$21M Deal! Major Redevelopment Set for Palm Beach Kennel Club Site

1111 North Congress Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA - In a notable turn of events in West Palm Beach, Terra and the Frisbie Group have joined forces to acquire the Palm Beach Kennel Club racetrack for an impressive $21 million. This partnership promises significant changes to the property located at 1111 North Congress Avenue, right next to Palm Beach International Airport. The racetrack itself occupies only 2.3 acres, with the remaining area being largely vacant or serving as a surface parking lot.

The transaction was finalized after the Rooney family, who owned the property, went under contract in 2023. Remarkably, the Rooneys will retain the betting licenses, allowing operations to continue on-site as the redevelopment unfolds. Plans are in place for a remarkable three-phase mixed-use project that will transform approximately 42 acres into a vibrant community hub aimed at providing workforce housing.

Revitalizing the Area

Plans for the redevelopment are ambitious, featuring up to 2,000 mid-market housing units crafted into buildings soaring up to 20 stories tall. This initiative is a sequel to the successful collaboration of Terra and the Frisbie Group, who previously earned accolades for their transformative redevelopment of Boca Raton’s city hall into an extensive 2.5 million-square-foot mixed-use complex. It seems both groups have a knack for tackling projects that have a lasting impact on their communities.

For more than five decades, the Palm Beach Kennel Club has been a staple in the local landscape. Originally opened in 1932, the club underwent several transformations, including the replacement of the original grandstand in 1962 with a steel and concrete structure, further evolution of the paddock room into a Private Club in 1969, and much more. From year-round racing granted in 1987 to the introduction of simulcast wagering in 1991, the kennel club became a beloved entertainment destination. However, as of January 1, 2020, Florida’s legislation ended dog racing, marking a significant shift in its operations.

Taking Care of the Greyhounds

In a compassionate move, club president Patrick J. Rooney Jr. ensured that nearly 600 greyhounds would find new homes following the cessation of racing. The fate of these dogs was prioritized, with commitments made for adoption through several South Florida organizations, including Awesome Greyhound Adoptions and Greyhound Pet Adoption Florida Southeast Inc., ensuring these beloved animals would be cared for.

While the future of the Palm Beach Kennel Club is setting a new course, it’s worth noting that this trend isn’t unique to Florida. Take, for instance, the Mile High Greyhound Park in Commerce City, which closed its doors 12 years ago. That property is now being transformed into a bustling mixed-use community with 800 housing units and retail space—a $300 million investment aiming to breathe life back into an area once defined by industry and aging buildings.

Community Focus

Just like its Florida counterpart, the Commerce City redevelopment is committed to affordable housing and community engagement. Plans include parks, educational amenities, and even the inclusion of historical elements from the defunct dog track, adding character and nostalgia to the new neighborhood.

As Terra and the Frisbie Group prepare to break ground at the Palm Beach Kennel Club, the excitement is palpable. This venture not only revives a historical site but also responds to the pressing need for housing in the area. It appears that the locals will soon have a vibrant mix of living and leisure spaces to enjoy, right where the greyhounds once raced.

In the heart of West Palm Beach, significant changes are on the horizon. Who knows? This redevelopment might just be a shining example of how revitalization can bring communities together and create spaces that are not just residences but also homes.