About Us
Downtown Boca
Wonderful and walkable, Downtown Boca is a gem within the City of Boca Raton, charming visitors and residents with its beautiful architecture, diverse attractions and idyllic public spaces. It was here that famed 1920's architect Addison Mizner established his signature Spanish-Mediterranean style, creating a lasting visual appeal that is evident in buildings both old and new.
Today, spending time downtown is always a treat. The community enjoys an array of amazing events year round - cultural arts festivals, outdoor concerts and comedy shows to name a few. The Boca Raton Museum of Art is one of many cultural attractions, while recreation seekers will find a tennis center, putting green and yoga in the park. Diners can explore 100+ restaurants, wine bars and pubs, and two shopping plazas - famed Mizner Park and Royal Palm Place - also feature dining and living in tropical settings.
There is always a reason to Come Early and Stay Late in Downtown Boca.
Community Redevelopment Agency
In 1980, the City Council designated 344 acres in downtown as a community redevelopment area under the Florida Statutes. As a result of this legislation, the Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) - generally known as Downtown Boca - was also established. The purpose of this action was to stop the deterioration of the downtown area and give people a reason to come to downtown Boca Raton. Representing the interests of property owners in the City's downtown district, the CRA is focused on keeping downtown beautiful and booming, encouraging economic development and supporting businesses.
Mission
The mission of the CRA is to advocate, administer the policies, and assist the public, downtown property owners and businesses in order to achieve the CRA Vision of the Downtown.
Guidelines
In a series of actions that began in 1982, the City Council adopted guidelines for land use control and for transportation and parking concept and design to be implemented in redeveloping the area. The are continued to languish. In 1986, the CRA undertook a public initiative to stimulate redevelopment by developing a master plan, which included numerous infrastructure improvements (Visions 90), and provided a detailed framework within which redevelopment could occur.
The Mayor and City Council serve as Commissioners of the CRA, and select a Chair of the CRA from among these Commissioners.