The developers behind the Nora District in West Palm Beach are seeking an increase in public funding for infrastructure improvements, requesting an additional $5.3 million as of April 7. The new request would bring total public investment to $26.1 million.
The extra funds are intended to complete a right-of-way between 10th and 11th streets along Railroad Avenue, according to city planning documents. The Community Redevelopment Agency is scheduled to review the proposal at its meeting on April 13. If approved, the funds would be linked to finishing construction of the Nora Hotel and would be distributed after October 1.
NDT Development, led by founders Ned Grace and Damien Barr, previously received approval for $20.8 million through West Palm Beach’s Real Estate Development Accelerator program but declined to comment on this latest request.
NDT has a portfolio that includes several hospitality projects in Palm Beach County such as the White Elephant hotel, Cucina restaurant, and Cove Club private venue. The Nora District itself covers about 40 acres downtown and features retail spaces, restaurants, and offices; its first phase opened late last year.
Hospitality executive Richard Born’s BD Hotels has partnered with NDT Development and Sean MacPherson on the under-construction Nora Hotel, which will offer 201 rooms when it opens later this year. Additionally, Anthony Solomon’s Ronto Group—alongside NDT Development, Place Projects, and Wheelock Street Capital—recently began sales for Nora House condos: an eleven-story building with prices ranging from $2 million to $6.5 million and expected completion by 2029.
Future plans for the district also include another eleven-story building featuring 350 apartments with ground-floor retail space totaling over 18,000 square feet as well as amenities covering approximately 65,000 square feet.
