Saturday, June 18, 2016

A GOOD MOVE: IMPROVING DETERIORATING BUILDINGS IN PALM BEACH ON ROYAL POINCIANA WAY



A positive development is brewing in Palm Beach that will have appropriate eyes on re-development issues.  A decade ago the Testa family, restauranteurs, sought to change zoning restrictions, especially the town’s on-site parking requirements which the Testas said discouraged others from investing in the deteriorating buildings, including the restaurant they owned. The town has approved redevelopment by purchasers of the Testa property into a new restaurant, shops and luxury homes with underground parking. 
Adjacent properties have been purchased from a Saudi prince that encompass about 30,000 sq ft of rentable restaurant, retail and office space  and a 1400 sq ft apartment, all within about an eighth of an acre.  Included are Classic Collections (landmarked), Evelyn & Arthur (landmarked), Nick & Johnnies (façade is landmarked), and The Palm Beach Bookstore.  The properties were sold to generate funds the seller plans to reinvest in other capital projects, almost all of it planned to stay in the U.S.  According to news reports, the new owners have talked to other owners of adjacent properties, who don’t want to sell… YET!
This area is just north of “downtown Palm Beach” and The Breakers Hotel on a street with a pretty median, open views and royal palm trees, and some parking. The new owners of the properties are focused on re-energizing the street, improving its walkability, adding the needed underground parking, and stopping the inevitable deterioration and blight. Along with preserving the “small town appearance and character,” and adding upgraded or new businesses, the expected result will be new jobs, new residences and new patrons will come to the area.
The community has members who want to protect the street’s small-town character from over-development. The proposed new underground parking area will counter complaints about anticipated congestion and bring new people to the area.  As this development comes about, we will watch it grow and be proud. The Preservation Foundation (your editor is a member) recently played a large part in restoration in the Royal Poinciana Plaza area, caddy-corner and a bit down the block from the Testa property.  It would not be surprising to find the Foundation involved in this project.
The anticipated soon-to-be owners have engaged an architect who is a member of the Landmarks Preservation Commission “to work with us on the landmarked buildings… to properly restore and protect the site’s historically significant buildings.” This should counter objections about the appearance of the street when the area is redeveloped. 
Most (perhaps all) of the buildings they purchased are wood frame, dating to the early 1900’s, and are suffering decay from roof leaks and water damage, mold accumulations and wood rot, termite infestation and structural failures. Electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems require complete upgrades or replacements.  Estimates for costs may be equal to or exceed the $10.35mm cost of the properties.
In the US of A, you can’t stop progress, thank heavens. 

MARILYN FARBER JACOBS

Luxury Property Specialist at Heath & Joseph Real Estate

Friday, June 3, 2016

THINGS THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’ ON PALM BEACH'S ROYAL POINCIANA WAY


The owners of the 1.3 acre Testa property on Royal Palm Way, the Frisbees, are looking to buy the .8-acre site at the east end of the block between Royal Poinciana Way and Sunset Avenue.  They will redevelop the Testa properties and the adjacent four parcels that include Nick and Johnnie’s restaurant, Evelyn & Arthur’s clothing store, Eyes on the Island, the Palm Beach Book Store, Classic Collections boutique, a via and one apartment, owned by Vesenaz Inc.  Closing for these properties is planned for Friday.

It will be interesting to watch the revitalization of this well-known area.  Several of these buildings are landmarked and would need approval for any changes from the Landmarks Preservation Commission.  That includes two Arte Moderne-style buildings, Evenly and Arthur at 100 North County Road, and the Classic Collections building at 118 North County Road.  Nick & Johnnie’s façade is also landmarked.

Other property owners on Royal Poinciana Way, adjacent to Testa's, have been asked if they would be interested in selling their properties.  Two have said no but they are interested in the new developments that are coming.  These owners have been approached by others, including The Breakers, owners of the old Palm Beach Daily News building at 265 Royal Poinciana Way, who at this time do not plan to sell but would consider buying.

With Town Council approval received, the redevelopment of the Testa site will include a new restaurant, shops, luxury condominiums and underground parking. This is a pretty area, exuding Palm Beach‘s glamourous luxe feeling and relaxed environment. The forthcoming condominiums will be sold quickly, in this highly desirable neighborhood.

Will keep the readership advised of developments.  Stay tuned.