Boca Raton Considers 400-Home Plan for Former Sears Site at Town Center Mall

Proposal seeks to add residential units to mall property, requiring zoning changes.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The owners of Boca Raton's Town Center Mall have proposed a major redevelopment plan that would add 400 residential units up to 85 feet tall on the former Sears anchor parcel. However, the plan would require an amendment to the city's zoning rules, which currently limit residential units in commercial, industrial, and multifamily districts to 2,500 total. City officials expressed interest in reworking the zoning rules more broadly to align with their overall vision for the area's growth and development.

Why it matters

This proposal represents a significant shift in the use of the Town Center Mall property, moving from retail to a mixed-use development with a substantial residential component. It reflects the broader trend of malls adapting to changing consumer habits and the growing demand for housing in urban centers. The city's willingness to consider zoning changes indicates an openness to controlled growth in this area, which could have broader implications for development in Boca Raton.

The details

The 400-unit residential proposal, put forth by the mall's owner Simon Property Group, would target the former Sears anchor parcel on St. Andrews Boulevard. Currently, the city's zoning rules allow a maximum of 2,500 residential units in commercial, industrial, and multifamily districts, with 2,187 units already allocated to ongoing redevelopment projects. To move forward with the mall's proposal, the city would need to amend these zoning rules.

  • The proposal was revealed at a city workshop on Monday, February 11, 2026.
  • City council members did not vote on the proposal but indicated an interest in reworking the commercial, industrial, and multifamily zoning districts in the coming months.

The players

Simon Property Group

The owner of the Town Center Mall in Boca Raton, which has proposed a 400-unit residential redevelopment of the former Sears anchor parcel on the property.

Boca Raton City Council

The local government body that is considering the mall's redevelopment proposal and potential changes to the city's zoning rules to accommodate it.

Fran Nachlas

The Deputy Mayor of Boca Raton, who expressed a desire to look at the city's overall vision for the area rather than just the 400-unit proposal.

Yvette Drucker

A Boca Raton City Council member who said the former Sears site is a "ripe opportunity" for the proposed growth, given its proximity to public transportation.

Brandon Schaad

The Boca Raton Development Services Director, who indicated that city staff would bring the commercial, industrial, and multifamily zoning districts back before the council for further discussion in the coming months.

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What they’re saying

“I think that needs to be part of this conversation and not just putting it up to these 400 additional units, but looking at what our overall vision is for the city.”

— Fran Nachlas, Deputy Mayor (tapinto.net)

“That area of Town Center Mall is ripe for that type of growth - controlled growth. It also has Palm Tran, which is right there. It's a ripe opportunity.”

— Yvette Drucker, City Council Member (tapinto.net)

What’s next

City staff will bring the commercial, industrial, and multifamily zoning districts back before the Boca Raton City Council for further discussion in the coming months.

The takeaway

This proposal highlights the evolving role of malls in urban centers, as property owners seek to adapt to changing consumer habits by incorporating more residential elements. Boca Raton's willingness to consider zoning changes suggests an openness to controlled growth in this area, which could set the stage for broader development and redevelopment efforts in the city.