Project Spotlight: 3550 South Ocean Boulevard

Along the pristine shoreline of Palm Beach Island, 3550 South Ocean stands as a striking example of luxury coastal living thoughtfully integrated with its surrounding environment. As the first new oceanfront condominium development on Palm Beach Island in more than a decade, the project transformed a highly constrained beachfront site into an elegant residential destination that blends contemporary architecture, resort-style amenities, and breathtaking ocean views.

WGI was proud to serve as a key member of the design team, providing both civil engineering and landscape architecture services to help bring this landmark development to life. Through close collaboration with the developer and project partners, our team delivered innovative solutions that addressed the unique challenges of building on a narrow oceanfront parcel while creating an exceptional experience for future residents.

Redefining Oceanfront Living

Located at 3550 South Ocean Boulevard in South Palm Beach, the seven-story luxury condominium community features 30 expansive residences designed to maximize views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Built on a one-acre beachfront site, the approximately 90,000-square-foot development was designed as a modern interpretation of the classic Palm Beach oceanfront residence. Floor-to-ceiling glass, spacious private terraces, and a distinctive stepped architectural form create seamless connections between indoor and outdoor living while capturing panoramic coastal views.

The community offers a curated collection of amenities designed to support a resort-inspired lifestyle, including:

• Direct beach access
• Beachfront saltwater pool and sun terrace
• Fitness studio with abundant natural light
• Private rooftop terraces with plunge pools
• Outdoor dining and entertainment areas
• Gated access and private parking
• Bicycle storage and wellness-focused features

Together, these elements create a residential experience that balances luxury, wellness, and a strong connection to the surrounding coastal landscape.

Building on a Rare Oceanfront Opportunity

The development site previously housed the longtime Palm Beach Oceanfront Inn, a property familiar to generations of local residents. Redeveloping the site presented a rare opportunity to introduce a new residential community to one of South Florida’s most sought-after coastal locations.

However, the project's oceanfront setting also introduced significant design and permitting complexities. The narrow site footprint, coastal regulatory requirements, limited utility corridors, and need to preserve access for emergency vehicles required a carefully coordinated approach across multiple disciplines.

Success would depend on balancing architectural vision with technical innovation, ensuring the project could maximize the site's potential while meeting stringent environmental and regulatory standards.

Delivering Integrated Coastal Design Solutions

WGI worked closely with the development team throughout the project, providing multidisciplinary expertise that supported both site development and the resident experience.

Civil Engineering and Site Design

WGI’s civil engineering team prepared construction documents for the development of the 90,000-square-foot building on a highly constrained one-acre parcel. Due to limited space available for utilities and structural elements, innovative design solutions were required to accommodate critical infrastructure while maintaining functionality throughout the site.

Key civil engineering services included:

• Site grading and drainage design
• Utility routing and coordination
• Stormwater management systems
• Fire access planning
• Regulatory permitting and approvals

One particularly unique aspect of the project involved the use of injection wells to manage stormwater requirements on the compact coastal property, allowing the development to meet environmental regulations while preserving valuable site area for amenities and resident spaces.

Landscape Architecture and Outdoor Living Design

The project’s outdoor environments were designed to be every bit as memorable as the residences themselves.

WGI’s landscape architecture team worked closely with the client to create a series of thoughtfully curated spaces that embrace the coastal setting while providing privacy, comfort, and functionality.

Highlights included:

• An oceanfront pool deck with a zero-edge pool and lounge areas
• Native coastal plantings designed to thrive in a saltwater environment
• Tropical pocket gardens and privacy landscapes
• Fire pits and outdoor gathering spaces
• Rooftop gardens with shaded seating and plunge pools
• Vegetated arbors and outdoor dining areas
• Enhanced pedestrian pathways and arrival experiences

Special attention was given to creating a contemporary Palm Beach aesthetic through the use of native plant materials, textured hardscapes, architectural shade structures, and carefully framed ocean views.

Permitting and Regulatory Coordination

Developing directly on the coast required extensive coordination with regulatory agencies. WGI successfully secured approvals and permits through multiple organizations, including:

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)
• Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
• Palm Beach County Health Department

Our team’s experience navigating complex permitting processes helped keep the project moving forward while ensuring compliance with environmental and coastal development requirements.

Creating an Elevated Coastal Experience

At 3550 South Ocean, the landscape and architecture work together to create an immersive residential environment. From the beachfront pool deck to the rooftop terraces, every outdoor space was designed to strengthen residents’ connection to the ocean while providing opportunities for relaxation and recreation.

The project’s rooftop amenities are particularly distinctive, transforming private terraces into elevated outdoor living rooms complete with plunge pools, dining areas, shade structures, and lush planting palettes. These spaces extend the living experience beyond the building envelope and reinforce the project's emphasis on indoor-outdoor coastal living.

A Landmark Addition to Palm Beach Island

As the first new oceanfront condominium development on Palm Beach Island in more than ten years, 3550 South Ocean represents a significant milestone for the community. The project demonstrates how thoughtful planning, innovative engineering, and intentional landscape design can unlock the potential of even the most challenging sites.

For WGI, the development provided an opportunity to showcase the strength of our multidisciplinary approach, combining civil engineering, landscape architecture, permitting, and construction support to help deliver a truly exceptional result.

Today, 3550 South Ocean stands as a modern landmark along Florida’s coastline; one that honors its unique setting while providing residents with an unparalleled beachfront lifestyle.

Contact Us

At WGI, we bring together engineering, landscape architecture, planning, and permitting expertise to help transform ambitious visions into reality. Whether navigating complex coastal regulations or designing luxury residential communities, our multidisciplinary teams deliver projects that balance functionality and long-term value.

If you're planning a project that requires creativity, technical excellence, and a collaborative approach, contact us today to learn how WGI can help bring your vision to life.