"I really believe this is the best place in the United States."
On a windswept waterfront lot in West Palm Beach last April, billionaire real estate developer Stephen Ross stood behind a lectern to tout his company’s new South Flagler House, a high-end, luxury condominium project with 108 units housed in two 28-story towers.
He gave props to City of West Palm Beach officials who helped clear the way for the project’s approval.
“I can say the leadership here in West Palm Beach really shares the vision in making this a model city,” he told guests assembled for coffee and breakfast beneath a tent. “Are there any buyers here to share in making that possible?”
He then proceeded to outline a vision for development that went far beyond South Flagler Drive, a thoroughfare that borders the west bank of the Intracoastal Waterway, across from Ross’ own home in Palm Beach.
“I talk about the fact about how important the city is and how lucky we are to be here today,” Ross said to applause. “I really believe this is the best place in the United States.”
Since that blustery day on a dirt lot, Ross, now 84, has activated what national and local financial media characterize as a “second act” for one of the most prolific real estate developers in the United States, and who, through his Related Companies, amassed billions in assets highlighted by the vast Hudson Yards mixed-use project on the west side of New York City.
Read more at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel