5400 North Flagler, a condominium project from Canada-based Great Gulf, has just received approval from West Palm Beach’s Planning Board. Approved plans call for a 31-story tower in the historic Pinewood Park neighborhood, marking a significant addition to the area’s skyline. Designed by Spina O’Rourke + Partners and Safdie Architects, the tower is envisioned as a modern yet expected addition to the Flagler Corridor. In recent years, developers such as the Related Group have capitalized on the area’s location and views, requesting multiple rezonings for luxury high-rises along the corridor. Set to replace a 72-unit low-rise built in 1966, this 97-unit tower is no exception to the wave of redevelopment in the area.
Planned as a luxury high-rise, the development will feature a mix of residences, including townhomes, two-, three-, and four-bedroom units, as well as penthouses. While the building is significantly larger than the existing 72-unit complex, the total number of residences will only increase to 97, resulting in minimal added density. Amenities will include 209 parking spaces, a rooftop pool, guest suites, event and fitness rooms, garden areas, libraries, lounges, and much more.
The 31-story tower is set to rise 380 FT at its peak or 360 FT to the roofline, according to project elevations: making it one of the tallest buildings in West Palm Beach. Its facade will feature glass balconies, white stucco, mesh screening, and other modern design elements. During the planning process, the building’s unique form was designed to help preserve view corridors for nearby condominiums. ‘We believe that our proposal is better than what could potentially be built on the overlay’ according to the project’s representative.
Before reaching the Planning Board, the project went through multiple community outreach programs including meetings with the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, Palm Beach House, and the Northwood Harbor Association. During those discussions, the development team agreed to reduce height, relocate loading areas, and make other adjustments in response to community feedback. Even so, some residents who spoke at the Planning Board hearing raised concerns about potential impacts on sewer and water capacity, traffic, and other infrastructure.
The Planning Board ultimately voted to rezone the property from Multifamily Density Residential (MF32) to Residential Planned Development (RPF) and approved several requested waivers. Despite the board’s decision, city staff had actually recommended denial, pointing to multiple areas of noncompliance with development regulations. Among their concerns were limited street-level activation, inadequate screening of the parking garage and its vehicular ramp, and other design issues mainly focused on the building’s interaction with the neighborhood.
Board members were aware of these issues and urged the developer to continue collaborating with staff to improve the project’s design and compatibility as the project moves forward. While Planning Board approval marks an important step, the proposal must still go before the City Commission for final vote. A recording of the meeting can be viewed below.