Planning board approves phased redevelopment of Key Plaza at 2900 North Roosevelt

The City of Key West Planning Board voted unanimously to approve a major development plan and conditional use for the redevelopment of the Key Plaza at 2900–3026 North Roosevelt Boulevard.

Bart Smith, presenting for the applicant, described a multi‑phase plan to demolish the existing plaza and rebuild retail space — including a roughly 74,000‑square‑foot grocery over a parking deck and five outbuildings — while reducing total floor area from about 255,959 square feet to 190,925 square feet. "We're raising it 30 inches...so it'll bring it up to current stormwater codes," Smith said, adding that raising building and site elevations and adding nearly three acres of green space will reduce ponding and meet South Florida Water Management District standards. Staff planner Nick Perez told the board the project exceeds minimum vehicle parking by 67 spaces but currently shows a deficiency of 16 bike parking spaces; the applicant agreed to submit revised plans that add the 16 bike spaces before the city commission.

The board questioned stormwater modeling, trip generation and tenant impacts. Smith said developers will provide the hydrologic modeling required for environmental resource permitting and that trip generation is expected to be similar to current levels because the redevelopment reduces gross leasable area by about 65,000 square feet. Resident Brittany Elston urged wildlife protections for roof‑nesting terns and changes to storm‑drain grates; Smith said the team will coordinate pre‑demolition nesting inspections and comply with fish and wildlife restrictions if nesting is found.

The motion to approve included a technical amendment to reference the September 15, 2026 plan set. The roll call vote was unanimous.