American Social’s Delray Beach Expansion Approved for Streetside Dining ‘Paradise’

A rendering of the future outdoor dining portion of American Social, Delray Beach, FL. (Planning Document)

The trendy upmarket-yet-casual restaurant American Social is expanding to Delray Beach, and with the approval of the city commission Tuesday night, will take outdoor streetside dining to a new level.

The modern American restaurant and sports bar is best known locally for its location in Boca Raton’s Mizner Park, but also owns locations in Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Orlando. The unique aspect of the Delray Beach location, however, is the fact that the restaurant is moving into an otherwise non-descript 1970s-era building in the center of town that once housed the Ocean City Lumber Company. The expansive property, located at 220 NE 1st Street, was sold in 2022 for $30 million.

American Social is planning to move into the building at the bottom-left corner of the intersection at Pineapple Grove. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

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While American Social had already gained administrative approval from Delray Beach – meaning it was not subject to a hearing before the commission since an existing building was simply being repurposed – its ownership group decided that the new location should go an extra step toward incorporate outdoor dining and the surrounding neighborhood into the property itself. City officials, meanwhile, were intrigued by the idea of a new establishment opening within the Pineapple Grove district and activating a portion of NE 1st Street.

“About a year ago, we were able to get a site plan approved for American Social, but from an operational standpoint, it just doesn’t work for them,” attorney Christina Bilenki told commissioners, referencing the thinking of the restaurant’s owners. “They really pride themselves on their outdoor dining experience, their use of indoor and outdoor spaces, and they really seek to create a lively environment from the street which encourages people to sit outside. It brings people into the establishment as well.”

With that, American Social’s representatives got to work on a revised design for the former lumber company building which included a much-expanded outdoor dining area to replace haphazardly-located lightpoles and swaths of ivy growing in the midst of the sidewalk with a 9-foot wide canopy and its own streetscape design. The canopy would be a permanent part of the building, unlike the 4-foot awning that is allowed by zoning ordinance, and will be capable of supporting televisions, lights and other features hanging from the top. What is currently an overgrown “curb zone” area – a portion of private property reserved for street lights, parking meters and other small streetside accoutrements – will be replaced by a professionally-engineered streetscape that will allow all of the infrastructure within the public right-of-way while encouraging activity among pedestrians.

A rendering of the future outdoor dining portion of American Social, Delray Beach, FL. (Planning Document)

A rendering of the future outdoor dining portion of American Social, Delray Beach, FL. (Planning Document)

“We moved the entrance from the middle of the building to the corner, which allowed us to create more outdoor dining experiences on NE 2nd Avenue,” said Bilenki.

Meanwhile, a “cove” that was built into the design will create an additional covered outdoor experience.

Representatives for American Social were quick to point out that their proposals, despite requiring waivers from the commission, provides a curb zone greater than the 4-foot width normally mandated by code. In some portions of the property, it stretches to a width of 7-feet. The property – though oddly shaped in some portions – is large enough to house the outdoor dining and streetscape improvements on the restaurant’s owner private property. The proposal required no encroachment onto city lands or the roadway. There is also a 6-foot pedestrian clear zone and nearly 6-feet of traditional setback provided, which city officials noted could help separate pedestrians and motorists, and keep the street clear for traffic.

American Social represents one of the few major new projects in town to be retrofitted into an existing building rather than require demolition and new construction – something many residents have called for as streets are often clogged with construction vehicles in the downtown sector. But repurposing a building comes with its challenges.

A rendering of the future outdoor dining portion of American Social, Delray Beach, FL. (Planning Document)

A rendering of the future outdoor dining portion of American Social, Delray Beach, FL. (Planning Document)

“If this was a new development … we could maneuver the building lines a little more easily, but we’re working with the existing structure and trying to bring light into this corner that is really the missing link in Pineapple Grove,” said Bilenki.

The plan was met with support from city officials and neighboring residents.

“Right now, the walk from the Arts Garage to the railroad is boring as hell,” said resident George Long. “We need to put something there that looks good – and keep in mind that … people will be walking down that street. I want them to see that cafe look, like Atlantic Avenue, and something attractive. Let’s go with it.”

A rendering of the future outdoor dining portion of American Social, Delray Beach, FL. (Planning Document)

The proposal likewise found support with Mayor Tom Carney.

“I think it looks beautiful, and I think that’s an area – Pineapple Grove – that is ready for some improvement,” he said. “It’s a great project and it looks great.”

The commission unanimously granted both waivers required for the outdoor dining expansion.