Tall & Urban News

Among the first in a new wave of buildings transforming West Palm Beach into a major urban center, One Flagler is a defining mark for the city's urban transformation, introducing a Class-A office building with retail and a revitalized public green along the waterfront. Designed by SOM for Related Ross, the 25-story structure features a trellis-like concrete frame inspired by Florida’s tropical modernism, with terraces and planted loggias that integrate it into the surrounding landscape. 

The building, which has already reached full tenancy, sits prominently on a peninsula along South Flagler Drive, where the historic First Church of Christ, Scientist has served as a beacon for drivers and pedestrians arriving from the Royal Park Bridge. Built on land that sat largely underutilized for decades as a parking lot with a small reading room and lawn, One Flagler complements the church with a contemporary architectural landmark, while generating crucial funding for the preservation of the historic building.

Taking cues from hospitality design, a porte cochere drop-off and a dramatic, two-story lobby clad in warm tones of walnut and limestone convey a welcoming entry. Above, the offices offer a variety of floor plates—from larger, open workspaces on levels eight through 14, to mid-size floors from levels 15 to 19, and boutique offices on the top floors. Three landscaped terraces provide greenery and ocean views and include a space on top of the podium spanning 19,000 square feet (1,765 square meters) alongside a fitness center and conference area.

The design prioritizes both aesthetics and sustainability, with high-performance facades that reduce heat gain and maximize natural light. Its LEED Gold certification reflects energy-efficient systems, stormwater retention strategies, and a flood-resilient infrastructure. For the community, the church lawn was reimagined as a dynamic public space, incorporating pathways, seating, and a reflecting pool inspired by the Boston First Church of Christ, Scientist. The site is located near the Brightline station and includes public amenities like retail, a new reading room for the church, and a Milos restaurant. 

Learn more at SOM.