"Jupiter has a master plan, and the mayor has taken a positive look at community planning," Wacksman tells GlobeSt.com. Mayor Karen Golonka, who has an education and experience in urban planning, lists completion of the 2.5-mile pedestrian Riverwalk here among her goals. Inspired by his work for Tampa's 2.4-mile Riverwalk and Golonka's enthusiasm, Wacksman says, "I felt it's important that Florida's tremendous waterfronts are preserved and developed for public, pedestrian access. I thought the cities involved in Riverwalk projects could benefit from getting together and sharing their ideas, innovations and ways of meeting the special challenges of Riverwalk development." From a real estate industry perspective, he adds, "Riverwalks are a very important amenity for residential developers, because they increase property values. On the commercial side, they are an important selling point to tenants."
The inaugural meeting of Florida Riverwalk Exchange will take place here on April 6 among representatives from Tampa, Jupiter, Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville. Representatives from Miami were invited and have yet to respond. "We welcome them," Wacksman says.
Tampa's 2.4-mile Riverwalk is 17% complete. That city's Friends of the Riverwalk public/private task force has a goal of raising $20 million in private funding, another $16 million in public funds and about $4 million in developers' contributions. The target date for completion is October 2010.
Two phases, totaling 2,500 linear feet, of Jupiter's Riverwalk master plan are complete. One features a natural environment that also includes Capital's Riverwalk Center building. The other features the adjacent Jupiter Yacht Club and a $250-million mixed-use development with a public/private marina.
Fort Lauderdale's one-mile stretch along New River is one of the most mature plans that joins cultural centers, shopping, dining and landscaped areas. Jacksonville also has a well-developed 2.5-mile downtown waterfront with a pedestrian promenade.
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