Florida Redevelopment Association Awards highlight innovative and inspiring projects around the state.
The Florida Redevelopment Association held its Awards Program in October 2019 to recognize the best in redevelopment in Florida. Three awards series recognize the projects and people involved in redevelopment throughout the state. Award winners demonstrate innovation and positive impact on their communities and inspire other Florida communities.
Learn more about the Florida Redevelopment Awards on their website here. The awards book highlights this year’s winners and all of the quality entries received.
Florida Community Loan Fund is a financing partner on two of this year’s FRA award winners: the West Village Art Lofts in Lake Worth, and the Collaboratory in Fort Myers. Below are project descriptions and photos from the awards book.
West Village Art Lofts
Lake Worth Community Redevelopment Agency won the award for Outstanding Housing Project: Small City.
West Village is a distinctive housing development in the arts and design district in Lake Worth Beach. Neighborhood Renaissance, a non-profit community-based organization, constructed the 8 live/work, artist housing project with financial assistance and land from the Lake Worth Beach CRA. The development also includes 2,000 square feet of commercial space, with two bays, that help activate the street and provide opportunities for local makers to open a small business.
Learn more about FCLF & West Village Art Lofts here.
Collaboratory
Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency won the award for Outstanding Renovation, Rehabilitation, Reuse: Large City.
Collaboratory is the catalyst for revitalizing the midtown section of Fort Myers’ downtown redevelopment area. As southwest Florida’s first public sphere, Collaboratory is where people from different backgrounds, interests and areas of expertise come together to exchange ideas-whether meeting locally in person or virtually worldwide through the ultra-high-speed Florida Lambda Rail network. Partnering with SWFL Community Foundation and the city, the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency suggested transforming the former 1924 Atlantic Coast Line Railway depot into the cornerstone of Collaboratory’s campus, along with a modern addition and sustainable high-tech footprint, to propel midtown into the 21st century.
Learn more about FCLF & The Collaboratory here.
Learn more about the Florida Redevelopment Association at www.redevelopment.net.
