A major development is coming to downtown West Palm Beach, and it’s being led by Palm Beach Atlantic University. The university recently announced a $250 million project that will bring a 25-story mixed-use tower to the heart of the city right at Acacia Road and Dixie Highway.
The project, which has cleared key planning stages, is expected to change not only the student housing experience at PBA but also the look and feel of the surrounding area. It’s one of the largest education-related construction projects currently in Palm Beach County and signals continued investment in downtown infrastructure.
990 Student Beds Coming to Downtown West Palm Beach
The new tower will include 990 student beds, addressing a long-standing need for on-campus housing. In addition to residential space, the building will include a dining hall, a fitness center, and an 11-story parking garage with 888 spaces, a valuable addition to an area known for tight parking availability.
By concentrating housing on campus, PBA hopes to reduce commuter traffic, support student engagement, and promote a safer, more dynamic environment downtown.
Why It Matters for West Palm Beach Real Estate
This tower may be built for students, but it has ripple effects on the entire West Palm Beach real estate market. Large developments like this attract new businesses, improve infrastructure, and add vibrancy to downtown areas.
Buyers and investors keeping an eye on homes for sale in West Palm Beach should know that student-oriented construction often leads to growth in demand for nearby condos and single-family homes. The improved amenities and long-term infrastructure plans could boost property values in surrounding neighborhoods like Flamingo Park, Grandview Heights, and El Cid.
This makes the project worth watching, even if you're not in the market for student housing.
A $1.36 Billion Economic Boost Over Five Years
The project is expected to have a five-year economic impact of $1.36 billion and will create around 4,500 jobs in Palm Beach County. That includes construction work, university staff, and services tied to the new building.
To be clear, taxpayers will not fund the project. Palm Beach Atlantic University received approval from the Palm Beach Board of County Commissioners to issue bonds—but the university will cover the costs, not the public.
This privately funded approach highlights strong institutional support and a long-term investment in downtown West Palm Beach real estate.
Enrollment Growth is Fueling the Expansion
Palm Beach Atlantic is growing fast. Applications to the university have jumped from 1,800 in 2020 to over 11,200 in recent years. To support this growth, the university is planning to increase its student body from 3,000 to 5,000.
This boom in enrollment is what’s driving the need for expanded facilities. In addition to the new tower, PBA is also constructing Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall, a six-story building expected to open by the end of 2025.
Community Impact: More Than Just a Dorm
While some may see this as just a student dorm, it’s far more than that. This is a major real estate development that’s reshaping downtown West Palm Beach. The inclusion of amenities like a large parking garage and community spaces makes it a potential benefit for non-student residents as well.
The tower will likely act as a catalyst for additional development in the surrounding area, which already includes upscale residential towers, retail, and cultural venues like The Kravis Center and Norton Museum of Art.
For renters, buyers, and West Palm Beach real estate agents, this marks an exciting moment of transformation in one of South Florida’s most active urban centers.
What’s Next?
The university has cleared key planning and zoning hurdles and expects to break ground in late 2025. Once completed, the tower will be one of the tallest buildings in the area and a centerpiece of PBA’s campus.
Nearby real estate is already seeing interest from both investors and parents of students looking to buy rather than rent. This project could also influence the city’s long-term vision for downtown growth and density.
If you're looking to invest in West Palm Beach real estate, this might be a good time to act before prices begin to reflect the full value of these upgrades.
Interested in West Palm Beach Real Estate?
Projects like PBA’s new tower are a good sign for the local market. They mean more jobs, more foot traffic, and higher demand for housing across price points.
If you're thinking about buying or selling in West Palm Beach, now is the time to connect with local experts who know the market and can guide you through the changes happening downtown.
Contact The Mastropieri Group, Realtors® at (561) 544-7000 to explore available listings, development updates, and smart real estate strategies tailored to West Palm Beach.
Posted by Larry Mastropieri on
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