West Palm Beach's CityPlace Undergoes Major Transformation, Aims to Become Regional Luxury and Innovation Hub
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The sprawling CityPlace complex, a cornerstone of downtown West Palm Beach for over two decades, is in the midst of a sweeping transformation. Under the direction of Related Ross, the property is aggressively reshaping its retail and office mix, aiming to elevate the destination into a premier hub for luxury, lifestyle, and innovation that mirrors the demographic shifts fueling South Florida's growth.
"We are executing a complete repositioning of the entire project," Webber Hudson, executive vice president of Related Ross, stated in an interview. The strategy is twofold: capitalize on the sustained migration of wealth and businesses from the Northeast and West Coast, while simultaneously cultivating a more curated, upscale environment for local residents.
This ambition is underscored by a major coup: the signing of ServiceNow, the Santa Clara-based AI platform giant. The company is slated to move into a 200,000-square-foot space within CityPlace's expanding office complex by late 2027, establishing a regional innovation hub and AI Institute. The deal is projected to generate an economic impact of $1.8 billion and create over 850 jobs in the next five years.
On the retail front, the transformation is already visible. The December 2023 opening of a 30,000-square-foot Eataly marketplace within a historic, century-old church building has been hailed as a "crowning jewel." "It isn't just about commerce," Hudson noted. "It's about importing the culture and lifestyle of Italy." Eataly leads a wave of nearly a dozen retailers that took 150,000 square feet last year, with another 100,000 square feet of new retail slated for 2025 openings.
The evolving tenant roster reveals a clear direction. Fashion brands like Reformation and Alo are performing strongly, signaling an opportunity to attract more contemporary and upscale apparel retailers. New arrivals this year include Birkenstock, Rivian's electric vehicle showroom, and chef David Chang's Fuku restaurant. This shift represents a move away from the project's earlier, more entertainment-focused mix, making room for what Hudson terms "velocity players"—brands with strong appeal and performance.
The 72-acre mixed-use center, originally opened by Related Companies in 2000, is now part of the Related Ross portfolio. The firm is investing heavily in South Florida, with a sharp focus on Palm Beach County. The changes extend beyond retail; a former Macy's has been replaced by The Laurel, a 322-unit luxury rental building, and a new 10,000-square-foot Related Ross Experience Center serves as a gallery and information hub for the development.
"It's a reprioritization of uses within our footprint to create a downtown district you'd see in any other great city," Hudson concluded. "Great cities are made of great neighborhoods, and CityPlace is becoming the defining neighborhood for West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County."
Voices from the Community:
"As a long-time resident, it's exciting to see the downtown energy finally match the beauty of our waterfront. Eataly is a game-changer, and attracting a tech employer like ServiceNow could really diversify our local economy beyond seasonal trends." — Michael Torres, Financial Advisor & Downtown Resident.
"The 'velocity' talk is just real estate jargon for pushing out local, quirky businesses in favor of national chains and luxury brands the average Floridian can't afford. They're sanitizing the character out of the place to cater to new money. What about space for a local art gallery or a truly independent bookstore?" — Chloe Bennett, Small Business Owner (Voice sharp with frustration).
"From an investment perspective, this strategic pivot is textbook. They're aligning the asset with profound demographic tailwinds. The ServiceNow deal alone validates West Palm Beach as a serious alternative to traditional tech corridors, which will have a multiplier effect on surrounding property values and retail demand." — David Chen, Commercial Real Estate Analyst.
"I love the new options! Having Reformation and Alo here means I don't have to drive to Miami for certain shopping trips. The mix of good food, shopping, and now a major employer moving in makes this area feel more complete and livable year-round." — Priya Sharma, Marketing Professional & Recent Transplant.