BD Hotels Breaks Ground on First Project Outside NYC: The Nora Hotel in West Palm Beach

Key Points

• 201-Key Hotel: The Nora Hotel, featuring 201 rooms, marks BD Hotels' first ground-up development outside New York City.

• $75M Construction Loan: BD Hotels secured a $75 million construction loan to fund the project.

• Opening in 2026: The hotel is slated to open in late 2026 within West Palm Beach's emerging Nora District.​

BD Hotels, renowned for iconic New York City establishments like The Greenwich and The Bowery, is expanding its footprint with The Nora Hotel in West Palm Beach. This 201-key boutique hotel represents the company's first ground-up project outside of NYC and is a significant addition to the city's burgeoning Nora District. Scheduled to open in late 2026, The Nora Hotel aims to blend luxury with the distinctive charm of West Palm Beach.​

 A Milestone Development

• Strategic Location: Situated at 1021 North Railroad Avenue, The Nora Hotel is poised to become a central feature of the 40-acre Nora District.

• Collaborative Effort: The project is a joint venture between BD Hotels, NDT Development, Place Projects, and Wheelock Street Capital.

• Design Excellence: Architectural firm Stantec and New York-based Gachot Studios are leading the design, drawing inspiration from Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial Revival styles, echoing the work of architect Addison Mizner. ​

 Culinary Highlights

• Pastis Brasserie: The hotel's ground floor will feature Pastis, a 13,300-square-foot Parisian-style brasserie by James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr.

• Rooftop Experience: Guests can enjoy a rooftop pool, two bars, private cabanas, and a restaurant, all curated by STARR Restaurants. ​

The Nora District: A Transformative Vision

• Phase I Development: Launched in June 2023, the first phase includes over 150,000 square feet of adaptive reuse and new development, with more than 55,000 square feet dedicated to Class-A office space.

• Community-Centric Design: The district emphasizes walkability, featuring cobblestone streets, lush landscaping, and public art installations.

• Retail and Dining: Confirmed tenants include Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, H&H Bagels, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, and Juliana’s Pizza, among others. 

The Nora Hotel signifies a pivotal moment in West Palm Beach's evolution, blending BD Hotels' signature luxury with the city's unique aesthetic. In addition, the arrival of yet another high-profile developer in South Florida signifies the area's continued appeal for tourism. As the centerpiece of the Nora District, the hotel is set to become a landmark destination, offering unparalleled hospitality and contributing to the area's dynamic growth.