CHANGES... THEY ARE A-COMIN'!

Members of the Delray Historic Preservation Trust are still challenging Developer Steve Michael of Hudson Holdings' plans for the corner of Atlantic and Swinton Avenues.  The plan is to rehabilitate and buildout part of the historic downtown district.  It would be “Caddy Corner" to the Old School Square and Cornell Museum.

Tuesday there will be another discussion before a city board with Hudson Holdings hoping to gain more public approval. Steve Michael said that they did everything possible and appreciated the previous feedback so they could create a better project.  They are keeping many historic structures in place.

Some of Delray Beach’s oldest structures are in the area being discussed, on Swinton south of Atlantic Avenue.  Hudson Holdings would rehabilitate and renovate those homes, build a hotel, stores and underground parking facility, all of which, it appears, is needed.

Delray Beach is a popular and interesting area for tourists and vacation home seekers, with focus on Atlantic Avenue from I-95 east to the beach and ocean. There are many historic homes in the area, north and south of Atlantic Avenue, and professionals have purchased homes and made them into offices, improving the appearance of these homes and upgrading the neighborhoods while staying true to the original buildings as much as possible. 

Slowly the area is “modernizing, upgrading” and moving the appearance of downtown Delray into today’s world. It is not easy to change the appearance of an area to make everybody happy, but it would seem that it will bring new business space and other amenities to the area, new income to the city, and new residents. Renovated historic homes will be much more desirable for purchase.

The picture herein is with the courtesy of Hudson Holdings, to show what the development will look like.  There will be office space on the second floor.

3 Trends in Kitchen Hardware to Keep an Eye On

You don’t have to transform your entire kitchen to feel like your kitchen has been upgraded. All you have to do is update some of your kitchen hardware, like the knobs on your cabinets or the handles on your drawers. You’ll get that new kitchen feel for a fraction of the cost. However, choose your new hardware wisely. Here are 3 trends in kitchen hardware to keep an eye on.

1. Artsy knobs

The great thing about the term “artsy” is that it’s totally up to your interpretation and discretion. You can take your pick of colorful knobs, varying sized knobs and knobs of many different styles. Got a theme for your kitchen? Go all out by getting knobs that matches your vision. 

Whatever your method of madness, personalize your kitchen in the subtlest and classiest of ways so you can impress guests. You can peruse the knob section at Home Depot or Lowes for ideas, or you can check out what’s new in the DIY section of the internet.

2. Bar handles

You can make your kitchen seem more modern and sleek without replacing a single panel or backsplash tile. Just incorporate long, straight lines in your kitchen with bar handles.
These handles are most commonly seen in restaurant kitchens: They’re long and slim metal bars that run the length of drawers. They’re not only great for design but also for utility. You can be completely engrossed in a recipe, reach over to grab a drawer handle and grasp it every time, without fail.

Now, if you have a theme for your kitchen, these handles are maybe not the best way to go. If you’re going for minimalist and even futuristic vibe, these handles are for you.

3. Finger handles

Although they may look like it, finger handles aren’t actually tiny shelves for mice (knock on wood that there aren’t really mice in your kitchen). These flat, stainless steel handles work great for the lower, base cabinets in your kitchen. Just slip a finger or two under the small lip of the handle to open your cabinets.

They look great and they’re completely functional. No more bending down to open a cabinet just to discover the pot you were looking for wasn’t even in there.

Pro tip: Updating the hardware in your kitchen is a great way to spruce up your kitchen before showing your house to prospective buyers. When you’re ready to sell your home, give us a shout. We’re here to help.

READY TO MOVE A LITTLE NORTH TO A SPECTACULAR NEW LISTING

Emeraude Condo in Palm Beach with ICW and Ocean views. 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, 2145 living sq ft.  $1,075,000.  Come and take a look.  Penthouse (5th Floor). Call or text 561-302-3388~Marilyn Jacobs with Donohue Real Estate in Palm Beach.  RX-10383764.  Furnished Cabana included.  Fitness center, Library, High Security, Doorman, 27 units in the building.  Best unit available on the beach. HOA is $1100/month.  1 parking space in garage in building.

Short Walk to Lake Worth Beach with

shoppes, pier, Casino, eateries

and over the Lake Worth Bridge to

Museum, art galleries, antique shoppes

eateries, sidewalk people-watching

and SO MUCH TO DO!

GREAT LIFESTYLE!

PALM BEACH'S FLAGLER MUSEUM EXHIBIT “KNIGHTS OF THE AIR: AVIATOR HEROES OF WORLD WAR I”

The former home of railroad magnate Henry Flagler, “Whitehall,” America’s first museum, is a National Historic Landmark known as the Flagler Museum.  It was completed in 1902. Architectural style is Neoclassical and Beaux-Arts.

Take a guided tour and see the changing and special exhibits.  The Gilded Age Décor is elaborate and beautiful. Many original furnishings and art are in the building. It is located at One Whitehall Way in Palm Beach.

The exhibit depicting our WWI “swashbucklers in the skies” in the early days of aviation, runs through December 31, 2017.  This year is the 100^th anniversary of America’s 1917 entry into WWI.  Aviators were daring, patriotic, and adventurous.  Included will be works of art, artifacts, and printed materials, all on loan from the private collection of Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf.

Guided tours are available Wednesdays at 10:30 am and 3:30 pm. Museum admission is free to active duty, reserve, and retired US Military (with proper identification). Check out the illustrated lecture that will be presented to museum attendees on Saturday, November 11 at 11:30 and 2:30 pm. RSVP to 561-655-2833. The 1927 Hollywood film, “Wings,” tells the story. Enjoy the price fixed lunch ($22) at the Café des Beaux-Arts in the museum which reopens on Friday, November 24^th.

A series of lectures will cover WWI in more detail.  Take your children, especially teens, to learn about past history: “Learning about past history will help prevent making the same mistakes.”

For current brochure: https://www.flaglermuseum.us/. Museum Membership information can be found at https://www.flaglermuseum.us/membership/individual-membership and other 

WHAT IS THE BEST INVESTMENT? REAL ESTATE!

In a quiet corner of West Palm Beach's Presidential Estates, where luxury homes abound, some on the waterfront, you will find WHITEHALL CONDOS.  There are sparkling white buildings with catwalk designs that bring N'Awlins to mind.  Beautiful gardens, flowering bushes, and palm trees are meticulously cared for.  It is quiet, peaceful, and there are a beautiful Olympic-size pool and a small clubhouse on the grounds.  Meandering paths have pretty views and an occasional bench to sit on and rake in the colorful pastoral views.

The new Banyan Cay Country Club is being built next door with a Nicklaus golf course, hotel and clubhouse, and they accept outside members.  Guard gated at the north and south ends, this is a safe secure community.

All units have 1385 living sq ft. They are spacious with a huge walk-in master closet, two bedrooms, two full baths, laundry room with storage space and a bonus room for storage or other usages.  There is a wall of windows at the end of the living room. Some overlook water views, some overlook the golf course.  Others overlook gardens. Kitchens have all the "usual" appliances and a small area for a snack. Some kitchens are updated, some are not. There is a pass-thru window from the kitchen to the dining area.

A property manager can handle "fix-up" that renters request and collect 

the rent for you.

If you are a large investor, this could be a way to start off younger members of your family learning about real estate investments "as they go."

Some of the Whitehall condo owners have two, three or four units that are rented out. Priced at market value, they sell and rent quickly. The units can cost from $114,000 to $140,000, and with many upgrades can cost more.

If you like this idea, give me a call or text me at 561-302-3388 and let me show you some units and the grounds.

Marilyn Jacobs, Realtor

TRAVEL CHANNEL.COM names Delray Beach as one of Florida's 10 best beaches.

Each year, nearly 1 million people visit family-friendly Delray Beach to enjoy the 2-mile-long beach that’s ideal for fun beach activities, including sandcastle-building. Take a break from the beach and hit nearby Atlantic Avenue, lined with boutiques, seafood restaurants and the luxurious Seagate Hotel and Spa.

From sailing and surfing to snorkeling and paddleboarding, water-sport lovers are in for a treat when visiting Delray.

For more information email marilynfjacobs@gmail.com

Whole Foods Market 365® Store Coming to Delray Beach

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. – Whole Foods Market announced that is has signed a new lease for a Whole Foods Market 365 store in Delray Beach, Florida to be located at 660 Atlantic Avenue.

“We’re excited to bring the first Whole Foods Market 365 location in Florida to Delray Beach,” said Juan Núñez, president of Whole Foods Market’s Florida Region. “This store will bring a unique shopping experience to the community that will delight both new and longtime Whole Foods Market shoppers.”

Whole Foods Market 365 stores focus on an affordable and convenient shopping experience through design, technology and customer experience. The carefully curated product selection at Whole Foods Market 365 stores provide a streamlined and modern experience, while still adhering to Whole Foods Market’s industry-leading quality standards.

Customers can also look forward to unique in-store experiences with the “Friends of 365” program, and the free 365 Rewards program to save even more.

FLORIDA ATLANTIC FOOTBALL PLAYERS DO GOOD DEED, INDEED, AND EVERYBODY WINS!

A part of the “Paint Your Heart Out” project, this past weekend, the team’s starting kicker since 2014 and 30 of his teammates worked together to paint Sharon Pigott’s home in Delray Beach.  The event was done in conjunction with the Florida Waste Authority, and completed in 90 minutes.

Joseph is President of FAU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee which engineers and participates in community service events.  Ms. Pigott had not spoken directly to the students on the day of painting, and she was impressed and pleased with the turnout and the work they did.

Teammates working side by side got to know each other better under this stressless activity. Joseph said the events are “teaching me a lot about leadership and I enjoy the responsibilities.  It helps mold me a bit.”

Dreaming of living by the beach for a relaxed & luxurious lifestyle?  Florida Cities rated:

https://wallethub.com/edu/best-beach-towns-to-live-in/36567/

#            City

  9          BOCA RATON   

22          NORTH PALM BEACH

93          DELRAY BEACH

105        BOYNTON BEACH

181        LAKE WORTH

Article states these are not more expensive or less livable than landlocked cities.