Old Town’s Backyard is an outdoor public gathering space located in the Arts & Entertainment District of Pompano Beach’s Old Town area. Positioned north of the Bailey Contemporary Arts (BaCA) building between NE First Avenue and N Flagler Avenue, The Backyard previously was an underutilized grass lot with empty store fronts, blight, and a lack of identity. At the center was a large Ficus tree with temporary plywood decking covering the tree’s exposed root system.
The CRA identified the potential to revitalize the space and attract new businesses to the area. The 15,000 SF of space was owned by five separate property owners requiring the CRA to secure ground leases and invest in improvements in order to bring the vision to life. Construction commenced in October 2021, undergoing a full transformation while preserving the Ficus tree.
Completed in 2023, Old Town’s Backyard is a public outdoor pedestrian-friendly gathering space shared by new restaurants and businesses. The beautification of this area coupled with CRA incentive program have attracted merchants and activated Old Town’s Backyard.
CRA Investment
The CRA acquired a 30-year land lease where Old Town’s Backyard resides. This investment provides opportunity for the CRA to engage in a rewarding partnership by attracting future businesses and restaurants through favorable leasing conditions in an enhanced space.
Award Winning Project
The Pompano Beach CRA is the 2023 recipient of the Florida Redevelopment Association award for Creative Organizational Development and Funding for Old Town’s Backyard.
South Bar & Kitchen
The first business to open in Old Town’s Backyard is South Bar & Kitchen. The culinary concept offers a contemporary Southern American concept with a heavy Cajun influence. Located at 165 NE 1st Avenue, the space was originally an old general store in the 1900s. South Bar & Kitchen features an outdoor restaurant patio that opens into The Backyard. The centerpiece of this space is the iconic Ficus tree encased by a custom deck and embellished with sparkling lights. Finishing touches include custom murals by local artists and lush landscaping.
The CRA attracted South Bar & Kitchen through incentives geared toward attracting new business owners. A total of $304,258 in CRA incentives and tenant improvements were allocated to the project in addition to South Bar & Kitchen’s $2.5 million investment.
To learn more about South Bar & Kitchen visit www.southpmp.com or call (954) 890-2000.
The Soulful Steep
The newest addition to The Backyard is The Soulful Steep, a tea house, salt cave and emporium. From specialty coffees and teas, desserts and small bites to locally sourced artisanal goods, The Soulful Steep provides a relaxing, trendy ambiance in the heart of the Arts & Entertainment District. The Soulful Steep is also home to a salt cave with 8,000 pounds of Himalayan salt, providing a meditative experience with health benefits.
Located at 122 N. Flagler Ave, the first tenant in this location almost 100 years ago was Rose’s Tea Room. Talk about fate!
To learn more about The Soulful Steep visit www.thesoulfulsteep.com or call (954) 222-7685.
Special Events in Old Town’s Backyard
A Special Events Permit is required for utilizing Old Town’s Backyard. To complete a permit application please use the below link to be routed to the City of Pompano Beach’s online portal for application submissions. New users will be required to create a username and password. If awarded a Permit you will receive notification.
Link to Special Events Permit: https://app.oncamino.com/pompanobeach_fl/login?referrer=/pompanobeach_fl/dashboard/new
When completing the application, use the following Parcel Number (APN) when prompted: 484235080200
December 2021 – Construction Begins
May 2022 – Under Construction
January 2023 – Under Construction
April 2023 – Completed
