Boca Raton temporarily allowing taller buildings downtown

Buildings in downtown Boca Raton aren’t supposed to be taller than nine or 10 stories that measure 100 feet, with some allowed extra height for decorative additions.

However, temporary rules are allowing the city to construct taller buildings downtown if certain design guidelines are met. The Mark at CityScape is being considered a test case, the Sun Sentinel reported.

Located near the southeast corner of Palmetto Park Road and Federal Highway, the Mark was approved in 2012 to reach 12 stories at 140 feet — or 40 feet taller than the official height limit for downtown. When the building opens in early 2015, the city plans to re-evaluate whether such taller buildings are ideal for Boca.

There are four other proposed downtown projects, including a 12-story hotel right next to the Mark, and a 200-unit apartment building which could reach 13 stories at 300 South Federal Highway. [Sun Sentinel] — Kristina Puga