Your voice & action matters, and we need your help to make a collective impact! The West Palm Beach Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) values your opinion on the topic of historically designating and protecting older downtown buildings from demolition or from stripping it of its historic charm,

Please complete this important 2-question survey by May 28th, 2024.

Additionally, we encourage you to share this email with your friends and neighbors, as there is strength in numbers. Together, let's shape the future of our community's waterfront.

Thank you for your participation and for spreading the word!

Here is more detailed information regarding this topic:

Background Information:  It has come to the attention of the Downtown Neighborhood Association that the nearly 100 year old Harriett Himmel Theater was never historically designated to protect the building from demolition or from stripping it of its historic charm. This prompted the DNA to look at the status of many of our older downtown buildings to consider which buildings might be important for the city to historically designate. Historic designation is considered for buildings that are at least 50 years of age and are architecturally or culturally significant in our city’s history.  Historically designating a building does not prevent the owner from modernizing or altering the interior nor does it prevent the building from being expanded in size.  However, exterior modifications to a historic structure must comply with the city’s Historic Preservation Ordinance and the City's Design Guidelines. Owners of historically designated buildings are given property tax incentives for renovations and federal tax credits apply in some circumstances. For more information about the city’s historic preservation ordinance, please click here.
 
In addition to having been one of the most important cultural venues in our city’s history, the Harriett Himmel Theater is one of the city’s finest examples of Mediterranean Revival.  30 years ago, the community rallied to save the building as plans for CityPlace were crafted.   Millions of dollars were raised , both taxpayer and private, to restore the building. The current owners have recently publicized plans to alter and modernize the building and underscored their intention to preserve the building as a focal point for CityPlace.

The DNA would like to gain a better understanding of the public support, or lack thereof, on this topic and is encouraging residents to take the survey.  In the meantime, should you like to voice your opinion to the city commissioners and the mayor about this topic, we have included their email addresses below.  Remember to always email commissioners separately regarding this or any issue they may/will vote on, due to Florida Sunshine Laws.  Commissioners may not discuss issues outside of city commission chambers which may be voted on in the future.  A group email can be misconstrued as discussion.

Mayor Keith James, (561) 822-1400  | [email protected]

City Commissioner Christina Lambert, 561-822-1390  | [email protected]

City Commissioner Cathleen Ward, 561-822-1393 | cward@wpb.org

City Commissioner Shalonda Warren, 561-822-1390 | [email protected]

City Commissioner Christy Fox, 561-822-1390 | cfox@wpb.org

City Commissioner Joseph Peduzzi, 561-822-1390 | [email protected]

Kind regards,

Your Downtown Neighborhood Association

There is strength in numbers! Not a member?  CLICK HERE to become a member today!