Revitalizing Historic Old Town Pompano Beach

Old Town Pompano Beach, once a vacant and blighted historic downtown, has been transformed into a vibrant cultural destination.

RMA, in the role as the Pompano Beach CRA Director and management staff, recognized a countywide shortage of spaces for art creation and study. The CRA set out to reimagine the district as a creative hub. With strategic planning, the vision focused on adaptive reuse of historic buildings, updated zoning, and strong community engagement.

The Strategy

• Adaptive reuse: Two historic structures were converted into cultural venues, including the 1920s hotel that became Bailey Contemporary Arts (BaCA).
• Cultural investment: The City launched a Cultural Arts Department and Public Art Plan, introducing murals and installations throughout Old Town.
• Smart planning: RMA led a zoning code update for 269 acres, establishing a Transit-Oriented District (TOD) around a new bus terminal and future rail stop, while preserving nearby neighborhoods.
• Community engagement: More than 20 public meetings and a design charrette ensured resident voices shaped the plan.

Today, Old Town Pompano Beach is a thriving arts and culture district—home to galleries, studios, local businesses, and mixed-use developments. It has earned recognition as a cultural hub in South Florida, demonstrating how creative planning, collaboration, and investment can transform a city’s future.