background:

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority, with the support of the City of Delray Beach, has managed and operated the Visitor Information Center located at the Sarah Gleason Park site at the corner of A1A and E. Atlantic Avenue since 2005.  The purpose for the center is to provide visitors and residents maps, brochures and information about Downtown Delray Beach. The center is open 7 days a week, staffed by local volunteers. It is noted that visitors that receive information spend an average of $2,000 per stay, and the Center currently sees over 18,000 visitors annually.

In April of 2016, the Discover the Palm Beaches, the county’s tourism bureau, approached the DDA to share the importance of Visitor Information Centers and encouraged the DDA to enhance the facility. 

Discover the Palm Beaches (DTPB) Concept:

Establish a street level, easily accessible and highly visible Visitor Information Center (VIC) facility for the City of Delray Beach catering to drive market and pedestrian traffic, while raising awareness of tourism assets and accommodations in the local community.

Rationale:

  • As the largest county in Florida with millions of visitors and significant volume of drive traffic, there is a need to create a cost effective network of Visitor Information facilities in partnership with county, cities and private institutions
  • A VIC enhances the visitor experience, promotes overnight stays and increases tourism and economic impact to the area (Visit Florida reports that individuals who stop at their Welcome Centers, stay on an average of one extra day)
  • The lack of a central Visitor Information Center (VIC) was highlighted as a destination challenge in the PBC Community Brand Assessment report
  • The A1A Visitor Information Center is located in the downtown district of Delray Beach at the intersection of Atlantic Ave. and A1A and the beach area is the crown jewel of the City and currently undergoing master plan improvements

The DDA Board of Directors along with City Staff support, voted to invest into the enhancements and improvements to this very important facility.

Project Scope of Services

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority is partnering with the City of Delray Beach on the renovation of the building interior and minor exterior changes.  The project is in collaboration with the City of Delray Beach as they own the property and the DDA manages the center.  The center is located at 2 S Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach, FL.   The architectural plans have been completed by Roy Simon, AIA. Contractor services are being requested to oversee the project, perform certain required services and the city services that have been secured directly by the city. 

Scope of Work:

The Successful Proposer will provide labor, supervision, equipment, parts and supplies as outlined in the Outline of Services for the Visitor Information Center located at 2 S. Ocean Blvd. in Delray Beach. The contractor will oversee all services need not only the ones provided by the Contractor.   Attached are the architectural plans that includes the project description and the outlined the services that will be provided by or covered by the City and the services covered by the DDA. 

Click here to view the list of services being requested to handle by the Contractor and the services being handled by the City of Delray Beach.

A proposal of costs and services is requested to be sent to the DDA by March 31, 2017. 

Send proposal to the DDA office by email to Lsimon@downtowndelraybeach.com. 

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DELRAY AFFAIR AFTER DARK, THE BEST KEPT SECRET OF THE DELRAY AFFAIR

Tuesday, March 21, 2017 - 11:00am

DELRAY AFFAIR AFTER DARK

Delray Beach, FL (March 2017):  What is one of the best kept secrets of the 55th annual Delray Affair you ask?  Well, it’s Delray Affair After Dark!  From April 7-9 the Downtown is alive during the day with an eclectic mixture of fine art, great crafts and funky products from around the world. As booths close around 6 p.m. and the Delray Affair crowd thins, parking lots and valet stands become available, you have the opportunity to walk “on” the Avenue not just “along” the Avenue, and our galleries, retail shops and restaurants are here for you with special offerings & promotions! Opportunities abound for great dining, entertainment, shopping and socializing Downtown.  Here are a few tips to enjoy Delray Affair After Dark:

Here are a few tips to enjoy Delray Affair After Dark:

Special Promotions Downtown –  special promotions are available at our Downtown businesses April 7-9th. Click here to view the Delray Affair After Dark Downtown dining, shopping, art & culture, activity & attraction promotions! Promotions will be added as the event nears.

 

 

 

 

 

Dine & Discover a New Downtown Restaurant – with open seating abound. Enjoy a memorable meal on Delray Beach’s famed Atlantic Avenue, experience the charming vibe in the Pineapple Grove Arts District or discover a new restaurant in The Set, the gateway to Downtown. You’ll also find an eclectic mix of restaurants beachside, where visitors can dine alfresco & enjoy an ocean breeze. From Mexican, Latin, and Mediterranean to Caribbean, American, and Argentinian - and with over 100 restaurants Downtown - you are sure to find the perfect place for every palate & pocket. Click here to view all Downtown Delray Beach restaurants.

First Friday Art Walk - April 7, 6-9 p.m. Kick-off the Delray Affair weekend with the First Friday Art Walk and pop-up live enteratinment throughout Downtown! This self-guided tour and year-long event invites you to explore the heart & soul of our art scene on the First Friday of every month from 6 - 9 p.m. Enjoy art galleries and working studios while you meet with many of our talented, local artists. Stroll and enjoy beautiful evenings in Downtown Delray as you navigate your way through myriad styles of art. The Art Walk features three artistic areas; Atlantic Avenue, Pineapple Grove and Artists Alley. Click here to watch the Art Walk video. This is a FREE event (no ticket, pass, coupon required) - just show up and start wherever you'd like! Share your photos using #DelrayArtWalk. To learn more and to view the Art Walk Map & Brochure, visit: DowntownDelrayBeach.com/ArtWalk​

 

 

Get your sticker – The new 2017 “I ❤ Downtown Delray Beach” limited edition sticker is back and available with purchase at any Downtown retail store, art gallery, salon or spa all weekend, both night & day!

 

 

“Artrageous” - Fri., April 7 & Sat., April 8, 2017, 7PM, Old School Square Pavilion -  Tickets: $25 (adult); $15 (student) available at OldSchoolSquare.org  

This unforgettable experience is an electrifying combination of artists painting at amazing speed, right before your eyes, and high energy live music, amazing vocals, creative choreography and audience interaction. Giant artworks jump to life unveiling larger-than-life icons and masterpieces in just moments; all the while, there is constant activity on stage, delighting your senses. It’s a show for the entire family. It’s outrageous… it’s Artrageous!      

Experience Pop-up Live Entertainment Throughout the Downtown: Enjoy the extra vibrancy with pop-up live (and local) entertainment on the streets throughout Downtown Delray Friday April 7 & Saturday, April 8, from 6-9 p.m., each night 

POP-UP LIVE ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE THROUGHOUT DOWNTOWN (6:00 – 9:00 pm):

Jason Hanley (Fri., April 7 & Sat. April 8) Impromptu organic, jazz, folk blues: www.soundproofproductions.net, Location: SW corner of Atlantic and SE 1st Avenue, in front of Café Blue

Taylor Roads (Fri., April 7 & Sat. April 8) Acoustic rock: https://www.facebook.com/taylorroadband, Location: Intersection of Atlantic and SE 4th Avenue, across from BankUnited

Urban Gypsy (Friday, April 7th) www.UrbanGypsyMusic.com Location: In front of Starbucks on Atlantic and 2nd Avenue

Islay Rodriguez (Saturday, April 8th) Acoustic guitarist, Latin, Jazz, World Music www.southfloridaguitarist.com, Location: Front of Starbucks on Atlantic and 2nd Avenue

 

Find Accessible Parking – From garages to lots to valet stands we have options: Old School Square Parking Garage at NE 1st St & NE 1st Ave, Robert Federspiel Parking Garage at SE 1st Ave between  SE  1st St & Atlantic Avenue,  Atlantic Avenue is open from Federal Highway to the beach and all parking lots are accessible via side streets.  For a map please visit DowntownDelrayBeach.com/parking.

 

 

The Delray Affair After Dark program is a collaboration between the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority and the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce

 

For more information, please visit www.DelrayAffairAfterDark.com or contact:  DDA@DowntownDelrayBeach.com or 561.243.1077.

 

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About the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority mission is to enhance and stimulate balanced economic growth through position marketing activities that engage Downtown Businesses, residents and visitors, while creating a clean, safe, physical and experiential place to live, work and invest.  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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World Champion Dancers Open New Studio in Delray Beach

Monday, March 6, 2017 - 11:41am

Media Alert: World Champion Dancers Open New Studio in Delray Beach

Clifton Sepulveda and Mar Martinez spent the last five years dazzling crowds and racking up awards as championship ballroom dancers. Karen Granger and Laura Simon spent that time developing a vibrant culture and business community in Delray Beach leading the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Development Authority respectively. On March 16, the local business champions will lace up their dancing shoes to welcome the international ballroom champions and their new dance studio to Delray Beach.

Join, Clifton, Mar, Karen and Laura for the grand opening festivities at the new Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Delray Beach, 247 SE 6th Ave. Suite 4, Delray Beach, on Thursday, March 16, beginning at 5:00 p.m. (grand opening details below). The celebration will feature food and beverage from local establishments, professional dance performances and free beginner dance lessons for the public. Mses. Granger and Simon will each perform a showcase dance with Clifton prior to the official ribbon cutting ceremony. 

“We’re so honored that Ms. Granger and Ms. Simon agreed to let us teach them the timeless art of ballroom dancing in time for them to perform at our grand opening,” Martinez said. “Clifton and I fell in love with Delray Beach the moment we saw it and are so happy to get to share our excitement to be business owners here with the whole community.”

Join us for an evening of good food and great fun as we welcome the new Fred Astaire Dance Studio to Delray Beach. To RSVP, please click here.

We look forward to seeing you there.

 

Matt DeMargel

919.459.8164

 

Grand Opening Festivities

(Thursday, March 16, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.)

Attire: Business Casual

5:00 p.m.         Doors open for food and greeting

5:15 p.m.         Official welcome and toast

5:25 p.m.         Showcase dances by Karen Granger and Laura Simon

5:30 p.m.         Official ribbon cutting

5:35 p.m.         Professional dance performance by Clifton & Mar

5:45 p.m.         Group Dance Instruction

6:00 p.m.         Open Dance Party with local band, South Florida Swing Band

 

About Fred Astaire Dance Studios®

Co-founded in 1947 by the legendary Fred Astaire, Fred Astaire Dance Studios set the standard of excellence in dance instruction. They feature ballroom and Latin style dance lessons for all ages and abilities in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Our unique method of instruction will allow you to learn dances from the Foxtrot to Salsa faster and more easily than you could anywhere else. Our mission is to enrich the lives of anyone and everyone who is associated with our company and to become your community dance studio.

 

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Barre Envy Is the First and Only Luxury Fitness Studio in Artist Alley

Tuesday, February 28, 2017 - 11:38am

Barre Envy Is the First and Only Luxury Fitness Studio in Artist Alley

Come see the inspiring space this Friday, March 3rd for a VIP Open House including a complimentary class, local bites, product samplings and cocktails

February 27, 2017 - Delray Beach, FL  - Introducing a new collaboration bringing style and substance to Barre fitness. On Friday, March 3, 2017, Barre Envy will be hosting a VIP Open House for our Delray Beach community. Doors will open at 6:30pm. Barre Envy is leading the trend by establishing their business in the newest hot spot in Downtown Delray, Artist Alley. The quaint neighborhood is set up to embrace the arts and Barre Envy’s mission is to support the new area by moving their business and bringing local art inside the studio, as well. The newly branded studio, formerly The Barre Studio, which was located off of Atlantic Avenue for 5 years, has rebranded and made the move. They invite you to come see their inspiring space and explore Artist Alley.

The monthly First Friday Art Walk, put on by the Downtown Development Authority, will also be going on that night and it’s encouraged to venture out to the participating art galleries & studios.

The evening’s events entail:

  • A complimentary Barre Envy class (sign up required limited space)
  • Opportunity to meet the owners Kim Palacio and Erin Heit
  • Talk with instructors
  • Take advantage of Special Night Package of 15 classes for $150
  • See the mural inside by well-known artist Amanda James (owner of Amanda Johnson Studio in Artists Alley) who will be there as well
  • Learn about Allure Aesthetics services
  • Sample Levar+ Skincare
  • Shop Mindy Gang Jewelry
  • Taste apps and specialty drinks from Banyan Restaurant

Kim Palacio, Co-Owner, Barre Envy “I am excited about our location here in the middle of Artist’s Alley. The sculpting and toning that we do with the body through our precise technique is a form of art. So, I feel we have found our perfect home. Our clients are loving the close proximity to Bedner’s and all the great restaurants that are in walking distance. After class they are shopping, grabbing coffee, lunch or dinner. The sense of community is wonderful.”

Erin Heit, Co-Owner, Barre Envy “When Kim presented the idea of collaborating on bringing her existing successful barre business to the new and upcoming area of Delray Beach, Artist Alley, I knew I needed to be involved. To be able to offer my extensive branding experience to bring together two of my passions, fitness and art, was a dream come true, and Barre Envy was created.”

Barre Envy is the first and only luxury fitness studio located in trendy Artist Alley, Delray Beach, FL. We invite you to experience  the difference our attention to your proper form and alignment makes. The smallest adjustments creates the biggest changes. We are your new destination to sculpt and transform your body. Details Matter. Located 341 NE 3rd Ave , Delray Beach FL 33444 Phone 561-891-0006, www.BarreEnvy.com

Media Contact: Erin Heit

Phone: 305-962-7273

Email: ErinHeit@gmail.com

 

Learn more about Barre Envy
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A FEW RESERVATIONS REMAIN FOR SAVOR THE AVENUE

Monday, February 27, 2017 - 12:03pm

9th ANNUAL SAVOR THE AVENUE IN DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH

A FEW RESERVATIONS REMAIN!

Delray Beach, FL Just a few reservations remain for the 9th annual Savor the Avenue on Monday, March 27th at 5:30 p.m. !  Steve Weagle, WPTV NewsChannel 5 Chief meteorologist, will once again host 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).  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.

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 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 Savor the Avenue 2017 participating restaurants are: 32 East, 50 Ocean, Cabana El Rey, Caffe Luna Rosa, Che!!!, City Oyster & Sushi Bar, Cut 432, Lemongrass, Max’s Harvest, Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen, Rack’s Fish House & Oyster Bar, Rocco’s Tacos, ROK:BRGR, Salt 7, The Office, and Vic & Angelo’s. Each 4-course dinner is paired with select libations. The menus can be viewed at downtowndelraybeach.com/SavortheAvenue and bocamag.com/savor.  Reservations are made with the restaurants directly, and seating is limited.  The DDA is pleased to announce that restaurants will donate $3 from each reservation at Savor the Avenue to the Delray Beach Public Library. 

The 2017 sponsors are:  JM Lexus, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 111 First Delray, Atlas Party Rental, GRIMES Events & Party Tents and Delray Garden Center.

Savor the Avenue is presented by:  Delray Beach Magazine, Boca Raton Magazine, and the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

Final day to reserve your seat is March 24.  For information and menus please visit downtowndelraybeach.com/SavortheAvenue and bocamag.com/savor, or call 561.243.1077. #SavorTheAvenue

 

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About the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority mission is to enhance and stimulate balanced economic growth through position marketing activities that engage Downtown Businesses, residents and visitors, while creating a clean, safe, physical and experiential place to live, work and invest.  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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