Revised Town Docks Architectural Plan Approved

A month ago, some members of the Palm Beach Architectural Commission criticized architectural plans for the Town Docks, calling the Mediterranean Revival-inspired design thick, heavy, bulky, unaesthetic, too dark, and difficult to construct. 

On Wednesday, the commission approved revised plans for the docks presented by Rick Gonzalez of REG Architects, as first reported by Palm Beach Daily News.

The plan includes the redesign and reconstruction of three existing dock buildings on Australian, Brazilian, and Peruvian avenues, and the modifications addressed most of the concerns commissioners raised in February. In addition to the dock buildings, the project includes adding an additional dock, lengthening existing docks, increasing slip sizes, resurfacing the parking lot, building a new seawall and moving the driveway entrances. 

Revised Town Docks Architectural Plan Approved

“I would have preferred a lighter style,” alternate commission member Betsy Shiverick told Gonzalez Wednesday about the modifications. “It’s a shame because I think a Bahamian look on the water would have been really attractive. But I think what you’ve done, it’s a great improvement.”

At the urging of the commission, Gonzalez said that he enlarged windows; added cast stone at the base of columns; and changed the finish of the gates, handrails and light fixtures to match the bronze railings of a nearby bridge. 

“I thought the architecture looked much better,” commission member John David Corey said. “I still question the columns on the southernmost structure … and I did express my disappointment that there was no comprehensive landscape plan submitted.”

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A motion to approve the architectural design passed 5-2 with council members Robert Garrison and Alexander Ives dissenting. Approval was contingent upon replacing the pilasters at the corner of the Peruvian Avenue building with double columns.