BD Hotels Breaks Ground on The Nora Hotel in West Palm Beach’s Nora District

The highly anticipated Nora District in West Palm Beach marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of The Nora Hotel, a new 201-key boutique hotel developed by BD Hotels, in collaboration with Sean MacPherson, NDT Development, Place Projects, and Wheelock Street Capital. This project represents BD Hotels’ first new construction hotel outside of New York City and is set to bring a unique blend of luxury and high-design to the area.

Richard Born of BD Hotels shared, “The Nora Hotel represents our vision of transforming West Palm Beach’s hospitality landscape with a bespoke experience that caters to today’s sophisticated travelers. We are thrilled to collaborate with the district's developers to make this a reality.”

BD Hotels, known for iconic New York properties such as The Greenwich and The Bowery, has teamed up with Wheelock Street Capital for the second time, following the successful relaunch of Hotel Chelsea in 2023. NDT Development and Place Projects are also key partners in this endeavor. “The Nora Hotel will serve as a cornerstone for the district,” said Ned Grace, Co-Founder of NDT Development. “It aligns seamlessly with our plan to position the district as a premier lifestyle destination, offering top-tier dining, retail, and wellness experiences.”

Joe Furst, Founder of Place Projects, expressed excitement about partnering with BD Hotels. “Their ability to tailor each hotel to its neighborhood while maintaining their signature style is unparalleled,” he noted.

The design of The Nora Hotel takes inspiration from Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial Revival styles, an homage to Addison Mizner’s architectural legacy in Palm Beach. New York-based Gachot Studios and architectural firm Stantec are behind the hotel’s interiors and structure, featuring arched walkways, rich hues, and intricate tilework. The property will also include a tranquil loggia and garden area for guests.

Highlighting the hotel’s dining scene, Stephen Starr’s STARR Restaurants will debut Pastis, a 13,300-square-foot Parisian-style brasserie with expansive indoor and outdoor seating. STARR Restaurants will also curate offerings for the hotel’s rooftop space, which will include a pool, two bars, private cabanas, and a restaurant. Additionally, in-room dining will be available, further enhancing the guest experience.

The Nora District itself is undergoing a transformation, with Phase I of the master plan underway since June 2023. Upon its early 2025 completion, the district will feature over 150,000 square feet of both adaptive reuse projects and new developments. Historic railway warehouses are being reimagined into vibrant retail spaces, celebrating art and local talent. Phase I will also introduce over 55,000 square feet of Class-A office space.

With its dynamic blend of dining, arts, and lifestyle offerings, Nora is poised to become a cultural and commercial hub in Downtown West Palm Beach. Confirmed retailers include Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, Sana Skin Studio, and more, creating an inviting atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. The district’s master plan was developed in partnership with the City of West Palm Beach and urban planning firm PlusUrbia, aiming to revitalize the area with thoughtful, community-oriented design.

Pastis Set To Open In West Palm Beach's Nora District

Quintessential New York City Parisian-style brasserie, Pastis, by James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr (STARR Restaurants), will open in The NORA District in West Palm Beach as The Nora Hotel’s ground floor restaurant. In addition to Pastis, STARR Restaurants will co-create the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and lounge as well as operate in-room dining service. This will mark the fourth location for Pastis, with existing restaurants in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, Washington D.C. and Miami.

The Nora Hotel will be a 201-key boutique hotel developed in partnership with BD Hotels and Sean MacPherson. BD Hotels is notably behind some of New York City’s most iconic hotels including The Greenwich, The Bowery, The Mercer, Hotel Chelsea and others. The Nora Hotel marks BD Hotels second hotel collaboration with Wheelock Street Capital, after the successful relaunch of Hotel Chelsea in 2023.

“At its core, Nora is a district rooted in hospitality. The Nora Hotel will serve as a focal point of the district, a place where guests can experience world-class hospitality paired with impressive food and beverage operators, among other lifestyle and wellness-driven tenants just steps away from the hotel. We look forward to welcoming Pastis as one of the greatest neighborhood bistros in the country to anchor what we believe will be the premier hotel offering in West Palm Beach,” said Richard Born, owner of BD Hotels.

Pastis West Palm Beach will mark the second location for the concept in South Florida. The critically acclaimed restaurant has anchored Manhattan’s Meatpacking District for nearly 15 years, expanding into Miami’s Wynwood Arts District in May 2023 and Washington D.C. in January 2024.

“Since opening Pastis in Miami last year, the positive response to the restaurant has been astounding. Residents of Palm Beach, West Palm Beach and the surrounding areas have asked me countless times to bring Pastis to their neighborhood. With the development of Nora, one of the most exciting and ambitious projects to hit South Florida, we are now going to make that a reality. STARR Restaurants is proud to work with Richard Born and his team to be a part of this incredible project,” said Stephen Starr, founder and CEO of STARR Restaurants.

Pastis West Palm Beach will encompass 13,300 square feet of The Nora Hotel’s ground floor including both indoor and outdoor spaces. The restaurant, which is set to transport guests to a classic Parisian brasserie, will feature the brand’s iconic curved zinc bar, white subway tiles and signature red banquettes. Guests can expect Pastis’ classic hors d’oeuvres such as French Onion Soup, Escargots, Tuna Carpaccio, and Warm Shrimp Salad. A selection of traditional Steak Frites will be available with different cuts of beef, along with entrées such as Moules Frites, Duck Confit, Chicken Paillard and Grilled Branzino. Cocktails will feature an array of options like the St. Tropez Spritz, Lady Marmalade and a mini martini called Le Petit Pickle.

Developed by NDT Development, Place Projects and Wheelock Street Capital, Nora will be a dynamic district that breathes new life into Downtown West Palm Beach, becoming the ultimate amenity for the greater Palm Beach County community.

Phase I of Nora, which will include over 150,000 square feet of adaptive reuse and new development, broke ground in June 2023 and is slated for completion in early 2025. Turn-of-the-century railway warehouses will be reimagined into ground-floor retail celebrating local and national talent with innovative open spaces and art in public places. Phase I will also include over 55,000 square feet of second-floor Class-A office space.

As Downtown West Palm Beach rapidly evolves, Nora is set to become the epicenter of dining, arts and culture. Additional confirmed retailers include Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, H&H Bagels, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, The Garret Group, Juliana’s Pizza, Celis Juice Bar and Café, Del Mar Mediterranean Restaurant, Sana Skin Studio, Mint, The Spot Barbershop, [solidcore] and Sunday Motor Co. with more to be announced.

Nora’s comprehensive master plan is led by the City of West Palm Beach and nationally acclaimed urban planning firm PlusUrbia.

Images via Joshua Perez