News Blog

A city’s downtown is the heart and soul of the community. It is the engine that fuels prosperity, provides opportunity, and creates a sense of place and unity for its residents. For many years, our City’s downtown was neither a point of pride nor an economic incubator. But now, thanks to years of strategic planning, the vision for our City’s future is being realized. Every month, new signs of progress emerge. Is the process easy? No! But it is critical for our future success.

In this article, we are doing a deeper dive into the value of a downtown and share some of the recent developments.

But first, where is our downtown?

Downtown Pompano Beach includes three distinct districts: The Old Town District, also known as Old Pompano; The Civic Commons District which includes City Hall, the Cultural Center and Library; and the Innovation District, with MLK Boulevard as the “main street” between Dixie Highway and I-95. The color-coded map below illustrates each of the three commercial districts within the 400-acre Downtown.

Why do we have to develop our downtown?

The City of Pompano Beach wants to provide the best future for its residents and to do so, we must remain competitive. The International Downtown Association (IDA) conducted an analysis of 33 downtowns across the country. The subtitle of the report states: A STRONG DOWNTOWN IS CRITICAL FOR A SUCCESSFUL CITY AND REGION. The findings reveal that each downtown functions as a leading economic driver in each city and region. While small in physical size, downtowns are immensely valuable, diverse, efficient, inclusive, and resilient on multiple levels.

How does a strong downtown help a city?

Economy: On average, downtowns represent approximately 3% of all citywide land (Pompano Beach’s New Downtown is anticipated to be approximately 2.5% of citywide land) but they deliver an average of 17% of the citywide property tax revenue.

Inclusion: The downtowns exhibited marked demographic diversity with residents from a wide range of backgrounds. On average, downtown residents are 46% non-white, 18% foreign born, and 48% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Vibrancy: Downtowns support a vibrant variety of retail, infrastructure, and institutional uses which offer mutually reinforcing benefits to the region. Downtowns are also regional shopping, nightlife, and entertainment centers.

Identity: Downtowns have intrinsic cultural significance, defining the region’s brand by offering historical assets, culture, recreation, entertainment, and participation in civic activities. A blend of old and new, downtowns provide a high quality of life that attracts employers, investment, visitors, and residents.

Resilience: The mixed-use nature of a downtown allows for residential uses alongside commercial, connected by a variety of mobility options, allowing for a stronger and more adaptable community.

What have we have accomplished so far?

The Downtown’s Innovation District will include the highest density of new mixed-use development. It will be developed over the next decade and beyond, however, the Civic Commons and the Old Town Districts are well underway with exciting projects in the works and coming soon. These areas of the New Downtown are already adding value to quality of life and place, increasing job opportunities, and supporting the City’s tax base.

If you have attended performances at the Cultural Center, enjoyed the Green Market Pompano Beach on the Arts Plaza, participated in workshops and events at Bailey Contemporary Arts Center (BaCA) and been one of the thousands who explored Old Town Untapped, then YOU have been a key part of the rebirth of our City’s Downtown!

Old Town is Pompano Beach Downtown’s arts and entertainment district. It is the historic area that was once the City’s epicenter of commerce – the original downtown! It is being revitalized through numerous City and CRA projects and programs and is quickly becoming a vibrant district for dining and entertainment in Pompano Beach.

Façade improvements have beautified many of the buildings and new tenants are choosing this area including Papamigos, South Bar & Kitchen, Soulful Steep and more.

The City and CRA’s investment in BaCA, the installation of the central urban plaza with a “Fire Fountain,” and the current development of European-style piazza surrounded by restaurants and retail know as The Backyard, has spurred tremendous interest in this area, leading to investments from business leaders who believe in the future of Pompano Beach. The construction of Old Town Square, the 281-unit mixed-use residential building that broke ground in 2021 is an example of the confidence investors now have in our City.

All of the incremental development, redevelopment, public space improvements and new business openings, are evidence of the vibrant future and value of our City’s New Downtown, where you’ll experience a cool vibe and feel a warm welcome!