Good news for West Palm Beach! After some spirited back-and-forth (and yes, a bit of drama at City Hall), Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBAU) is reworking its campus expansion plans. The rework will keep the university’s growth on track, while being more mindful of the surrounding area.
Originally, PBAU proposed a 25-story dorm and an 11-story parking garage, which would’ve been the tallest garage in the city. But after strong feedback from the community and Mayor Keith A. James — who famously called the garage a “monstrosity” — the university has agreed to revise its plans. The new garage will now be capped at seven stories.
PBAU is still planning to grow its student body from 3,000 to 5,000. With this revised project — and Vanderbilt University also joining the West Palm Beach education scene — the city is clearly evolving into a vibrant academic hub… just with a little more balance and a little less concrete.
