From yoga studios in a LEED-certified apartment, to nitrogen ice cream down the block, developers in Boca Raton are kicking the city’s retirement stereotype to the curb.
“It’s live, work, play in the true sense,” explained Joel Altman standing outside his newest project: Altis.
When Altman designed this 397-unit apartment building and adjoining shopping center named Park Plazce, he had the next generation in mind; young and future professionals.
Children of Altman Development Corporation employees saw an up close look at their future on an early take you child to work day tour Friday.
The future is called planned mobility. It’s a focus on bringing everything you need to one area easily accessible by walking, biking, or public transportation. Thus eliminating vehicle traffic that often comes along with new development.
“I think it’s really nice to have all those other options,” said Sarah Uhler, an eighth grade student who toured Altis. “Especially if you don’t want to spend money on gas and you can walk to restaurants.”
On Military Trail the Altis Apartments and Park Place shopping center are right next door to the Office Depot headquarters. Similar live, work, play concepts are popping up up all over the city’s northwest side which is home to several corporate headquarters.
“We felt we had the ideal situation and tried to develop the ideal apartments that would offer not only physically, but programmatically, an exceptional living experience,” Altman said.
Still some neighbors have voiced worries about the area becoming too dense and burdens new residents could place on public safety and services.
“It’s a sign of the times,” said Les Gusky, who’s spent his entire life living in South Florida.
He admitted this concept helped convince his company, Vianna Brasil, to relocate its sales office to this part of Boca. Now employees live a few blocks away and clients flying into Miami take the Tri-Rail to his doorstep.
“It’s a great thing for the commerce and the business at hand,” Gusky pointed out.
The Altis will welcome its first residents this July.