Boca Raton Hires Consultant for City Hall Replacement, Proposals Due in January

By Boca Vibe

September 23, 2025

After a week of intense discussion and public comment, Boca Raton officials voted Monday to approve a contract with CBRE, a national real estate and development consulting firm, to help evaluate proposals for a major redevelopment project near the city’s Brightline rail station. The ambitious undertaking, which has been years in the making, aims to create a public-private partnership that would include the construction of a new City Hall, potentially incorporating a significant amount of green space, and revitalizing the surrounding area. This project has the potential to reshape the city’s downtown core, impacting everything from traffic flow to economic development and the overall aesthetic appeal of the area.

A Long-Awaited Decision

The decision to engage CBRE marks a significant step forward in a process that has been fraught with debate. Council members have spent months weighing the pros and cons of various options, including renovating the existing City Hall, building a new facility on a different site, or exploring a public-private partnership. The final decision to pursue a public-private partnership, a model utilized successfully in other cities in Palm Beach County and across Florida, reflects the city’s commitment to leveraging private investment to fund a significant portion of the project and to enhance the overall appeal and functionality of the downtown area. The choice of CBRE, a firm with extensive experience in complex urban development projects, underscores the city’s dedication to ensuring a transparent and efficient process.

The Scope of the Project

The redevelopment project encompasses far more than just a new City Hall. The vision is to create a vibrant, mixed-use development that complements the existing infrastructure and enhances the overall experience for residents and visitors alike. Early conceptual plans include:

A modern, state-of-the-art City Hall designed to improve efficiency and accessibility for the public.
Residential units, potentially incorporating affordable housing options, to address the growing need for diverse housing in Boca Raton.
Commercial space to attract businesses and create job opportunities, supporting the city’s economic growth.
Significant green spaces, including parks and plazas, to enhance the quality of life and promote a more sustainable environment.
Improved pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure to increase walkability and promote alternative modes of transportation.
Enhanced connectivity to the Brightline station, making Boca Raton even more accessible to residents and tourists alike.

The project’s proximity to Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and Mizner Park presents both opportunities and challenges. The design will need to account for the existing traffic patterns and ensure seamless integration with these established landmarks. The city council has emphasized the importance of maintaining the unique character of Boca Raton while incorporating modern design elements and sustainable practices.

CBRE’s Role in the Process

CBRE will play a crucial role in guiding the city through the next phase of the project. Their responsibilities include:

Reviewing and evaluating proposals submitted by developers interested in partnering with the city.
Developing a comprehensive evaluation criteria based on factors such as financial viability, design quality, sustainability, and community impact.
Assisting the city in negotiating contracts with the selected developer(s).
Overseeing the project’s development to ensure it aligns with the city’s vision and meets all regulatory requirements.

The city has emphasized that transparency and community input will remain central to the process. Public forums and online resources will be available for residents to learn more about the project and provide their feedback.

Timeline and Next Steps

Proposals for the public-private partnership are due in January. CBRE will then undertake a thorough evaluation process, which is expected to take several months. The city council anticipates making a final decision on a developer by the summer of 2024. Groundbreaking is tentatively planned for late 2024, with the project anticipated to be completed within three to four years.

The project’s success will depend on the collaboration between the city, CBRE, the selected developer, and the community. The city council has expressed its commitment to creating a development that is not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also serves as a model for sustainable urban development in South Florida. The project is also projected to create numerous jobs, both during the construction phase and once the new facilities open, boosting Boca Raton’s already thriving economy.

Addressing Concerns about Traffic and Parking

One of the most significant concerns expressed during the public comment periods has been the impact on traffic and parking in the already busy downtown area. The city’s plan addresses this by incorporating strategies to enhance pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, encouraging alternative modes of transportation such as the Brightline train and potentially adding additional parking structures to accommodate the increased demand. The project’s environmental impact assessment will thoroughly examine the potential traffic implications and outline mitigation strategies.

Financial Considerations

The city is acutely aware of the financial implications of this ambitious project. The public-private partnership model is designed to mitigate the financial burden on taxpayers. While the city will contribute some funds, a significant portion of the construction costs will be covered by private investment. Detailed financial projections will be made public once the proposals from developers are submitted and reviewed. The city has promised complete transparency throughout the entire budgeting and financing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:How will the city ensure the new City Hall is accessible to all residents?

The city has committed to designing a new City Hall that meets or exceeds all accessibility standards mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This includes features such as ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and assistive listening devices. The city will also work to ensure that all communication related to the project is available in multiple languages and formats to reach all members of the community.

What is the city doing to minimize the environmental impact of the project?

The city is committed to incorporating sustainable design principles throughout the project. This includes using green building materials, implementing energy-efficient technologies, and creating green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect. A thorough environmental impact assessment will be conducted to identify and mitigate any potential negative impacts on the environment. The city aims to achieve a LEED certification for the new City Hall, showcasing its commitment to environmental stewardship.

What opportunities are there for public participation in the project moving forward?

The city will hold several public forums and create online platforms for community members to provide input and feedback throughout the project’s lifecycle. These opportunities will allow residents to voice their opinions on design aspects, amenities, and other important considerations. Regular updates on the project’s progress will be available on the city’s website and through other communication channels, ensuring transparency and active community engagement.

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Boca Raton Hires Consultant for City Hall Replacement, Proposals Due in January

By Boca Vibe