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Old School Square celebrates a new name

Delray Center board Chairman Scott Porten, left, introduces Frances Borque, chair emeritus and the visionary behind Old School Square. Below left, the Beatles tribute band Around the World performs

By Palm Beach Business.com

DELRAY BEACH — Say good-bye to Old School Square. Say hello to the Delray Beach Center for the Arts at Old School Square.

The arts and cultural organization that's almost synonimous with Delray Beach threw a party Friday to celebrate the new name, with a few thousand of its closest friends showing up to enjoy the festivities, which included an open house. The Beatles tribute band Around the World, later performed, kicking off a second season of free Friday night concerts at the entertainment pavilion, and about 20 food trucks provided the grub.

“You have to evolve every 20 years or so to stay relevant,” said Scott Porten, chair of the Delray Beach Center board.

Among those participating in a brief ceremony: Frances Borque, chair emeritus of Old School Square and the woman behind the effort 20-plus years ago to turn three dilapidated buildings into the heart of Delray Beach and a gathering place for its residents.

Borque said Old School Square was created as a place responsive to the desires of the community, and that the Friday night concert series was a reflection of that. She encouraged the audience to continue to speak out about what they want the center to be.

Delray Beach Mayor Woodie McDuffie, a lifelong resident of the city, noted how Old School Square in its initial life served the educational needs of thousands of Delray Beach kids, and in its new life how its entertained millions.

Also on hand for the event were Palm Beach County Commissioner Priscilla Taylor, who arranged a $100,000 grant to fund a new sound system for the entertainment pavilion, members of the Delray Beach City Commission and the board of the Community Redevelopment Agency and the Delray Beach Center board.

Delray Beach Mayor Woodie McDuffie, scissors in hand, cuts the ribbon as Old Schhol Square officially become the Delray Beach Center for the Arts. Above right, the throng at the entertainment pavilion as Around the World performs.