The iconic Breakers hotel in Palm Beach has expanded its real estate footprint with the recent $11.5 million purchase of the former Jerome Golden Center for Behavioral Health site in West Palm Beach. While the hotel’s specific plans for the property remain undisclosed, the existing structures are slated for demolition, hinting at future development.
Key Takeaways
- The Breakers hotel parent company, Flagler System, purchased the former Jerome Golden Center for Behavioral Health and an adjacent medical office building for $11.5 million.
- The existing structures on the former mental health center site are expected to be demolished.
- This acquisition marks the second recent land purchase by The Breakers in West Palm Beach, following plans for an apartment complex for temporary workers.
- The hotel’s CEO has previously expressed interest in developing more affordable housing for employees.
Property Details and Acquisition
The Breakers, through its parent company Flagler System, acquired the property located at 1041 45th St. and the adjacent medical office building at 1021 45th St. on March 25th. The total cost for the transaction was $11.5 million. The hotel has confirmed that the main structure on the former mental health center site will be removed, though plans for the site are still under evaluation. The adjacent medical office building will continue to operate, with The Breakers acting as the landlord.
History of the Jerome Golden Center
The Jerome Golden Center for Behavioral Health was a significant mental health facility in Palm Beach County for many years. Previously known as the Oakwood Center of the Palm Beaches and the 45th Street Mental Health Center, it served the community for decades. The center closed its doors in 2019, leading to the layoff of its 350 employees. The property was later acquired by Sunview Medical 4393, which had intentions to open a psychiatric hospital. However, issues with the property’s disrepair led to a lawsuit with the city of West Palm Beach over nuisance charges.
The Breakers’ Expanding Presence in West Palm Beach
This latest acquisition is not the first recent move by The Breakers in West Palm Beach. In September, the company secured a deal with the city commission to purchase 1.2 acres of vacant land on North Australian Avenue. This land is designated for the construction of an eight-story, 155-apartment complex intended to house approximately 270 temporary workers. This project, combined with the recent purchase of the former mental health center site, signals a strategic expansion by The Breakers into West Palm Beach, potentially addressing employee housing needs and future development opportunities.
Sources
- Former West Palm Beach mental health center bought by Breakers hotel, The Palm Beach Post.