From the Bristol to Berkeley: How Al Adelson Is Redefining Luxury High-Rise Living in West Palm Beach

Challenging the Status Quo

When The Bristol first broke ground on the west side of the Intracoastal, skeptics questioned whether ultra-luxury high-rise living could thrive in a region long defined by its low-rise, traditional character. Yet for Al Adelson and his development team, the vision was crystal clear. “Palm Beach wasn’t going to allow high-rise condos—their zoning capped buildings at six stories,” Adelson explains. “But we knew there was a segment of high-net-worth residents who wanted more. If we brought a New York-level high-rise product just across the bridge, they would come.”

They were right. The Bristol not only sold out but also shifted the trajectory of West Palm Beach’s luxury residential market, catalyzing a new era of high-rise development along the waterfront. “We delivered something the market hadn’t seen: full services, a doorman, hurricane-resistant glass, underground parking, New York-style hotel reception. It changed everything,” says Adelson.

A New Standard: The Berkeley Emerges

Now, with the launch of The Berkeley, Adelson is building on that legacy—this time with even more ambition. “The Berkeley takes everything that made The Bristol successful and builds on it,” he says. “But it’s not a repeat. It’s a refinement.”

Unlike the waterfront congestion that now defines much of Flagler Drive, The Berkeley is designed to offer seamless livability with direct access to downtown West Palm Beach, the Kravis Center, and the shops and restaurants of CityPlace—all within walking distance. Its location along Australian Avenue means residents are just minutes from I-95, the Brightline station, and Palm Beach International Airport.

“You get all the luxury and finish of The Bristol, but in a setting that offers real convenience,” says Adelson. “It’s the best of both worlds—elegance without the traffic.”

Wellness as a Luxury Standard

While the architecture remains clean and modern, The Berkeley’s lifestyle offering is what truly sets it apart. The team brought in multiple consultants to craft an amenity package that responds directly to buyer expectations, down to the most personal detail. Among the most notable innovations? In-unit medical care.

“Every resident receives two visits a year from a general practitioner in their own home,” says Adelson. “If bloodwork or imaging is needed, the team comes directly to the unit. Wellness has become central to the luxury buyer, and we’ve made it part of the residential experience.”

Attracting the Modern Luxury Buyer

That kind of forward-thinking design is part of what continues to draw a strong buyer base. Units at The Berkeley range from $2.5 million to more than $6 million, with penthouses commanding even higher numbers. “We’re seeing both upper-middle and upper-class buyers,” Adelson notes. “And we’ve had great success already.”

The Rise of 'Palm Beach West'

But The Berkeley is not being built in a vacuum. West Palm Beach has undergone a fundamental transformation in recent years, becoming a true magnet for high-end residents, businesses, and institutional investment. Adelson points to the leadership of the city’s mayor, the work of the Business Development Board, and influential players like Stephen Ross—whose development of roughly a million square feet of office space has created a true urban core.

“Paul Leone at The Breakers calls it ‘Palm Beach West,’ and he’s right,” says Adelson. “This is no longer a secondary market. It’s a destination in its own right.”

The Land Constraint—and the Power of Location

Still, the ability to replicate a success like The Bristol is no longer just about ambition—it’s about opportunity. “There’s no land left,” Adelson says flatly. “If you want to build now, you’d have to assemble multiple parcels, demolish what’s there, and get existing condo owners to agree. It’s extremely difficult.”

That’s what makes The Berkeley’s site so strategic: perched on the edge of downtown, offering water views over Clear Lake, and oriented toward the growth corridors of Wellington and beyond. “Australian Avenue is the future,” says Adelson. “It’s the only place left with that kind of access and outlook.”

Innovation in Materials, Efficiency in Delivery

When it comes to materials and finishes, Adelson is watching closely for innovations that combine aesthetic appeal with durability. “There are new American-made materials that look like marble but are far more resistant to wear,” he says. “We’re always looking for ways to maintain the highest standard while building smarter.”

Advice for the Next Generation of Developers

And as for those hoping to create the next landmark project?

“You need patience. You need vision. You need capital. And most importantly, you need to be flexible,” Adelson advises. “The city will have its say. The market will shift. You have to listen, learn, and adapt.”

Even as the competition intensifies and the skyline evolves, The Berkeley is staking its claim—not just as a sequel to The Bristol, but as its own chapter in the ongoing story of West Palm’s rise.

“Luxury is no longer just about finishes,” Adelson concludes. “It’s about livability. And that’s what we’re delivering.”