Major Boca Raton Redevelopment Scaled Back After Public Pushback

Q: Why did Boca Raton residents oppose the original plan?

Boca Raton residents opposed the original plan due to its size, the long-term lease of public land, potential traffic increases, and possible impacts on Memorial Park, and many felt the project favored private development over the public interest.

Q: What changes were made to the One Boca redevelopment?

The developers reduced the leased land by 75 percent, from 31 acres to under 8 acres, and the revised plan now includes fewer residential units, less commercial space, and significantly more public parkland, with private development removed entirely from the Memorial Park area.

Q: Will the redevelopment affect Memorial Park?

No, the redevelopment will not affect Memorial Park because the revised plan preserves the park and limits all private development to areas east of NW 2nd Avenue, ensuring that Memorial Park remains untouched and open to the public.

Q: When will Boca Raton vote on the One Boca project?

Boca Raton residents will vote on the One Boca project in two parts, with a special election on the lease of city-owned land scheduled for January 13, 2026, and a full referendum on the revised redevelopment plan scheduled for March 10, 2026.

Published: November 14th, 2025 | Updated: May 14th, 2026

The plan known as the One Boca project has been significantly revised following strong opposition from residents. The Boca Raton redevelopment plan, originally a massive proposal for the 31-acre City Hall site, has now been dramatically scaled back, prioritizing public green space over dense construction. The developers, Terra and Frisbie Group, altered their plans after more than 7,000 residents signed a petition, triggering a 2026 referendum.

The One Boca Raton Redevelopment: Background and Original Plans

The One Boca project was introduced in early 2024 to revamp the aging City Hall complex at 201 W. Palmetto Park Road. Positioned near the Brightline Boca Raton station, the plan aimed to create a walkable civic and residential hub.

Originally, the proposal included:

1,129 residential units
250,000 square feet of office space
156,000 square feet of retail and dining
A 150-room hotel
A 99-year lease on 31 acres of public land

The project was intended to replace outdated government buildings and create a modern, mixed-use downtown area.

Why the Boca Raton Redevelopment Plan Changed?

Local opposition, including the Save Boca group, voiced strong concerns about the scale of the Boca Raton redevelopment. Issues like increased traffic, overdevelopment, and the long-term lease of public land galvanized community activism.

The tipping point came when residents gathered more than 7,000 petition signatures, forcing the city to schedule a public referendum in March 2026.

Residents raised red flags about the potential loss of public space, particularly around Memorial Park, a veteran’s memorial area. Critics argued that the proposed private development would compromise Boca Raton’s character and limit green space access for future generations.

Boca Raton Redevelopment plan updated

What’s in the Updated Boca Raton Redevelopment Plan?

New Project Highlights (Announced October 2025)

The revised plan significantly reduces the development footprint. The leased area has been cut by 75%, now covering fewer than 8 acres, all located east of NW 2nd Avenue.

The updated plan includes:

955 total residential units (769 apartments and 186 condos)
150,000 sq ft of office space
96,000 sq ft of retail and restaurant space
A 180-room hotel

Public Space and Recreation Upgrades

There will be no private buildings in Memorial Park, preserving it for public use. Perhaps the most notable change in the Boca Raton redevelopment is the emphasis on parks and civic space:

15.4 acres of public parks
Tennis courts and basketball courts
A children's museum
A redesigned memorial plaza

Timeline of Revisions to the Boca Raton Redevelopment Plan

February 2024 – Original Proposal

1,129 residential units
250,000 sq ft of office space
156,000 sq ft of retail
150-room hotel
Full 31-acre land lease

May–September 2024 – First Revision

740 residential units
80,000 sq ft of retail
250,000 sq ft of office
Response to early public feedback

October 2025 – Second Major Update

Reduced lease area to under 8 acres
955 total residential units
96,000 sq ft retail
150,000 sq ft office
180-room hotel
Expanded parks to 15.4 acres

Upcoming Votes & Key Dates for Boca Raton Residents

Key milestones in the Boca Raton redevelopment process are approaching in 2026. A special election will take place on January 13, 2026, allowing voters to decide on the leasing of city-owned land. This will be followed by a citywide referendum on March 10, 2026, focused on approving or rejecting the revised One Boca plan.

Through May 2026, the city has extended its interim agreement with the developers to allow more time for public feedback and due diligence. During this period, officials will also conduct additional traffic studies, complete a financial analysis in partnership with CBRE, and ensure that no public subsidies exceed fair market value.

Temporary Boca Raton City Transition Plans

To accommodate redevelopment, Boca Raton purchased a 70,400-square-foot office building at 6551 Park of Commerce Boulevard for $17.4 million. This location will serve as a temporary home for municipal services while the current City Hall site is under construction.

Mayor Scott Singer noted that owning the building is more cost-effective than leasing, reinforcing the city’s commitment to a long-term Boca Raton redevelopment strategy.

FAQs About the One Boca Redevelopment

What is the One Boca project in Boca Raton?

The One Boca project is a proposed redevelopment of the 31-acre City Hall site in downtown Boca Raton. It includes a mix of residential units, office space, retail, a hotel, and over 15 acres of public parks.

Why did Boca Raton residents oppose the original plan?

Residents opposed the original plan due to its size, long-term lease of public land, potential traffic increases, and possible impacts on Memorial Park. Many felt the project favored private development over public interest.

What changes were made to the One Boca redevelopment?

The developers reduced the leased land by 75%, from 31 acres to under 8 acres. The plan now includes fewer residential units, less commercial space, and significantly more public parkland. Private development has been removed entirely from the Memorial Park area.

Will the redevelopment affect Memorial Park?

No. The revised plan preserves Memorial Park. All private development is limited to areas east of NW 2nd Avenue, ensuring that Memorial Park remains untouched and open to the public.

When will Boca Raton vote on the One Boca project?

Boca Raton residents will vote on the project in two parts. A special election on the lease of city-owned land is scheduled for January 13, 2026. A full referendum on the revised redevelopment plan will take place on March 10, 2026.

Talk to a Local Real Estate Experts in Boca Raton

The updated One Boca plan reflects a compromise shaped by public input. While debate continues, the plan now better balances growth with green space. The outcome of the upcoming votes will determine whether this Boca Raton redevelopment will move forward.

If you're wondering how the Boca Raton redevelopment may affect property values, neighborhood character, or real estate investment potential, we can help. Call The Mastropieri Group, Realtors at (561) 544-7000 today. The Mastropieri Group Realtors® is your trusted local expert for Boca Raton real estate.