IMAGINE…The McNab House and Botanical Gardens…
Background
Pompano Beach’s rich cultural heritage dates back to 1908, and is the second oldest city in Broward County. Over the decades, there have been countless historic buildings demolished and replaced with new construction. While new development is essential for a community’s success, the history of a community contributes greatly to its personality. Historic preservation provides a link to the roots of the community and its people. Overall, historic preservation adds to the quality of life, making for a more livable community. The McNab House and garage preservation initiative is an important part of saving Pompano Beach’s history. The effort to save the McNab House and garage from demolition was driven by the Pompano Beach Historical Society with strong support from the McNab Family and numerous stakeholders in Pompano Beach.
On April 16th, 2019, the CRA Board voted to preserve the existing McNab House built in 1926 and gave staff direction to relocate the house to McNab Park (2250 E. Atlantic Blvd.) within the East CRA boundary. The house was moved on March 1st, 2020. The McNab House will be refurbished to provide space for a restaurant.
Purpose and Intent of McNab House & Botanical Garden Project
| Preserve | The 1926 McNab House from demolition. |
| Activate | McNab Park with a restaurant and garden component. |
| Create | A unique, one-of-a-kind destination that enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike in Pompano Beach. |
| Continue | Economic development along the Atlantic Blvd. Corridor to increase job opportunities and fortify the fiscal health of the city. |
Conceptual Master Plan
After direction from the East CRA Advisory Committee and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the CRA moved forward with a master plan for the whole park, not just the northern half where the house was moved to. With public input, Bermello Ajamil & Partners, LLC (B&A) began the process of creating a design concept in November of 2020 and has created a conceptual design for McNab House and Botanical Gardens. The remainder of McNab Park is intended to be transformed into public open space, which includes a botanical garden; a central lake and cascading water features; a children’s playground and gardens; event lawn and pavilion; education and community buildings; and a garden cafe. This conceptual design was approved by the CRA Board on May 17th, 2022.
CRA Board Approves Master Plan
Project Vision
The vision for the entire park is to create a state-of-the-art botanical garden with Floridian, tropical landscaping, plants, and water features throughout the site; an open-air event lawn; a separate event facility/building for indoor and/or covered weddings and private events; a commercial kitchen annex building to serve the historic home-turned-restaurant. The redeveloped McNab Botanical Gardens will accommodate not only casual and fine dining, but also art exhibits, educational seminars, small music concerts, and much more. A children’s garden and a potential book or gift shop may also be part of the project. While the concept calls for private operators for the restaurant, café, and potential wine bar in the basement, the Garden itself will remain open to the public during business hours and be operated by a professional park operator in cooperation with the Master Operator.
Restaurant Operator
The Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Master Operator to design, fund, build, maintain, and operate the McNab House and Botanical Gardens Restaurant and Garage Café was due June 9th, 2022, and no proposals were received. After the deadline to submit an RFP, the CRA received an unsolicited proposal from Mad Room Hospitality; a viable, unique and capable restaurant operator specializing in historic venues and landmarks.
During the CRA meeting on November 15th, executives from Mad Room Hospitality presented a proposal to design, revitalize, and operate the restaurant, wine bar, patio, and event space at the venue. Mad Room Hospitality showcased concepts for the restaurant which will complement the architectural design of The McNab House, while bringing forth a coastal farmhouse style. The proposed menu will feature a modern twist on the farm-to-fork seasonal concept, while the Cellar at McNab House will emulate the allure of the 1920s era wine bar. The proposal also provided concepts for the patio courtyard and event space.
The proposal was accepted, and now the CRA will begin negotiations with Mad Room Hospitality. Upon successful negotiations, a development agreement will be brought back to the CRA Board for approval.
CRA Board Accepts Restaurateur Proposal for McNab House
Architectural Design Services Agreement Approved
Project Updates
Project Master Timeline
For questions and suggestions please contact Sarah Mulder project manager at the Pompano Beach CRA: 954-786-7926 or Sarah.Mulder@copbfl.com.
December 6th Public Input Meeting
The Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency has announced important developments in the progress of The McNab House and Botanical Gardens. A Public Input Meeting was scheduled for December 6th where Bermello, Ajamil and Partners (B&A) presented key elements for the botanical gardens. The presentation included details regarding possible plants and flowers, types of playground and social gathering options, event ideas, design considerations and more. Those in attendance were able to “vote” on their preferences via phone through a special app. A recording of the presentation is provided below.
