West Palm Beach's burgeoning Nora district is set to host a renowned Boston-based taco restaurant along with two celebrated New York culinary establishments.
The Nora district, a $1 billion mixed-use development, stands as the most ambitious urban renewal project in West Palm Beach since the transformation of CityPlace into The Square. The name "Nora" is derived from North Railroad Avenue, which forms the western edge of the development.
Occupying a 4,650-square-foot indoor-outdoor space, Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar will be situated at a prime location at 840 N. Railroad Avenue, serving as a gateway to the district, according to Francis X. Scire, who oversees leasing for Nora.
Loco Taqueria is known for its inventive taco offerings and a wide array of seafood options, including oysters and ceviche. The establishment also boasts one of Florida's most extensive tequila selections, noted Mike Shaw, a partner at Loco. This marks Loco's inaugural venture outside of its Boston origins, where it operates in South Boston and near Fenway Park.
Joining Loco in the Nora district are two New York staples: H&H Bagels and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. Scire mentioned that the addition of H&H Bagels will meet the long-standing local demand for authentic New York bagels. H&H is not just a bagel shop; it's a cultural icon that has appeared in multiple TV shows and movies, including "Seinfeld" and "Sex and the City."
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, which started as a food truck in the Big Apple, has since expanded to 55 locations across eight states and Washington D.C. The Nora location will be the brand's first foray into Florida.
The initial tenant lineup reflects the developers' aim to offer a diverse range of dining and lifestyle options in a district that was once an old warehouse area. "Our tenant selection has been meticulously planned to create a unique blend of style, sophistication, and culture," Scire said.
Construction is already underway for the first phase of Nora, which involves repurposing old warehouses along North Railroad Avenue into a variety of commercial spaces. The completion date for this phase is targeted for late 2024.
Spanning 40 acres, the Nora project is a collaboration between West Palm Beach's NDT Development, Miami's Place Projects, and Wheelock Street Capital of Greenwich, Connecticut. The development aims to capitalize on the city's growing demand for residential and commercial spaces, largely fueled by migration from the Northeast.
In addition to eateries, Nora will also feature boutique fitness studios Rumble and Solidcore, both known for their high-intensity workouts. More tenant announcements, including additional restaurants, fitness studios, retailers, and office spaces, are expected in the coming months.
The development will also include a 201-room hotel, a joint venture with BD Hotels and Sean MacPherson, who is behind some of New York City's most iconic hotels like The Bowery and Chelsea Hotel.
