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Board recommends Art Deco architectural style for 398 NE Sixth Avenue development
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Board voted to recommend use of the Art Deco architectural style for a proposed four‑story, mixed‑use building at 398 Northeast Sixth Avenue, praising the design while asking for continued architectural attention on the south elevation.
The Delray Beach Planning & Zoning Board on June 16 voted to recommend approval of the Art Deco architectural style for a proposed four‑story mixed‑use building at 398 Northeast Sixth Avenue, moving the design review forward to the next site‑plan stage.
Why it matters: The board’s recommendation supports the city’s effort to reinforce an Art Deco character in the central business district. The decision clears a design‑style hurdle; the developer will return for additional site‑plan review and any related permit requirements.
Aley de la Vega, senior project manager with REG Architects, presented the proposal and described a four‑story structure with eight condominiums (about 1,500–2,000 square feet each), roughly 1,000 square feet of retail, and 20 parking spaces accessed from the alley. De la Vega said the design incorporates Art Deco elements the city’s CBD guidelines promote, including flat roofs with ornamental parapets, cantilevered eyebrows, smooth stucco finishes, vertical signage, finials and geometric ornamentation.
Senior planner Alexi Howard told the board the application is a level‑3 site plan submittal limited to recommending the architectural style; the full site plan will return to the board if the style is approved. Howard noted the existing one‑story commercial building on the site (built in 1946) would be demolished and displayed examples of accepted Art Deco precedents in Delray Beach and South Florida.
Board members broadly praised the design. "You did an excellent job in your design. It's not overdone, it's not underdone. It's really well done," said board member Chris Brown. Several members asked the applicant to extend the Art Deco detailing on the south elevation that faces Federal Highway traffic, so the building presents a consistent character from major approaches.
The board voted to recommend approval of the Art Deco style, finding it consistent with the comprehensive plan and the LDR architectural guidelines. Roll call was unanimous among members present: Judy Malika — yes; Mitch Katz — yes; Deidre Strong — yes; Christina Godbout — yes; Chris Brown — yes; Jeffrey Meiselman — yes. Greer Snyder was absent.
Next steps: With the board’s recommendation in hand, the applicant will proceed to site‑plan review steps required by the Planning & Zoning Board for final action. Staff and several board members asked the applicant to refine the south elevation so that Art Deco elements continue across the facade visible from Federal Highway.
