Tag: Downtowners

PHOTO BY CAPEHART

To say that Valerie Neilson has experienced Mother Nature’s most divergent extremes would be quite the understatement. She was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, yet also has family roots in the South American coastal nation of Chile — where she has spent significant periods of her life. So one might argue by splitting the geographical difference and living in South Florida enables Neilson — who is Executive Director of the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) — to thrive in an area that makes the best of both worlds. Neilson certainly thinks so. “Experiencing life in both Alaska and Chile has shaped how I think about mobility and the importance of providing options,” she explains. “Those perspectives continue to guide my work today. As our region grows, it is important that we take a balanced approach that prioritizes safety, expands mobility choices, and supports quality of life for people of all ages and abilities.” A Palm Beach County resident since 2011, Neilson, her husband, and their dog Daisy enjoy all that Downtown West Palm Beach has to offer, including “walking along the waterfront, especially on weekends, and visiting the GreenMarket when it’s in season. It is also nice to stroll along Clematis Street and then over to CityPlace to explore.”

What brought you to Downtown West Palm Beach?

I have been with the Palm Beach MPO since 2015. We relocated our offices to Downtown West Palm Beach in 2019 to reflect the values we promote as an organization: accessibility, connectivity, and multimodal transportation. We transformed an underutilized building into our office, and it has since become a hub for regional collaboration because it is within walking distance of Tri-Rail and Brightline. Our Downtown location has also helped us attract and retain talent. And beyond the operational benefits, being in a walkable, vibrant environment has created a more engaging and enjoyable workplace for our team and visitors.

What do your like most about Downtown West Palm Beach?

Downtown West Palm Beach is one of my favorite places to spend time with family and friends. I enjoy walking along the waterfront, especially on weekends, and visiting the GreenMarket when it’s in season. It is also nice to stroll along Clematis and over to CityPlace to explore. There are so many great restaurants to choose from for lunch and dinner, as well as unique specialty shops for dessert or a cup of coffee. For a staycation or when hosting visitors, The Ben and the Hilton West Palm Beach are great options, and the rooftop views at The Ben or Canopy are always a highlight. What I enjoy most is that there is always something new to discover.

How has Downtown West Palm Beach evolved since you’ve been here? 

It has experienced significant growth, particularly with the arrival of Brightline and continued investment following the pandemic. New housing, office space, hotels, and local businesses have created a more vibrant and active urban environment. I envision the Downtown West Palm Beach continuing to grow as a true urban center while also maintaining a focus on providing multimodal transportation and thoughtful planning, so that the growth remains accessible and sustainable.

PHOTO BY CAPEHART

Alexander Esposito describes himself as an “energetic and naturally curious person with a ‘what’s next?’ mentality.” He believes these traits have served him well, both professionally and personally. With the former, his interest in the ever-evolving worlds of technology and transportation led him to co-found Circuit, an on-demand microtransit service, back when he was still living in Hampton, New York in the early 2010s. As the business grew, he and his business partner recognized that South Florida — and specifically Downtown West Palm Beach — would be the perfect area to supercharge its expansion. The Downtown Development Authority worked with Circuit on its first pilot program, helping ensure the company would have the best possible chance to succeed. Esposito moved here fulltime in 2014 and recalls “I immediately fell in love with the area.” And a few years after becoming a South Floridian, Esposito also fell in love with his now-wife Kenzie Snyder, whom he was introduced to by mutual friends while she was still living in New York. “Convincing Kenzie she’d love living in our tropical paradise was a pretty easy sell,” he says.

What do you like the most about seeing in Downtown West Palm Beach? 

I grew up in a small, seasonal beach town and then lived in the middle of New York City — and I always tell people Downtown West Palm Beach offers the best of both worlds. It has that fast-paced energy and worldclass accessibility of a big city, but with a tight-knit community and outdoor soul of a beach town. And you can’t beat the weather! Or the convenience. I can walk out my front door and be at the Brightline station in five minutes. Getting to practice car-free behavior is a real treat and something you can do in Downtown West Palm Beach.

What do you do for fun in Downtown West Palm Beach? 

We are big fans of eating out. We hit the staples like Bradley’s, FOG and Grease, but we love that there are constantly new places opening up — spots like Adrienne’s, Waxin’s, Eatlay, and others. There’s just so much to do here. I’m a regular at the GreenMarket, of course. It really feels like one continuous experience walking down Clematis Street, with cool vendors everywhere, from food to things like vintage magazines and antique golf clubs at the West Palm Beach Antique & Flea Market. Between walking our dog Chacha along Flagler Drive and events like Clematis by Night or the Palm Tree Music Festival, there is always stuff going on and we can usually walk to all of it.

How was Downtown West Palm Beach evolved over the years? 

When I first arrived in 2014, Downtown felt like two separate pockets: the waterfront and CityPlace. Today, those gaps have been filled in and the Downtown District is not only interconnected, but it’s also continuously expanding. And our instincts about Downtown West Palm Beach being the ideal place to grow Circuit turned out to be right because the area has become a premier test bed for mobility innovation. Last summer, we even ran an autonomous vehicle pilot with Related Ross, Guident Corp, and Auve Tech. Downtown West Palm Beach isn’t just growing and evolving, but it’s a business-friendly environment that encourages innovation and progress.

Meet Sophie DeWaal, owner of Arya Tea Bar, a new tea-based café opening this month. Before moving to South Florida, DeWaal spent a decade on Wall Street as an investment banker with Bank of America, including five years specializing in the restaurant sector. Her work helped support major transactions, including Roark Capital’s $11 billion acquisition of Dunkin’ Brands, and earned her a spot on Forbes “30 Under 30” list for finance in 2022. Nevertheless, in 2024 DeWaal made a bold pivot, leaving Bank of America to pursue her dream of opening a new tea-based café. Arya Tea Bar now joins Downtown West Palm Beach’s growing collection of unique and welcoming neighborhood establishments.

How and why did you end up in Downtown West Palm Beach?

I was familiar with Downtown West Palm Beach from having spent time here during several winters when I was competing in equestrian show jumping. And then after COVID, I just fell in love with the entire area and the way it intersects city life with beach life and with country life. I’m not surprised that, when it comes to investment, Downtown West Palm Beach is now being called the Wall Street of the South.

What do you do for fun in Downtown West Palm Beach?

I’m a runner so I love going for runs around Downtown West Palm Beach — including with Celis Run Cub. I love all the health and wellness pop-ups that the city supports — like the DDA’s Sunset Sweat. And my absolute favorite spot to spend time on the weekends is at the West Palm Beach GreenMarket. I get my groceries there every weekend during season and love bumping into friends who are doing the same thing.

What do you like most about being in Downtown West Palm Beach?

I love the strength of the community in Downtown West Palm Beach. I mean, it’s such a perfectly sized city. And not only is the entrepreneurial spirit here alive and well, but we also have so many resources to support businesses of all sizes and in all sectors.

How has Downtown West Palm Beach evolved since you’ve been here? 

I’ve seen Downtown West Palm Beach continue to attract some of the most motivated and fitness-oriented young people in the country. I think this is an incredible moment — one that will propel the Downtown District for decades to come. That’s why I couldn’t imagine starting Arya Tea Bar anywhere else. It had to be in Downtown West Palm Beach. If you’re thinking of moving here, I say do it immediately because you’ll love it!

Meet Kristl Story, the owner of West Palm Beach Food Tours — where she says “eating, drinking, and storytelling are all part of the job description!” Story was born in Texas but because of her dad’s job in the government, she grew up all over the country. She attended the University of Georgia, met her husband there and is a diehard fan of the school’s football team (“Go Dawgs!”). She and her husband moved to South Florida in 2010.

How and why did you end up in Downtown West Palm Beach? 

My husband’s career in the sugar business brought us to sweet, sunny West Palm Beach 15 years ago. Once we became empty-nesters in 2019, we were ready to downsize and simplify, so we said goodbye to our nearly 100-year-old house and hello to a Downtown West Palm Beach condo.

What do you like most about being in Downtown West Palm Beach? 

Walkability, hands down! Within a few months of moving Downtown, we realized we didn’t need two cars — so we sold one, and the other mostly sits in its parking space. My husband and I both work Downtown, so we walk everywhere: to work, the grocery store, restaurants, and church. We walk our dog every day and always end up chatting with neighbors (and their dogs!) along the way. It’s amazing how quickly Downtown starts to feel like a friendly small town wrapped in big-city energy.

What do you do for fun in Downtown West Palm Beach?

There’s always something fun happening within walking distance — and so we wind up rarely leaving our neighborhood. The West Palm Beach GreenMarket is our weekend happy place. I can walk to my yoga workouts and nearby entertainment venues. We love grabbing dinner at favorites like Hullabaloo, Pistache or Avocado Grill, and usually finish with ice cream at Sloan’s.

How has Downtown West Palm Beach evolved since you’ve been here? 

I’ve been running West Palm Beach Food Tours for 10 years and when I started the business, you could feel the momentum building. Back then, there was no Brightline, and many of the sleek new condos, office towers, and hotels you see today were still empty lots. Through my tours, I get to share my neighborhood with guests — it’s like showing friends around and taking them to my favorite places. We meet chefs and restaurant owners, taste local foods, and blend it all with stories about the city’s history and culture. It’s a delicious mix of food, fun, and community, and I love watching guests fall in love with Downtown the way I have. Since moving here six years ago, we’ve seen the area come alive with new energy and a real sense of connection. It’s exciting to watch — and be part of — Downtown’s evolution into a true live-work-play destination.

Meet Courtney Simoncelli, originally from a small town in Connecticut and built her career in South Florida’s hospitality and events industry.  She calls Downtown West Palm Beach home, where she lives with her husband, Michael, and their mini schnauzer, Milton. 

How did you end up in Downtown West Palm Beach? 

Ten years ago, I moved to Florida to attend Florida State University. After graduation, I began my career here and have called West Palm Beach home ever since.  I’ve built my career in hospitality, sales, and events, specializing in creating unforgettable weddings and social celebrations. I’m currently the Senior Catering Sales Manager at The Ben, Autograph Collection, where I have the privilege of working with incredible clients and talented vendors to bring meaningful celebrations and milestone moments to life. Family and community have always been important to me, and I love that my work connects me to both every day.  

What do you like most about being in Downtown West Palm Beach?
From the moment I moved to West Palm Beach, I knew I wanted to live Downtown as I was drawn to the lively energy, walkability, and sense of community. Living Downtown puts me right in the middle of everything — just steps away from the waterfront, local events, and incredible shops and restaurants. This area feels like a true community where you are always greeted by friendly and familiar faces, but there’s also always something new and exciting happening.  

What do you do for fun in Downtown West Palm Beach? 

My absolute favorite thing to do is stroll the West Palm Beach GreenMarket — the best Saturday tradition! I also love trying new restaurants in CityPlace and on Clematis Street, as well as attending festivals and community events. I often meet friends at some of our favorite spots like Elisabetta’s or Galley at the Hilton, and my husband and I love a date night at Felice or anywhere in CityPlace (our very first date was at Barrio!). When family visits, I show off the city with a boat tour through Visit Palm Beach or introduce them to the incredible culinary scene with West Palm Beach Food Tours. Of course, I always encourage newcomers to stop by The Ben — because it’s truly one of Downtown West Palm Beach’s gems. With stunning waterfront rooftop views and a vibrant, inviting atmosphere, it embodies the spirit of our city. 

How has Downtown West Palm Beach evolved since you’ve been here? 

Downtown has grown so much in terms of dining, culture, and entertainment, and feels more dynamic every year. Professionally, it’s exciting to be a part of the hospitality industry in a place that continues to generate tourism and draw more visitors, events, and businesses. Personally, I love seeing all of the new local businesses come to life and flourish as the city expands. I think Downtown will continue to evolve as a premier South Florida destination while maintaining the local charm and character that make it so special.  

Meet Nicholas Bixler, an associate attorney with the Downtown West Palm Beach firm Lewis, Longman & Walker, specializing in government, land use, and real estate law. Born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin, Bixler, who is married to Pilates studio owner Lisa Gordon, came to South Florida to attend undergraduate university and law school. The couple have a King Charles Cavalier named Ruby who travels almost everywhere with them (“Downtown is very dog-friendly!” he notes). Bixler is also involved with local nonprofits Connect West Palm Beach and New City Players and has served on the city’s Affordable Housing Committee and Bike Master Plan Steering Committee.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT BEING IN DOWNTOWN WEST PALM BEACH?
I appreciate the connectivity, walkability, and livability. More specifically, we like the food and cultural offerings that Downtown West Palm Beach uniquely provides. It is a great city that balances living, working, and playing. Also, easy proximity to everything you need, from dining and entertainment to travel and shopping. I can get around Downtown car-free (chances are you have seen me on my electric scooter).

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN IN DOWNTOWN WEST PALM BEACH?
Working out of 360 Rosemary, I spend a lot of time within CityPlace, frequenting Adrienne’s and Harry’s. There are so many other great places to eat and drink, it is hard to name them all, but we love local establishments like Avocado Grill, Blind Monk, Sour Seed Bagels, and Juicy Cocktail Bar. We also go to West Palm Beach GreenMarket on Saturdays, during the season. And perhaps the spot we most often take out-of-town guests is the rooftop at The Ben Hotel.

HOW HAS DOWNTOWN WEST PALM BEACH EVOLVED SINCE YOU’VE BEEN HERE?
In the 2010s, it was a much more seasonal population, and there were not a lot of people around Downtown after work hours in the offseason. Now, it seems like there is a much better mix of residents and office workers, which adds to the vibrancy. The “Wall Street of the South” movement has certainly added to the mix of professionals that are Downtown, making it a more dynamic place to be. Downtown is an engaging place, and with so many people and businesses moving here, my network has expanded tremendously.

I also have certainly enjoyed the influx of new restaurants that have come with our city’s growth. Downtown West Palm Beach offers a tremendous blend of the charm and character of smaller or mid-sized city, but with the amenities of a cosmopolitan international city.

Looking to the future, I see West Palm Beach continuing to grow tastefully. Downtown and its waterfront will continue to be a destination that draws people from across the county, state, and the entire U.S. I envision more people wanting to live and work here, and Downtown is perfectly positioned to accommodate that growth.

THE DOWNTOWNERS next profile will be in The Palm Beach Post Accent on OCT. 30.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Downtown West Palm Beach and the West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District, visit DowntownWPB.com.

Meet Claudia and Peter Kajanoja, two local business owners who recognized early on that Downtown West Palm Beach was the ideal place to follow their dreams. Claudia, a certified public accountant, is from Cali, Colombia. In 2009, she took a leap into entrepreneurship and started her first business, Strategic Consulting LLC, in Downtown West Palm Beach Peter Kajanoja was born in Paimio, Finland. In 2009, he also founded his own firm — Psk-Distribution — a lumber-importing business.

What brought you two to Downtown West Palm Beach?

Claudia: We went to university nearby, fell in love with each other, and then fell in love with the Downtown District, so we got married and moved here after graduation. We are now the proud parents of two wonderful kids! And just last year we expanded our entrepreneurial adventure when we launched Nordic
Tree Water, the first USDA-certified organic 100% birch water beverage in the United States. Nordic’s headquarters are here in Downtown West Palm Beach.

What do you like about being in Downtown West Palm Beach

Peter: Downtown West Palm Beach is captivating! It’s a safe, beautiful, charming area brimming with activities. You’ll discover stunning new murals and art around every corner. Just a quick stroll and you’ll be able to enjoy incredible water views. And we’re so close to everything — shopping, dining and entertainment. The quality of life here is unmatched.

How do you and your family have fun in Downtown West Palm Beach?

Claudia: We love taking our kids to Sloan’s Ice Cream on Clematis Street. We also enjoy drinking coffee, and there are plenty of fantastic spots in the area, including Johan’s Joe, Subculture Coffee, and Salento Coffee.

Peter: If we’re out for a stroll and want a quick bite, Green Olive Market Place is a great option. We always have a good time during happy hour at Avocado Grill, and True Kitchen in CityPlace is our go-to for dinner. On weekends, you can often find us enjoying the West Palm Beach GreenMarket in the morning (during season) and strolling through CityPlace in the afternoon.

How has Downtown West Palm Beach evolved since you’ve been here?

Claudia: For 17 years, we’ve called Downtown West Palm Beach home, and the transformation has been extraordinary. What was once a quiet area blossomed into a vibrant hub filled with life and energy. The Brightline train has made access to the rest of South Florida seamless. And CityPlace has turned into a stunning venue for families and friends to connect and create memories. The surge of new schools, universities, hotels, businesses, and luxury apartment buildings prove that the area is thriving. Yet, through all this growth, we still cherish and support our beloved mom-and-pop shops, preserving the unique small-town spirit that defines Downtown West Palm Beach.

Meet Diogo and Gabriela Deabreu, the husband and-wife team behind the popular yogurt shop Peachwave of West Palm Beach. They’re a family of five, with three kids and two dogs. After years of enjoying visits to Palm Beach County, the pandemic shifted their priorities, leading them to relocate from Connecticut and make the area their permanent home.

How did you end up in Downtown West Palm Beach? 

Diogo: The area has always held a special place in our hearts. The city’s energy was captivating, and we felt an exciting vibe. And as a lifelong serial entrepreneur with experience in the yogurt shop business, I could really see the potential of the Downtown District.

Gabriela: During our visits, I always envisioned a family-run frozen yogurt shop right here in Downtown West Palm Beach, where our family could personally serve the community. I could feel the growth that was about to happen and was absolutely captivated by Clematis Street ― it’s so charming and authentic that I knew immediately “this is the place!”

What do you like most about being in Downtown West Palm Beach?

Gabriela: Downtown West Palm Beach is unlike any other downtown. There’s a unique cultural blend that makes it truly magical and distinct. Despite its size, it feels like a close-knit neighborhood community. People genuinely care about each other, and there’s a strong sense of familiarity.

Diogo: Since opening Peachwave, we’ve forged incredible connections and received tremendous support from city employees, organizations like the DDA and the West Palm Beach Police Department, and our neighboring businesses. The Downtown District is remarkably clean and pleasant. And we’re so close to so many great restaurants, attractions and the water. Everything we need is within easy walking distance.

What do you do for fun in Downtown West Palm Beach?

Gabriela: Exploring new restaurants Downtown is one of our favorite pastimes. We love discovering new places, savoring unique flavors, and being amazed by the creativity of each local chef. During the season, the GreenMarket and the Antique and Flea Market on Clematis Street are our must-visit spots every Saturday.

Diogo: Spruzzo Rooftop at the Ben Hotel is our go-to spot for enjoying a drink and a bite while taking in the stunning views. When we are with our kids, our routine is a delicious, authentic pizza at Hot Pie Restaurant followed by a refreshing, homemade froyo or gelato at Peachwave Frozen Yogurt, of course.

How was Downtown West Palm Beach evolved since you’ve been here? 

Diogo: : It has undergone a remarkable transformation since we arrived. Many new high-end companies have relocated here and the waterfront along the canal has been completely renovated, creating a beautiful and inviting space. A new generation has emerged, eager to embrace the city’s potential and drive innovation. There’s a palpable energy and we’re thrilled to be part of it.

Meet Angela Poco, who recently became the City of West Palm Beach’s new Marketing & Community Events Manager. Originally from Chicago, she’s always had a passion for events and has turned that passion into her lifelong career. She has owned her own catering business and planned events nationwide — and now does so for the city she calls home. She and her husband have three adult children and two grandsons.

How did you end up in Downtown West Palm Beach?

It was definitely fate. When I moved here in 2002 to be closer to my mom — and escape the cold — I started attending Clematis by Night on Thursdays. One Thursday night, while my daughter played and my mom and I were talking, my mom asked me what I planned to do for work now that I was here. I jokingly said, “This!” referring to the event we were enjoying so much. I think I was always meant to be in West Palm Beach.

What do you like most about being in Downtown West Palm Beach? 

I love that Downtown West Palm Beach is the perfect mix of arts, culture, great food, and unbeatable views. There’s always something happening. Whether it’s seeing an incredible performance at Dramaworks, or exploring the restaurant scene, or enjoying the waterfront, the city’s energy is hard to beat!

What do you do for fun in Downtown West Palm Beach?

My friends, family, and I are all about great food and good times. We love grabbing a meal at some of our favorite spots like Pistache for a classic French bistro vibe, Elisabetta’s for amazing Italian, Lynora’s for the best meatballs, and Avocado Grill for fresh, creative small
plates. After dinner, we’ll often find ourselves at an event or mix things up with a paint-and-sip night — that’s always a fun way to get creative and unwind. There’s never a shortage of great places to eat or things to do, which is why we love it here!

How was Downtown West Palm Beach evolved since you’ve been here?

Downtown West Palm Beach looked completely different when I moved here in 2002. Over the years, the city has shifted, constantly evolving into the vibrant, thriving destination it is today. Currently, we’re in the middle of another transformation, with new developments, businesses, and energy shaping downtown’s future. With that growth comes incredible opportunities to think creatively about events. People aren’t just looking for things to do; they want experiences and moments they can share with friends and family. I’m super excited to see what’s next and how we can continue to create unforgettable events in this ever-changing city. We are so fortunate to live and work in paradise, and there’s no better time to be in Downtown West Palm Beach.

Meet acclaimed restaurateur Thierry Beaud, who opened PISTACHE French Bistro on Clematis Street in Downtown West Palm Beach in 2008. Beaud was born and raised in Bordeaux, France and has both owned and managed several legendary eateries in South Florida. He
has two adult children — daughter Sophie, who followed in his footsteps to work in the hospitality industry, and son Remi, who recently graduated from Florida State University and shares the same birthday with Beaud.

How did you end up in Downtown West Palm Beach?

I’ve worked all over South Florida, and my career path brought me to Palm Beach County. I always had the dream to open a restaurant influenced by my French upbringing. When the opportunity presented itself in Downtown West Palm Beach along the beautiful Intracoastal,
I could see that dream coming to life, and in 2008, PISTACHE French Bistro was born.

What do you like most about being in Downtown West Palm Beach? 

It’s hard to narrow it down to one thing I like most. The Downtown area is a growing
neighborhood, pedestrian-friendly, with a strong community feel. Every year is marked with wonderful events that bring people from
near and far to Downtown West Palm Beach. Some of my favorite events include the West Palm Beach GreenMarket, the Palm Beach International Boat Show and 4th on Flagler. Being a part of that, year after year makes Downtown West Palm Beach a very special place to work and play.

What do you do for fun in Downtown West Palm Beach?

Some of my favorite things to do around Downtown West Palm Beach include dining with friends — there are so many great restaurants within just a few blocks of each other — as well as bike-riding along the waterfront, seeing a live show at Palm Beach Dramaworks and visiting local art galleries. We have so many cultural, artistic and entertainment options within walking distance here.

How was Downtown West Palm Beach evolved since you’ve been here?

Downtown West Palm Beach has always felt like a special place to me. It’s the proximity to the water, community events and various activities that gave Downtown West Palm Beach its unique identity. I have been here in the Downtown District for more than 20 years and the evolution has been remarkable. People now work just steps from where they live. There are services and restaurants and shopping to support a growing, lively population. And Brightline has opened up Downtown West Palm Beach to so many more people from around the region, making our special area a true destination. This has brought new customers to our restaurant, and all of the surrounding businesses, and I believe this trend will continue.