Government

Boca Raton Planning Board Endorses 340 Unit Residential Complex at Tri-Rail Station

by
Daniel Nee
October 18, 2024

The future ‘Boca Village’ site proposed for the Boca Raton Tri-Rail station. (Photos: Boca Daily News/ 13th Floor)

A plan to bring residential development close to a public transportation access hub in Boca Raton received an endorsement from the city’s planning board Thursday night, with members unanimously voting to approve a plan to allow the “Boca Village” project to move forward at the Tri-Rail station on Yamato Road.

The ambitious project would see Miami developer Arnaud Karsenti’s 13th Floor Investments lead the project, which would include 340 units of residential housing in a planned eight story complex adjacent to the Tri-Rail station at 680 West Yamato Road. The complex would be constructed on a 17.4 acre parcel which includes portions of the train station’s current parking lot, which would be relocated.

According to an initial proposal by 13th Floor, the complex would include apartments ranging from small 500 square foot units to multi-bedroom 1,488 square foot units. There would also be about 8,000 square feet of amenities indoors, plus a swimming pool and outdoor open space, including a courtyard. The project would be developed under Florida’s Live Local Act, which allows commercial-industrial multi-family developments, known as “CIMDs” in areas that are not normally zoned for residential space and do not neighbor single-family homes. Coincidentally, the first CIMD project was approved by the city council in a unanimous vote last week near the Boca Center complex. Likewise, the Boca Village project at the Tri-Rail station will also require approval by the governing body, however the planning board’s recommendation carries considerable weight.

The Boca Raton Tri-Rail Station, where the ‘Boca Village’ site is proposed, Oct. 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

As currently envisioned, Boca Village will also include about 29,500 square feet of commercial space at the street level, plus 689 parking spaces. Boca Station, LLC, a partner with 13th Floor, has already entered into a development agreement with South Florida Regional Transportation Authority which incorporates a long-term ground lease of the property. Officials at Thursday’s meeting said a nearby shopping plaza consisting of an AT&T store would remain standing, with the development beginning just east of that property.

“I particularly like the idea of workforce housing at the Tri-Rail station,” said board vice-chair Larry Cellon, referring to subsidized units for moderate-income tenants, which is a major part of the effort to locate high-quality housing near transportation.

The Boca Raton Tri-Rail Station, where the ‘Boca Village’ site is proposed, Oct. 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

Officials noted that the plan would not only connect residential space to the train station, but in close proximity to the Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRIC) and the Arvida Park of Commerce.

“Due to the presence of these major employment centers, the Boca Raton Tri-Rail Station has historically had high ridership numbers, with integrated mobility options including APOC shuttles, BRIC shuttles and Palm Tran buses that provide transit service to and from the Tri- Rail station to nearby business, commercial, and residential uses,” a staff report to the board stated.

It is expected that 51 of the units will be designated either affordable housing or workforce housing.