Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Boca Raton asks Mizner 200 developer to add park space
Officials seek more park space
During the past two years, a developer has fine-tuned plans to build nearly 400 luxury apartments in downtown Boca Raton. But building Mizner 200 will have to wait longer. City Council members on Monday night asked Coral Springs-based El-ad National Properties to make another round of adjustments after a contentious hourslong hearing.
During the past two years, a developer has fine-tuned plans to build nearly 400 luxury apartments in downtown Boca Raton.
But building Mizner 200 will have to wait longer.
City Council members on Monday night asked Coral Springs-based El-ad National Properties to make another round of adjustments after a contentious hourslong hearing that included lawyers shouting over each other.
“I think we’re close,” Mayor Susan Haynie told the developer, while citing a concern over the size of the development.
The City Council, acting as the community redevelopment agency, delayed its decision Monday on the downtown project. Among the council’s concerns: The project needs more space between buildings and prominent park space.
Council members pushed off a vote until their Aug. 21 meeting.
El-ad National Properties is proposing 384 luxury apartments at 200 SE Mizner Blvd., just across the street from other shops and restaurants.
Three nine-story buildings will house the units as well as retail space, according to the latest design from architecture firm GS4 Studios.
On a plot of nine acres abutting the Boca Raton Golf Club, Mizner 200 would replace the existing Mizner on the Green complex — 246 townhomes, which currently sit in 18 threestory buildings at the site.
“I personally believe having this building constructed will be much better than what is there today,” Dan Freudenthal, a downtown resident, said.
Plans have been brewing for years, and Mizner 200 got momentum months ago after the city’s planning and zoning board recently ruled it complied with the city’s code.
On Monday, lawyers supporting and opposing the project