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Washington, D.C.-based Republic Properties Corp. will lead development of West Palm Beach's $50 million City Center a project that will rebuild the civic heart of the city.
City commissioners and the mayor selected Republic's team over a team lead by New York-based KUD International in a 5-1 vote on Aug. 26. The city will enter negotiations with Republic soon, West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel said, and should finalize the deal within a month.
Pre-construction on City Center is expected to begin next year, with completion targeted for 2007.
In the next several months, the city must decide whether it wants private development around the new city hall, city library and the nonprofit Palm Beach Photographic Center, which offers photography events and classes. Republic estimated a $4 million payment to the city if it is allowed to develop low-density office and retail space on...