Related tapped to build WPB convention center hotel

As expected, the Palm Beach County Commission has chosen the Related Companies as the developer for the long-awaited 400-room Palm Beach County Convention Center Hotel. Plans for a new hotel next to the convention center in West Palm Beach have failed to get off the ground on numerous occasions over the past three years. Most recently, a contract with developer Ocean Properties fell through after a federal investigation into alleged corruption in the deal. Related, which developed the massive CityPlace retail and entertainment center in Downtown West Palm Beach, was recommended for the deal by a county selection committee. Contract negotiations and financing arrangements between Related and Palm Beach County are expected to take four to six months. Once built, the hotel will operate under the Hilton Hotels brand. TRD