Funky Fishing Village Mixed-Use Project Approved - Suni Sands Sold

Jupiters Town Council in August approved construction of a mixed-use project in the heart of whats become known in Jupiter, Fla. as the Funky Fishing Village.

The project, a 15,000-square foot, two-story retail/office building, includes a 60-seat caf with outdoor dining. Above it all will be six residential apartments.
It will be built on a 2-acre parcel on the east side of A1A between Saturn and Parkway streets near the Jupiter Inlet. The property already is home to a 5,300 square foot office building.

The newly approved project is part of the $5 million redevelopment of the area on State Road A1A that runs from Jupiter Beach Road north to U.S. 1 that is expected to start next spring and be finished in 2015.

Over the years there have been many plans for the area with much discussion about what kinds of projects best fit the areas Old Florida vibe.

Residents have voiced concerns about preserving the towns history and want to make sure any redevelopment keeps with the small town feel and walkability. Thats why plans also include sidewalks on both sides, 4-foot-wide bicycle paths, marked crosswalks, new street lights and on-street parking.

Other projects planned include demolition of the Pa-Ja Motel and a new restaurant at the former Seasport Marina, an 18-hole mini golf, a four-level parking garage across the street from the Waterfront Properties corporate offices, expansion of Guanabanas restaurant and the Square Grouper Tiki Bar.

More recently, the Palm Beach Post reported that Suni Sands mobile home park, which sits on 10 prime waterfront acres in the village, was sold for $16 million. The paper reported that Hobe Sound resident Charles Modica is the buyer. He is the founder of St. George's University, a medical school located in Grenada, West Indies.

The sale should come as no surprise to residents of the 120-unit park, many of them retirees and snow birds who have lived there for decades.

The park, which is zoned for multifamily homes, has been for sale for several years. Any plans for commercial development would require the property owner to seek rezoning.