Northwood Connection

Connecting Our Past & Future: The West Palm Beach CSX-FEC Connector

West Palm Beach is a city with deep roots, and for much of its history, those roots were firmly intertwined with the iron rails of the Florida East Coast (FEC) railroad. Henry Flagler's vision brought the FEC to our shores, and for decades, it wasn't just a mode of transport – it was the very lifeblood of our growing community, shaping neighborhoods and driving economic development. But as the decades wore on, particularly after the cessation of passenger service in the 1960s, West Palm Beach, like many American cities, succumbed to the siren song of suburban sprawl and car dependency. Our once transit-oriented character began to fade. That's why the West Palm Beach CSX-FEC Connector Charrette Master Plan, developed through a forward-thinking public charrette in 2010 by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, was such a critical document. It wasn't just a plan for rail; it was a blueprint for reactivating our city's historic heart and building a more vibrant, sustainable future.

Key Features of Northwood Village

• Commercial and Retail Growth: The District at Northwood is an ongoing development project that will add 63,000 square feet of commercial and retail space, enhancing dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Construction began in early 2024, and completion is expected by 2025.

• Connectivity Improvements: Infrastructure enhancements include extending Broadway from Northwood Road to 23rd Street and realigning Pinewood Avenue to improve accessibility within the community.

• Residential Development: The Spruce, a mixed-use and mixed-income housing project with 270 luxury apartments and street-level retail, is located in the heart of Northwood Village. It offers resort-style amenities and ample parking, positioned near transit hubs and employment centers.

Rendering of Northwood Connector

A Vision Unfulfilled: The Economic Potential That Lingers

The Master Plan's core economic vision was rooted in reconnecting the two major rail lines – the CSX and the FEC – through a proposed connector along 25th Street in the Northwood industrial area. This seemingly simple connection promised seamless passenger movement and, crucially, significant economic development.

The plan identified eight potential station sites: Forest Hill Blvd, Southern Blvd, Belvedere Rd, CityPlace, Banyan Blvd, Palm Beach Lakes Blvd, 25th Street, and St. Mary’s Medical Center. Imagine the revitalization that could have sprung up around these hubs! The plan championed Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), particularly at locations like Forest Hill and Belvedere. This meant creating mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods that would attract investment, boost property values, and ignite local business activity.

Beyond specific station areas, the economic impact would have been far-reaching:

• Stimulating Investment: By providing clear, transit-supportive land use planning, the plan aimed to increase investor confidence, encouraging both public and private redevelopment.

• Job Creation: From the construction of the connector and stations to the operations of new businesses and services around TOD hubs, this plan had the potential to generate significant employment opportunities for our community.

• Enhanced Regional Connectivity: Improved transit links would have made West Palm Beach a more attractive destination for businesses looking to relocate or expand, and for talent seeking a well-connected place to live and work, supporting sustained economic growth for our entire region.

However, despite its visionary scope and potential, the West Palm Beach CSX-FEC Connector Charrette Master Plan was never fully implemented. The dream of a seamlessly connected passenger rail system along these historic corridors, and the economic boon it promised, remains largely unrealized.

The Unattained Promise: Elevating Quality of Life

The Master Plan wasn't just about jobs and investment; it was about making West Palm Beach a better place to live, work, and play.

Mobility and Sustainability:

• Balanced Transportation: The plan directly addressed our reliance on cars by advocating for a multi-modal transportation network. This would have meant less roadway congestion, reduced car dependency, and efficient, sustainable alternatives for getting around.

• Walkable Communities: By focusing on pedestrian-friendly station areas and encouraging mixed-use development, the plan sought to enhance neighborhood livability, safety, and convenient access to everyday amenities. Imagine being able to walk to a local cafe, grocery store, or even work, all within a vibrant community.

• Environmental Benefits: Fewer cars on the road would have translated directly to fewer emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier urban environment for all of us.

Social and Community Benefits:

• Inclusive Planning: The charrette process itself was a testament to the power of citizen engagement, ensuring the plan reflected the diverse needs and values of our community. This was a shared vision.

• Historic Preservation: The plan thoughtfully integrated significant historical sites, such as the Storm of ’28 Memorial and Evergreen Cemetery. This commitment aimed to ensure that as West Palm Beach evolved, its rich cultural heritage remained a vital part of its identity.

A Roadmap Still Relevant, A Future Still Possible

The West Palm Beach CSX-FEC Connector Charrette Master Plan provided a clear, comprehensive roadmap for integrating land use and transportation planning. It strategically positioned West Palm Beach for a future where economic vitality and quality of life could have been mutually reinforcing realities. As our population continues to grow and mobility demands increase, the plan's emphasis on TOD and transit expansion is not just beneficial; it's essential for sustainable and inclusive urban development, even if the original vision remains unfulfilled.

In essence, this Master Plan was a transformative vision that artfully leveraged West Palm Beach's historic rail legacy to drive economic development, enhance our quality of life, and foster a more sustainable, connected urban future. While its successful implementation did not come to pass, the principles and goals it outlined remain remarkably relevant, offering a valuable reference point for future discussions on how West Palm Beach can indeed become a more vibrant, desirable place to live, work, and invest. The opportunity to connect our past to our future still beckons.

Proposed Stations

• 25th Street Corridor Connector

• FEC station at St. Mary’s 

• FEC station at 15th Street to provide a station for the housing slated for redevelopment with transit-oriented development 

• FEC station at Clematis Street 

• FEC station at Okeechobee Road to attract more tourists to the Amory 

• FEC station at Belvedere Road 

• FEC station at Southern Boulevard to connect to the airport 

• FEC station at Lake Worth Canal with transit-oriented development 

• CSX station at Southern Boulevard 

• CSX station at Mercer

Additional Resources:
The Northwood Connection Conversation Ai Generated (20:54 min)

West Palm Beach CSX-FEC Connector

Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway Passenger Rail Service Update