Construction has topped off on The Nora Hotel, a five-story, 201-key boutique hospitality development underway in the emerging Nora District of West Palm Beach. The project is being developed by BD Hotels and Sean MacPherson, in collaboration with NDT Development, Place Projects, and Wheelock Street Capital. Slated for completion in late 2026, the hotel marks BD Hotels’ first ground-up project outside of New York City.
Credit: The Nora Hotel.
Moss Construction is serving as the general contractor, bringing its extensive experience in large-scale hospitality projects to the job site. The hotel’s architectural design is led by Stantec, with interiors by New York-based Gachot Studios. The building draws inspiration from Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial Revival styles, with notable references to the Palm Beach aesthetic pioneered by architect Addison Mizner. Arched passageways, natural materials, rich color palettes, and ornate tilework define the project’s design language.
“Topping off The Nora Hotel is an exciting milestone that brings us closer to bringing our vision to life,” said Richard Born of BD Hotels. “As our first ground-up hotel outside New York City, we’re thrilled to see it take shape and look forward to redefining hospitality in West Palm Beach and to be a pillar of luxury in The Nora District.”
Upon arrival, guests will enter through a loggia and landscaped garden, which sets the tone for the hotel’s emphasis on tranquil, experiential design. Ground-level dining will be anchored by Pastis, a Parisian-style brasserie by STARR Restaurants, occupying over 13,300 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. STARR Restaurants will also oversee in-room dining, a rooftop restaurant and lounge, and additional food and beverage operations throughout the property. The rooftop amenity deck will include a pool, two bars, and private cabanas, offering panoramic views of the city.
“It’s thrilling to see the hotel take shape and be part of the vision we’re building in The Nora District,” said Damien Barr, Managing Partner of NDT Development. “Our mission is to cultivate a vibrant, walkable neighborhood that truly reflects the authenticity of West Palm Beach. This hotel will serve as a cornerstone for the district, bringing fresh energy and intentional design into the city’s ever-evolving landscape.”
The Nora Hotel is a central component of Phase I of the Nora District, which broke ground in June 2023. The larger redevelopment effort includes over 150,000 square feet of adaptive reuse and new construction, including 55,000 square feet of Class-A office space and extensive ground-floor retail. Historic railway warehouses will be preserved and transformed into commercial space, supporting the district’s walkability and integration with the surrounding community.
Confirmed tenants for the retail and lifestyle mix include Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, H&H Bagels, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, Juliana’s Pizza, Celis Juice Bar and Café, Sana Skin Studio, Mint, The Spot Barbershop, [solidcore], Le Labo, and Sunday Motor Co., among others. Nora’s comprehensive master plan was designed in collaboration with the City of West Palm Beach and PlusUrbia, a nationally recognized urban planning firm.
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HAVING BEEN:’4TH – FOOTMAN’ AKA – JR. BUTLER @ ‘MAR-A-LAGO’ FOR MRS. M.M. POST – c.1967, I AM DELIGHTED TO SEE WPB COMING INTO ITS OWN. ‘QUALITY AND STYLE’ WILL NOW MORE FULLY EXIST, ON BOTH SIDES OF LAKE WORTH. CAN’T WAIT TO VISIT THE FINISHED CREATION.
TOM GARDNER (THE ONCE UPON A TIME BUTLER)