Key Elements of a Successful Neighborhood Transformation
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Everglades BC
We will present examples of how redevelopment transforms neighborhoods, not just commercial areas. The presenta- tion will include how a holistic approach that addresses the environmental, built and social aspects of communities can work. In these examples, areas came alive through great design, community support and walkable, exible spaces. We will address the “what” and also the “how” that resulted in signi cantly revitalizing these neighborhoods.
Moderator and Speaker: Jon Ward, Executive Director, West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Speakers: Felix C. Deloatch, Director of Florida Operations, Torti Gallas; Tom Gallas, Chief Executive O cer and Na- tional Capital Planning Commissioner, CPA, LEED AP BD+C, Torti Gallas
Jon Ward has been the Executive Director of the West Palm Beach CRA and a Senior Redevelopment Associate with Redevelopment Management Associates (RMA) since January, 2014. Ward served as Director of the Fort Pierce Department of Urban Redevelopment and Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency from 2005-2013 and was the inaugural Director of Cultural Affairs for St. Lucie County from 2002-2005. Ward’s statewide service includes two terms on the Florida Council for Arts and Culture (2008-2011) and the Florida Humanities Council (2005-2011). He graduated from Leadership Florida’s Class XXVIII and currently serves on the Board of Citizens for Florida Arts.
As Torti Gallas’ Director of Florida Operations, Felix C. Deloatch has led the Tampa, Florida office since it opened in 2015. During his career, Mr. Deloatch has gained extensive experience working with both small and large-scale projects ranging from small university facility renovations to multi-million dollar new residential. His recent work has focused on large and complex mixed-use buildings usually including a combination of residential, retail, office and parking.
Mr. Deloatch holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Elizabeth City State University and a Masters of Architecture from The Ohio State University. He is a member of the Urban Land Institute, the American Institute of Architects and the Florida Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials.
Tom Gallas is the Chief Executive Officer of an award-winning urban planning and architecture firm that is a leader in the design of residential, mixed-use and transit-oriented centers throughout the United States. Under his leadership, Torti Gallas + Partners has gained international recognition as a firm dedicated to advancing the principles of the New Urbanism and Smart Growth to meet the challenges of our time.
Mr. Gallas’ creativity and financial background provides him with a deeply rooted appreciation and understanding of the complex decisions necessary in realizing successful transformations in cities and suburbs.
Mr. Gallas is recognized as a national leader in the design and revitalization of communities. As testament to his leadership and expertise, President Barack Obama appointed Mr. Gallas to the National Capital Planning Commission in 2016.