City and CRA host New Downtown meeting to present updates and introduce architects for the new E. Pat Larkins Community Center project

Pompano Beach, Florida – The City of Pompano Beach, working alongside the Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and development partner RocaPoint Partners, recently brought residents together for another step in the ongoing New Downtown vision. The gathering took place at the E. Pat Larkins Community Center, a location already deeply connected to community life, and it drew a wide mix of residents, business owners, and local stakeholders who came to hear updates and take part in discussions shaping the future of the area.

The meeting was not just about plans on paper. It was also a chance for people to meet the architectural teams chosen to design the new E. Pat Larkins Community Center. The firms Studio-US and METICULOUS were formally introduced, giving attendees an early look at the creative minds behind one of the most anticipated projects in the New Downtown development.

Inside the room, the atmosphere was active and engaged. Conversations moved between project details, design ideas, and personal hopes for what the new center might become. Many attendees used the opportunity to ask questions and share thoughts, while others focused on connecting with the architects and understanding how community input will be included in the process moving forward.

One of the key voices at the event was Stacey Boynton, Principal of Studio-US, who spoke about both the design approach and the energy she felt in the room. As a small business owner herself, she said the gathering reflected a strong entrepreneurial and creative spirit already present in Pompano Beach.

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“Sitting in a room filled with entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders reminded me that there is already tremendous talent, vision, and innovation within Pompano Beach,” she shared. “I hope the E. Pat Larkins Community Center becomes a place where that energy continues to thrive.”

Boynton emphasized that the design process for the new center will not begin with drawings, but with listening. She described community feedback as a core part of architectural work, not a secondary step. In her view, understanding how people actually use space is essential before any design decisions are finalized.

“Community feedback helps us move beyond designing a building and toward creating a place that truly serves its users,” she said. “Residents often provide insights into how spaces are used, what programs are needed, and what values should be reflected in the project. This center carries the name of Elijah Pat Larkins, Pompano Beach’s first Black mayor. Honoring his legacy begins with listening. Before we can design a place that serves the community, we must first understand.”

The project carries historical meaning for the city, and that weight was not lost on those involved in the planning process. Boynton noted that honoring Elijah Pat Larkins means more than naming a building after him. It means creating a space that reflects the community he served and supports the future generations who will use it.

She also reflected on the broader role architecture plays in shaping communities, pointing out that buildings influence far more than physical space. They can affect daily life, safety, economic opportunity, and even how people see their own neighborhood.

“Architecture is about much more than buildings. It influences quality of life, economic development, public safety, and community identity,” Boynton explained, balancing the technical demands of safety and resiliency with social responsibility.

Beyond the design itself, Boynton’s involvement in the project also represents a broader conversation about representation in architecture. As a Black woman working in a field where representation remains extremely limited, she acknowledged the importance of visibility and opportunity for future generations.

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She has also been active in outreach efforts, working with local schools and professional programs to encourage young people to explore careers in design and related fields. For her, the project carries meaning not only in what it will become physically, but also in what it represents socially.

“Representation matters because people often need to see what is possible before they can imagine it for themselves,” she stated. “This project demonstrates the impact that diverse voices can have on shaping our built environment. I hope young people see that leadership comes in many forms. Whether through architecture, public service, business, education, or community advocacy, they have the ability to create meaningful change. If this project helps even one young person see new possibilities for their future, that would be incredibly rewarding.”

As planning moves forward, Boynton shared her vision for the design direction of the new community center. She described an approach focused on experience, not just structure. Natural light, texture, and design elements inspired by the city’s identity are expected to play a central role in shaping the space.

The goal, she said, is to reflect Pompano Beach’s motto, “Florida’s Warmest Welcome,” in a way that residents can feel as they move through the building. The center is intended to be more than a facility. It is meant to function as a gathering place, a cultural anchor, and a daily part of neighborhood life.

“I often say architecture should be felt as much as it is seen because our experience of a place extends far beyond what is visible,” Boynton said. “My greatest hope is that residents feel a sense of pride when they walk through the doors. The legacy of E. Pat Larkins deserves more than a building bearing his name. It deserves a place that reflects the values he stood for and inspires future generations to lead, serve, and invest in their community.”

City officials noted that this meeting is one of many planned as part of the broader New Downtown engagement process. Additional community sessions will continue over the coming months, allowing residents to stay involved as the project develops. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 24, offering another opportunity for public input and updates.

For those looking to follow the progress of the New Downtown initiative, information and updates are available through the official project website at https://www.downtownpompanobeach.org/.