West Palm Beach Moves Historic 1910 Home for Preservation
The city is relocating a historic home to provide affordable housing as new high-rise apartments move into the downtown area.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Residential
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The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency is relocating a historic 1910 home from 520 Evernia Street to the Historic Northwest neighborhood at 900 Sixth Street. This move is part of a broader $3.2 million project to preserve two local homes while clearing downtown property for new development.
Why it matters
The project balances the city's downtown commercial expansion with local historic preservation efforts. By moving these homes to 900 Sixth Street and 610 Evernia Street, the city retains original housing stock that was increasingly overshadowed by high-rise construction.
The city is investing $3.2 million to move and rehabilitate two historic homes, including the 1910 structure at 520 Evernia Street. The vacated site will function as a surface parking lot for a minimum of 5 years before supporting future development.
The players
West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency
A local government entity responsible for overseeing urban renewal projects and historic preservation in West Palm Beach.
Related Ross
The private development partner funding the relocation and rehabilitation of the historic homes.
Soleste Palm Station
A residential development project planning to build 321 apartments at 520 N. Rosemary Avenue.
The details
The home is being moved approximately one mile to the Historic Northwest neighborhood to escape the encroaching footprint of downtown commercial projects. After the relocation, the properties will undergo extensive rehabilitation to meet modern residential standards. Once completed, these houses will be sold as affordable housing units, ensuring that historic character remains a functional part of the neighborhood.
Timeline
1910: The home at 520 Evernia Street was originally constructed.
2017: A high-rise building was completed across from the home.
2020: A parking garage was constructed near the home.
The Home Front
This project illustrates a growing trend in urban housing where historic structures are relocated to clear paths for high-density, multi-unit apartment buildings. The move reflects a specific local strategy to reconcile commercial downtown growth with the preservation of existing residential assets.
Residents should track how redevelopment projects impact property values in the Historic Northwest neighborhood. If you own an older home, verify your current historic designation status with the city to understand how it might influence future local development plans.
The takeaway
Historic preservation can coexist with high-density growth through strategic home relocation and rehabilitation. Check your local property records if you live in an area targeted for densification to see how city development strategies might influence your neighborhood's character.
Further reading
For more on local housing trends, visit the Residential section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WPEC.
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