From Rail Line to City Landmark: NORA District Phase 1 Completed

Published on October 23, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:

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

Ansley Lacy, Communications Manager

West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency

Phone: (561) 822-1550

Email: alacy@wpb.org

From Rail Line to City Landmark: CRA Advances Redevelopment of the NORA District with Completion of Phase 1

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (October 23, 2025) – The City of West Palm Beach and the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) are proud to announce major progress in the NORA District (North Railroad Avenue) development, a transformative mixed-use destination continuing the refinement of the city’s urban core.

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 critical infrastructure and redevelopment costs. Designed to lower barriers to private investment, REDA offsets upfront costs for improvements like roadways, utilities, drainage, and public spaces — investments that create lasting community value. Reimbursements are tied to performance milestones, ensuring accountability and alignment with the City’s vision.

To date, the CRA has provided disbursements following:

Completion of 35% and then 100% of infrastructure improvements, including a new streetscape
Substantial completion of 100,000 square feet of commercial space, allowing for new business opportunities
Commencement of vertical construction of the planned hotel, creating another leisure and business travel destinations

A final disbursement of just over $2.33 million will be issued upon the start of vertical construction of the multi-family housing component.

In addition to supporting the developer’s infrastructure and redevelopment efforts, the CRA has committed $1 million in tenant build-out grants to help new businesses launch within the NORA District, strengthening small business opportunities, job creation, and 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 NORA District has welcomed a variety of new 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. Several others are set to open later this year, including Juliana’s Pizza, SWEAT440, Mint, H&H Bagels, Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, LUCE, Sana Skin Studio, and The Spot Barbershop. Slated to open in 2026 is Sports & Rec, Del Mar Mediterranean Restaurant, Indaco, and Pastis, which will be located in The NORA Hotel.

Slated to open in late 2026, The NORA Hotel is being developed in partnership with BD Hotels and Sean MacPherson, the team behind some of New York City’s most iconic hotels like The Bowery, The Mercer, and The Hotel Chelsea. The NORA Hotel is set to transform the hospitality landscape in West Palm Beach and beyond. It will include a restaurant on the ground floor and a rooftop space. In addition to Pastis, STARR Restaurants will co-create the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and lounge as well as operate in-room dining service.

North Railroad Avenue continues to evolve as a key destination within West Palm Beach’s urban core. For more information about the CRA and its programs, visit wpb.org/cra.

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About The City of West Palm Beach

The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic city on Florida's Atlantic coast. With a rich history, 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 area 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 our official website or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and 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 LinkedIn.

About the NORA District

The NORA District is a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood in Downtown West Palm Beach, developed by NDT Development, Place Projects, and Wheelock Street Capital. Named after North Railroad Avenue, NORA transforms a collection of century-old warehouses into a dynamic destination with over 100,000 square feet of retail – blending food and beverage, boutique fitness and wellness, lifestyle retail, and more than 55,000 square feet of second-floor creative office space. In late 2026, The NORA Hotel, a 201-key boutique hotel developed in partnership with BD Hotels and Sean MacPherson, will open within the district. Pastis, the classic New York City Parisian-style brasserie, created by James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr (STARR Restaurants), will be The NORA Hotel’s signature restaurant, spanning over 13,300 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining areas on the ground floor. Future phases will introduce multifamily residences and additional retail and office space, further complementing the neighborhood and supporting West Palm Beach’s growing downtown core. For more information, please visit https://norawpb.com/ and follow @norawestpalm.