Jupiter Island Condo Sparks Neighbor Complaints, Boca Raton Eyes Office Depot Apartments

The Dirt: A Weekly Roundup of Real Estate, Weather, and Wildlife

Welcome to The Dirt, where I, Kimberly Miller, bring you the latest updates on real estate, weather, and the occasional critter. This week, we’re diving into some intriguing stories that are making waves in South Florida.

The Beast of Beach Sound Returns

One of the most talked-about developments this week is part two of “The Beast of Beach Sound,” a story that has captured the attention of many. Some, including myself, are calling it “The Return of the Beast of Beach Sound.” This installment follows the ongoing struggle against a proposed eight-story condominium on Jupiter Island. Unlike previous “return of” narratives involving characters like Jedi, Godzilla, or even Freddy and Jason, this one involves real-life residents who are concerned about the impact of doubling the height of an existing four-story building.

A lawsuit has been filed against the county, the developer, and even George Lucas—though the reason for his involvement remains unclear. The suit claims that the county commission’s approval of the project was influenced by the developer’s desire to maximize profits. While I find it hard to believe that developers would prioritize profit over community concerns, the debate continues.

Lennar Homes Plans 53 Townhomes Near Greenacres

In another development, Lennar Homes has received approval for a new townhome community near Greenacres. The project includes 53 units spread across 7.6 acres. The developer used a bonus for workforce housing to increase the number of units from 38 to 53, though the affordable housing will be constructed elsewhere.

While this news is significant, there’s another story that’s equally compelling. Farm animals are still being raised in the area of Lantana Road and South Haverhill Road. William and Debinique Sadler, who run a horse and farm animal business on a 2.3-acre property, worry that the new townhomes will disrupt their operations. Their land is being surrounded by zero lot line communities, which, while not inherently problematic, raise concerns about the future of local agriculture.

Millennial Gray Embraces White in Palm Beach Condos

It seems that white is the new black in the world of real estate. From newly built homes to gut renovations, many properties are being painted in shades of white, vanilla, Dutch white, ivory, cream, seashell, off white, and parchment. The idea is to provide buyers with a clean, neutral space they can personalize with their own decor.

One standout example is a $3.19 million condominium near Worth Avenue in Palm Beach. The unit underwent a stylish white-themed makeover by interior designers Chuck Poole and Bruce Langmaid. They’re looking for a house because of their two Boston terriers, Winston and Weenie, who prefer a yard. The condo is described as “updated, fresh, and bright,” and the white furniture can be purchased separately.

Office Depot Site Transforms into Rental Community

In Boca Raton, a 500-unit rental community is set to be added to a broader development called The Eclipse. This project is taking over the former Office Depot global headquarters site on Military Trail. An affiliate of the real estate developer Related Group will build the apartments, which are designed to appeal to trendy young professionals. The interiors will feature lots of white, along with amenities like pickleball courts and an Amped Fitness center.

The overall project aims to create a central, mixed-use hub in Boca Raton, complete with shops, restaurants, and corporate office space. While the name The Eclipse may not be as catchy as CityPlace South or CityPlace Boca, it’s a fitting moniker for what promises to be a vibrant new community.

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