West Palm approves sale and redevelopment of old city hall

Click title for link about how West Palm Beach plans to redevelop the former City Hall site. It was last used in 2009 until the new City Hall complex was ready to occupy. Here's a bit from the article:

The city commission, in its first meeting of the year, on Monday gave preliminary approval to developer Navarro Lowrey’s purchase of the old city hall site at 200 Second St. for $11.5 million, for redevelopment with a hotel, apartments, retail and garage. The board voted 4-0. Commissioner Paula Ryan did not vote, because her husband is an attorney for the developer.

From a Lake Worth perspective, the article is interesting due to a lack of mention about height. There is a rendering that shows what looks to be a seven story building. The project will be a mix of hotel rooms, which will face the water and condominium units which face to the west. Retail will likely occupy the first floor space along the street. There is also a side deal that includes the land that was once home to the Helen Wilkes Hotel. It sounds like that is an attempt to keep green space and preserve views of the water from the new hotel.

I have sentimental ties to the old City Hall building. I worked there in the Planning Department on the second floor for about four years. It was my first job after moving to Florida from Michigan. The building was built in 1980. I remember many times people complaining about it being a "sick" building and there were tests for air exchange rates during the time that I was there. They were always working on the ventilation system. The building is also a late example of Brutalist architecture. That style is enjoying a surge in appreciation now as many structures like this are facing uncertain fates. Unfortunately, it sits on high value land and its appearance is not looked at fondly. Sort of like how the former Lake Worth Casino building design was never really appreciated even though it had enough going for it to be listed on the National Register as an International style structure.

It is good to see West Palm Beach moving forward with this project. I sometimes use the parking lot immediately east of the building if I have business in the county building on the west side of Olive Avenue. The property and building have not been well maintained during its vacancy.