Boca Raton Approves Downtown Wellness Club Amid Resident Concerns

Boca Raton's planning and zoning board unanimously approved an eight-story private social and wellness club near Sanborn Square. The project, slated for Northeast First Avenue, will include new restaurants, fitness and wellness facilities, and rooftop amenities.

The club is part of significant redevelopment in the downtown corridor, joining the Aletto mixed-use office and retail project and the previously approved Mizner Plaza hotel. Supporters anticipate new customers and tax revenue, while some residents worry about increased traffic and parking demand.

The 54,681-square-foot development will offer private social spaces, dining, fitness, and wellness amenities, including a rooftop area. Project representatives stated the club will have 85 automated underground valet parking spaces. Planning documents indicate the project may require up to 183 spaces, with additional parking to be secured through an arrangement with the Aletto development.

Joseph Graubart, a Sanborn Square visitor, expressed concern about the project's scale near the public space. "Building these monstrosities across the street from it is a real shame," Graubart said, citing worries about construction, traffic, and parking. Opponents estimate the project could generate over 600 daily vehicle trips.

Downtown business owner Ele Zachariades supports the project, highlighting planned amenities like a wine cellar, speakeasy, and an Asian-infused restaurant. City staff estimate the project will generate approximately $200,000 annually in new tax revenue, which supporters say will strengthen the downtown business environment.

The proposal will now move to the Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency for further review. The project remains a focal point in discussions balancing economic development with downtown Boca Raton's character and quality of life.