Downtown at the Gardens is getting a new look, including new retail outlets, restaurants, a boutique hotel and a residence tower. 

Erin Devlin, the Director of Marketing for Downtown at the Gardens, felt it was time to adjust to the times with the ever-changing retail world.

“The shopping center needed a facelift because it is 14 years old,” Devlin said. 

The community and competition around the shopping center has also had many changes over the years, including the development of shopping centers locally and online shopping.

“We needed to be part of the competition because the needs of our consumers have also changed,” Devlin said. “You will see we shifted our focus when it comes to retailers and restaurants and we will be basing it on consumer needs.” 

One of the biggest additions is a new gym called Lifetime Fitness Gym, and it will be on the north side of the shopping center. 

“It will be a three story building with an attached parking garage. There will be a rooftop pool, spa and salon, café, fitness studios and high end gym equipment,” Devlin said. 

There will also be a handful of new restaurants coming in. 

“We will have a wide array of quick service restaurants, steakhouses, Italian, Asian and much more,” Devlin said. 

Along with the new gym and restaurants, there also will be a drive-thru lane. 

“The drive-thru lane will run east to west so guests can drive…through the center,” Devlin said. 

The carousel that was in the middle of the shopping center was added a few years ago and will now be relocated to the lakefront so riders and spectators can enjoy a better view. 

“In place of the carousel, we will have prophet fountains, seating and a small venue space for live music,” Devlin said. 

The shopping center is still currently under construction, and phase one is on target to be completed by June 2021. However, visitors are still able to walk around and go to the restaurants and boutiques that are still open. 

“Phase two permitting is in the hands of the city of Palm Beach Gardens and we are awaiting approval,” Devlin said. 

Jeannette Palacio lives near the shopping center and hopes to go more often once it is finished. 

“I’m excited to see more unique boutiques and restaurants that I can go to with my family and friends,” Palacio said. 

Palacio hopes to see more activities for family and friends to do at Downtown at the Gardens.

“Live music and festivals would really bring in a crowd once everything is back to normal,” Palacio said.