Plans for the redevelopment of the Rybovich Marina are officially advancing, with the Huizenga family and Integra Investments winning approval from West Palm Beach’s planning board. Reviewed on September 16, the proposal outlines a multi-billion-dollar transformation of the city’s waterfront, centered around four condo towers. The first phase, approved at the recent meeting, calls for two multifamily buildings totaling 259 units, while the remaining phases will come before the board at a later date. Overall, despite significant changes to building heights, development features, and structural design, the board found the updated plan acceptable.
The first phase of the development centers on two towers rising on the west side of the site. The tallest of the pair will reach 36 stories, climbing to 461 FT at its peak: securing the title of West Palm Beach’s tallest building. This tower is planned to house 112 condominium units and provide 181 parking spaces. Beside it, a 34-story tower will stand at 422 FT, containing 147 units and a significantly larger parking garage with 681 spaces.
In addition to the residential towers, the total development will deliver a mix of commercial and recreational spaces. Plans call for 3,355 SF of marine storage, 60,937 SF dedicated to a private club (w/ the option for membership outside the development), and 20,691 SF of office space. Retail and restaurant space will also face the waterfront.
A defining feature of the project is its expansive pedestrian promenade, crafted to enhance walkability along the waterfront. This pedestrian-focused element extends onto North Flagler Drive, where wide sidewalks, expansive greenery, and podium setbacks create a more welcoming streetscape than many neighboring developments. In response to design guidelines, the developers also reduced the scale of parking garages from the original plan, lowering their heights by several FT. The tallest garage will now rise to just 50 FT down from 75 FT.
Features such as EV charging stations, carpooling areas, bicycle parking, golf cart parking, a bus stop, at least one bike-share station, and more were added through micromobility requirements.
Planned at a later, unannounced date, the second phase of the project will introduce two residential towers at slightly shorter heights. One is planned to rise 374 FT while the other will reach 418 FT, together adding 401 residential units to the development.
While the proposal was approved, West Palm Beach staff actually recommended denial of one element due to multiple concerns, including the increase in permitted height, the relocation of all retail from North Flagler to the Promenade, and other issues. For example, city requirements call for 25% active use along North Flagler, yet all retail has been shifted to face the waterfront, with over 50% of these ‘active uses’ serving private marina facilities. Hence, staff recommended denial of the site plan.