West Palm Beach CRA Begins Expansion Of Historic Sunset Lounge In Northwest District

From the City of West Palm Beach:

July 22, 2020

The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is entering the expansion phase of the $12.5 million renovation of the legendary Sunset Lounge, located at 609 8th Street, in West Palm Beach’s Historic Northwest. Recently, the project construction team, Cooper Construction Management began erecting tilt wall panels that will comprise the shell of the new two-story 7,200 sq. ft. building. Assembling the panels marks a new milestone in construction. It is the first time in its nearly century of existence that the celebrated African American cultural venue will be transformed beyond its original structure. The new building will be located on the east side of the existing historic Sunset Lounge.

The renovation of this iconic music and entertainment venue is the cornerstone of the West Palm Beach CRA’s work to revive the Northwest District of West Palm Beach and establish long-term viability and economic stability in the neighborhood. After several years of community input and engagement about the future of the site, the agency is spearheading the project that will highlight both the history and present-day needs of this predominantly African American community.

“The project’s expansion phase is an important next step in the redevelopment of both the Sunset Lounge and the entire Northwest District and in the preservation of West Palm Beach’s black history and cultural roots,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “This is a significant moment in a very significant project for the Northwest and the entire city.”

“We have reached a critical step in the CRA’s efforts in the Historic Northwest Community,” said CRA Director Christopher Roog. “The Sunset Lounge and Heart and Soul Park are projects that highlight the importance and beauty of the City’s African American community. Each step preserves and protects the heritage of residents in the Northwest neighborhood.”

The general concept is to revive the musical roots of the site by creating a state-of-the-art performance and art-focused venue that pays homage to its humble and notable beginning. In the 1940s and 1950s, the Sunset Lounge was one of the premier African American entertainment venues in the south during the Jim Crow law period that enforced racial segregation. The famous jazz venue drew hundreds of patrons to watch the notable artists of the time including Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie and Louis Armstrong. The redevelopment of this celebrated site will pay homage to the rich jazz and black history of the area and celebrate its significant legacy and impact, ultimately transforming the Sunset Lounge into the epicenter for a new African American cultural tourism destination.

When complete, the renovated Sunset Lounge will include:

• A complete rehabilitation of the existing 12,308 sq. ft. building.
• The first floor will have a renovated bar and a new full-service restaurant.
• The redesign will convert the second floor of the structure back to a ballroom with a large elevated/floating stage and third floor mezzanine.
• The addition of a new, two-story 7,200 sq. ft. building with a roof garden on the east side of the Sunset Lounge.
• The new building will house the restaurant kitchen, bathrooms, dressing rooms for performers, lobby, office space, box office, and a broadcast facility.
• The plan adds a new parking lot in the rear, valet in the front of the building along with a gathering plaza, and a rooftop bar and patio for patrons to enjoy.

In addition to creating an exceptional venue and destination, the WPB CRA will restore and modernize the adjacent park on the south side of the Sunset Lounge into a community gathering place, designed with full collaboration of residents, businesses and additional stakeholders. The theme of the park will integrate history, music and art, while providing an engaging and relaxing space for users of all ages. The park will combine typical features of a neighborhood park with open space and an urban plaza that can facilitate special events such as farmer’s markets, festivals and concerts. Key park amenities will include a heritage trail, water feature, stage, seating, butterfly garden, musical-themed playground, grass mounds, entry features and interactive musical instruments.

This press release was produced by the City of West Palm Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.