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 would prioritize "community wealth building, wellness and culture," and described an approach using precast panels and steel "kit of parts" to shorten onsite erection while meeting hurricane/windstorm ratings.

Commissioner Cassell praised the DMR/GHA presentation, saying, "That blew my mind," and asked specifically about sound buffers and how the team would protect nearby residents. Herbert said the team placed the parking and lower-noise uses toward the Atlantic frontage and proposed landscape and sound buffers adjacent to homes.

Hatcher Construction framed its presentation around local experience and modular-project delivery history. William Hatcher introduced a multidisciplinary team of local consultants and highlighted past Delray-area projects including the Art Warehouse and modular school projects. Hatcher said the company routinely exceeds small-business (SBE) participation goals and described weekly look-ahead schedules, utility coordination (including FPL) and site safety measures to minimize traffic, noise and dust near nearby Spady Elementary and other neighbors.

During the Hatcher presentation staff and commissioners pressed on site utilities and sequencing. Hatcher identified overlapping overhead and underground power lines on the site and outlined coordination steps with FPL and permitting agencies, and warned of heavy traffic windows tied to school start and dismissal times (noted in the presentation as roughly 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.).

Waypoint Contracting and its design partners (CPZ Architects, Kimley-Horn and other consultants) presented a third concept emphasizing sustainability, public engagement and a flexible event center. George Lopez, Waypoint president, described prior municipal and CRA projects and said the team would bring national firm resources together with local subcontractors. Joe Berry of CPZ highlighted the team's experience with community parks, amphitheaters and public-engagement tools, while Kimley-Horn's Tiffany (last name on file) described civil, landscape and traffic capabilities.

Commissioners' technical questions focused on construction methods, durability and community impacts. Commissioner Markert asked about modular construction and referenced post-Hurricane Katrina litigation as a caution about materials; a presenter replied, "I'm absolutely comfortable because we're not using modular materials. We're modulating the components that we're using," and explained the teams planned precast concrete walls and engineered steel connections rated for high-velocity wind zones.

Procedural and next-step details: CRA staff reminded proposers and attendees that a code of silence (no-lobbying rule) remains in effect for the RFQ and that all questions must be submitted in writing to Christine Tibbs. Staff said the item will return to the board at the Oct. 28 meeting for one of several outcomes: accept the selection committee's top-ranked proposer and award, reject the evaluation, cancel the RFQ, or direct staff to reissue the solicitation. Staff also said they would re-send a OneDrive link with evaluation materials to the board before that meeting.

What was not decided: The workshop was for presentations and questions; no award or selection was made at the session. The board approved the meeting agenda by roll call before presentations began.

Votes at a glance - Approval of the meeting agenda: motion made and seconded; roll-call approval recorded. Votes recorded in the workshop: Vice Chair Markert — yes; Deputy Vice Chair Cassell — yes; Commissioner Carney — yes; Commissioner Long — yes; Chair Burns — yes. Outcome: approved.

Closing: Staff said the CRA will bring the RFQ item back to the board on Oct. 28 for a formal decision. The code of silence and submission procedures remain in effect until the board acts.

Selected direct quotes - "We truly are local...This truly is for Delray by Delray," Brian Herbert, DMR/GHA design-build team representative. - "That blew my mind," Commissioner (Deputy Vice Chair) Cassell, reacting to DMR/GHA's presentation. - "I'm absolutely comfortable because we're not using modular materials. We're modulating the components that we're using," (presenter) responding to a commissioner's question about modular durability. - "All email questions must be emailed to Christine Tibbs," CRA staff announcement.

(Reporters: This account is based on the CRA workshop presentations and question-and-answer session; the CRA will record the formal procurement decision at an upcoming board meeting.)