All Aboard Florida’s West Palm stop may get hotel, homes

The West Palm Beach stop on the proposed $1.5 billion All Aboard Florida passenger train service from Miami to Orlando stands to boost business in the city.

Florida East Coast Industries, the company planning the service, said a hotel and residential development are likely on properties adjacent to the station. FECI Executive Vice President Jose Gonzalez said the company wants a mixed-use development with the appeal of the shopping center CityPlace, located on South Rosemary Avenue. The railroad seems to cover two acres, the Palm Beach Post reported.

Local companies WBP Investments and PBC Investments & Acquisitions bought a stretch of land along Evernia Street from Quadrille Boulevard to Rosemary Avenue late last year. The platform and rail line frontage are slated for the stretch between Evernia and Datura streets. The rail service will also stop in Fort Lauderdale.

“Property owners are anticipating upswing in values and development,” Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Raphael Clemente told the Post. [Palm Beach Post] — Mark Maurer