WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (March 12, 2020) – After months of planning and public input, West Palm Beach City Commissioners have approved the final design plans for Phase III of the Clematis Streetscape project. Phase III will bring improvements to the 400 and 500 blocks of Clematis Street. The Clematis project began in 2018, and improvements to the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of the famed downtown corridor have already been completed. Phase III design plans include similar improvements as Phases I and II, such as more shade trees, wider sidewalks and a curbless street design. Phase III also includes safety improvements to the Quadrille Boulevard and Clematis Street intersection, with special focus on the experience for pedestrians and cyclists. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2020, and project managers expect construction on Clematis Street to be completed before the holidays.
“By putting quality of life at the forefront, the Clematis Streetscape project has enhanced the vibrancy of Clematis Street by attracting more residents, visitors and business to this popular street,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “I look forward to this final phase which will make improvements to the 400 and 500 blocks. The Clematis Streetscape project helps to ensure that our downtown core evolves with the needs of its residents, merchants and visitors.”
The City of West Palm Beach hosted a public meeting, as well as meetings with merchants, to encourage input from all on Phase III design plans. The design and engineering teams presented initial plans to the community, while residents shared proven successes and what they would like to see in the future.
“We are excited to break ground on this third and final phase,” said Allison Justice, Interim Executive Director of the City of West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency. “The enthusiasm for the project has been incredible – and it is all because people feel better when they are enjoying an improved space. We look forward to carrying this feeling through to the 400 and 500 blocks.”
To minimize business disruption during the construction phase, the City will integrate key findings from the earlier phases. These include ensuring wayfinding/construction signage, continuing the DDA’s Dig Zone program, validating parking for customers of businesses on the affected blocks, and providing regular progress updates and communication.
The City of West Palm Beach initiated the Clematis Streetscape project in January 2018 with a series of public meetings to introduce the concept. The City moved forward with a phased approach and broke ground on Phase I on the 300 block later that same year. Phase II, which focused on the 100 and 200 blocks, started with public meetings in January 2019, and improvements were finished by the end of 2019.
The Clematis Streetscape project is one of several undertaken by the City of West Palm Beach and the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency.
For more information on the Clematis Streetscape project, please visit Clematis streetscape or call 561-822-2222 (TTY: 800-955-8771). For news and updates, follow the City of West Palm Beach on Facebook @CityofWPB, and Twitter and Instagram @westpalmbch.
