A rendering of ‘The Maxwell,’ approved for the Central Business District in Delray Beach, FL. (Credit: Netta Architects)
Delray Beach commissioners have approved the development of a mixed-use building in the Art Deco style that will be constructed at 306 NE 2nd Street, between the railroad tracks and NE 4th Avenue.
Known as “The Maxwell,” the project spans both sides of NE 2nd Street, with a four story building on the south side and associated parking and landscaping on the north side. The building will primarily be located within the Central Business District, which triggered a more thorough review of the building’s style following an update to the city code in 2023 that calls for more oversight to Art Deco architectural projects, given the increasing number of buildings being proposed in that style.
The location of the future project ‘The Maxwell’ in Delray Beach, FL. (Photo: Boca Daily News)
A rendering of ‘The Maxwell,’ approved for the Central Business District in Delray Beach, FL. (Credit: Netta Architects)
The location of the future project ‘The Maxwell’ in Delray Beach, FL. (Photo: Boca Daily News)
The Maxwell will include 2,596 square feet of commercial space and 23 residential units in a four-story building. The structure itself will replace an existing two- story 6,011 square foot commercial building. The area on the north side of the street is already utilized for parking, but will be significantly improved alongside the new development and incorporated into the streetscape plan for the neighborhood. The residential units will have lobby access from NE 2nd Street and stoop access to the ground-story units from Railroad Street, which – while technically considered a street – more closely appears as an alleyway near the railroad tracks.
The Maxwell is named for Maxwell Van Arnem, the creator of the project who unexpectedly passed away in 2021. His father, developer Harold Van Arnem, pledged to see the project through as a tribute to his son’s dream to build such a style of residence in the city’s arts district.
Before voting on whether to approve the building, the commission was tasked with approving the architectural style under the updated guidelines.
“Art Deco blends traditional and modern elements which enable the development to pay homage to the past while embracing modernity in the ever-changing fabric of Delray Beach,” said architect Peggy Fitzgerald, representing the developer.
A mix of historic buildings, uniquely-quirky homes and modern commercial space, The Maxwell will blend into the diverse landscape that surrounds it, said Fitzgerald.
“It takes into consideration the scale, proportions, and materials used in those neighboring structures and ensures a harmonious blend with the surrounding environment,” she told commissioners. “The style is easily recognizable … which makes this building an excellent example of Art Deco style.”
A rendering of ‘The Maxwell,’ approved for the Central Business District in Delray Beach, FL. (Credit: Netta Architects)
The location of the future project ‘The Maxwell’ in Delray Beach, FL. (Photo: Boca Daily News)
A rendering of ‘The Maxwell,’ approved for the Central Business District in Delray Beach, FL. (Credit: Netta Architects)
A rendering of ‘The Maxwell,’ approved for the Central Business District in Delray Beach, FL. (Credit: Netta Architects)
The location of the future project ‘The Maxwell’ in Delray Beach, FL. (Photo: Boca Daily News)
The project found support within the city’s building department staff as well as the planning and zoning board, which recommended approval in a 5-1 vote in August.
The building design “successfully incorporates design characteristics of the style, including geometric shapes, articulations between solid and void, cantilevered eyebrows for shade, stucco finish, few rounded corners, ornamental cladding and metal railings, and vertical features to juxtapose the strong horizontal lines,” the report from city staff found.
The Maxwell will consist of 23 residential spaces that will be divided between one, two and three-bedroom units. There will be three retail spaces divided between 2,651 square feet, plus 878 square feet of outdoor civic space. A rooftop deck will feature a gym and pool, and the parking lot will be gated.
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