Report | Greek News & Radio FL
West Palm Beach, Florida
Another major development project in downtown West Palm Beach is moving one step closer to completion, as the city's Planning Board unanimously approved plans for a new 18-story, 400-room conference hotel.
Related Ross' proposed hotel is planned to be built at 900 S. Rosemary Avenue, across from the Palm Beach County Convention Center and adjacent to the existing Hilton West Palm Beach. The project is being touted by business and tourism circles as a significant addition to boost the area's convention tourism industry.
The Planning Board's approval, which came on June 16, is not yet the final green light. The plan must also pass the City Commission, while separate approval is also required from the County Commission, as there is a preliminary agreement between the county and Related Ross for the property.
Under the plan, Related Ross would build the hotel on about 1,8 acres it currently owns. The county is considering purchasing the land for $26 million, making the property tax-exempt, and then leasing it back to the company.
The new hotel, which will operate under the Curio brand, is expected to reach 204 feet in height. The plan also includes two floors of meeting space and a restaurant of about 7.300 square feet.
Why is it considered important for the city?
Proponents of the project believe that a second large hotel near the convention center could help West Palm Beach attract larger events, conferences and business meetings. The Palm Beach County Convention Center has been characterized by some as an underutilized venue, largely due to the need for more guest rooms nearby.
For a city that in recent years has experienced intense growth, new investments and increased interest from businesses and visitors, the issue of balance between economic progress and the quality of life of residents is becoming increasingly important.
The reactions of the residents
Despite the Planning Board's unanimous vote, there was no shortage of backlash. Residents from the neighboring Grandview Heights area, as well as from the CityPlace South Tower, expressed concerns about the additional traffic, noise, and burden that such a large hotel could cause on the daily life of the area.
Related Ross argued that the additional traffic expected to be generated remains within the limits already permitted for the specific zone. At the same time, Planning Board members stated that they considered that the developer has taken reasonable measures to limit noise and to protect pedestrians in the area around the project.
Planning Board Chairman Steven Mayans said he considers the project necessary for the city and called it a good project for West Palm Beach.
What Related Ross is asking for
In order for construction to proceed, Related Ross is asking the city to approve new zoning rules, as well as three minor deviations from current zoning regulations regarding the hotel's design.
This means that, although the project has already passed a basic stage, its final course will depend on the decisions of the relevant city and county committees.
The big picture for West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach has been undergoing a transformation in recent years. New buildings, hotels, commercial spaces, and investments are changing the image of the city, creating opportunities as well as concerns.
For business owners, the new conference hotel could boost the local economy, increase visitor numbers and bring more events to the area. For residents, however, the question remains whether the development will be done in a way that does not overburden neighborhoods, traffic and daily life.
The coming period will show whether the project will receive final approvals and under what conditions it will proceed.
Data source:
Palm Beach Post, reporting by Andrew Marra, June 18, 2026.
photo Greek News FL
