6 Design Destinations in the New Downtown West Palm Beach
“The emotional connection to art in a city is essential–whether it’s architecture, public art, galleries or museums. These elements and institutions all shape the environment we live in,” says Gopal Rajegowda, senior VP at Related Companies. “I see the potential for art to make West Palm Beach, Florida, one of the most important cultural hubs in the Southeast.”
The first phase of Related’s Downtown West Palm Beach redevelopment project, which spreads over 72 acres, has just been unveiled. Innovative dining concepts, art installations, and experiential retailers are part of the reimagined area. “Allowing the public to interact with arts and culture on a daily basis is crucial to the development of West Palm Beach,” Rajegowda says. Below are six design destinations to explore in the area.
1. Culture Lab
Culture Lab, the former Macy’s storefront-turned-immersive arts experience, is located in the heart of the new district. The exterior of the building is covered in art by Michael Craig-Martin with a sound installation by Stephen Vitiello inside.
2. Galley
Originally launched in 2016, the restaurant has just reopened at Hilton West Palm Beach after a complete redesign that blends visual and culinary arts. Architecture by Nichols Brosch Wurst Wolfe & Associates pairs with a contemporary art collection curated by Related and Eaton Fine Art.
3. Hybrid Infinity
Working with local and international artists to feature rotating and permanent installations in the district throughout each phase of the project, Related commissioned Frankie Cihi to create Hybrid Infinity, a half-mile long mural that transforms the district’s parking garage.
4. RH West Palm
Opened last November, RH’s 80,000-square-foot home furnishings gallery is one of only a few locations in the world featuring a rooftop restaurant. Los Angeles–based artist RETNA installed a hieroglyph and calligraphy–inspired work on the eastern facade.
5. Unopiu
Scheduled to open this month, Unopiu’s West Palm Beach store be the first retail location of the European brand in the United States. The leader in manufacturing and distributing outdoor furniture already has a network of direct owned shops in Italy, France, Germany, and Spain.
6. Brightline
Since January, the new Brightline train station by SOM, Zyscovich Architects, and Rockwell Group offers a 35-minute trip service between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, operating 10 northbound and 10 southbound trains per day. The railroad plans to expand service to Miami later this year.
