A major new project in Boca Raton is moving forward after receiving a green light from the city's Planning and Zoning Board. The joint venture behind the development, Beztak and Wexford Real Estate, plans to expand their Bocora Residential Center, located at 6419 Congress Avenue within the Amtec Center business park. This expansion will bring new housing options, a public gym, and a private school to one of South Florida’s most in-demand cities.
What Is the Bocora Residential Center?
The Bocora apartment project was originally approved as an eight-story residential building with 277 units. With the recent approval, developers will now add 21 additional units, increasing the total to 298 apartments and expanding the living space by approximately 25,000 square feet. The site sits on a 4-acre parcel at 6419 Congress Avenue within the 21.4-acre Amtec Center.
The expanded project in Boca Raton will offer a mix of one-bedroom to three-bedroom apartments, appealing to both individuals and families. Four units will be reserved as workforce housing, helping to meet the city's growing need for more accessible housing options.
Amenities and Design Updates of Bocora Residential Center
The updated plan introduces several new amenities to enhance resident and community experiences:
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A 2,086-square-foot fitness center open to the public
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A swimming pool and dog park
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A business center for remote workers and professionals
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A 6-story parking garage with 636 spaces
The architectural design, led by Arcadis, has also been updated. Originally featuring stone veneer, the facade will now include stucco and metal decorative elements. Some sections of the parking garage ceiling will be built lower to reduce overall height impact.
Private School and Commercial Elements
The plan also includes a 2,000-square-foot private school that will serve up to 100 students. Xceed Preparatory Academy intends to operate the school, offering a hybrid learning model and accepting school vouchers. The school will be housed in an existing office building on-site, making this a prime example of adaptive reuse in Boca Raton.
The fitness center will be operated by an independent business and must remain open to the public for at least 60 hours a week to comply with the city’s CIMD ordinance.
Developer Commitments and Community Trade-Offs
In return for the project’s expansion, the developers agreed to several concessions. In addition to the affordable housing and school, they committed to operating the boutique gym as a public-facing retail component, as required under CIMD zoning rules.
Still, not everyone supports the project in Boca Raton. Nearby property owners have expressed concerns about increased traffic and whether the gym will truly serve the community or function as a resident-only amenity.
Zoning Board Feedback and Resident Concerns
During public hearings, Planning and Zoning Board members raised issues with the lack of traditional retail in new developments. Board member Timothy Dornblaser noted a growing trend where new apartment buildings lack on-site coffee shops or restaurants, leading residents to drive elsewhere.
City staff stressed that the fitness center must be independently operated and accessible to the public. Non-compliance could lead to fines or lawsuits from the city.
Why Does This Project in Boca Raton Matters?
This latest project in Boca Raton is part of a wider shift in development strategy, turning underutilized office parks into residential communities. It follows a trend of adaptive reuse that helps meet housing demand without expanding urban sprawl.
Recent high-profile projects in Boca Raton include:
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Related Group’s $50 million purchase of the Office Depot Campus to build 500 apartments and 43,000 sq. ft. of retail
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Group P6 and Mill Creek Residential’s 306-unit building in downtown
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LDS Church’s $152.5 million acquisition of the 384-unit Del Ola apartment complex
As Boca Raton grows, the need for innovative, well-planned housing developments becomes more pressing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bocora Project in Boca Raton
Where is the Bocora apartment project located?
Bocora apartment project is located at 6419 Congress Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33487, inside the Amtec Center.
How many units will the expanded project include?
A total of 298 apartments, including 4 designated as workforce housing.
Is the fitness center open to the public?
Yes, it must remain open to the public for at least 60 hours per week.
What school will operate on-site?
Xceed Preparatory Academy will run a 2,000-square-foot private school for up to 100 students.
What amenities are planned for the Bocora Residential Center?
Amenities include a public fitness center, swimming pool, dog park, business center, and a 636-spot parking garage.
Final Thoughts on the Bocora Project in Boca Raton
The Bocora project in Boca Raton reflects the city’s commitment to smart, community-focused development. With a mix of market-rate and workforce housing, plus public amenities and adaptive reuse strategies, it's setting a new standard in the region.
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