Transformative 25-Story Student Housing Tower Planned for Downtown West Palm Beach
A landmark development is on the horizon for downtown West Palm Beach, as a public-private partnership between Gilbane and Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) secures financing for a cutting-edge, $240 million project aimed at enhancing student living and revitalizing the urban core.
Project Overview
This ambitious initiative will feature a 25-story mixed-use student housing tower located at the critical intersection of Acacia Road and Dixie Highway. With this new development, West Palm Beach aims to better accommodate the growing student population at PBA.
Key Features
- Total Area: 319,000 square feet
- Residential Units: 990 student beds distributed across 275 apartment-style units
- Dining Facilities: 28,000-square-foot dining hall
- Fitness Center: 14,000-square-foot fitness and recreation center
- Parking: 8.5-level parking garage with 704 spaces, plus over 230 bicycle and e-bike stalls
Sustainable Financing
This project will be financed through revenue-backed bonds issued by Palm Beach County, ensuring that no direct taxpayer funds are utilized. Jeffrey Resetco, Senior Development Director at Gilbane, highlights the project’s significance:
“This project will provide more housing options for students and help ease pressure on the local housing market. We are committed to delivering state-of-the-art facilities that support student life and contribute to the broader vitality of downtown West Palm Beach.”
Collaborative Effort
The development is a result of teamwork among multiple firms, with:
- Gilbane Development: Project developer
- Gilbane Building: Design-builder
- Cube3: Architectural design lead
- Additional contributions from Urban Design Studio, Shutts & Bowen, and Kimley-Horn for planning, legal, and traffic engineering expertise.
The design is crafted to resonate with the vibrant architectural language of downtown West Palm Beach, adhering to principles of connectivity, sustainability, and walkability.
About Gilbane
With over 155 years of excellence, Gilbane, Inc. stands as one of the oldest and largest family-owned firms in construction, investment, and real estate development. The company encompasses multiple divisions:
- Gilbane Development: Project development, financing, and property management
- Gilbane Building: Full-service construction offering preconstruction, general contracting, and construction management
Their Public Private Partnership Group has successfully completed or is engaged in over $4.4 billion worth of P3 projects across various sectors such as healthcare, education, and municipal services.
Timeline for Development
- Construction Start: Summer 2025
- Estimated Completion: August 2027, in alignment with the 2027-2028 academic year
Community Impact
PBA President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn underscores the project’s importance:
“This transformative development reflects our commitment to whole-person education and our role in shaping downtown West Palm Beach, now recognized as Wall Street South.”
Design Features
The student-centric design incorporates a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces aimed at fostering:
- Academic Success: Dedicated study lounges
- Social Connection: Common areas for games and relaxation
- Well-being: Wellness facilities and landscaped settings
These features will promote community interaction and environmental mindfulness, with pedestrian-friendly technologies like ADA-compliant paths and smart parking solutions.
Conclusion: A Catalyst for Growth
Once completed, this groundbreaking tower is expected to:
- Increase student housing capacity
- Alleviate off-campus housing demand
- Activate West Palm Beach as a key educational and investment hub
As the project unfolds, it promises not only to enhance student life but also to contribute significantly to the ongoing growth and vibrancy of downtown West Palm Beach.
For further details on this exciting development, visit Palm Beach Atlantic University and Gilbane.