Related Companies, led by Stephen M. Ross alongside Frisbie Group and in partnership with the Family Church, is set to bring a distinctive residential project to downtown West Palm Beach’s skyline. The initiative, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, proposes two condominium towers—one reaching 28 stories and the other 32—on the church’s sizeable 9.6-acre lot at 1101 South Flagler Drive. The site is across from the Bristol and Trianon condominiums to the east, with Chadbourne Court to the south and South Olive Avenue to the west. This project is near Related’s One Flagler office tower and the future site of South Flagler House.
Renderings depict the twin towers, showcasing a distinctive wavy façade that adds a dynamic character reminiscent of the ebb and flow of water, a nod perhaps to their waterfront setting. The buildings’ exterior display sections of neutral-toned paneling are arranged to emulate a brick pattern, lending a classic touch amidst modernity. This brick-patterned facade is complemented by a sizable grid composed of squares, each spanning two stories, providing a striking visual contrast. The neutral palette of the paneling harmonizes with the towers’ overall design, uniting traditional elements with a contemporary architectural language. The towers’ base and what appears to be a parking garage integrate lush landscaping, enhancing the connection between the architecture and its tropical locale and mimicking the brick pattern on the buildings, with a similar neutral palette and mesh screens.
Credit: Kohn Pedersen Fox.
In a move to revitalize the historic church campus, encompassing the Palm Beach Christian Academy Downtown, the proposal awaiting city approval presents a pair of high-rise structures housing approximately 190 units with expansive water views.
The redevelopment scheme extends beyond residential housing, incorporating substantial upgrades to the church’s infrastructure with a new education building for young children, a K-8 school, and a parking facility for congregants and residents alike. Gopal Rajegowda of Related Southeast describes the initiative as akin to a unified mixed-use development, maximizing the value of the church’s prime land.
Credit: Kohn Pedersen Fox.
The proposal reflects an emerging trend within South Florida’s urban landscape: religious organizations leverage strategic partnerships with developers to enhance their facilities and generate revenue. Related’s plan is part of a series of collaborative efforts, mirroring their past projects with other religious institutions.
Credit: Kohn Pedersen Fox.
Credit: Kohn Pedersen Fox.
Pending approvals from the necessary municipal boards, this ambitious project aims to invigorate the church’s presence in the community and contribute to the dynamism of the West Palm Beach real estate scene. The Family Church, under Pastor Jimmy Scroggins, anticipates that this project will fortify its enduring legacy and community involvement.
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Not a fan of the “honeycomb” or “checkerboard” effect of the windows in the middle of the tower facades, which have a cheapening effect on the overall design. The architecture doesn’t coordinate well with the church either. KPF can do much better, especially when Frisbie/Related commissioned beautiful RAMSA towers proposed down the street.
Wishing they’d stop making a “wall of buildings” on Flagler… all same height, blocking views for anyone behind not having millions… it should at least be varied types of buildings.
Unless you live in a Palm Beach Atlantic University dormitory, I’m sure practically everybody “behind” is living in properties worth millions… but agreed. Stop with turning Flagler Drive into Biscayne Boulevard, with unimaginative slab and blob buildings like these proposals. As the above poster said, there are already precedents on how to design nice towers.
I agree. Having the same height of various towers create a walling effect. Would prefer to see much taller, but slender towers so not to create a walling off effect. I believe the FAA put a height limit of 350 feet for South Flagler Drive towers like the South Flagler House by related. Also, the proposed Apogee condominiums at North Flagler Drive is a 25 story slender tower that is built west to south. This creates a slender taller tower. But the residents don’t like the tall tower. I believe they want a shorter and bulkier box looking building. I hope to see this tower stay at 25 stories and slender. Let’s see what happens!
These proposed towers and the family church renovation and expansion is very urban looking. This area will become millionaires row. People that I know are looking at this area from Miami and fart Lauderdale. Our city of west palm beach is becoming bigger and better!
A church getting in bed with an aggressive developer…this can’t lose.
Soon, it will be Related Church. In 15 years, Related will own the entire property.