As proposed, the 13 acres of aging buildings would be upgraded by pastel paint, Key West-style shutters, tin roofs and planters. There also would be taller buildings on the north end, more lighting, a five-level parking garage with 500 spaces, as well as a Disney-esque, two-tier clock entrance identifying it as “The Cove Village.”

The design was born during four days of brainstorming that began with the Iler Planning Group of Palm Beach Gardens soliciting ideas from affected businesses and residents — a session that produced conflicting goals.

It is a proposal so complex that four workshops are slated to discuss it.

Meetings on the long-awaited face-lift for the Cove Shopping Center get under way Aug. 20, and organizers are hoping residents turn out for what they are calling “visioning work groups.”

“The purpose of the charrette is to gather everyones input,” said Carlos Baia, the citys economic development manager.

Read More