The public will have a chance to share their ideas for how the iconic WPB street will be upgraded.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF WEST PALM BEACH

Staff Report

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – As the City of West Palm Beach seeks to embark on a series of design improvements to Clematis Street, city officials are reaching out to Clematis Street merchants and soliciting their input—as well as input from area merchants, residents, key stakeholders and the general public– about potential upgrades to the street that will enhance public life.

Enhancements may include shade and tree canopy improvements, better lighting, café seating, paving, clearly marked pedestrian crossings and more. Knowing that great streets and outdoor spaces contribute to the lasting vibrancy of any community, Clematis Streetscape could also yield benefits in the areas of safety, walkability, economic development, public health, sustainability and more. One of the City’s primary goals with this project, also, is to shorten the construction schedule and minimize disruption to merchants.

With a rich history dating back to 1894, Clematis Street is one of the most iconic streets in the City of West Palm Beach.

Serving as the sole business district when the City was first founded, the street currently serves as a place to both work and play, affectionately referred to as the “living room” of the buzzing downtown community.

Along with the national expertise of the design and engineering team at KimleyHorn, Dover, Kohl & Partners, a visionary urban planning company based in Coral Gables, has been retained to design a polished and professional next phase of Clematis Street’s evolution. The public will have two opportunities to provide suggestions, including at the GreenMarket on Jan. 20 and at a public meeting at City Hall on Jan. 22.

“The improvements to Clematis Street are fitting, given the City’s current successful urban renaissance momentum,” said Mayor Jeri Muoio. “West Palm Beach is an incredible City with much to offer, including great neighborhoods, a beautiful waterfront, and activities for all ages. We have a solid foundation, and with large and small projects, we can be even better. Our community can be better connected, healthier, easier to walk, and more enjoyable. The Clematis Streetscape project is one of the key projects that will help us achieve those long-term goals.”

At the Streetscape: Planning at the Market; Saturday, Jan. 20 – West Palm Beach GreenMarket – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – (101 N. Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401) – Dover, Kohl & Partners will have a booth to engage with residents and visitors about Clematis Street. The interactive opportunity, which will include visuals for guests to react to, will give the design team a greater understanding of Clematis Street’s strengths and how it should be improved.

At the Streetscape: Interactive Workshop; Monday, Jan. 22 – Public Meeting at City Hall – 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. (401 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401) – Principal Victor Dover, of Dover, Kohl & Partners, will present initial options and renderings for the Clematis Streetscape project – short and long-term goals. The design firm will survey the audience through live polling, taking that feedback into consideration when editing design plans. City officials and project managers will also be onsite to receive feedback and provide overall project goals and timelines.

The City Commission is expected to make a final decision on the designs on Monday, Feb. 26 during the Face of the City public meeting. Construction is slated to begin in May, lasting through the summer months, and in a phased approach, as to not affect the entire street at once. Other phases will be slated depending on the cohesive final design.

For more information on the Clematis Streetscape project, visit wpb.org/clematisstreetscape, call 561-822-2222, or plan to attend the public meetings.