A new Publix supermarket planned for downtown West Palm Beach has revealed something bigger: billionaire Stephen Ross is quietly assembling an entire city block worth $10+ billion in development potential. Here's what public records just uncovered about his land strategy near CityPlace. But what does this have to do with a grocery store? It’s all part of a larger strategy by Related Ross, the development company led by Stephen Ross, to assemble a sizable chunk of land in the heart of downtown. The result? A $10 billion vision to turn West Palm Beach into a thriving hub of business, innovation, and lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
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A single Publix site plan quietly revealed a much larger land assembly tied to Stephen Ross in West Palm Beach, connecting city land, a former utility yard, and Related Ross parcels.
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What looks like a routine grocery store deal may actually be the linchpin holding together an entire downtown block with long-term redevelopment potential.
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The location sits exactly where downtown West Palm Beach has been pushing north, making this one of the most strategically timed land moves in the city right now.
Where This Block Sits in Downtown West Palm Beach
The land being pieced together sits on the north edge of downtown West Palm Beach, centered on North Sapodilla Avenue between Banyan Boulevard and 2nd Street. The city-controlled parcels are 202, 204, and 206 North Sapodilla Avenue, and the former Florida Public Utilities site is immediately adjacent at 209 and 210 North Sapodilla Avenue, plus 755 2nd Street.
This cluster is north of CityPlace (The Square), where the existing Publix operates at 375 S Rosemary Avenue, and it sits at a spot that connects downtown’s core with the neighborhoods just to the northwest.
What used to read like leftover land and back-of-house utility space is now a strategic downtown block. With Stephen Ross in West Palm Beach linked to surrounding acquisitions through Related Ross affiliates, the area is starting to look less like a gap on the map and more like a planned retail-and-development anchor point.
The Site Plan Clue That Made People Pay Attention
In November 2025, the West Palm Beach City Commission voted to declare the city-owned properties at 202, 204, and 206 North Sapodilla Avenue as surplus, opening the door for potential sale. This move means that the city can now negotiate the sale of these parcels, which are expected to be sold to Publix for a new, larger grocery store. The exact terms of the sale, the final purchase price, and the overall site design are still up in the air. Several factors, including zoning approvals, environmental assessments, and city planning considerations, will play a role in shaping the project's future.
The real clue to Stephen Ross’s strategy in West Palm Beach didn’t come from press releases or official announcements. It was uncovered through a public records request made by the South Florida Business Journal. The site plan, drawn up by Miami-based Alleguez Architecture, revealed a 47,240-square-foot Publix that stretches all the way to 2nd Street. However, this ambitious layout only makes sense if the city-owned parcels, the Florida Public Utilities site, and the Banyan Boulevard parcels are all combined. This strongly suggests that Related Ross has bigger plans for the area, with the Publix serving as the anchor of a larger, mixed-use development.
The Bigger Backdrop: Stephen Ross in West Palm Beach and the Push to Build a Business Hub
The new Publix may grab attention, but it's just one piece of a much larger vision Stephen Ross is shaping for West Palm Beach. Through his company Related Ross, he has already secured significant investments in the area, and this grocery store marks only the beginning.
Some of the major projects Ross is backing include:
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360 Rosemary and One Flagler, two office buildings expected to attract prominent tenants such as Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, and Elliott Management.
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South Flagler House is a luxury condo tower with units priced as high as $72.5 million.
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The proposed Vanderbilt University campus and expanded Cleveland Clinic Florida facilities, both of which will bolster West Palm Beach’s reputation as a regional hub for business, innovation, and healthcare.
To understand the full scope of these developments, it’s important to see how Stephen Ross in West Palm Beach is piecing together multiple parcels to form a unified, strategically located development site.
Key pieces of the New Publix puzzle:
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City-controlled parcels (1.72 acres) at 202–206 North Sapodilla Avenue have been designated as surplus and are set to be sold to Publix.
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The Florida Public Utilities Site (2.95 acres), located just to the north of the city parcels, was purchased by Banyan and Sapodilla Acquisition LLC, an affiliate of Related Ross, for $7.5 million.
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Adjacent parcels at 605–621 Banyan Boulevard, already controlled by a Related Ross affiliate, complete the development puzzle.
When combined, these parcels form a full city block in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. The larger project could include not only the new Publix grocery store but also office buildings, mixed-use residential developments, and other amenities, all part of Ross’s broader vision to transform downtown into a thriving business and lifestyle hub.
What It Could Mean for Nearby Real Estate
The transformation happening around North Sapodilla Avenue is sure to have a ripple effect on the surrounding real estate market. As this area becomes more walkable and amenity-rich, demand for nearby condos and office space will likely rise.
However, investors and potential buyers should remain cautious. As with any downtown development, there may be short-term disruptions, such as construction and shifting traffic patterns, but the long-term potential for growth is undeniable. Real estate professionals in the area will want to keep a close watch on these developments as they unfold.
FAQ about New Publix and Stephen Ross in West Palm Beach Mystery
Is a new Publix planned for downtown West Palm Beach?
Yes. The city has voted to sell several parcels to Publix for a larger grocery store in downtown West Palm Beach.
Where is the proposed Publix site located?
The new Publix site will be located at 202–206 North Sapodilla Avenue, just north of CityPlace (now The Square).
How big is Publix shown in public records?
The proposed Publix is set to cover 47,240 square feet, according to the site plan obtained from public records.
What does it mean when West Palm Beach calls property “surplus”?
Surplus means the city has designated certain properties as available for sale. In this case, the parcels at 202–206 North Sapodilla Avenue are available for sale to Publix.
Who is Stephen Ross in West Palm Beach in the context of downtown development?
Stephen Ross is the billionaire founder of Related Ross, the company behind several high-profile development projects in West Palm Beach. He is leading efforts to reshape the city into a regional hub for business and innovation.
Local Help for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors in West Palm Beach
As Stephen Ross in West Palm Beach continues to shape the city’s future, understanding the developments happening around the downtown area is essential for anyone looking to buy, sell, or invest. From new grocery stores to mixed-use projects and major business hubs, these changes will impact both the daily living experience and long-term property values.
For expert guidance in navigating these shifts, whether you're looking to invest in upcoming developments, buy into the growing downtown area, or sell a property in this evolving market, reach out to The Mastropieri Group, Realtors® at 561-556-9853
Posted by Larry Mastropieri
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