New Transit-Oriented Development Rises Next to Boca Raton Tri-Rail Station

The Link at Boca project aims to serve as a model for future transit-oriented developments that can provide a financial boost to the commuter rail system.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Construction has begun on a mixed-use project called Link at Boca that is rising right next to the Tri-Rail station in Boca Raton. The eight-story building will have 340 residences, some of which will be workforce housing, along with 24,000 square feet of retail space. Transportation officials and South Florida leaders are hopeful that this project can serve as a model for future transit-oriented developments that can provide a financial lift to the Tri-Rail system, which has faced recent funding concerns.

Why it matters

Despite Tri-Rail's funding challenges, the Link at Boca project demonstrates how transit-oriented developments can be leveraged to support the commuter rail system. By locating housing, retail, and other amenities directly adjacent to the Tri-Rail station, the project aims to boost ridership and generate revenue that can help sustain Tri-Rail's operations.

The details

The Link at Boca project is being developed by 13th Floor Investments on land next to the Tri-Rail station at 680 W. Yamato Road in Boca Raton. The mixed-use development will feature an eight-story building with 340 residential units, some of which will be designated as workforce housing, as well as 24,000 square feet of commercial space for shops and restaurants. Tri-Rail officials see this project as a model that can be replicated at other station locations to help address the system's funding challenges.

  • Construction on the Link at Boca project began in February 2026.
  • Tri-Rail saw record ridership of more than 4.5 million rides in 2025.

The players

Tri-Rail

The commuter rail system serving South Florida, operated by the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority.

13th Floor Investments

The real estate development company behind the Link at Boca project, which has also developed other transit-oriented projects such as Link at Douglas in Miami.

David Dech

The executive director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, which governs Tri-Rail.

KellyAnne Gallagher

The CEO of the Commuter Rail Coalition, an association of public sector commuter rail agencies and private sector partners.

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What they’re saying

“We really want around these stations to be a focal point of the community.”

— David Dech, Executive Director, South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (sun-sentinel.com)

“I think the business community is voting, not just with their hearts, but with their pockets, and going forward, there's so much good that's happening in South Florida.”

— KellyAnne Gallagher, CEO, Commuter Rail Coalition (sun-sentinel.com)

What’s next

Tri-Rail officials are hopeful that the success of the Link at Boca project will pave the way for similar transit-oriented developments at other Tri-Rail station locations, which could help address the system's ongoing funding challenges.

The takeaway

The Link at Boca project demonstrates how public-private partnerships and transit-oriented developments can be leveraged to support the long-term sustainability of commuter rail systems like Tri-Rail, even in the face of funding uncertainties.