Boynton Beach Insider

The BBCRA continues its efforts to revitalize the community, while removing slum and blight. The property located at 1101 N. Federal Highway will soon be redeveloped into a welcoming entry feature for the E. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard corridor.

In alignment with the City’s Unity Project, which features a prominent mural by artist Craig McInnis on the adjacent building’s south-facing wall, the BBCRA is working to enhance this area further. The E. MLK Jr. Entry Feature Project will include new lighting, lush landscaping, and a small walking path to create a vibrant, inviting space. The old driveway and curbing will also be removed as part of the transformation.

To ensure the best possible design for the project, the BBCRA has contracted with AW Architects to lead the redevelopment effort. Their team has developed three conceptual designs that would completely transform the property. The BBCRA seeks feedback from the community regarding which design would best serve as an entryway feature for the Heart of Boynton district.

Your input is essential in shaping the future of this site, and we encourage everyone to participate in the decision-making process. We invite you to attend the next Community Meeting on January 27, 2025 at 6PM at the Carolyn Sims Center, 225 NW 12th Avenue, Boynton Beach to see the presentation on all three conceptual designs outlined below. Click here to virtually cast your vote on your favorite version.

Version 1: The “I Dream” MLK Entry Feature

The “I Dream” MLK Entry Feature invites pedestrians/residents of the community to share in the inspiration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s dream of coming together. The entry feature will revitalize the intersection of N. Federal Highway and NE 10th Avenue bringing people of all ages and color into the dream.

The featured artwork can be viewed as pedestrians walk through the space, which has garden areas and stone pebble seating sprinkled throughout. At the center and apex of the path is the “EYE”, which offers optimal viewing of the art wall. The “EYE” is a reference to MLK’s ‘I have a dream’ quote, and the seating within the ‘EYE’ are inscribed with the words Dream, Love, Hope, Unify, and Believe. The stage area at the feature wall can be used for future events/performances. There is also a wall that buffers the impact of passing trains, adding a sense of security for those that are occupying the entry feature.

In the center of the ‘EYE”, an inscription on the ground reads, “Be the peace you wish to see in the world”. The objective of this Entry feature is to inspire the community through self-realization of inner beauty.

Version 2: The Arc of Justice Entry Feature

The entry feature is a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., centered around his famous quote, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” At the heart of the space is a concrete arc inscribed with this phrase, leading visitors to a mural of Dr. King. The mural, which also serves as a performance space, is the focal point of the area. 

Visitors follow a pathway designed to reflect MLK’s fight against segregation. The pavers begin with a single dominant style and gradually blend different colors and patterns as one approaches the mural, symbolizing the journey from segregation to unity. Benches throughout the area feature metal plates with Dr. King’s most iconic quotes, arranged chronologically, guiding visitors through his life’s work and showing along with the pavers the effect his work had in the fight for unity.

This space serves as a place of reflection, community, and celebration of Dr. King’s enduring legacy of justice and equality.

Version 3: Unity Entry Feature

This entry feature embodies Dr. Martin Luther King’s message of unity. It has three main features:

1. A seating area for reflection where visitors can enjoy the mural.
2. A space for community events like music and speeches.
3. A pedestal for displaying art.

These features create a welcoming entryway that connects the community. The pathways naturally lead to the mural, and the three features. A natural buffer between the train and the space, also serves as a butterfly garden of Florida native and drought-resistant flowers. Visitors will also find quotes from King’s “I Have A Dream” speech and his address at Spelman College throughout the area. Overall, the proposed space fosters a warm and unifying atmosphere.

Mark your calendar to attend the next Community Meeting on January 27, 2025 at 6PM at the Carolyn Sims Center, 225 NW 12th Avenue, Boynton Beach . Click here to virtually cast your vote on your favorite version. Stay tuned for more updates on how to share your feedback and help Boynton Beach continue its transformation into a more vibrant, connected community!