One of the six buildings proposed as part of the Atlantic Crossing project. This one is seen looking northeast at the corner of Federal Highway and Atlantic Avenue. Rendering provided
By Tim Pallesen
A new design plan proposed for Atlantic Crossing eliminates truck traffic onto Atlantic Avenue.
Coastal residents had feared that the controversial multiuse project would cause traffic congestion near the bridge. Mayor Cary Glickstein had vowed to vote against the developer’s site plan if truck traffic weren’t rerouted to Federal Highway.
‘‘We heard loud and clear,” project manager Don DeVere said, as the Atlantic Crossing developer presented its redone design to the city on June 25 for approval this summer.
Four architectural firms spent the past six months redesigning the project to appear smaller after city commissioners gave density and height approvals in December. Downtown Delray Beach firm Currie, Sowards, Aguila acted as consulting architect on all the buildings.
“We challenged our design team to return to the drawing board to capture Delray’s authentic look and feel,” said Jeff Edwards, president of the Edwards Companies, the developer in a joint venture with Rexall founder Carl De Santis.
The new plan proposes six buildings with different architectural styles ranging from Mediterranean to Art Deco.
“Atlantic Crossing will appear to have been built over time, by different hands,” local architect Bob Currie said. Terraces, balconies and canopies have been added to soften the appearance.
The $200 million project includes 280 rental apartments, 82 condos, 83,000 square feet of office space and 76,000 square feet of shops and restaurants.
City staff has seven weeks to review the new plan before it goes first to the Site Plan Review and Appearance Board and then to the commission for final approval.
Comments