On Tuesday, Palm Beach County commissioners voted 6‑1 to approve a major hospitality project that will reshape the downtown West Palm Beach skyline. The plan calls for an 18‑story, 400‑room hotel to be built next to the Palm Beach County Convention Center. The development is being led by billionaire Stephen Ross and his firm Related Ross.
Financing and ownership structure
Under the agreement, Related Ross will finance, construct and operate the hotel. Palm Beach County will contribute $26 million toward the project, and in return the county will own both the hotel and the underlying land. The county will then lease the property back to the developer for a 97‑year term, creating a long‑term revenue stream for local taxpayers.
Commissioner Maria Marino highlighted the economic upside, saying, “The county actually has a chance to be a partner in this and generate revenue, economic development and jobs.” She added that the partnership positions Palm Beach County as a growing, nationally‑relevant destination.
Community response
Not everyone is enthusiastic. Margaret Frazzini, president of the Grandview Heights Neighborhood Association, voiced concerns about rapid development near historic downtown districts. “If we are truly the stewards of historic districts, then we should be treated as such, not like de facto parking lots and dumping grounds,” she said.
While the neighborhood group worries about preserving the character of historic areas, Ross and county officials emphasized the broader benefits. They argue the hotel will inject hundreds of millions of dollars in value over the coming decades and enhance West Palm Beach’s appeal to tourists, conventions and business travelers.
Economic impact
Proponents estimate the project will create hundreds of construction jobs in the short term and dozens of permanent positions once the hotel opens. The increased hotel capacity is expected to boost convention‑center usage, driving additional spending at local restaurants, shops and services.
The 97‑year lease arrangement ensures that future revenue from the hotel will flow back to the county, helping fund public services and infrastructure without raising taxes. This model reflects a growing trend of public‑private partnerships that leverage private capital while preserving public ownership of key assets.
Next steps
With the commission’s approval secured, Related Ross will move forward with detailed design work and permitting. Construction is slated to begin early next year, with an anticipated opening in 2029.
The project underscores Palm Beach County’s commitment to strategic growth that balances economic opportunity with responsible stewardship of historic neighborhoods.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
