Sunset Lounge

Aerial view of the Sunset Lounge from southeast looking northwest

Historic Sunset Lounge

609 8th Street

The Sunset Lounge is an exciting historic preservation project located in the heart of West Palm Beach's Historic Northwest district.Closeup of the Sunset Lounge sign The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is currently contracted with Gast Construction Group, Song & Associates, and VStarr to complete the Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) which involves finalizing and installing all these essential elements to ensure the Sunset Lounge is fully functional and ready for use. Owned by the CRA, the historic lounge is now undergoing the final touches as the Community Events department hosted the first event on Wednesday, November 19th, 2025, with Boney James with the Soul in the City event series. 

Behind the Scenes, First Look at the revitalized Sunset Lounge!

The Historic Sunset Lounge Opens
With Soul in the City

Legendary saxophonist Boney James brought the Sunset Lounge to life Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in the City of West Palm Beach Community Events-sponsored Soul in the City concert series. The Sunset Lounge will be the new home for the jazz series held on the third Wednesday of each month. 

 

 

HISTORY

A landmark in African American music and entertainment, the Sunset Lounge was one of the most significant venues in the South during the 1940s and 1950s. Located in the heart of the Historic Northwest neighborhood of West Palm Beach, it played host to legendary artists such as Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong during the era of segregation, when Black performers were often denied access to mainstream venues. More than just a nightclub, the Sunset Lounge became a cultural beacon and gathering place for the local community, fostering a sense of pride and artistic expression. Now undergoing the final steps in the renovations, the revitalized Sunset Lounge will include a new two-story, 7,200 square-foot building (bringing the full square footage now to 20,000 sq ft.) that will feature a restaurant, bar, rooftop space, and event amenities—ushering in a new era for this historic venue while honoring its rich legacy.

TEAM

  • West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency

  • Construction: Gast Construction Group

  • Interior Design: V STARR

  • Architect: Song & Associates Inc.

FURNITURE, FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT (FF&E) TIMELINE

  • Mobilization: Monday, April 14, 2025

  • FF&E Installation: Fall 2025

  • Project Completion: November 2025

  • Soul in the City event series event info here.

Sunset Lounge across from Heart & Soul Park

Sunset Lounge with Heart 7 Soul Park sign in the foreground

View from the historic stage

wide view of the second floor dance area

Recreating an intimate bar and restaurant area

bar-restaurant area at entrance to the Sunset Lounge

Original Sunset Cocktail Lounge sign

Sign inside the Sunset Cocktail Lounge

Frequently Asked Questions

 

When will the Sunset Lounge be open?

The Sunset Lounge is open once again for select cultural events, including the Soul in the City series. To learn more about Soul in the City, visit the web page here.

Who is operating the Sunset Lounge?

The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), as the owner of the building, will work with the City Community Events Department to operate the Sunset Lounge once the renovation is complete through the series of Soul in the City events. The CRA is committed to preserving the venue’s historic significance while bringing high-quality music and cultural performances to the community.

 

Can I reserve the Sunset Lounge for an event?

At this time, the Sunset Lounge is not available for private event reservations. While opportunities may arise in the future once an operator is in place, the current vision is to honor the venue’s historic roots as a premier destination for live jazz and high-quality music performances. The goal is to preserve the integrity of this iconic cultural landmark and continue its legacy as a vibrant hub for world-class entertainment, just as it was in its heyday.

 

Can I be added to the list of entertainment?

While we will be sourcing entertainment for the Sunset Lounge, you can submit your inquiries and performance proposals to myevents@wpb.org. We welcome talent and look forward to considering a diverse range of musical acts to continue the venue's rich legacy.

 

 

How can I stay updated?

You can stay informed about the Sunset Lounge updates in a few ways:

  1. This webpage will be updated monthly, by the 15th, to share the latest progress and updates.

  2. Subscribe to the monthly Community Redevelopment Agency by clicking here.

  3. Contact Community Events for the event series at events@wpb.org

  4. To contact the CRA, email cra@wpb.org 

 

 

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