The owners of the 1.3
acre Testa property on Royal Palm Way in Palm Beach, the Frisbees, are looking to buy the
.8-acre site at the east end of the block between Royal Poinciana Way and
Sunset Avenue. They will redevelop the
Testa properties and the adjacent four parcels that include Nick and Johnnie’s
restaurant, Evelyn & Arthur’s clothing store, Eyes on the Island, the Palm
Beach Book Store, Classic Collections boutique, a via and one apartment, owned
by Vesenaz Inc. Closing for these properties
is planned for Friday.
It will be interesting
to watch the revitalization of this well-known area. Several of these buildings are landmarked and
would need approval for any changes from the Landmarks Preservation
Commission. That includes two Arte
Moderne-style buildings, Evelyn and Arthur at 100 North County Road, and the
Classic Collections building at 118 North County Road. Nick & Johnnie’s façade is also
landmarked.
Other property owners on
Royal Poinciana Way, adjacent to Testa’s, have been asked if they would be
interested in selling their properties. Two have said no, but they are
interested in the new developments that are coming. These owners have been approached by others,
including The Breakers, owners of the old Palm
Beach Daily News building at 265 Royal Poinciana Way, who at this time do not
plan to sell but would consider buying.
With
Town Council approval received, the redevelopment of the Testa site will
include a new restaurant, shops, luxury condominiums and underground parking. This
is a pretty area, exuding Palm Beach‘s glamourous luxe feeling and relaxed
environment. The forthcoming condominiums will be sold quickly, in this highly desirable
neighborhood.
Will
keep the readership advised of developments.
Stay tuned.
