You’ve probably seen the dust and the cranes if you’ve driven through the South End of West Palm Beach lately. It’s hard to miss. Specifically, the massive 6.5-acre site at 8111 S. Dixie Highway is currently undergoing a metamorphosis that’s going to fundamentally change how people live in the "SoSo" (South of Southern) district.
Honestly, for a long time, this stretch was just... there. It wasn't exactly a destination. But things are moving fast.
We’re talking about a $80.6 million investment. That’s a lot of zeros. The project, officially dubbed The Sound Apartments, is a joint venture between Woodfield Development and Flagler Realty & Development. They aren't just putting up another bland apartment block, though. They’re building a literal mini-neighborhood right on the C-51 Canal.
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What’s Actually Happening at 8111 S. Dixie Highway?
The site is being turned into an eight-story mixed-use complex. If you’re a local, the "mixed-use" part is the real kicker because it includes something we’ve desperately needed: a grocery store. A 15,000-square-foot specialty grocer has already signed on. While the name hasn't been officially shouted from the rooftops in every press release, rumors and leasing brochures point toward a high-end urban concept that fits the affluent SoSo vibe.
Here is the breakdown of the 675,000 square feet of construction:
- 358 Residential Units: Ranging from tiny studios to sprawling three-bedroom flats.
- 19,000 Square Feet of Retail: Including that anchor grocery store and a 4,000-square-foot freestanding retail building right on the highway.
- 710 Parking Spaces: Because, let’s be real, nobody in West Palm is giving up their car yet.
Wait, there’s a nuance most people miss. Not all of these apartments are for the ultra-wealthy.
The Workforce Housing Angle
Usually, when you hear "luxury apartments" in West Palm Beach, you assume the prices are astronomical. And yeah, many will be. But part of the deal with the city involves 90 units dedicated to workforce housing.
This isn't just "cheap" housing. It’s for people making between 60% and 140% of the Area Median Income (AMI). With Palm Beach County’s median income hovering around $104,000, these units are actually designed for the teachers, nurses, and cops who keep the city running but usually get priced out to Lake Worth or Wellington.
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It’s a Public-Private Partnership. The city actually leased the land to the developers for about $2 million. It's a savvy move to get density in the South End without just selling off the family silver.
Why This Location is Kinda Genius
If you stand at 8111 S. Dixie Highway, you’re at the gateway. Look east, and you’re staring toward the multi-million dollar estates of Palm Beach Island. Look west, and you’ve got views of The Park golf course.
The developers are leaning hard into the "waterfront lifestyle" thing. They are building a dock and launch area specifically for kayaks and canoes on the canal. Imagine finishing work and just dropping a paddleboard into the water without leaving your zip code.
Amenities you'll actually care about:
- A top-level sky lounge (the views of the Intracoastal will be insane).
- A resort-style pool (standard, but necessary).
- Indoor pickleball courts (because it’s 2026 and we are legally required to play pickleball now).
- A coworking business lounge for the "work from home" crowd.
The Timeline: When Can You Move In?
Construction is already well underway. The project "topped out" (meaning they reached the highest point of the structure) in July 2025. Verdex Construction, the folks swinging the hammers, are moving fast.
If you’re looking to rent, the first move-ins are slated for Q3 2026. The whole thing should be wrapped up by the end of 2026.
Does it actually matter for the neighborhood?
Some locals think it's too big. A 2,064-square-foot single-family home used to sit on part of this land back in the day. Going from that to an 8-story block is a shock. But the trade-off is the walkability. Right now, if you live in SoSo, you’re driving everywhere. Adding 19,000 square feet of retail and a grocer makes the neighborhood feel more like a village and less like a thoroughfare.
The architecture by Spina O’Rourke + Partners is trying to keep it from looking like a giant concrete box, using glass and "waterway activation" to keep things airy.
Actionable Steps for Locals and Future Residents
- For Renters: Start tracking "The Sound Apartments" around early 2026. That's usually when pre-leasing begins and you can snag the early-bird "move-in specials" which usually include a month of free rent.
- For Business Owners: There is still roughly 4,000 square feet of retail space available. If you want to be next to a major grocer in one of the wealthiest pockets of Florida, contact the leasing agents at Landmark CRE.
- For Commuters: Expect Dixie Highway to stay a bit "choppy" near Gregory Road through 2026. Plan an extra five minutes if you're heading toward Lake Worth Beach during rush hour.
This project at 8111 S. Dixie Highway is basically the anchor for the "new" South End. It's turning a transit corridor into a place where people actually hang out. Whether that's good for your commute is debatable, but it's definitely good for property values and the local tax base.
Check the city's planning portal if you want to see the specific floor plans; they are public record and surprisingly detailed if you're into that sort of thing.