The Plaza of the Palm Beaches begins multiyear waterfront tower overhaul

The Plaza of the Palm Beaches has launched a multiyear renovation of its two 32-story waterfront towers in West Palm Beach, with structural repairs done and major upgrades set to run through early 2028. The project adds glass balcony railings, a redesigned Mezzanine Lounge, a rebuilt East Pool and new shared spaces aimed at elevating the condo’s views and amenities.

Why it matters: - The Plaza’s overhaul is reshaping one of West Palm Beach’s prominent waterfront condominium properties. - The project is designed to improve resident amenities, update aging exterior elements and open up views across the Intracoastal Waterway, Palm Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. - The work extends the property’s positioning as a luxury residential address near downtown West Palm Beach and Palm Beach.

What happened: - The Plaza of the Palm Beaches has started a multiyear capital program to restore the facades of its two 32-story towers on South Flagler Drive. - Structural repairs to both towers are complete. - Painting begins this month. - The first glass balcony railings go up in November. - The Plaza expects to finish the exterior work in fall 2027.

The details: - Glass balcony railings are replacing the solid concrete walls on the balconies. - Every residence has east- and west-facing balconies. - The new railings are meant to open wider views to the east and west. - Joanna Kerr Design is leading the redesign of the Grand Lobby, Mezzanine Lounge, pool deck and new guardhouse. - Principal Joanna Kerr has 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality and residential design. - The firm’s portfolio includes Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton properties. - The Mezzanine Lounge design centers on a fluted stone bar. - The space also uses honed limestone, warm natural oak, brushed metals and textured fabrics. - The Plaza targets summer 2027 for the lounge’s completion. - The Plaza is updating its fitness center. - The East Pool and fifth-floor amenity deck are being rebuilt in the style of the West Pool and deck completed in 2023. - The East Pool plan includes an expanded spa, new decking and furnishings, a barbecue lounge and a bocce court. - The existing tennis and pickleball courts remain part of the amenity mix. - The Plaza expects to finish the East Pool in early 2028. - The property is adding a new guardhouse and landscaping at street level.

Between the lines: - The renovation appears aimed at modernizing the property without changing its core appeal: high-floor waterfront views and access to walkable downtown destinations. - The balcony change is especially consequential because it turns enclosed exterior walls into more open sightlines, which can make the towers feel more connected to the water and skyline. - The amenity upgrades suggest The Plaza is competing on lifestyle as much as location, with resort-style features layered into a residential setting.

What’s next: - Exterior painting and balcony railing installation will continue through the next phases of the tower work. - The Mezzanine Lounge is expected to open in summer 2027. - The full exterior project is slated to wrap in fall 2027. - The rebuilt East Pool is expected to be completed in early 2028. - The Plaza will continue adding and refining shared spaces as the capital program advances.

The bottom line: - The Plaza is using a phased, multiyear redesign to refresh its towers, elevate its amenities and lean harder into its waterfront views as a luxury selling point. - The Plaza is a 221-residence condominium at 525 and 529 South Flagler Drive, with concierge and valet service, 24-hour security, a fitness center, two pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and more than half of staff serving for over a decade. - The property is within walking distance of CityPlace, Clematis Street, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts and the Norton Museum of Art. - More information is available at the company’s website.