The City Center project will not only result in the creation of an efficient and thriving civic complex; it will also help create and preserve green space, giving the public more access to our precious waterfront for generations to come.

As part of the project, two major public buildings will be moved away from the water and to the City Center site: the current City Hall, and the downtown library.

The City Hall site on 2nd Street would be sold as part of the effort to build a waterfront park and hotel (for more information, see Learn About Banyan Village).

The library would be moved off Clematis Street, as recommended in June 2003 by the Urban Land Institute, and relocated at the City Center site. The U.L.I. report called the library a “cork in the bottle,” and said the library is, “…the only thing preventing downtown Clematis Street from enjoying the Intracoastal waterfront.” Further access to the waterfront is needed to help rejuvenate Clematis Street, and all of downtown West Palm Beach.

The Urban Land Institute report said that in order for West Palm Beach to reach its full potential, “…the downtown, particularly Clematis Street, must open itself up to the water and begin to engage, activate, and celebrate the waterfront.” Moving the library from its current location helps accomplish this goal, and the resulting green space created by the library’s move will be a major, enduring asset.