With renovations wrapping up this fall, operators of the Royal Poinciana Plaza have been diligently working to fill tenant spaces.

Up Markets, the agency that manages the plaza, already has announced plans for a flagship restaurant and anchor retail store. Italian restaurant Sant Ambroeus is scheduled to open Dec. 1 in the space once occupied by Del Frisco’s Grille. Luxury retailer Hermès Paris, currently with a store at 240 Worth Ave., plans to move into a two-story suite in the plaza in fall 2017.

“The Up Markets leasing team works around the clock to identify and meet with excellent tenants around the world,” Samantha David, head of Up Markets, said earlier this summer. “We are constantly making introductions and sharing how special the Royal Poinciana Plaza is. We have met with hundreds of tenants.”

One space that will need filling is the Slat House at 50 Cocoanut Row. Michael R. McCarty’s left in July and Capehart Photography moved from the Slat House to 234 S. County Road.

Up Markets has yet to announce other major additions and has been tight-lipped about who has moved in and out of the plaza.
“Residents and visitors can expect to see ongoing improvements and “coming soon” signage as the season progresses,” David wrote in an email. “We feel incredibly fortunate to have the existing tenants and Sant Ambroeus beginning the 2016 season with us, and we look forward to more in the future.”

Renovation

Alexandra Patterson, on-site project manager for plaza landlord Up Markets, said renovations designed to make the plaza more welcoming are nearly complete. The deadline for completing construction is Oct. 31.

The courtyard between the two main buildings is a focal point of the beautification; it will feature citrus trees and shade trees, along with places for guests to sit and enjoy the view.

In the westside court yard, cast-stone patios and walkways are done, landscape lighting has been installed, the fountain is being finished, patio furniture has been ordered and more plantings will arrive in the weeks ahead, according to Patterson.

On the eastside court yard, utility work is done and some trees have been planted. The patios, sidewalks and remaining landscape will be installing in the coming weeks, Patterson said.

The south parking lot and sidewalks are done, except for the installation of additional plants.

The north side of the plaza will open at the end of this month.

At the east valet station, curbs are in, but cast stone has yet to be installed. The drive aisle will be paved in the coming weeks, Patterson said. The stem-to-stern project also involves replacing all building lights; the last 10 percent will be replaced within a month.

Building restoration is partially complete; stucco repair and repainting will start in a few weeks, when project construction wraps up, according to Patterson.

Zoning changes

In addition to renovations, Up Markets thinks convincing the Town Council to change zoning rules also will attract new business.

David requested in August that the council allow outdoor seating and increase the size for retail shops from 2,000 square feet to 3,000 square feet. The council directed the Planning and Zoning Commission to study the proposal this fall.

David has said the low threshold “discourages” potential tenants from considering the plaza.

By Aleese Kopf and David Rogers

Daily News Staff Writers