How Housing Trends Are Quietly Shaping Palm Beach Commercial Real Estate

Palm Beach County’s housing market is showing renewed strength. After a softer summer, sales are climbing again and prices are ticking upward, even as inventory stays tight. While these figures are usually treated as “residential” news, they carry important lessons for anyone involved in commercial real estate (CRE).

Why the Residential Market Matters for CRE

  • Population Growth Fuels Services. Every household that moves in adds demand for grocery stores, healthcare providers, restaurants, fitness studios, and neighborhood services. This often sparks opportunities for retail centers and mixed-use projects.
  • Affordability Shapes Geography. As home prices rise in core and coastal areas, many workers and families migrate to more affordable suburbs. These shifts open new corridors for offices, logistics, and retail development.
  • Wealth Effects Drive Spending. When property values increase, homeowners feel wealthier and more confident. That typically boosts retail sales, hospitality bookings, and entertainment activity — strengthening commercial tenant performance.
  • Zoning & Mixed-Use Opportunities. Local governments under pressure to deliver housing are increasingly revising zoning rules. Higher density approvals and mixed-use allowances mean more opportunities to blend residential with retail, office, and hospitality.
  • Early Signals for Investors. Housing market rebounds often serve as leading indicators. Where homes sell quickly, businesses and services are likely to follow — making it a roadmap for smart commercial investment.

What This Means for Palm Beach County

In Palm Beach, residential strength and migration patterns are reshaping demand for commercial spaces. Suburbs with new housing are drawing essential services and neighborhood retail. Coastal areas with surging home values are supporting more luxury and experiential retail. And mixed-use projects are increasingly viable as municipalities balance housing demand with commercial growth.

Takeaway for CRE Stakeholders

The connection between housing and commercial real estate is easy to overlook, but it’s one of the clearest predictors of future opportunity. By keeping a close eye on residential market reports, investors and developers can anticipate where growth is heading and position themselves early.

At Cohen Commercial, we believe that tracking these trends is critical to helping clients stay ahead of the curve — whether it’s identifying emerging corridors, planning mixed-use strategies, or securing prime retail and office locations.

References:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/palm-beach-county-condominium-sales-155453239.html

Art & Real Estate in Miami: How September’s Exhibits Signal Big Moves for Commercial Real Estate

Miami’s vibrant art scene this September, with exhibitions like Locust Projects’ algo·ritmos (2 tienes santo pero no eres babalo), The Bass Museum’s re-hung collection featuring Isaac Julien’s Vagabondia, and Sarah Crowner’s bronze sculptures, signals a cultural surge across neighborhoods like Downtown Miami, Little Haiti, and Miami Beach. Emerging venues like Queue Gallery and established institutions such as Frost Art Museum and NSU Art Museum are driving this momentum, showcasing innovative works that draw diverse audiences. These events are more than cultural highlights; they act as economic catalysts, boosting foot traffic and signaling potential commercial real estate (CRE) opportunities in areas experiencing artistic growth, much like Wynwood’s transformation into a global art hub.

The clustering of art exhibitions has direct implications for CRE, as galleries and museums increase neighborhood visibility and desirability, often leading to higher rents and premium pricing for retail and creative office spaces. Adaptive reuse properties—former warehouses or storefronts converted into flexible cultural hubs—are in high demand, requiring open floor plans, high ceilings, and robust infrastructure to accommodate galleries and pop-up events. Miami’s cultural anchors, like The Bass and Frost, generate steady visitor traffic that benefits nearby retail, cafés, and coworking spaces, stabilizing property values and enhancing mixed-use developments. Public arts funding and favorable zoning further support this synergy, encouraging developments that integrate cultural spaces.

However, the art-CRE relationship faces challenges, including galleries’ thin margins and potential displacement due to rising rents in trendy neighborhoods. Despite these risks, strategic lease structures and community partnerships can mitigate vacancies and zoning complexities. The influx of art-driven tourism fuels demand for short-term leasing of pop-up retail and event spaces, keeping properties dynamic and increasing long-term value. By tracking Miami’s art scene, CRE stakeholders can identify emerging hotspots, leveraging cultural vibrancy to unlock future investment opportunities and create lasting urban value.

References:

https://www.miaminewtimes.com/arts/the-best-miami-art-shows-to-see-in-september-2025-23884591

Preparing Commercial Properties for Florida’s Hurricane Season

Florida’s hurricane season—June 1 to November 30, 2025—is underway. This period poses significant challenges for commercial real estate managers across the state. Drawing from guidance by Advanced Collection Bureau and Florida Realtors®, here’s a streamlined playbook for protecting your investments and ensuring business continuity.

1. Conduct a Targeted Risk Assessment

Start with a comprehensive risk audit of your commercial assets:

  • Evaluate structural vulnerabilities—inspect roofs, façades, doors, windows, drainage systems, and any exterior attachments.

  • Upgrade proactively—consider hurricane-rated windows, reinforced loading docks, and wind-resilient roofing materials, especially for properties in high-risk coastal zones.

  • Minimize debris risk—trim trees, secure signage and exterior fixtures, and eliminate potential projectiles.

2. Optimize Insurance & Mitigation Coverage

For commercial properties, the potential financial exposure can be substantial:

  • Review insurance carefully—ensure policies cover both wind and flood damage; typical commercial insurance may leave gaps.

  • Explore mitigation programs—resources like My Safe Florida Home may offer inspections or retrofitting incentives that reduce long-term repair costs.

3. Establish Clear Communication Protocols

  • Pre-season planning—create and share emergency preparedness guides with commercial tenants, including evacuation instructions, emergency contacts, and steps to take pre-storm.

  • Multi-channel alerts—utilize email, property management platforms, SMS, or signage systems to disseminate real-time updates before, during, and after storms.

  • Tenant support—encourage tenant confirmation of business insurance, especially regarding flood coverage.

4. Stock and Deploy Emergency Supplies

Have essential preparedness tools in place, adjustable for commercial use:

  • Common-area readiness—ensure shared spaces have accessible items like sandbags, tarps, flashlights, battery packs, and first-aid kits.

  • Backup power strategies—generators are often invaluable for preserving critical systems and minimizing business disruption.

  • Service agreements—secure contracts with trusted roofers, electricians, water damage specialists, and general contractors ahead of time for rapid response.

  • Tax incentives—take advantage of Florida’s disaster sales tax holiday (June 1–14), when hurricane essentials like generators, tarps, and flashlights may be tax-exempt.

5. Coordinate Post-Storm Recovery Efforts

Swift, well-documented action after a storm can protect assets and livelihoods:

  • Document thoroughly—capture photos and video of all damage for insurance claims and internal review.

  • Communicate transparently—inform tenants about inspection outcomes, repair timelines, and any necessary temporary access restrictions.

  • Restore services efficiently—prioritize restoring crucial building systems: power, HVAC, elevators, and security. Fast action helps tenants resume operations quickly.

6. Strengthen Resilience and Business Continuity

  • Emergency plans for special needs—coordinate with local authorities for tenants needing assistance, and ensure plans include visitors or staff with mobility or medical needs.

  • Avoid hazard zones—if your portfolio includes EV charging stations or electric vehicle access, ensure they are placed outside of saltwater flood zones to reduce risk of damage or battery hazards.

  • Encourage tenant readiness—encourage commercial tenants to have their own emergency kits, evacuation strategies, and document protection plans (for inventory, equipment, and leases).

Sources:

https://www.advancedcb.com/post/how-property-managers-can-prepare-for-hurricane-season-in-florida

https://www.floridarealtors.org/newsroom/Florida-Realtors-Prepare-for-Hurricane-Season

Boca Raton’s Times Square Billboard: A Commercial Real Estate Play

On July 24, 2025, the Sun Sentinel reported that the City of Boca Raton launched a $70,000 digital billboard campaign in the heart of Times Square, New York. The aim? To attract businesses and executives weary of the Northeast’s high taxes, cold winters, and dense urban grind. From a commercial real estate perspective, this isn’t just a flashy marketing stunt—it’s a calculated investment in demand generation and long-term value creation.

By placing the advertisement squarely in front of thousands of daily decision-makers in Times Square, Boca is targeting the very audience that might be exploring secondary offices, satellite hubs, or full-scale relocations. The messaging aligns with current post-pandemic trends: companies are reconsidering their urban footprints and increasingly looking toward the Sun Belt for operational efficiency and talent-friendly climates. This ad positions Boca as a high-quality, accessible, and lifestyle-forward destination that can meet those evolving business needs.

The implications for commercial real estate in Boca Raton are significant. A successful campaign could drive increased demand for office parks, flex industrial space, co-working infrastructure, and even mixed-use development projects. For landlords and developers, this marketing effort serves as a tailwind that can bolster lease negotiations, stabilize occupancy levels, and justify stronger rental terms. Should enough interest convert into tangible relocations, commercial properties in the area could see a marked uptick in leasing velocity and long-term tenant commitments.

The billboard also reflects a broader strategy of economic positioning. By making a visible play in one of the world’s most high-profile advertising corridors, Boca is signaling that it’s open for business—and serious about attracting out-of-state capital. But with that visibility comes responsibility: the city will need to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with potential growth. That includes investments in public transportation, high-speed internet, and workforce housing that can support the growing needs of transplanted firms and their employees.

From a financial standpoint, the $70,000 expenditure represents a small bet with potentially large returns. If even one midsize firm relocates and leases 50,000 to 100,000 square feet of office or industrial space, the tax base and leasing revenue generated could more than compensate for the original outlay. This is classic municipal venture capital at work—small-scale public investment aimed at long-term economic development.

There are also broader implications for Boca’s positioning in the regional competitive landscape. Cities across Florida—including Miami, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale—are all vying for the same relocating companies. Boca’s campaign helps differentiate it by projecting ambition and forward-thinking in a crowded field. It’s a message not just to New Yorkers, but to other Sun Belt cities as well: Boca Raton is not sitting back—it’s stepping forward.

Going forward, the success of the campaign will depend on measurable outcomes. Are New York-based companies inquiring about site visits? Are brokers fielding new calls tied to the ad? Will Boca’s economic development office share lead data or conversion metrics? These are the questions commercial real estate stakeholders should ask in the coming months. Additionally, if the campaign proves fruitful, the city may scale its marketing push to other regions or refine its messaging to target specific industries like fintech, logistics, or healthcare services.

Ultimately, Boca Raton’s Times Square billboard isn’t just a splashy piece of marketing—it’s a strategic maneuver designed to reframe the city’s role in the national economic conversation. For brokers, developers, investors, and tenants, it’s a signal worth watching. The CRE community should keep a close eye on how this campaign shapes leasing activity, asset values, and urban development over the next year. The success or failure of this initiative could serve as a blueprint—or a cautionary tale—for how smaller markets can use bold, targeted marketing to influence commercial real estate flows in a post-pandemic world.

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/07/24/boca-raton-spent-70000-on-times-square-advertisement-to-lure-new-york-businesses/

How We Use Buildout to Broker Like a Boss

At Cohen Commercial, we don’t just facilitate transactions—we position properties, build brand value, and broker with intention. In a competitive commercial real estate landscape, speed and consistency matter just as much as the deal itself. That’s where Buildout comes in. It’s more than just a marketing platform—it’s a toolkit that allows us to deliver excellence, stay organized, and present listings in a way that reflects our brand’s caliber. From listing presentations to offering memorandums, Buildout helps us operate with precision and professionalism.

Custom Templates Create Consistency

From the first impression to the final document, consistency is everything. Buildout lets us take default templates and refine them to reflect the exact voice and style of Cohen Commercial. Our cover pages, internal layouts, and data presentations have all been carefully adapted to match our brand standards. This isn’t just about looking good—it’s about building trust. Clients expect a polished experience, and with our templates customized through Showcase+, every single asset we produce reinforces the value and professionalism they can expect from us.

Streamlined Marketing from Listing to Close

Buildout doesn’t just help us create documents—it powers our full marketing engine. As soon as a listing is live, we can generate a fully branded website and deploy targeted email campaigns directly through the platform. There’s no need to juggle multiple tools or designers. Buildout helps us move faster, maintain quality, and keep everything centralized. And when it’s time to share materials with potential buyers or brokers, we can control access at multiple levels, ensuring the right people see the right documents at the right time. That seamless experience helps us move from lead to close with efficiency—and confidence.

A Platform That Tells a Better Story

In commercial real estate, storytelling matters. Buildout enables us to tell compelling, visually rich stories with every listing. Through customized maps, multimedia integrations like aerial drone footage or virtual tours, and on-brand design, our materials don’t just inform—they persuade. Whether it’s an institutional investor reviewing an offering memorandum or a local tenant looking at a property website, the message is clear: we are professionals who know the market, and we know how to position properties to win.

Why We Broker Like Bosses

Buildout gives us the tools to do what we do best—faster, smarter, and with more impact. Our team spends less time formatting and more time closing. Clients get high-quality materials that inspire confidence. And our brand stays strong and consistent, no matter how many listings we’re managing. Buildout doesn’t just support our workflow—it elevates our entire brokerage strategy.

At Cohen Commercial, brokering like a boss means being efficient, consistent, and bold in presentation. Thanks to Buildout, we do all of that—and more—every single day.

https://www.buildout.com/blog-posts/beyond-basic-elevate-your-brand-with-showcase-customization-tools

6 Tips To Keep Business Moving After The Snowbirds Leave Florida

With summer approaching many seasonal residents that are from the Northern States are heading back for the warmer months. This can cause a change in the economy for many towns around Florida because of the quiet shift that creates. About 1 million Florida residents spend only part of the year here which is about 5% more than the summer months. Resulting from this drastic population change many local businesses can be affected by the volume of customers they receive in the months of May to October. With restaurant wait times dropping and busy retail centers shifting to a slower pace, business owners must adjust to the migration of the local community members. Here are 6 helpful tips to seasonally adjust as a business owner:

Become a seasonal business or adjust hours for the slower months.

Becoming a seasonal business or adjusting hours during the off-season can be a smart strategy for managing costs and maximizing efficiency. This approach also helps prevent burnout among employees and allows owners to focus on planning, maintenance, or marketing for the upcoming peak season. Ultimately, it keeps the business agile and better prepared to thrive year-round.

Adjust staffing levels or create seasonal-only positions.

Adjusting staffing levels or creating seasonal-only positions is a practical way for businesses to stay flexible and cost-effective during slower months. By scaling the workforce to match seasonal demand, businesses can avoid overstaffing and reduce payroll expenses without sacrificing service quality. This strategy supports smoother operations and ensures the business is staffed appropriately year-round.

Create off-season deals and promotions.

Creating off-season deals and promotions is a great way to keep customers engaged and revenue flowing during slower periods. These special offers can attract new customers, encourage repeat visits, and help move excess inventory. Whether it’s a limited-time discount, bundled service, or loyalty reward, off-season deals can spark interest and maintain momentum until peak season returns.

Take this slower time to focus on other aspects like renovations, preparing for next season, and revamping your website and social media platforms.

The slower season is the perfect time for businesses to shift focus toward internal improvements and future planning. It’s a great opportunity to tackle renovations, update your space, and enhance the customer experience. You can also analyze what sold well during the busy months to better prepare inventory and strategy for the next season. Additionally, use this downtime to refresh your website and social media platforms—keeping your brand current, engaging, and ready to make a strong comeback when business picks up again.

Make your merchandise available online.

If you’re in retail, offering your merchandise online during the off-season can help maintain sales and reach a broader audience beyond your local market. An online store keeps your products accessible 24/7, allowing loyal customers to continue shopping even when foot traffic slows down. It also opens up opportunities for digital marketing, seasonal promotions, and customer engagement through email and social media.

Plan events to create more foot traffic for the locals and vacationers.

Planning events during the off-season is a creative way to boost foot traffic and keep your business top of mind for both locals and any vacationers still in town. Hosting things like pop-up markets, themed nights, workshops, or community gatherings can create excitement and give people a reason to stop by. These events not only drive sales but also strengthen your connection with the community and build brand loyalty, making your business a go-to spot no matter the season.

Source: https://brevardsem.com/brevard-county-businesses-snowbird-season-is-over-now-what/

https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/10-surprising-statistics-on-snowbirds-in-florida-for-2023.html

How Festivals Like the Cajun Crawfish & Music Festival Fuel Commercial Real Estate in Jupiter

On April 5–6, the sounds of Zydeco music and the aroma of authentic Louisiana cuisine filled the air at the Cajun Crawfish & Music Festival, hosted at the Abacoa Town Center Amphitheater in Jupiter, Florida. While the event may be known for its lively entertainment and family-friendly fun, there’s another layer worth noting—its impact on local commercial real estate.

At Cohen Commercial, we pay close attention to events like these. They’re more than just great community gatherings—they’re powerful economic drivers that demonstrate the value of thoughtfully planned retail and mixed-use developments.

Abacoa: A Blueprint for Mixed-Use Success

Abacoa is a perfect example of what happens when real estate development is done right. This master-planned community features a mix of residential, retail, dining, office, and entertainment spaces—all centered around a pedestrian-friendly layout. The Abacoa Amphitheater serves as a central hub, drawing visitors from across Palm Beach County and beyond.

When an event like the Cajun Crawfish & Music Festival takes place, it doesn’t just entertain—it activates the entire surrounding area. Local restaurants and retailers benefit from the increased foot traffic, while nearby office spaces and service-based businesses gain exposure to new clientele. Hotels, parking lots, and even temporary vendor spaces also see a bump in demand.

This kind of energy reinforces the importance of developing commercial real estate that prioritizes accessibility, walkability, and community engagement.

Events as Economic Engines

Festivals like this one offer a glimpse into the future of retail and hospitality leasing. In a time when brick-and-mortar retail is continually evolving, the key to long-term success often lies in experiential destinations—places where people want to spend time, not just money.

From a commercial real estate perspective, events are more than fun—they’re a measurable way to boost economic activity. They help local businesses thrive, encourage repeat visitation, and increase demand for well-positioned commercial space.

It’s also an excellent selling point for prospective tenants. Restaurants and retailers are more likely to lease in locations where traffic is consistent, and where the community plays an active role in supporting local business. The Abacoa area, thanks to events like this, continues to be one of those locations.

Why CRE Professionals Should Be Paying Attention

At Cohen Commercial, we understand the symbiotic relationship between community programming and real estate performance. Whether it’s leasing retail space, planning a redevelopment, or analyzing market trends, we look at the full picture—and events are a key part of that.

As Jupiter grows and evolves, we anticipate continued demand for commercial spaces that offer more than square footage. Community, culture, and connectivity are the new cornerstones of successful development.

If you’re an investor, business owner, or tenant exploring opportunities in the Jupiter area or elsewhere in Palm Beach County, we’re here to help you navigate that growth.

Original article source: Palm Beach Post. “The Cajun Crawfish & Music Festival returns to Jupiter this weekend.” Published April 2, 2025. Read the full article here.

Palm Beach’s Sole Gas Station Sells for $11.94M — A Testament to High-Value Commercial Real Estate

In the world of commercial real estate, location and uniqueness often drive value — and there’s no better example than the recent $11.94 million sale of Gray’s Sunoco, the only gas station on the island of Palm Beach. This record-setting transaction reflects the scarcity and desirability of commercial properties in affluent markets.

A One-of-a-Kind Commercial Asset

Situated at 340 S. County Road, near Palm Beach Town Hall, Gray’s Sunoco has long been more than just a gas station. With its full-service pumps and ability to service high-end vehicles like Rolls-Royces and Ferraris, it serves as both a community staple and a critical service point in times of need — particularly during hurricane season when fuel supplies run low.

The property, which includes four service bays and a small convenience store, sits on just four-tenths of an acre. Yet, its small footprint didn’t stop it from commanding a premium price — a hallmark of high-value commercial real estate in exclusive markets.

From $2.6M to $11.94M in Two Decades

The seller, Peter Berley, acquired the property in 2005 for $2.6 million. After 20 years of ownership, the recent sale represents a nearly fivefold increase in value, reflecting Palm Beach’s booming real estate market and the rising importance of essential-use properties.

The buyer, Alexander Hufty Griswold, is a well-known Palm Beach real estate investor with deep family roots in the area. Through a Delaware-registered LLC linked to his Armata Holdings Management Corp., Griswold secured the property with the intention of maintaining its current use.

Why This Sale Matters

This transaction highlights several key trends in commercial real estate:

• Scarcity Drives Value: As the only gas station in Palm Beach, Gray’s Sunoco offers a rare, irreplaceable service. In markets where land is limited and zoning is strict, unique commercial assets often appreciate faster than traditional properties.

• Community-Centric Investments: Griswold’s commitment to preserving the property as a gas station reflects a growing emphasis on investing with community impact in mind. Essential-use properties that serve local needs can maintain stable demand regardless of market cycles.

• Historical and Emotional Value: The station’s history dates back to the early 20th century, adding sentimental value to its already prime location. Properties with a legacy often command higher prices due to their cultural and historical significance.

What This Means for Commercial Real Estate Investors

The $11.94 million sale is a reminder that not all commercial real estate is created equal. In exclusive markets like Palm Beach, properties that blend necessity, scarcity, and history can achieve exceptional valuations. Investors seeking long-term appreciation should consider essential-use properties in high-demand areas where competition is low but impact is high.

As Palm Beach continues to evolve, the preservation of landmarks like Gray’s Sunoco demonstrates that commercial real estate is about more than just transactions — it’s about sustaining the fabric of the community.

At Cohen Commercial, we understand the value of unique commercial assets. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, we’re here to help you navigate the market with confidence.

Cited Source: Palm Beach Daily News, “Palm Beach’s Sole Gas Station, Which Offers Full-Service Pumps, Sells for $11.94M” by Darrell Hofheinz, March 20, 2025.

Philly Pretzel Factory Expands to Central Florida

Philly Pretzel Factory Expands to Central Florida

Philly Pretzel Factory, the nation’s largest Philly-style pretzel brand, is making its way to Central Florida! Thanks to a new strategic partnership with veteran business leader Derek Lewis, Orlando-area residents will soon get to experience the authentic taste of Philadelphia’s most iconic snack.

This exciting expansion marks a major milestone for Philly Pretzel Factory as it continues its national growth strategy. In addition to opening new Philly Pretzel Factory stores, Lewis’s Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks locations will also begin serving Philly Pretzel Factory’s signature soft pretzels.

The soft pretzel market is seeing consistent growth as more consumers seek out convenient, innovative snacks. Philly Pretzel Factory’s commitment to traditional recipes and fresh ingredients has made it a standout brand that appeals to snack lovers of all ages.

The first traditional Philly Pretzel Factory locations in Central Florida are expected to open later this year, with potential non-traditional locations possibly arriving even sooner. Stay tuned for updates and get ready to enjoy a true taste of Philly, right here in Florida!

Source: QSR Magazine. “Philly Pretzel Factory Signs Deal to Open in Central Florida.” Published March 7, 2024. Read more.

The Cognizant Classic: Driving Economic Growth in Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County is no stranger to high-profile events, but few deliver the lasting economic impact of the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches. Held annually at the prestigious PGA National Resort, this star-studded PGA Tour event has become a major economic engine for the region, drawing visitors from around the world and boosting the local economy in meaningful ways.

A $40 Million Economic Boost

In 2023, the Cognizant Classic welcomed more than 200,000 attendees, generating over $40 million in direct economic impact. This influx of visitors filled more than 11,000 hotel room nights, driving business to local hotels, restaurants, retailers, and attractions. As Palm Beach County continues to grow as an international golf destination, the tournament not only showcases the area’s hospitality but also strengthens its reputation as Florida’s Golf Capital.

With national television coverage and appearances from top golf talent including Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler, Shane Lowry, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Justin Rose, the Cognizant Classic amplifies Palm Beach County’s global visibility. The 2025 tournament, held from February 29 to March 3, once again highlighted the region to millions of viewers, enhancing its profile as a premier destination for world-class sports, travel, and leisure.

Since its inception in 1982, the tournament has also raised nearly $69 million for over 100 non-profits, including the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. Beyond the competition, the event offers a week of memorable experiences, from family-friendly activities like Midas Family Day and autograph sessions, to premium viewing spots such as The Champagne Lounge and The Palm Beaches Cabana. These activations ensure that every visitor — whether a die-hard golf fan or a casual spectator — finds something to enjoy while contributing to the local economy.

Looking Ahead

As one of Palm Beach County’s largest sporting events, the Cognizant Classic remains vital to the region’s tourism success. With its combination of world-class golf, community engagement, and undeniable economic impact, the tournament continues to be a shining example of how sports can drive growth, enhance global recognition, and benefit local businesses for years to come.