The original proposal for the Mizner on the Green “ultra-luxury” condo project called for 30 stories (as shown above), but the newest proposal is shorter and smaller. Rendering provided
By Mary Hladky
The New Mizner on the Green “ultra-luxury” condo project is going to be shorter and smaller than originally envisioned.
Bill Shewalter, senior executive officer for developer Elad National Properties, said Friday that after completing a review of what potential buyers want, the company plans to make significant changes.
The original proposal called for four towers, with the tallest reaching 30 stories, on nine acres on Southeast Mizner Boulevard near the Boca Raton Resort & Club. The height elicited sharp criticism from many downtown residents, who do not want the downtown area to lose its Mizner-style, low-rise appearance.
Shewalter said he does not know the new heights, since the plans are still in the process of being redrawn.
But he indicated they still will be taller than downtown building guidelines allow, saying “no matter what, we need to go ahead with the city council.” The city council would have to take action to allow the project to exceed the height limits.
The size of the condos will increase, and as a result the project will have fewer units. Shewalter does not know the exact number yet, but estimated it would go from 500 to about 400.
Initial plans called for units of about 2,000 to 3,000 square feet. They now will range from about 2,500 to 4,000 square feet.
Amenities also will be improved, such as nicer kitchens and a larger workout area.
“It will be just as beautiful. It will be fantastic,” he said. “… It will be a significant, material reduction of the heights.”
Plans will be presented to the city in about two to three months, he said.
The buildings are not being downsized because of public pressure, Shewalter said.
“Everybody involved knew and knows it is a process,” he said. “My personal feeling is (the original plan) is quite beautiful. But I also realized that would not be what would be ultimately proposed.”
With the new design, “perhaps the heat can come down a little bit,” he said.
Elad’s survey also provided more information about likely buyers. At least 50 percent would come from the Boca Raton area, many of them empty nesters who want to relocate downtown. The next largest group would be from the Northeast. Elad has no plans to do much international marketing, he said.
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