PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release – March 16, 2005 Housing, Redevelopment
Contact: Laurel Robinson, Executive Director 561-655-8530
West Palm Beach Housing Authority Breaks Ground on MerryPlace
Groundbreaking for MerryPlace is scheduled for Noon, Tuesday,
March 21, 2006 at 1920 MerryPlace, West Palm Beach, Florida.
MerryPlace is an exciting example of twenty-first century
residential development, and the first of its kind in West
Palm Beach. A moderate density urban infill development, MerryPlace
is a dynamic combination of 128 rentals and 117 ownership
units. 52 condominiums, 50 townhouses and 15 single family
homes are stylistically designed to share 14 acres in an area
within walking distance of stores, restaurants, offices, schools,
parks, a hospital and the Intracoastal Waterway. Residents
will enjoy a community center, tot lot, picnic area, and a
“mini theater” located in Pioneer Park, the heart
of MerryPlace.
“At a time when “Attainable Housing” is
desperately needed for our growing population and workforce,
this project is a Godsend. Everyone talks about Workforce
Housing … we build it.” said Thyra Echols Starr,
Chairperson of the West Palm Beach Housing Authority.
MerryPlace is located in the historic Pleasant City neighborhood,
the first platted subdivision in Palm Beach County. All the
unique street names, including MerryPlace, found in the original
1908 Platt will be maintained. This mix-use residential development
project combines New Urbanist principals with a strong sensitivity
to Pleasant City’s rich cultural heritage.
The City of West Palm Beach and the city’s Community
Redevelopment Agency have contributed in excess of $6 million
in public infrastructure for this project. Other partners
include co-developer Banc of America Community Development
Corporation, Palm Beach County Economic & Community Development
Division and Grand Bank. More than $13 million in Housing
Tax Credits was awarded by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation
in 2005; total development costs will likely exceed $30 million.
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