Planning board clears amendment for downtown 'Concierge' building; applicant cites lower trip counts

The Boca Raton Planning & Zoning Board on April 4 approved an amendment to a previously granted individual development approval (IDA) for 22 Southeast 6th Street, allowing a 42‑unit, nine‑story multifamily building (approximately 100 feet tall, 116 feet including architectural features) in place of an earlier 88‑unit adult congregate living facility approval.

Senior planner Susan Lesser presented staff’s recommendation, saying the amended plan proposes 125,841 square feet of residential floor area, 20,893 square feet of structured parking and 60 double‑stack mechanical valet parking spaces. Lesser noted the traffic division had no objection; the staff report showed the project meets minimum parking requirements (74 spaces required, 74 provided) and that the Community Appearance Board recommended approval on April 2 by a 5‑0 vote.

The applicant’s representative displayed renderings and told the board the site previously had a building that was demolished less than five years ago; because of that, the project team could rely on older traffic counts. The applicant said using the prior counts yields fewer projected trips from the development, and stated for the record that there was a reduction of trips "by 59 per hour" compared with the demolished use.

Board members asked clarifying questions about public parking spaces relocated into the garage and about mechanical valet and handicap parking logistics; staff and the applicant explained valet operation, ADA parking requirements and that five spaces would be EV‑ready (electrical infrastructure provided) and signage will direct public parking to the garage entrance.

With no public speakers, the board moved and seconded approval; the roll call recorded a 6‑0 vote in favor. The board’s approval amends prior IDA conditions and removes a previously approved technical deviation that had reduced required parking.

The approval allows the applicant to proceed with the amended site plan subject to final permitting and any conditions included in the resolution. The project’s proponents said the amended plan reduces overall residential units compared with the earlier approval but keeps the site active and conforms to downtown design expectations referenced in the staff report.