Great Gulf Wins Approval for 31-Story West Palm Beach Tower at 5400 N Flagler

Key Points

• 31-story, 97-unit condo tower approved at 5400 N Flagler Drive by Canadian developer Great Gulf

• Set to rise 380 feet with rooftop pool, townhomes, penthouses, and luxury amenities on a 2.46-acre site

• Despite community pushback and staff opposition to setback waivers, city commission approved all requests

West Palm Beach has approved one of its tallest new residential towers. On September 29, the City Commission unanimously gave the green light to a 31-story condominium project by Great Gulf at 5400 N Flagler Drive, clearing the way for demolition and permitting.

This high-profile approval underscores growing investor interest in the North Flagler corridor. 

Project Snapshot: 5400 N Flagler

• Developer: Great Gulf (Toronto-based, already active in West Palm Beach)

• Height: 380 feet

• Units: 97 (including townhomes, 2- to 4-bedroom units, and penthouses)

• Parking: 207 spaces

• Site size: 2.46 acres

• Architects: Safdie Architects and Spina O’Rourke + Partners

Planned amenities include a rooftop pool, guest suites, event and fitness rooms, lounges, library, dog spa, bicycle club, and landscaped gardens.

Community Pushback and Design Revisions

Nearby residents, particularly from the neighboring Palm Beach House condominium, voiced strong concerns about the project’s impact on views, construction dust, noise, and potential structural risks.

One of the biggest flashpoints was the developer’s request to reduce the building’s minimum setbacks. City staff recommended denial of that waiver due to the building’s 380-foot height, arguing that greater buffers were needed for a project of this scale. Despite this, the City Commission approved all four requested waivers, including those related to density, site size, setbacks, and driveway layout.

In response to earlier critiques about the project’s podium-level design, Great Gulf added more active uses along North Flagler Drive. Revisions included a widened sidewalk and resident-facing amenities like a dog spa and bike club.

What’s Next

With the zoning change and waivers approved, Great Gulf will begin demolition and permitting, with construction expected to take approximately three years.

The developer conducted several community outreach sessions with the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, Northwood Harbor Association, and nearby residents. These groups acknowledged Great Gulf’s transparency and willingness to revise the design, even if opposition from some neighbors remains strong.

West Palm Waterfront Development Continues 

Great Gulf’s 5400 N Flagler project is now cleared for takeoff, positioning the developer to expand its footprint in a growing section of West Palm Beach. The project’s scale, height, and waterfront location make it a key signal of where the local condo market is heading. While community resistance could pose risks during construction, the unanimous approval signals strong city support for continued high-rise development along the waterfront.