Sunset Lounge Awarded a Florida Preservation Award

July 28, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:                
Diane G. Papadakos, Director of Communications
City of West Palm Beach – Mayor’s Office
dpapadakos@wpb.org
(561)  822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)

Ansley Lacy, Marketing Coordinator
City of West Palm Beach – Community Redevelopment Agency
alacy@wpb.org
(561) 822-1484 (TTY: 800-955-8771)

Sunset Lounge Awarded a Florida Preservation Award

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and Historic Preservation Program were recently awarded a Florida Preservation Award at the Preservation on Main Street 2023 Conference. We are pleased to announce the Sunset Lounge was recognized for outstanding achievement in the field of restoration and rehabilitation.

CRA Project Manager, Genia Baker, along with Rick Gonzalez, President of REG Architects accepted the award last week in Ocala, FL from the Florida Secretary of State, Cord Byrd.

Originally built in 1933, the Sunset Lounge was a prominent venue for Black entertainers in the 1940s and 1950s. After its closure, the property underwent numerous modifications before rehabilitation began in 2018.

The project sought to restore the Sunset Lounge to its former glory as a lounge and small concert venue. Later alterations were removed, including the demolition of the residential apartments on the upper floors, to recreate the original dance hall and mezzanine area. The roof was replaced, and exterior elements such as details and finishes were repaired or reconstructed to reflect their historic appearance.

Windows, doors, and the Juliette balcony were also replaced or repaired to maintain the building’s architectural integrity.

The Sunset Lounge rehabilitation stands as a testament to the dedication and skill involved in historic restoration and rehabilitation. By bringing back its original character and purpose, this project revitalized an important facility that once showcased top Black entertainers. It not only preserves the cultural heritage of West Palm Beach’s Northwest Historic District but also provides a unique venue to be enjoyed by future generations that will have a positive impact on revitalization work in the surrounding area.

Learn more about the Sunset Lounge, Historic Northwest District, and CRA projects online at www.wpb.org/government/community-redevelopment-agency

For additional information or to be added to the monthly newsletter to stay in the know, please contact the CRA team at cra@wpb.org

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The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic City located on Florida’s Atlantic coast. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central City of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront City that offers the business advantages available in the region, combined with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website, or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or Linked-in.