West Palm Beach denies Related Group developer 25-story waterfront tower, but it's not over yet
A West Palm Beach board denied a powerful developer’s request for a 25-story waterfront tower on North Flagler Drive but cautioned neighbors opposed to the plan that the decision likely just delayed the inevitable.
The city’s Planning Board voted unanimously Tuesday, Dec. 19, to reject Miami-based Related Group’s proposed 46-unit condominium, called Apogee, agreeing with a staff report that had concerns about the height, design and size of the project on 1.45 acres east of the Northwood Harbor Historic District.
However, the report left room for Related Group to make fixes to the project, noting a handful of changes that would make it more amenable and compliant with city rules. The planning board is an advisory group, meaning the project can go forward to the City Commission without its approval.
“In these instances where the staff and developer aren’t that far apart, they typically work out their changes before the City Commission,” said planning board chair Steven Mayans. “The reality is these types of buildings can be an efficient way of not allowing sprawl. The key is not to deny growth; the key is to manage growth.”
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The waterfront along the Lake Worth Lagoon north of downtown West Palm Beach has become increasingly popular with developers as more people move to Florida. The Sunshine State had the second-highest population growth nationwide this past year with 365,205 additional residents, according to Census Bureau data released Tuesday. Texas had the highest number of new residents with 473,453.
About 20 people spoke against the project at the meeting with concerns over potential damage to the century-old Northwood Harbor neighborhood during construction, increased traffic and noise, and about putting a 25-story tower onto a 100-foot-wide lot. One resident wrote on a comment card that it was like “squeezing an elephant into a shoebox.”
“This is an aggressive approach to development,” said Kent Wilmering, who lives just north of the proposed condominium and is a developer himself. “I understand development. This is not the place for them to put this.”
Related Group, which is not affiliated with Related Cos. led by Miami Dolphins billionaire owner Stephen Ross, bought the property at 4906 N. Flagler Drive last year for $16 million.
The company asked for the lot, which currently houses a 1940s-era Mediterranean estate, to be rezoned from multifamily to a Residential Planned Development, or RPD. RPDs encourage innovative building by awarding incentives such as height waivers, increased densities and permitting changes.
Although the Northwood Harbor Historic District, which stretches from 45th Street to 59th Street between Flagler and east of Broadway Avenue, is protected by preservation rules governing whether homes can be demolished or changed, the waterfront is outside the historic district.
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Two people spoke in favor of Related Group’s project, including Upendo Shabazz, interim executive director of the community group Northend Rise.
“Related Group builds communities, and we support the initiatives to enhance the quality of life for all north end residents,” Shabazz said.
Changes suggested by city planners include making the condominium units smaller and reducing the number from 46 to 43. Planners also suggested expanding the tower portion of the building farther west on the property and above the parking garage. The changes would allow for a shorter building that is “more in harmony” with the existing character of surrounding properties.
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In total, the project would be 287 feet tall, or 25 stories, to the top of the roof deck. Nearby properties, including the Alba, which is under construction, max out at 244 feet tall. The existing Placido Mar condominium at 5200 North Flagler Drive is 255 feet tall.
But Related Group representatives pointed out there are also buildings that have been approved on North Flagler that are 399 feet with 30 stories.
“I understand and get that change is hard and complicated and that people are concerned,” said attorney Brian Seymour, who represented Related Group at the meeting. “What we are asking for is the ability to put a high-quality project in the neighborhood consistent with what the city says can be put on this site.”
William Woods, who lives north of the planned condominium, said he was frustrated by what he believes is a disregard by the city about what residents want during a time of unprecedented demand for buildable land.
“Why must you always toss out the requirements that we residents felt protected our homes from becoming something totally different without any regard for those of us who live here?” Woods wrote in a letter to planning board members.
In September, West Palm Beach city commissioners unanimously approved a zoning change that would allow a 306-foot-tall structure to be built on the site of Temple Israel at 1901 N. Flagler Drive. The land was zoned for a maximum of 202 feet.
Residents of Flagler Pointe, which is south of the temple, unsuccessfully fought the change. They said a 300-foot-plus building would block their views of the Lake Worth Lagoon and reduce their property values.
A month prior, and against the wishes of residents of The Slade condominium on North Flagler Drive, the city commission approved the 183-foot extension of a dock into the Intracoastal Waterway.
The home at 4906 N. Flagler, where Apogee is being proposed, was previously owned by Wolfgang Von Falkenburg. Von Falkenburg is a longtime Palm Beacher who is infamous for a deathbed wedding to an oil heiress and having two fatal drug overdoses at the estate, dubbed The Flagler House.
Kimberly Miller is a veteran journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers real estate and how growth affects South Florida's environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. Help support our local journalism, subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Related Group denied West Palm Beach tower; plan can still move forward
