Frisbie Group Announces Withdrawal of 125 Worth Avenue Revitalization Project Application
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
125 Worth Avenue Proposed Architectural Design
Palm Beach, FL., April 11, 2023. Frisbie Group announces 125 Worth Avenue revitalization application withdrawal.
Worth Avenue has long been regarded as one of the most iconic landmark destinations in the world, home to luxury boutiques, al fresco dining, and premium residential living. With four generations of the Frisbie family currently living on the Island, and several having lived directly on the Avenue for years, we have witnessed and personally experienced the incredible benefits of such a proximate mixed-use amenity, and feel immense gratitude for the many ways it contributes to our enhanced quality of life.
125 Worth Avenue Current vs. Proposed Architecture
“As investors in the community, we also feel an acute responsibility for preserving its viability, to ensure it exists with the same charm, allure, and appeal for future generations as it has for us and all those who came before,” notes Rob Frisbie, Jr., Managing Partner at Frisbie Group. The proposed plan for 125 Worth Ave intended to do just that, utilizing guidelines enacted by the Town’s Urban Design Objectives to protect and enhance the character of the area (see below renderings juxtaposed to existing conditions).
Contrary to the negative rhetoric being presented about the project, Frisbie Group did not propose a “high-rise,” or to “tear down the existing building,” or to “double the building’s size,” all misconceptions that have been circulated at our Town’s expense. In reality, the proposed building is no taller than the existing structure, but rather a beautiful enhancement that clads the entire ground floor in coral stone, encloses covered parking on the ground floor, and repurposes and expands an existing fourth floor, (one that is currently wasted with mechanical equipment), into a world-class office space. The proposal includes green roofs, hurricane-rated windows and doors, stone window surrounds, and a stunning arcade along the avenue. It does not make the building imposing or out of place, but intends instead to reconnect the 100 block of the Avenue with the historical and architecturally significant west-end of the street, whose Mediterranean-Revival and Neoclassical details encompass the very essence of Worth Avenue’s character. Furthermore, as the existing building was constructed under the now-defunct 1974 zoning code, all but 3 requested variances are directly related to legalizing any non-conformities, and are not demanded without hardship as falsy proclaimed; the remaining 3 variances are easily removable with tweaks to the design. Accusations of insufficient parking also require correction, as a recent study proved only 40% of existing parking utilization at peak conditions; the proposed design similarly indicates a 20% underutilization of available parking.
We love this community, and while we’re grateful for the overwhelming support for this project, especially from adjacent neighbors, we are uncomfortable with the concerns voiced by a small group within the Kirkland House, and prefer to withdraw the project until such time when, we hope, all adjacent neighbors can come together in support of our iconic avenue. As noted by Frisbie Group Managing Partner, Cody Crowell, “We always strive to do the right thing and truly believe that investing in the 100 block of Worth Avenue is vital to the future of our amazing town. We pride ourselves on working in and with our community, and we will continue to do so, investing in projects that we hope will preserve the beauty, charm, and quality of life we have all come to enjoy and love.”
125 Worth Avenue Existing Arcade Architectural Design
125 Worth Avenue Proposed Arcade Architectural Design
Contact: Ashley Frisbie
Frisbie Group | 561.717.9803
ashley@frisbiegroup.com
221 Royal Poinciana Way, Suite 1
Palm Beach, FL 33480