Future of E. Pat Larkins Center Tied to Community Input as Downtown Project Advances

POMPANO BEACH — As redevelopment of the city’s New Downtown moves forward, the next chapter for one of Northwest Pompano’s most meaningful landmarks — the E. Pat Larkins Community Center — will depend heavily on community involvement.

RocaPoint Partners (RP Pompano, LLC), master developer of the downtown project, has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for an architect with deep experience in community engagement. The effort is being conducted in partnership with the City of Pompano Beach and the Pompano Beach CRA, and is required under the Master Development Agreement.

The future facility is envisioned as a larger, multipurpose center, but officials emphasize that the vision must be shaped by residents — especially those with long ties to Northwest Pompano, where the center has served as a gathering space, voting site, celebration venue, and cultural hub.

Named for E. Pat Larkins, the city’s first Black mayor and a long-time advocate for economic opportunity and civic inclusion, the building represents both history and identity. Past Villij News coverage has highlighted deep concern among Black residents about preserving that legacy as downtown transformation accelerates.

Project leaders say the architect’s role will go beyond design. They will lead an inclusive outreach process with residents, stakeholders, the developer, the City, and the CRA to ensure the center reflects community priorities. Because the location has not yet been selected, site choice will also depend on public input.

In a redevelopment effort that promises progress, residents say participation is essential to make sure history, culture, and lived experience guide what comes next.

More public engagement opportunities are expected as planning continues.