Could Delray Beach soon see a new commercial hotspot built from shipping containers?
Delray Beach’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has set a deadline for proposals for an ambitious project that has been years in the making. This project aims to transform 15 CRA-owned properties along West Atlantic Avenue, specifically between NW 9th Avenue and NW 8th Avenue, into a unique and vibrant business park constructed using recycled shipping containers.
The Shipping Container Project, initially pitched more than three years ago, is designed to breathe new life into the city’s main commercial corridor. The CRA’s request for proposals (RFP), issued in early October, outlines plans to create a bustling hub featuring a diverse mix of businesses, from retail shops and cafes to restaurants and service providers.
A Long-Standing Vision for the Area
Back in 2012, the West Atlantic Area Needs Assessment identified key goals for revitalising the neighbourhood, including creating retail opportunities for local businesses. The new shipping container development aligns with these objectives by bringing fresh activity to vacant CRA-owned lots and boosting foot traffic in the area. According to the CRA, this project will help connect pedestrians along West Atlantic Avenue, fostering an accessible commercial link from Interstate 95 to the beach.
Project Highlights and Timeline
The finalised development will remain under CRA ownership, ensuring that the project serves the community’s long-term interests. The deadline for interested parties to submit their proposals is set for 5 p.m. on December 11. After submission, a committee will evaluate the proposals, followed by oral presentations and a CRA Board review.
CPZ Architects, based in Plantation, have been involved since 2021, collaborating with the CRA to develop a conceptual design for the project. This design was informed by rounds of public input, feedback from the CRA Board, and input from agency staff. CPZ’s conceptual work was so well-received that it won the “Unbuilt Award” at the 2022 A1A Fort Lauderdale Design Awards, which highlights exemplary commissioned designs not yet constructed.
CPZ also provided assistance with site infrastructure plans, cost analysis, and project approval documentation. The estimated construction cost for the project is around $6.7 million, plus an additional 2.5% allocated for “soft costs”—expenses related to the planning and oversight of construction. In comparison, a conventional development of similar scale would cost approximately $10.7 million plus 5% for soft costs.
The anticipated construction timeline for the container-based development is estimated at 60 to 82 weeks, which is slightly faster than a conventional build that could take 72 to 88 weeks.
Evaluation Criteria for Proposals
Proposals will be assessed using the following criteria:
- 25 points: Qualifications and experience of the design-build team and key members
- 20 points: Past performance and approach to design, engineering, and permitting
- 20 points: Past performance and approach to construction
- 20 points: Experience with projects of similar scale and complexity
- 15 points: Understanding of the project and key considerations
“The Project is envisioned to create a vibrant commercial destination that will house a diverse range of businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, cafes and service providers,” the CRA stated in its RFP.A Step Towards Transformation
This project not only aims to revitalise the area but also showcases innovative urban development using sustainable materials. By utilising shipping containers, the CRA hopes to create a distinctive and economically viable space that reflects Delray Beach’s commitment to growth and community-focused projects.
Jasmine Fernández, a journalist with The Palm Beach Post, noted that the project’s design is seen as a forward-thinking solution that could redefine the commercial landscape of Delray Beach.
