Downtown Lake Worth Beach could see a new museum, garage, apartments, and arts ally

The City Commission and its Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in Lake Worth Beach will consider a formal development agreement on Oct. 15 with Sunshine Lake Worth Development, managed by WMODA founder Arthur Wiener, for a mixed-use project including a museum, apartments, and a parking garage. The Hollywood-based Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts (WMODA) is temporarily closed and seeking a new home in Lake Worth Beach.

Rendering: United Management

Sunshine Lake Worth Development has proposed acquiring 1.7 acres of surface parking on the south side of Lake Avenue from the CRA for zero dollars. The developer plans to build a 33,000-square-foot, four-story museum with a café and gift shop, 110 apartments (including eight live/work lofts), and 117 underground parking spaces. The project also includes plans for a public “arts alley” between L Street and M Street.

Rendering: United Management

The developer is seeking city funding for the project, including $2 million in infrastructure incentives, $250,000 for water/sewer system relocations, and the relocation of four historic buildings to nearby sites. The city would also cover permit fees, waive transfer of development rights fees, and waive affordable housing fees. The developer would cover the construction cost of the museum and apartments, estimated at over $60 million.

Rendering: United Management

To compensate for the loss of public parking spaces on the site, Sunshine Lake Worth Development would build a $8.5 million parking garage on the CRA’s 0.6-acre site at 13, 19, and 25 South K Street. The garage would have 265 to 291 spaces in four to five levels. The city and CRA would contribute $4 million to the parking garage, with the developer covering $1 million and the CRA issuing a $3.5 million capital improvement note.

Map: United Management

The developer is working with Renee Miller of R. Miller Consulting Group in Miami and HLW International of New York. On Oct. 2, the WMODA announced a partnership with the Chihuly Studio of Seattle to bring a permanent art installation to Lake Worth Beach if the project is developed.

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