The Nora Hotel, BD Hotels’ first ground-up construction outside New York City, celebrates top off
- Jake Nicholas
- May 5
- 2 min read
The Nora Hotel has officially topped off in West Palm Beach, marking a major milestone for both the hotel and the broader Nora District—a transformative mixed-use destination taking shape just north of downtown. Slated to open in late 2026, the 201-key boutique hotel is the first ground-up project outside New York City by BD Hotels, known for acclaimed properties like The Bowery, The Mercer, and The Greenwich.
Developed in partnership with NDT Development, Place Projects, and Wheelock Street Capital, The Nora Hotel is positioned to be a cornerstone of the district. The property will bring a distinctive blend of Palm Beach elegance and New York design sensibility, with interiors by Gachot Studios and architecture by Stantec.
Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial Revival influences run throughout, with arched walkways, intricate tile mosaics, and a serene loggia garden entrance setting the tone for a refined guest experience.
Hospitality programming will be headlined by Pastis—a Parisian-style brasserie by Stephen Starr's STARR Restaurants—spanning over 13,000 square feet on the ground level. STARR Restaurants will also oversee the rooftop restaurant and lounge, which will feature a pool, private cabanas, and two bars with sweeping city views. Moss Construction leads the build, drawing on its extensive hospitality expertise.
The Nora Hotel is a central piece of the district's broader vision: a walkable, creative neighborhood infused with art, culture, dining, and design. The first phase of The Nora District, which broke ground in mid-2023, includes over 150,000 square feet of new and adaptive-reuse development, transforming historic railway warehouses into a modern streetscape of ground-floor retail and second-story Class-A office space.
Confirmed tenants range from beloved New York brands like H&H Bagels, Juliana’s Pizza, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream to experiential concepts such as The Garret Group, Sana Skin Studio, and Del Mar Mediterranean Restaurant. The district is also welcoming boutique fitness studios, barbershops, and local cafes, all contributing to a new urban energy in West Palm Beach.
With a master plan crafted alongside the City of West Palm Beach and PlusUrbia, the Nora District aims to become an enduring cultural hub and community anchor. The topping-off of The Nora Hotel signals more than vertical progress—it marks a turning point in the evolution of this neighborhood-defining project.
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