Historic Northwest
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    • Home
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • History
      • Historic Preservation
    • CRA
      • Projects
      • Tour
    • Business Resources
      • Business Directory
      • Business Resources
      • Incentives
    • Community
    • Events
      • Calendar of Events
      • BBQ Brews and Blues
    • Contact
  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • History
    • Historic Preservation
  • CRA
    • Projects
    • Tour
  • Business Resources
    • Business Directory
    • Business Resources
    • Incentives
  • Community
  • Events
    • Calendar of Events
    • BBQ Brews and Blues
  • Contact

Welcome to Historic Northwest TOUR

Thank you for joining us as we explore the Historic Northwest District, the heart and soul of West

This tour is a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of one of the city's most iconic neighborhoods. Along the way, you'll discover the influential figures and events that helped shape this area while experiencing the exciting redevelopment efforts currently transforming the district.

This tour goes beyond the past and into the future with an exclusive look at the ongoing Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) projects. These projects are revitalizing the neighborhood, ensuring that the Historic Northwest District retains its cultural heritage while embracing modern growth. From new businesses to residential developments, see how the area is evolving while preserving its legacy.

The Historic Northwest District isn’t just a place; it’s a story of resilience, community, and heritage. Once home to the African-American community of West Palm Beach, this district holds a deep cultural and architectural significance. As you walk through the streets, take note of the historic buildings and sites that have stood the test of time, each with its own story to tell.

1. The Grand

2. Fantasy Island Restaurant

2. Fantasy Island Restaurant

  Workforce Housing / Historically Significant Site

As part of the CRA’s goals to provide affordable housing, The “Grand” project is a mixed-use, mixed-income work force housing development offering 287 units and 5,000 sq. ft. of street level retail space. The CRA provided a total of $15 million in incentives to bring this important project to the Historic Northwest. Construction began in the summer of 2021 and was completed in 2023.

2. Fantasy Island Restaurant

2. Fantasy Island Restaurant

2. Fantasy Island Restaurant

 Historic Preservation / Small Business Development

Approved by the CRA in October 2021, this project is transforming a historic building into a vibrant mix of owner-occupied residential spaces and a cutting-edge restaurant. Set to be completed by the end of 2024, Fantasy Island will serve as a key part of the neighborhood's revitalization, offering food, entertainment, and convenient access to the Grand and Flagler Station projects. We anticipate a grand opening for this project in early 2025 to celebrate the future of this historic area!

3. Mickens Moore Home

2. Fantasy Island Restaurant

3. Mickens Moore Home

  Historic Preservation / Workforce Housing/ Small Business Development  

We are revitalizing The Mickens Moore historic residence to establish a delightful Bed & Breakfast or potentially affordable housing opportunity. The project encompasses the restoration of a two-story building and the construction of two Frame-Vernacular replicas designed for a Community Exhibit Space. With the relocation of the Gardenia Building to the site and ongoing foundation and stabilization efforts, we are advancing towards offering genuine lodging experiences that honor our vibrant heritage. This project is anticipated to be completed by 2026.

4. 517 Division Avenue

   Historic Preservation

At 517 Division, the CRA awarded $75,000 through the Contributing Structure Rehabilitation Grant Program, which supports the preservation of historically significant residential buildings in the Northwest neighborhood. Approved by the CRA Board in August 2017, this program helps fund renovations that maintain the historical integrity of properties. For this project, 517 Division LLC plans to enhance a two-story, historically significant structure with improvements such as the installation of impact-resistant windows, removal of non-historic cladding, and the addition of new window trim and wood clapboard siding. These updates will help preserve the building's historical charm while ensuring its longevity.

5. Gwen Cherry Site

 Historic Preservation / Workforce Housing    

Welcome to the Augustus & Cherry Historic Replication Project at 900 6th Street, a transformative initiative honoring the legacies of Hazel Augustus and Gwen Cherry while advancing affordable housing in West Palm Beach. Hazel Augustus, a pioneering African American architect, is remembered for his impactful designs, including the El Verano Hotel and Payne Chapel A.M.E. He also designed the Gwen Cherry house, which was tragically demolished in the 2000s. Gwen Cherry, a distinguished attorney and civil rights advocate, dedicated her life to social justice and equality. This project aims to transform this historic site into a vibrant affordable housing community, preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of these influential figures while contributing to the neighborhood's future.

6. 719 N. Sapodilla Avenue

6. 719 N. Sapodilla Avenue

Historic Preservation/ Small Business Development

This is an exciting historic preservation project that is transforming a two-story building into a vibrant bar and grill. Construction began in April 2024, with a goal to revitalize this 2,800 sq ft space, complete with outdoor seating. This project is not only about creating a dynamic social hub but also fostering small business opportunities, with a focus on supporting minority and women-led dining establishments. After a successful groundbreaking in May 2024, we are on track for completion by the end of 2024, with the grand opening planned for 2025. This project blends history, modern dining, and community spirit, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.

7. The Styx Promenade

8. Heart and Soul Park

8. Heart and Soul Park

 Historic Preservation / Small Business Development

 The Styx Promenade project is breathing new life into Historic Northwest community. These charming buildings are newly constructed with the western most, single structure historically preserved. The buildings are mixed-use spaces, combining commercial, residential, and cultural elements. The Styx Promenade project preserves the unique architectural style of the area while introducing new developments that are helping to revitalize the community. 

8. Heart and Soul Park

8. Heart and Soul Park

8. Heart and Soul Park

   Cultural Development    

Welcome to Heart and Soul Park Jazz Park, located at 825 N. Rosemary Avenue in West Palm Beach, right across from the Sunset Lounge. This vibrant community space by the West Palm Beach CRA is designed to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and history of the surrounding area. The park offers a peaceful retreat with beautifully landscaped grounds, art installations, playground and interactive elements that reflect the spirit of the neighborhood. 

9. Sunset Lounge

8. Heart and Soul Park

9. Sunset Lounge

 Historic Preservation/ Cultural Development

 A landmark in African-American music and entertainment, the Sunset Lounge was one of the most significant venues in the South during the 1940s and 1950s. It hosted legendary artists and was a cultural hub for the community. Now undergoing renovations, the Sunset Lounge is expanding with a new two-story, 7,200 square-foot building featuring a full-service restaurant, bar, and additional amenities. Come see how this historic site is being revitalized to serve future generations. 

10. Tabernacle

12. Hamburger Haven

11. Payne Chapel

Historically Significant Site

The Tabernacle Baptist Church is a historic gem in West Palm Beach. Established in 1919, this church has been a vital part of the community for over a century, serving as a place of worship, fellowship, and social justice. The church's architecture reflects the deep cultural heritage of the area, while its legacy extends beyond its walls, having played a key role in the civil rights movement and advocating for community empowerment. Tabernacle Baptist Church continues to be a pillar of strength, offering spiritual guidance and supporting local initiatives that uplift and unite the community.

11. Payne Chapel

12. Hamburger Haven

11. Payne Chapel

 Historic Preservation    

Payne Chapel is a historic landmark in the heart of West Palm Beach’s Historic Northwest. Founded in 1926, Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church has long been a cornerstone of the African American community, serving as both a place of worship and a center for social and cultural gatherings. The church’s striking architecture, with its unique design elements, reflects the rich heritage of the area. Over the years, Payne Chapel has played an essential role in the civil rights movement and continues to be a beacon of faith, resilience, and community. As we explore this site, we honor its lasting impact on the spiritual and social fabric of West Palm Beach.  Transferable Development Rights or TDR’s were sold from the Church’s property and the proceeds were used to pay for the preservation project.

12. Hamburger Haven

12. Hamburger Haven

12. Hamburger Haven

Small Business Development

Hamburger Haven is a beloved 70-year resident owned grab and go restaurant of the Historic Northwest. A staple taste and experience of the Historic Northwest, the CRA, in partnership with Palm Beach County and the owners of Hamburger Haven Restaurant, embarked on a transformative Public Private Partnership. 

This historic renovation project included a commercial buildout featuring three distinct tenant spaces. Hamburger Haven, a long-term anchor in the community, celebrated a grand re-opening on recently in the fall of 2024. 


13. 901 N. Tamarind Avenue

14. New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

14. New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

  Small Business Development

The space at 901 N. Tamarind Avenue, owned by the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), is set to become a vibrant community hub, with plans for a skating rink as its centerpiece. Currently in the design phase, with architectural drawings underway, the project aims to create a dynamic recreational space for both residents and visitors. The proposed skating rink will offer a year-round destination for leisure and sport, while the surrounding area is envisioned to host a variety of community events and activities. This development is part of the CRA’s broader efforts to revitalize the neighborhood and enhance the quality of life for its residents.

14. New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

14. New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

14. New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

 Historically Significant Site   

New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, founded 96 years ago, is a historically significant site located on 9th Street in the Historic Northwest neighborhood. Over the years, this church has played a vital role in the community. A few years go, the Church benefitted from the CRA’s parking lot beautification program, which improved both its curb appeal and functionality, enhancing the experience for visitors and congregants alike.

15. 822 N. Tamarind Avenue

14. New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

15. 822 N. Tamarind Avenue

 Historic Preservation / Small Business Development  

The CRA entered into a purchase and sales agreement for the disposal of 822 N. Tamarind Avenue. This agreement was incentivized by including the renovation and conversion of a former single family, shotgun home to a commercial office space. The property was closed in Fall of 2023 with P&L Corporate Solutions. This small business provides a much-needed consulting service and adds yet another vibrant business operation to the busy Tamarind Corridor.

16. 800 N. Tamarind Avenue, Rose Trolley

16. 800 N. Tamarind Avenue, Rose Trolley

16. 800 N. Tamarind Avenue, Rose Trolley

Historic Preservation / Small Business Development  

The CRA is working with another small business in the neighbor, Rose Trolley. A critical transportation service for residents in the Historic Northwest Neighborhood and surrounding communities, Rose Trolley will be housed in a new mixed-use building that will have offices on the first floor and affordable housing above. Like other projects the building will be owned by Rose Trolley establishing another permanent minority owned business to the area. 

17. 610 Douglass Avenue

16. 800 N. Tamarind Avenue, Rose Trolley

16. 800 N. Tamarind Avenue, Rose Trolley

  Historic Preservation / Workforce Housing

There are a significant number of historically designated residential properties in the Historic Northwest District. With the recent increase in real estate prices and rental rates, the CRA is focused on acquiring and restoring many of these to make available for the work force and affordable housing. The shot-gun style lofts will be restored and made available as affordable live-work units. 

18. N. Tamarind Avenue Streetscape

16. 800 N. Tamarind Avenue, Rose Trolley

18. N. Tamarind Avenue Streetscape

Streetscape Project  

Explore the transformation of Tamarind Avenue, a collaborative effort by the CRA and City of West Palm Beach. Extending from Banyan Boulevard to Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, this project introduces comprehensive enhancements designed to elevate the streetscape experience.

The initiative includes burying overhead lines underground, expanding sidewalks and bicycle facilities, and enhancing lighting and shade throughout the corridor. The CRA and City have completed phase 1 and 2 of the Tamarind Avenue corridors from Banyan Boulevard to Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard. .

19. Flagler Station

  Workforce Housing

Flagler Station Apartments in West Palm Beach offers a modern living experience in a historic and vibrant neighborhood. Located near the Flagler Drive corridor, these upscale apartments provide residents with a blend of convenience and luxury, featuring spacious layouts and contemporary amenities. The development is part of the city's broader revitalization efforts, supported by the West Palm Beach CRA. 

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