West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency advances NORA District redevelopment with completion of first phase and new infrastructure improvements for the city

West Palm Beach, Florida – The City of West Palm Beach, together with the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), is celebrating significant progress in the NORA District, a transformative mixed-use development along North Railroad Avenue that is reshaping the city’s urban core. The project, designed to bring new businesses, residences, and leisure destinations to the area, has reached several critical milestones in recent months.

Through its Real Estate Development Accelerator (REDA) program, the CRA has committed up to $20.83 million in reimbursements to the project’s developer for essential infrastructure and redevelopment costs. REDA aims to reduce barriers to private investment by covering upfront expenses for roadways, utilities, drainage, and public spaces. Reimbursements are structured around performance milestones, ensuring that each stage of development meets the City’s goals while creating lasting benefits for the community.

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To date, the CRA has issued funds following the completion of 35% and then 100% of infrastructure improvements, including a redesigned streetscape. In addition, the developer has substantially completed 100,000 square feet of commercial space, opening the door for new business opportunities. Vertical construction has also begun on the planned hotel, while a final disbursement of over $2.33 million is slated for release when construction starts on the multi-family housing portion of the project.

In tandem with infrastructure support, the CRA has committed $1 million in tenant build-out grants to help new businesses launch in the NORA District. These grants are intended to strengthen local entrepreneurship, create jobs, and enhance neighborhood vitality.

“The CRA’s agreement with the NORA District aligns with its mission to invest strategically through public-private partnerships (P3s) in projects that generate long-term value for West Palm Beach,” said Christopher Roog, Executive Director of West Palm Beach CRA. “By tying our investment to specific milestones, we ensure accountability, visible progress, and a direct return for residents and businesses.”

The district has already attracted a variety of businesses, including Carousel Fine Art, Celis Juice Bar, IGK Salon, Le Labo Fragrances, Pompanos Boutique, [solidcore], Sunday Motor Co., Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, Warby Parker, and Zen Hippo. More businesses are expected to open before the end of the year, including Juliana’s Pizza, SWEAT440, Mint, H&H Bagels, Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, LUCE, Sana Skin Studio, and The Spot Barbershop. By 2026, additional establishments, including Sports & Rec, Del Mar Mediterranean Restaurant, Indaco, and Pastis, will open in The NORA Hotel.

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Slated to open in late 2026, The NORA Hotel is being developed with BD Hotels and Sean MacPherson, known for iconic New York City properties such as The Bowery, The Mercer, and The Hotel Chelsea. The hotel will feature a ground-floor restaurant, a rooftop lounge co-created with STARR Restaurants, and in-room dining service, setting a new standard for hospitality in West Palm Beach.

As North Railroad Avenue continues to evolve, the NORA District stands out as a growing hub for commerce, entertainment, and urban living, reflecting the City’s ongoing commitment to revitalizing its urban core. For more information about the CRA and its programs, visit wpb.org/cra.