The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and design firm AECOM recently presented a highly anticipated concept for the Broad Street Improvement Program. Stretching across five blocks from Lemon Avenue all the way to Veterans View Park, this ambitious project aims to completely reimagine the corridor’s 100-foot right-of-way.

Incorporating previous feedback from residents and local businesses, the new design focuses heavily on pedestrian safety, event-readiness, and creating a unique experience that could serve as a catalyst for future city redevelopment.

Upgrading the Everyday Streetscape (Blocks 1 to 3)
For the first three blocks—spanning from Lemon Avenue to Washington Avenue—the design introduces a highly structured and shaded streetscape. The plan includes generous 10-foot sidewalks, 5-foot planters designed for large canopy trees, and 45-degree angled parking.

While the current street lacks designated parking, these improvements will clearly delineate spaces, bringing 16 new parking spots to the first block alone. The design also introduces modern amenities to the area, including six electric vehicle (EV) charging locations situated on the north side of the second block.

Designers have also identified a creative opportunity for the local Save-a-Lot grocery store facade. They are proposing a “call to artist” to paint a mural on the building, accompanied by palm trees in the planters to ensure the artwork remains visible from the street. Furthermore, screen fencing will be installed to elegantly hide the store’s utility yard and dumpsters from public view.

The Flush Street Festival Zone (Blocks 4 and 5)
The most dramatic transformation happens in blocks four and five, moving east from Washington Avenue toward Indian River and the park. Here, the traditional road disappears in favor of a “flush street condition”. Without curbs or gutters, the street and sidewalks will sit at the exact same elevation, paved with different colored brick pavers to visually separate pedestrian zones from travel lanes and parking.

Block four will feature a central “pedestrian promenade”—a linear park running between the east and west travel lanes. This space is designed to comfortably fit at least 16 vendor tents for festivals while keeping Broad Street open to standard traffic.

Block five continues this event-friendly design but jogs the road slightly south to ensure continuous access for the neighboring condo community and a roundabout for emergency vehicles. This creates a massive, dedicated festival space laid out in a grid, where vendors will have access to built-in, lockable electrical outlets.

Lighting, Landscaping, and the Environment
Because the space is designed for both daytime strolls and nighttime festivals, lighting and landscaping were a major priority. The corridor will feature both tall street lights and lower pedestrian-scaled lighting. In a unique twist, the lighting in the flush-street festival blocks will have the ability to change colors. Organizers will be able to switch to red LED “dark sky” lighting to reduce light pollution during night sky viewing events or evening nature walks.

Finally, the design promises a strictly “Florida friendly” landscape palette. All selected plants and trees will be chosen for their ability to tolerate wind, salt, and drought, ensuring the street remains green and vibrant for years to come.

With these proposed changes, Broad Street is positioned to become not just a road, but a premier destination for the community. You can watch the project video below