West Palm Beach’s City Commission Unanimously Approves 5400 N Flagler Condo Project

After months of review, a 31-story condo tower planned for 5400 N Flagler has cleared its final hurdle in West Palm Beach. On September 29th, West Palm Beach’s City Commission voted unanimously to approve the condo project from Canada-based Great Gulf. It will be the last step before the developer can begin permitting, considering the project had already secured unanimous support from the Planning Board. Rising on a 2.46-acre site, the tower will bring 97 condominium units and mark Great Gulf’s second condo venture in the city.

Designed by Spina O’Rourke + Partners and Safdie Architects, the 380 FT tower (one of the tallest in West Palm Beach) will feature wraparound balconies, a mix of unit types, and extensive resident amenities. For instance, the building will include townhomes, two- to four-bedroom units, and penthouses, with 207 resident parking spaces. Amenities will include a rooftop pool, guest suites, event/fitness rooms, lounges, libraries, and landscaped garden areas.

The project has undergone slight revisions since its submission a month ago, particularly along North Flagler Avenue. In response to concerns about a “blank wall effect” at the podium level, the developer has incorporated active residential amenities on the east side of the building, including a dog spa and a bicycle club for residents. A pedestrian sidewalk along N Flagler Drive will also be expanded, while landscaping and open space remain central to the design.

The developer is requesting four waivers, covering density regulations, acreage, minimum setback requirements, and driveway requirements. Some of these requests have drawn concerns from both city staff and nearby residents. In particular, waiver 3, which seeks a reduction in minimum setbacks for the proposed high-rise, was flagged as inappropriate by staff given the building’s 380 FT height. The official position is that a structure of such height should maintain a larger buffer from neighboring properties. As a result, staff has recommended denial of this waiver, while the other three are supported.

In addition, to address questions and concerns from the surrounding community, the developer held several outreach sessions with the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Northwood Harbor Association, and residents of Palm Beach House. Representatives of these groups noted that the developer was professional and transparent, was willing to adjust features of the project, and engage in discussions when concerns were raised.

Even with these efforts, many residents voiced objections during the meeting. Most came from Palm Beach House, the neighboring condominium, where residents expressed concerns about dust, noise, blocked views, and potential structural damage during construction.

The City Commission approved the rezoning of the property from Multifamily High Density Residential to Residential Planned Development, along with the requested waivers, despite some staff and resident concerns. With approvals in place, Great Gulf can now proceed with demolition and permitting. Construction is expected to take approximately three years, not including potential delays.