The Final Touches: Sunset Lounge Enters Last Phase of Renovation
Published on May 21, 2025
May 21, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Kathleen Joy, Director of Communications
City of West Palm Beach – Mayor’s Office
Phone: (561) 822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)
Email: kjoy@wpb.org
Contact: West Palm Beach CRA
CRA@WPB.ORG
(561) 822-1550
The Final Touches: Sunset Lounge Enters Last Phase of Renovation
WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (May 21, 2025) – The Sunset Lounge, an iconic venue that has long stood as a cornerstone of African American music and culture in West Palm Beach, is entering the final phase of its renovation. The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is excited to announce that the installation of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) has officially begun, bringing this historic venue one step closer to its grand reopening by late 2025.
Located in the heart of the Historic Northwest District, the Sunset Lounge has played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural vibrancy of West Palm Beach. In the 1940s and 1950s, the venue welcomed legendary artists such as Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong. It was a vital space for the African American community during a time when Black artists were often excluded from mainstream venues. The Sunset Lounge became a hub for artistic expression for artists throughout the years, offering a place for performers and audiences to celebrate culture and music. As the renovation progresses, the Sunset Lounge is on track to resume as a cultural gathering spot for the community, showcasing world-class entertainment in a beautifully restored setting.
"We are excited to be one step closer to bringing the Sunset Lounge back to life," said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. "This renovation is not just about restoring a building; it’s about revitalizing a legacy. The Sunset Lounge has long been a cornerstone of our city’s history, and with this final phase, we’re ensuring it remains a vibrant, dynamic place for the community for generations to come."
The installation of FF&E, which includes the final touches needed to make the venue fully operational, began on April 14, 2025. This marks a significant milestone in the renovation process as the Sunset Lounge moves closer to opening later in the year. With substantial completion of the FF&E phase scheduled for October 6, 2025, the venue is set to open its doors by late 2025. The newly renovated Sunset Lounge will blend historic charm and modern amenities, providing a space that reflects its storied past while embracing the future.
The two-story, 7,200 square-foot venue will feature live music, a full-service restaurant, bar, rooftop space, and other amenities. The Sunset Lounge’s renovation will honor its legacy while creating a dynamic venue for live music performances and cultural events, preserving its role as a key player in West Palm Beach's cultural landscape.
Building on past work completed by Cooper Construction and REG, the FF&E is led by the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), with the support of construction partner Gast Construction Group, interior design firm V Starr, and architectural partner Song & Associates Inc. Together, these teams are working diligently to ensure that the Sunset Lounge returns to its former glory while incorporating modern elements for the next generation of visitors.
As the final phase progresses, the public is encouraged to stay updated on the project through several channels. Monthly updates, including progress on the FF&E phase and key milestones, will be posted on the Sunset Lounge webpage at www.wpb.org/sunsetlounge. The public can also attend the Historic Northwest Community Meetings for in-person updates and community engagement. Upcoming community meetings will be held on August 7, 2025, at 6 p.m., and November 6, 2025, at 6 p.m. – location to be updated at www.wpb.org/cra. Additionally, community members can sign up for a monthly newsletter by emailing the West Palm Beach CRA at cra@wpb.org.
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About The City of West Palm Beach
The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic City located on Florida's Atlantic coast. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region and the central City of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing waterfront City that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the region with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram , and/or LinkedIn.
About the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA):
A Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is a dependent district established by City government to carry out redevelopment activities that include reducing or eliminating blight, improving the economic health of an area, and encouraging public and private investments in a CRA district. The CRA is governed by State Statutes, Chapter 163, Part III. The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency is funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF).
Learn more about the CRA on our official website, or follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Linked-In.