City plans innovative use for vacant Sunrise Center space

In a recent government meeting, city officials discussed plans for the old city hall facility and the Sunrise Center, highlighting potential partnerships and future developments. The police department is set to occupy the old city hall, with an operational plan to be developed for their relocation.

The Sunrise Center is currently under consideration for a new tenant, the Solar Energy Loan Fund (SELF), which has expressed interest in utilizing the first floor of the building. This space, totaling 4,000 square feet, has been aggressively marketed without success until now. The city will need to initiate a competitive bidding process to formalize this partnership.

Officials noted the importance of the first floor for SELF, given its alignment with the building department's activities. However, discussions also touched on the potential use of the fourth floor, which some officials believe could be transformed into a multipurpose convention space. This idea stems from a recent observation of a successful model in Riviera Beach, where a similar facility has been effectively utilized for various events.

The fourth floor's unique views and potential for generating revenue through rentals were emphasized, with officials suggesting that it could attract events and visitors to downtown Fort Pierce. The meeting concluded with a consensus to explore these ideas further, indicating a proactive approach to maximizing the use of city facilities and enhancing local economic opportunities.