News

By Jane Smith

    The Riverwalk Plaza owner now wants to reverse the order of how the 9.8-acre complex will be developed at Woolbright Road and Federal Highway.
    In late August, Isram Realty representatives met with Boynton Beach planning staff to outline how the complex would be developed: First, renovate the building containing the Walgreen’s drugstore and Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft store; next, build a 4,500-square-foot building along Federal Highway and then construct the 10-story, U-shaped apartment building.
    When first proposed two years ago, the phasing of Riverwalk was reversed.
    Isram representatives could not be reached for comment.
    Boynton Beach building staff has received two permit applications from Riverwalk. The façade improvement permit, submitted in late August, is on hold until Isram answers questions posed by city staff. The permit was not approved as of late October.
    The new retail building permit was submitted in mid-October. City staff has requested more information from Isram, which hasn’t responded. The permit was not approved as of late October.
    The land swap between the Prime Catch restaurant owner and Isram should be finished by the end of the year, said Luke Therien, whose family owns Prime Catch.
    “I just received a revised agreement from my attorney,” he said.
    Prime Catch owns a 0.25-acre strip of land along the Intracoastal Waterway that Isram would like to have to create a walkway along the waterfront. Isram is expected to give the restaurant parking spaces in return.
    Two Riverwalk Plaza restaurants, Sushi Simon and Bond and Smolders, have signed new leases to go into the renovated building.
    Lucy Chen, Sushi Simon’s owner, said she expects to be in the new location next spring. She declined to discuss the terms of her lease.
    Bond and Smolders also anticipates a spring opening, said Philip Van Egmond, co-owner of the coffee shop and bakery.
    “At the new location, we will be open for dinner,” he said. Bond and Smolders also will offer wines and craft beers during the dinner menu.
    The new space will be slightly smaller and will be L-shaped, providing a cozier feel for diners, Van Egmond said. Now, the eatery space is a long, open rectangle.
    The open kitchen plan will remain, he said, and the bakery will have coolers under the counters to keep cream pastries fresh.
    Primo Hoagies closed in October with a door notice, saying its new location was on Boynton Beach Boulevard, west of the interstate.
    Josie’s Ristorante and Pizzeria plans to stay in Riverwalk. The restaurant has 12 years remaining on its lease, said Steve Setticasi, Josie’s owner.
    “We like our location,” he said. “We are not moving. The owner will have to build around us.”