Three design-build teams present concepts for CRA No. 202501 redevelopment on West Atlantic Avenue

Delray Beach — At a Community Redevelopment Agency workshop, three shortlisted design-build teams presented concepts and project approaches for CRA project No. 202501, a planned redevelopment of the Northwest 800 block along West Atlantic Avenue.

The presentations came as part of a request-for-qualifications (RFQ) process the CRA is using to evaluate teams for design and construction of a multiuse community center and streetscape improvements. CRA staff said the selection item was tabled earlier and will return to the CRA board for possible award at the Oct. 28 meeting.

Why it matters: The site fronts West Atlantic Avenue adjacent to residential neighborhoods and long-standing local businesses and churches. Proposers emphasized local hiring, small-business incubation, public programming and design features intended to buffer neighboring homes from noise and traffic. Commissioners used the workshop to ask technical and neighborhood-protection questions and to probe construction methods and schedules.

DMR/GHA (DMR Construction and GHA Architects) presented a community-focused concept that the team described as "for Delray, by Delray," combining event space, an amphitheater, flexible vendor and incubator retail, rooftop terraces and a green market. Brian Herbert, representing the DMR/GHA team, said the proposal emphasizes local hiring, workforce training and mentorship programs and committing a portion of project fees to sustained development activities. Herbert said the design…