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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