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Downtown Delray Beach Launches 2011 with ART & SOUL MONTH

Thursday, December 30, 2010 - 10:34am

Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority announces the January Marketing Promotion – Art & Soul Month! This innovative way of showcasing the diverse art and culture that is thriving throughout this area. Visitors and residents will enjoy this vibrant bustling art scene in the trendy downtown with almost twenty galleries, three artist guilds, two art centers, two theaters, six museums, over 900 local artists, and many art related events. 

The Art and Soul Month program is a naturally creative way to highlight the variety of happenings that will be taking place all month! The galleries, museums, and merchants are participating by providing special artist appearances, unveiling of one of kind art murals, fabulous musical performances, master classes and art festivals throughout the entire month.  The Downtown Development Authority has created a printed brochure calendar that highlights the entire schedule. These brochures are available in stores throughout the downtown area as well as online at www.downtowndelraybeach.com.  

“This is the third month of promoting Night and Day Downtown Delray and the different categories of businesses and we are excited to say that we are receiving wonderful feedback from customers and the businesses,” says Marjorie Ferrer, Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority. “We will be promoting a new theme every month which are listed on the www.downtowndelraybeach.comsite so that everyone can see what is coming up next!  There is a huge effort being put towards supporting small businesses and shopping local, it is important to the DDA that we work hard to create the awareness of these unique businesses.”  

Below are just a few of the “Art & Soul” happenings in Downtown Delray during the month:

Jan. 1:    Kevro Gallery and Art Studio unveils Kevro’s First series of Public Art Murals
Jan. 7:    Beginning on this Friday, Master Classes conducted by Master Artist of the World - David McEwen, will be conducted for those interested. (Presented by Forms Gallery)
Jan. 7:    Gallery Walks take place every Friday night from 7:00pm – 10:00pm – stroll Delray’s Art District  in the 20    galleries along the avenue and mingle with the artists
Jan. 8-9:  Delray Art League presents Art in the Park at Veteran’s Park from 10am – 4pm
Jan. 9:     Demonstrations of Sado at Morikomi Museum
Jan. 13:  Spady Museum offers the exhibit of “Influence of African Culture"
Jan. 14-16: Crest Theater Presents on the main stage: "Celtic Fire"
Jan. 15-16: The Howard Alan Fine Arts Festival takes place on East Atlantic Avenue from 10am -4pm
Jan. 20: Ora Sorensen Gallery presents a Jewelry Trunk show featuring Mary Fisher and Same Sky
Jan. 22: Old School Square Hosts Late Night Poetry Coffee House in the Gym from 9pm – 12am
Jan. 27: Forms Gallery presents a Open Reception with the Master of the World artist, David McEwen showcasing his Polo Pony oils and watercolors
Jan. 29 – 30 Arts Arena presents Art in the Plaza at 777 E. Atlantic Ave

*Special programs and exhibits running all month long at galleries and stores such as Blue Gallery, Cacace Studio, Cornell Museum, Davinci Fine Art and Antiques, Hand’s Art Supplies and many more! 

All the details, sweepstakes registration and contact information is available on the website under Art & Soul www.downtowndelraybeach.com. Visit the site continuous updates as well as register to receive email updates.

Downtown Delray Beach is truly an unforgettable celebration of culture, history, art and festivals. Many of these businesses are providing great opportunities for everyone who live here or visit to truly see what makes downtown Delray Beach unique and sociable! “The businesses are excited to showcase their best during January and share why Downtown Delray Beach is just what you need.” 

About the Downtown Development Authority:  For the past 40 years, the Downtown Development Authority has assisted in successfully branding Delray Beach as the Village by the Sea.  The Delray Beach DDA was created by Resolution 9-71, which became law on March 22, 1971, as a dependent district of the City of Delray Beach.

The main areas of involvement in downtown redevelopment include: Marketing and Promotions; Economic development programs; Security and crime prevention; Traffic and parking; Clean and safe; Reviewing the City Comprehensive Plan within the DDA boundaries; Housing and improvement of coordination with local boards and city departments.  In addition to the main areas mentioned above, the DDA also works closely with merchants to develop seasonal retail awareness campaigns to generate traffic and sales and has created a powerful website (www.downtowndelraybeach.com) that attracts thousands of visits weekly.

Contact:
Laura Simon, Associate Director
Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority
Office: 561.243.1077, Cell: 561-573.3672
 lsimon@downtowndelraybeach.com   

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Downtown Delray Beach Businesses are excited about a new Marketing Campaign!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010 - 11:32am

Night & Day Downtown Delray! We're Just What You Need!

[October 19, 2010:]     Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority announces a new Year Long Marketing Campaign that is an exciting and innovative way of helping promote the Downtown Businesses all the time! Night & Day Downtown Delray, We’re Just What You Need™!

 “The strategy behind this campaign is to generate awareness of the different categories of Delray Beach Businesses. We will be promoting a new theme every month, beginning in November with Beauty and Wellness.” says Marjorie Ferrer, Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority. “Downtown Delray Beach is unique in that in every shop you visit you can meet the owner, be treated with amazing customer service and experience the charm that makes Downtown Delray Beach a Sociable City.”

  “We’re very excited about this campaign and supporting the Downtown businesses throughout the year. The Downtown Development Authority is promoting the area as theplace to be in South Florida both night and day.” 

November kicks off the campaign with Beauty and Wellness Month highlighting more than 80 of businesses in Downtown Delray Beach.  Businesses such as Naked Hair Salon, The Gym 111, Bond Street Salon, Nutrition Cottage, Nspa, Lady Lash, and many more!  Below are just a few of the beautiful happenings in Downtown Delray:

Nov. 2: ELECTION DAY:   Nspa offers all voters showing proof of support discounts on services

Nov. 4: Indigo Studio Day Spa is offering Teen Talk: "Healthy Skin"! 

Nov. 5: Naked Hair Salon is holding a seminar: Organic or Natural is it really?? In-depth look at beauty products

Nov. 11: VETERAN’S DAY: Blush Salon is offering Free haircuts to those serving or have served our country

Nov. 13: Seminar on Maximizing your Beauty from Within, by Mark Stowe, Owner of Nutrition Cottage, Inc.

Nov. 18: The Gym 111 turns 2! Open House for everyone

Nov. 20: Bond Street Salon presents American Beauty in the All America City: Healthy Hair Day!

Nov. 27 and 28: 11th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Howard Alan Fine Art Show

Nov. 30: Seagate Spa Extravaganza

Many of these businesses are providing great opportunities for everyone who live here or visit to truly see what makes downtown Delray Beach unique! Enjoy amazing discounts on treatments of all kinds as well as new ways to take care of yourself and those around you.  “The businesses are excited to showcase their best during November and share why Downtown Delray Beach is just what you need.”

All the details, sweepstakes registration and contact information will be available on the home page www.downtowndelraybeach.com website. Be sure to visit the site weekly for continuous updates as everything is listed on the website only.

 

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About the Downtown Development Authority:

For the past 40 years, the Downtown Development Authority has assisted in successfully branding Delray Beach as the Village by the Sea.  The Delray Beach DDA was created by Resolution 9-71, which became law on March 22, 1971, as a dependent district of the City of Delray Beach.

The main areas of involvement in downtown redevelopment include: Marketing and Promotions; Economic development programs; Security and crime prevention; Traffic and parking; Clean and safe; Reviewing the City Comprehensive Plan within the DDA boundaries; Housing and improvement of coordination with local boards and city departments.  In addition to the main areas mentioned above, the DDA also works closely with merchants to develop seasonal retail awareness campaigns to generate traffic and sales and has created a powerful website (www.downtowndelraybeach.com) that attracts thousands of visits weekly.

 

Contact:

Laura Simon, Associate Director

Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

Office: 561.243.1077, Cell: 561-573.3672

 lsimon@downtowndelraybeach.com

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DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH VOTED BEST MAINSTREET IN FLORIDA!!

Thursday, September 30, 2010 - 11:30am

[Delray Beach, FL, Sept. 30, 2010]   Over 800,000 readers of Florida Monthly Magazine voted Delray Beach as Best Mainstreet in Florida! The September issue of the Florida Monthly magazine highlights the 15thAnnual Best of Florida winners from the best day trip, nightlife or mainstreet! This issue also includes an advertisement produced by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) in downtown Delray Beach. 

According to Marlem Woodcock, from Florida Media, Inc., “The award winners are selected by the readers as well as online votes. A variety of mainstreets were voted on and Delray Beach took the number one spot!” 

 “We’re very excited about this recognition of our Downtown Delray Beach,” says Downtown Development Authority, Executive Director, Marjorie Ferrer. “We’re promoting the area as theplace to be in South Florida both night and day. This award solidifies that the combined efforts of the city, the DDA, Chamber , CRA, and the Downtown Marketing Cooperative, we are the best of the best and appreciated by tourists and residents that visit our beautiful Downtown. Congratulations!”  

http://www.floridamagazine.com/bestof2010.html

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About the Downtown Development Authority:

The Delray Beach DDA was created by Resolution 9-71, which became law on March 22, 1971, as a dependent district of the City of Delray Beach. The main areas of involvement in downtown redevelopment include:

  • Involvement in marketing and promotions of the Downtown DDA District;
  • Economic development programs;
  • Security and crime prevention;
  • Traffic and parking;
  • Clean and safe;
  • Physical improvements;
  • Reviewing the City Comprehensive Plan within the DDA boundaries;
  • Housing and improvement of coordination with local boards and city departments.

 

For almost 40 years, the Delray Beach DDA has assisted in successfully branding Delray Beach as the Village by the Sea. In addition to the main areas mentioned above, the DDA also works closely with merchants to develop seasonal retail awareness campaigns to generate traffic and sales and has created a powerful website (www.downtowndelraybeach.com) that attracts thousands of visits weekly. For more information, please contact us, the DDA at (561) 243-1077. 

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Delray Beach: The Ultimate Sociable Village

Wednesday, June 30, 2010 - 11:28am

Play and Stay A While in Florida’s Village by the Sea

Delray Beach offers an appealing variety of guest accommodations for visitors staying for a few days, a few weeks or several months. Whether luxurious or quaint, historic or modern, visitors are sure to discover that perfect place to stay while visiting the beautiful "Village by the Sea."

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean or the scenic Downtown, guests are just steps away from fun and excitement, rest and relaxation.

Downtown Delray Beach

Home to more than 250 restaurants, galleries and boutiques, Atlantic Avenue is the heart of Delray Beach’s thriving downtown. Brick paved sidewalks lined by live oaks, royal palm trees and decorative street lamps create the ambiance of a charming "Village by the Sea" --- conveniently located just south of Palm Beach and minutes off I-95 (exit 51A). From the moment you arrive in Delray Beach, you’ll know it’s a special place!

History & Cultural Activities

Founded by American, European, African-American and Japanese settlers in the early 1900s, Delray Beach’s roots are firmly entrenched in the concept that cultural diversity is a pillar of the community. The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is the only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to the living culture of Japan. The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum serves as a reminder of Delray’s humble beginnings, as do George Morikami’s roots in pineapple farming.

Arts Experience

The creative art community has been at the forefront of Delray Beach’s transition from a quiet retail center into a thriving downtown. With more than 20 art galleries, Delray Beach offers stunning choices in media ranging from oil paintings and original sculpture to vintage poster art and dramatic Native American works. Scattered throughout the Downtown – including the Pineapple Grove Arts District, the Western Gateway and Atlantic Avenue -- are striking sculptures and murals that bring art to the streets. Thematic pineapples double as practical bike racks, dancing silhouettes invite attention while beautiful stone walkways reflect the cultural heritage of a neighborhood.

 

Downtown Events

Downtown Delray Beach showcases the Famous 100-Foot Christmas Tree and First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration. For many evenings each year, the streets of Downtown Delray Beach come alive with the sounds of music and the sights of art with events such as Art and Jazz, July 4th Celebration, Delray Affair, GreenMarket and many more multi-cultural happenings. Delray Beach is home to professional golf facilities and host to various sporting events including International Tennis, USTA Davis and Fed Cup Tournaments at the City’s World-Class Tennis Center.

Shopping, Dining and Lodging

Delray Beach’s charming streetscapes are filled with an eclectic blend of unique shoppes and inviting boutiques offering the latest designer fashions for your wardrobe, home or office.

Visitors and residents enjoy the City’s celebrated beaches, tropical ocean breezes and casual elegance. Visitors will find accommodations for every taste and budget. As a world-class destination, Delray Beach offers a wide range of options for your dining pleasure --- from numerous four- and five-star restaurants to family eateries. Savor fine dining along Atlantic Avenue, relax at brunch at an outdoor café or enjoy a light lunch on the beach.

Beaches, Parks and Other Fun Stuff

Bordered on the east by three miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean beachfront, Delray Beach features 12 city parks, marinas, bicycle and walking trails and a skateboard park. The American Orchid Society, Old School Square Cultural Arts Center, Cornell Museum of Art and American Culture, Crest Theatre, Sandoway House Nature Center, Delray Beach Historical Society and Intracoastal Waterway Cruises are among Delray Beach’s many other appealing attractions and exhibits.

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New Location For Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

Tuesday, June 22, 2010 - 11:25am

June 18, 2010: The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) recently relocated to 85 S.E. 4th Ave., Ste. 108, in Delray Beach. The DDA is charged with supporting the merchants, galleries, restaurants and other businesses located along Atlantic Avenue and the surrounding corridor in downtown Delray Beach.

According to the DDA’s Executive Director Marjorie Ferrer, “The DDA has focused on taking proactive positive steps during the recent economic downtown to support and promote Downtown merchants, restaurateurs, hoteliers and business owners.” Since 1993, the DDA has helped spearhead the revitalization of the City by presenting daytime and nighttime activities in the downtown area. The DDA also has initiated concepts that have been key to Delray Beach’s emergence as a thriving Downtown, including Clean & Safe initiatives, improved transportation, guidance pathway signage, downtown banner campaigns and twinkle lights.
 
“We’re very excited about the future of Downtown Delray Beach,” says DDA Chairman Mike Listick. “We’re promoting the Downtown area as the place to be in South Florida. The increase in shoppers, diners and visitors will not only drive traffic to our local merchants but increase sales and revitalize the local economy,” he adds.
 
The Delray Beach DDA was created by Resolution 9-71, which became law on March 22, 1971, as a dependent district of the City of Delray Beach. The main areas of involvement in downtown redevelopment include:
• Involvement in marketing and promotions of the Downtown DDA District;
• Economic development programs;
• Security and crime prevention;
• Traffic and parking;
• Clean and Safe initiatives;
• Physical improvements;
• Reviewing the City Comprehensive Plan within the DDA boundaries;
• Housing and improvement of coordination with local boards and city departments.
 
For the past 17 years, the Delray Beach DDA has assisted in successfully branding Delray Beach as the Village by the Sea. In addition to the main areas mentioned above, the DDA also works closely with merchants to develop seasonal retail campaigns to generate traffic and sales and has created a powerful website (www.downtowndelraybeach.com) that attracts thousands of visits weekly. For more information, please contact the DDA at (561) 243-1077.
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