A Life Rooted in South Florida: Steve Ross’ West Palm Vision

During the pandemic, Steve Ross retreated to his historic Palm Beach estate, the Reef. However, he wasn’t just escaping the coronavirus or enjoying his two-acre oceanfront property. The billionaire developer, lawyer, philanthropist, and Miami Dolphins owner saw an opportunity to transform West Palm Beach.

For Ross, West Palm Beach was more than just another development site—it was a city with untapped potential. His goal was to reshape its skyline, economy, and community.

“This is more like city-building, and it’s complex and challenging,” Ross stated in 2023. “And I still love a challenge.”

The Vision of a World-Builder

Ross is no stranger to large-scale projects. From New York’s Hudson Yards to Los Angeles and Chicago, he has influenced urban design and real estate development. Despite turning 80 during the pandemic, he set his sights on what could be his most ambitious venture yet: positioning West Palm Beach as a hub for commerce, luxury living, and innovation.

“I believe all of Palm Beach County will become the most important county in this country,” Ross told county commissioners. He likened its future potential to Silicon Valley.

Building the Future of West Palm Beach

In 2021, Ross launched Related Ross, a development firm focused solely on Palm Beach County. His projects span over 3.8 million square feet of offices, retail, and residential units in West Palm Beach. These include:

• 360 Rosemary – A 20-story office tower
• One Flagler – A 25-story luxury commercial tower

These developments have attracted Wall Street firms, hedge funds, and private equity groups, earning West Palm Beach the nickname “Wall Street South.”

Ross also supports Vanderbilt University’s planned $520 million graduate business campus and is leading efforts for a new $600 million hospital in the area.

A Life Rooted in South Florida

For Ross, moving to Palm Beach was a return to his roots. Born in Miami Beach, he frequently visited Palm Beach as a child and later joined the Palm Beach Country Club. In 2021, he made the Reef his permanent residence, solidifying his commitment to the region.

Unlike many of his peers, Ross isn’t focused on retirement. Instead, he continues to innovate, balancing his real estate ventures with ownership of the Miami Dolphins and Formula One Miami.

Challenges and Opportunities in West Palm Beach

Despite his success, Ross faces challenges in realizing his vision for West Palm Beach.

• Affordable Housing – With the city attracting high-income residents and businesses, service workers struggle to find affordable housing. Ross acknowledges this issue and has included workforce housing units in some of his projects.
• Community Impact – While many welcome the city’s transformation, skeptics argue that Ross’ developments primarily cater to high-net-worth individuals and corporations.

A Lasting Legacy

Ross’ work in West Palm Beach reflects his lifelong ambition to shape cities and create lasting impact. Whether transforming urban spaces or supporting philanthropic causes, his influence continues to grow.

As he leads the charge in West Palm Beach, his ambition showcases his belief in the region’s future—a new frontier for growth, innovation, and economic expansion.

Explore similar luxury real estate trends in South Florida at BRG International.