In a recent government meeting, significant discussions took place regarding the redevelopment of the First Baptist Church site in West Palm Beach, spearheaded by David Harrison of Related Company and Tyler Woolsley of Urban Design Studio. The proposals include the abandonment of a 0.261-acre portion of Chadbourne Court and the termination of the existing Community Service Plan Development (CSPD) zoning for the church site, which spans approximately 9.897 acres.

The proposed redevelopment aims to transform the site into a mixed-use development featuring a new church, a school campus, multifamily residential units, and restaurant spaces. The project includes plans for 190 multifamily units distributed across two towers, with heights of 27 and 23 stories, respectively. Notably, the development will also incorporate a restaurant along Flagler Drive, addressing community calls for more waterfront dining options.

To facilitate the rezoning from CSPD to Community Service (CS) and subsequently to Multifamily High Density (MF 32) and Residential Plan Development (RPD), the developers are seeking several waivers, including one for the minimum acreage requirement for RPD designation, which typically mandates a minimum of 10 acres. The developers argue that their project meets the necessary standards and has received unanimous support from the planning board.

A key aspect of the proposal is the abandonment of the Chadbourne Court right-of-way, which currently leads to a dead end. The developers plan to purchase this right-of-way for $3.9 million and will construct a new road connecting Olive Avenue to Flagler Drive at their expense, enhancing public access in the area.

The redevelopment is designed to preserve the historic sanctuary of the church while providing essential community services, including a daycare facility, which is particularly vital for working parents in the downtown area. The project aims to create a vibrant urban environment, integrating residential, educational, and commercial spaces while ensuring improved traffic and pedestrian circulation.

Overall, the proposed redevelopment has garnered positive feedback from neighboring properties, with many expressing support for the project. The city staff has recommended approval, contingent upon meeting specific conditions, as the project moves forward in the approval process.