First high-rise on smaller lot up for Boca City Council approval

Earlier this month, the council loosened development codes that prevented lots smaller than 2 acres from havingbuildings taller than 100 feet.

Tower One Fifty-Five will be the first to benefit from the looser rules.

The project, which was first approved to rise nine stories with 209 units, is eligible to rise to 12 stories, according to Susan Lesser, city planner.

The number of units has been reduced, however. The new design, which won praise from the city’s design consultant, calls for 170 units, or 39 fewer units than when it was first approved two years ago.

Urban Design Associates, according to city documents, “commented that the project was well designed” and would be attractive to people walking by, according to a memo to the City Council from Leif Ahnell, city manager.

Buildings taller than 100 feet are supposed to meet other requirements. And plans for Tower One Fifty-Five show the principles in action.

Instead of rising straight up, the tallest part of the tower will be 37 feet from the street, compared to the first three floors, which are nearly 18 feet from the street.

Opponents plan to attend Monday’s meeting. They say they don’t want to see more buildings rising to downtown Boca’s new, taller maximum.

The Mark at CityScape, scheduled for completion in March, was the first building to reach the 160-foot maximum allowed, since modern building guidelines were first implemented in downtown Boca.

“From what I see … all the aesthetics and style that were prevalent in Boca Raton are being ignored,” said Nanette Gordon, a longtime East Boca resident.

The meeting will be at 1:30 p.m., Monday at City Hall, 201 W. Palmetto Park Road.