Pompano Beach’s Downtown Transformation: Promise, Progress, and the Path Ahead 

By Attiyya Atkins 

Pompano Beach is moving forward with a $2 billion downtown redevelopment project that promises to transform the heart of the city over the next decade. Centered around the area west of Dixie Highway near Atlantic Boulevard, the plan seeks to establish a walkable, mixed-use urban core that will attract residents, businesses, and tourists alike. But as progress moves forward, local residents—especially in historically Black neighborhoods like Northwest Pompano—are watching closely, weighing the opportunities and potential costs of such a major transformation. 

What’s Being Planned Downtown 

The revitalization is part of the Downtown Pompano Beach Innovation District, which will combine government buildings, cultural venues, new housing, retail, green space, and transit upgrades. Phase I of the project includes the construction of a new City Hall, civic plaza, and an expanded Bailey Contemporary Arts Center (BaCA), all set for completion by 2034. Plans also include a new Tri-Rail station to improve regional connectivity. 

Over time, developers expect to build over 4 million square feet of residential, office, and retail space—designed to create what the city calls a “live, work, play” environment. 

Economic Boost, But For Whom? 

Proponents of the plan highlight the potential for job creation and tax revenue. City estimates suggest over 3,000 permanent jobs and more than 5,000 construction jobs will be created. Once fully built out, the area could generate $42 million in annual tax revenue and more than $1 billion in annual economic activity. 

But questions remain about who will benefit. Local leaders have promised to prioritize affordable workforce housing and job opportunities for residents. However, the rising tide of redevelopment in other South Florida cities has sometimes led to displacement of longtime residents and small businesses—a concern shared by many in Northwest Pompano. 

The E. Pat Larkins Community Center: A Symbolic and Strategic Pivot 

One of the most significant and potentially controversial changes involves the E. Pat Larkins Community Center. Long a cornerstone of civic life in Northwest Pompano and a tribute to one of the city’s first Black mayors, the center is slated to be demolished as part of the downtown overhaul. In its place, a new “state-of-the-art” cultural center will be constructed nearby, according to city plans. 

City officials say the new facility will offer upgraded amenities, expanded programming, and improved access. They argue that the redevelopment honors the legacy of Pat Larkins while modernizing the infrastructure to better serve the next generation. 

However, some community members have expressed concern about losing a site with deep historical and emotional value. Critics worry that removing the existing center could dilute its significance and leave residents feeling left out of decisions that directly affect their neighborhood. 

Gentrification and the Future of Northwest Pompano 

As new luxury apartments, entertainment venues, and retail corridors begin to reshape downtown, there are real concerns about rising property values and rent increases creeping into nearby neighborhoods. While city leaders have committed to preserving affordable housing and promoting homeownership among local residents, the forces of gentrification are difficult to control once large-scale private development enters the picture. 

Efforts such as public meetings, workshops, and community engagement are ongoing, but their effectiveness will depend on how closely city planners and developers listen to the voices of long-established residents, especially Black homeowners and small businesses who have been part of Pompano’s story for generations. 

A Vision in Progress 

Pompano Beach’s downtown redevelopment is a bold, long-term investment in the city’s future. It has the potential to bring new energy, jobs, and opportunities. But it also comes with trade-offs—especially for historically marginalized communities who have seen similar projects elsewhere push them to the sidelines. 

For residents of Northwest Pompano, the coming years will be a critical time to remain engaged, informed, and vocal about their place in the city’s changing landscape.