Palm Beach

Pastis Expands to West Palm Beach, Joining the Trendy Nora District

By Columbus International,17 September 2024

In a move that further cements South Florida’s status as a burgeoning culinary hotspot, renowned New York bistro Pastis is set to open its fourth U.S. location in West Palm Beach’s upcoming Nora District. This expansion, slated for 2026, marks a significant milestone for both the restaurant and the developing arts and shopping district.

A New York Icon in the Sunshine State

Pastis, the brainchild of restaurateur Stephen Starr, has been a New York institution since its original opening in 1999. After a brief hiatus and relocation, the bistro has been on an expansion trajectory, with successful openings in Miami and Washington, D.C. The West Palm Beach location will be its second foray into the South Florida market, following the warm reception of Pastis Miami in Wynwood.

The Nora District: West Palm Beach’s Answer to Wynwood

The new Pastis will be a cornerstone establishment in the Nora District, a mixed-use development that aims to bring a touch of Miami’s artistic Wynwood neighborhood to West Palm Beach. Spearheaded by NDT Development, Wheelock Street Capital, and Place Projects, the district is designed to be a pedestrian-friendly hub of arts, shopping, and dining just north of downtown.

A Culinary Anchor for a Boutique Hotel

Pastis will occupy a prime 13,300-square-foot space on the ground floor of the boutique Nora Hotel. True to its roots, the restaurant will feature its signature design elements, including white subway tiles, red banquettes, and a curved zinc bar. Starr Restaurants’ involvement extends beyond Pastis, as they will also co-create and operate the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and lounge, as well as manage room service operations.

Strategic Growth and Market Demand

Stephen Starr’s decision to bring Pastis to West Palm Beach was driven by strong market demand. “Since opening Pastis in Miami last year, the positive response to the restaurant has been astounding. Residents of Palm Beach, West Palm Beach and the surrounding areas have asked me countless times to bring Pastis to their neighborhood,” Starr stated in a press release.

The Nora District: A New Urban Landscape

The Nora District represents a significant urban development project for West Palm Beach. The first phase of construction, which began last year, is supported by an $84 million loan from Bank OZK. The project involves the renovation and repurposing of industrial buildings along North Railroad Avenue, creating 150,000 square feet of commercial space, including 55,000 square feet of creative office space and a linear park.

A Magnet for New York Transplants

The district has already attracted over a dozen retail tenants, many of which are New York-based businesses expanding into the South Florida market. This trend aligns with the broader movement of businesses and individuals relocating from the Northeast to Florida’s more favorable tax environment and lifestyle offerings.

Looking Ahead

As Pastis prepares to make its mark on West Palm Beach, the Nora District is poised to become a significant cultural and commercial hub in South Florida. With its mix of dining, shopping, and arts, coupled with the cachet of established New York brands, the development is set to redefine the urban landscape of West Palm Beach and further elevate its status as a destination for both residents and visitors alike.

Source: CoStar News
Photo via Pastis

Palm Beach: A Gilded Age Gem Reimagined

By Columbus International,17 May 2024

The ultra-exclusive island of Palm Beach has been luring the elite since the early 1900s when industrialist Henry Flagler transformed the marshy backwater into an opulent winter escape. Today, this 16-mile long barrier island continues to redefine luxury with new upscale additions blending seamlessly with its Gilded Age heritage. From magnificent architecture to world-class culture, exceptional dining and pampering pursuits, here is how to experience the best of Palm Beach over a indulgent weekend getaway.

Where to Stay

The Colony is the chicest place to bed down in Palm Beach. This iconic “pink paradise” reopened after a dazzling renovation that pays homage to its 1950s tropical glamour. Custom designed rooms, cheeky monkey motifs, and the lively scene at Swifty’s Pool Bar & Grill exude a playful, see-and-be-seen vibe befitting the style setters who frequent nearby Worth Avenue.

Day One

After settling in at The Colony, spend the afternoon exploring the Mediterranean-inspired shopping mecca of Worth Avenue. Pioneering architect Addison Mizner crafted this whimsical district of hidden courtyards, stair stairs, and eclectic tilework to evoke an Old World aesthetic. Browse the chi-chi boutiques like Gucci and Tiffany & Co or hunt for vintage gems at consignment salons like Attitudes.

Cap off the day with sunset cocktails at Spruzzo, a breezy rooftop bar overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and dine alfresco on Italian classics at Elisabetta’s across the street.

Day Two

Delve into Palm Beach’s Gilded Age legacy at the magnificent Flagler Museum, a lavish 75-room mansion built by the railroad pioneer in 1902. Then explore the outstanding art collection at the Norton Museum, recently revamped by Norman Foster. Contemporary art lovers can browse intriguing exhibits at Sarah Gavlak Gallery. Afternoon calls for a round at one of the area’s celebrated golf courses – splurge for an oceanfront tee time at The Breakers or tackle a redesigned championship layout at PGA National Resort. Celebrate the perfect drive at Jeremy Ford’s new Butcher’s Club with indulgences like a 50oz. Tomahawk steak.

Day Three

Book a rejuvenating Biologique Recherche facial and massage at the gorgeous Four Seasons spa to start your day, then linger over a Mediterranean-inspired brunch at Florie’s helmed by acclaimed French chef Mauro Colagreco. If visiting during polo season, attend the weekly champagne brunch at the International Polo Club, where you can watch the fast-paced “sport of kings” and participate in the traditional divot stomp during half-time. Otherwise, bask in the warm Florida sun on one of Palm Beach’s pristine white sand beaches before departing this gilded paradise refreshed and revitalized.

Source: CN Traveler

Photo by Arnel Hasanovic via Unspash

The Pinnacle of Luxury Living: Palm Beach’s Exclusive Real Estate Scene

By Columbus International,17 January 2024

Palm Beach? An oasis on the Florida coast, now the epitome of luxury living, attracting notable figures from the worlds of fashion, entertainment, and business. In this article, we delve into the extraordinary real estate landscape of Palm Beach, showcasing stunning properties and the allure that draws celebrities and magnates to invest in this coastal paradise.

Tom Ford’s $73 Million Eden
As a testament to Palm Beach’s allure, renowned fashion mogul Tom Ford recently acquired a magnificent residence for the staggering sum of $73 million. The opulent villa, situated on a one-acre plot, includes a main house of 10,200 square feet with three bedrooms and a separate guest house with two bedrooms. The award-winning design by architect Daniel Kahan incorporates modern aesthetics, energy efficiency, and a breathtaking rectangular pool surrounded by palm trees. Ford’s off-market purchase marked a significant appreciation in value since the previous owner acquired it for just under $36 million in 2021. Kahan, known for his commitment to cutting-edge technologies, integrated solar energy and rooftop gardens into the design, creating a residence that is not only efficient but also visually stunning.

The Rise of South Florida in Real Estate
Traditionally, New York and Los Angeles held the reputation for being the most expensive real estate markets. However, a paradigm shift has seen South Florida, including Palm Beach, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and other coveted locations, emerge as the new hotspot for luxury living. The appeal lies in the region’s tax advantages, favorable climate, and a lifestyle that caters to diverse interests. The desirability of the area is evident in the influx of celebrities choosing Palm Beach as their residence. Sylvester Stallone’s $35 million property, featuring a private beach, poolside cabana, gym, and temperature-controlled wine cellar, exemplifies the luxury available. Notable figures like Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas, Jared Kushner and Karlie Kloss, and the iconic fashion couple Tommy Hilfiger and Dee Ocleppo have invested in multimillion-dollar residences, contributing to Palm Beach’s star-studded real estate portfolio. Palm Beach’s luxury real estate market has transcended conventional boundaries, attracting global attention and becoming a magnet for the elite.

From Tom Ford’s magnificent coastal building to the stellar acquisitions of celebrities and fashion icons, Palm Beach stands as a testament to the pinnacle of luxury living. As the allure of this coastal paradise continues to captivate high-profile individuals, it solidifies its status as the ultimate destination for those seeking an unparalleled blend of sophistication, glamour, and the idyllic lifestyle of Florida.

Foreign Buyers Dominate Condo Sales in South Florida: Report Reveals Surge to 56%

By Columbus International,19 December 202319 December 2023

Foreign buyers accounted for 56% of all condominium sales in South Florida over the past year, a significantly higher figure compared to the rest of the country. Nationally, foreign buyers constituted 15% of condo purchases, while they made up 36% of condo sales elsewhere in Florida, according to the Miami Realtors Association. The sales volume attributed to foreign buyers in South Florida for the 12 months ending in July, covering single-family homes, townhouses, and residential condos, amounted to $5.1 billion, as indicated in the association’s annual international homebuyers report. Interestingly, the majority of buyers managed to navigate the challenges of higher interest rates, with 69% of residential purchases in South Florida being completed as all-cash transactions during that period, according to the report.

South Florida’s proportion of foreign buyers for all residential purchases stands at 18%, nine times larger than the rest of the country, where foreign buyers account for 2% of residential purchases, and twice as large as the rest of the state, where foreign residential purchases make up 6% of sales. Across the tri-county area of South Florida, the majority of buyers hailed from Latin America. In Miami-Dade County, the top five countries of origin for buyers were Argentina at 17%, Colombia at 14%, Venezuela at 13%, Brazil at 8%, and Mexico at 5%. In Broward County, buyers from Colombia represented 19% of purchases, followed by Argentina at 17%, Canada at 14%, Peru at 8%, and Venezuela at 4%. Palm Beach County saw Brazilian buyers make up 18% of purchases, followed by Costa Rica at 10%, Spain at 10%, Trinidad and Tobago at 10%, and Venezuela at 10%.

“Increasing global sales continue to be led by Miami,” stated Ines Hegedus-Garcia, chair of the board at Miami Realtors. She added that Miami’s unique combination of a vibrant lifestyle, cultural diversity, a burgeoning financial tech scene, modern architecture, eclectic shopping, proximity to Latin America, and iconic beaches were key factors driving the region’s sales among foreign buyers. In terms of dollar amount, Miami-Dade County accounted for $3.67 billion in sales, followed by Broward County at $1.07 billion, and Palm Beach County at $270 million. Overall, buyers from 52 countries participated in South Florida’s residential real estate market during the period covered by the report. While the total of $5.1 billion in South Florida falls short of the previous year’s $6.8 billion in sales, it remains consistent with figures from 2021.

Source: CoStars News