Developers Pitch Ultra-Luxury Private Club ‘The Sanborn’ in Downtown Boca Raton

Key Points

• Developers are proposing The Sanborn, Boca Raton, an eight-story, ultra-luxury private club in downtown Boca.
• The project totals 44,000 square feet and includes hotel-style suites, rooftop amenities, and wellness facilities.
• The site is currently owned by the Jacqueline T. Higgins Trust and remains under city review.

What’s Being Planned

A group of developers is moving forward with plans for The Sanborn, a high-end, members-only private club proposed for 100 N.E. First Ave. in the heart of downtown Boca Raton. The project would replace an existing mixed-use building on a 0.31-acre site, signaling continued demand for boutique luxury concepts in South Florida’s most affluent markets. Unlike traditional social clubs, the Sanborn is being positioned as a quiet, experience-driven destination, catering to an older, high-net-worth membership base rather than nightlife traffic.

Inside the Project

The eight-story building would include:

• Eight hotel-style guest suites
• A rooftop pool, bar, and grill
• A third floor card room and library
• A private fitness center and spa exclusively for members

The club’s ground floor is designed as a gallery-like lobby, emphasizing curated interiors and privacy-focused design rather than street-level retail activation. Architecture is led by HDA Architects, a firm active in high-end residential and hospitality projects across South Florida.

Developer Vision

One of the project’s key developers, Steven Newman, described the concept as “not a scene-driven club,” but instead a sanctuary focused on connection, culture, and curated experiences. That framing aligns with Boca Raton’s demographic profile and increasing appetite for low-key luxury amenities rather than high-traffic entertainment uses.

Timeline and Status

As of January 2026, the project was pending review by city officials. If approved, developers are targeting a spring 2028 completion. While small in scale, the project’s entitlement outcome will be closely watched given its downtown location and private club designation.

Why It Matters

The Sanborn reflects a broader trend in South Florida toward boutique, members-only luxury concepts that generate strong margins without residential density. For nearby landlords and investors, approval would reinforce downtown Boca Raton’s evolution into a high barrier, amenity-driven core, supporting long term property values and tenant demand