Revitalizing West Palm Beach’s Iconic El Cid Apartments

Wilshire Pacific Builders, a general contractor specializing in historic preservation and affordable housing projects, was thrilled to be a part of the revitalization of El Cid Apartments in West Palm Beach, Florida’s historic district. This iconic property, built in 1926, had fallen into disrepair over the years and was in dire need of a complete overhaul. We worked hand-in-hand with the preservation society to ensure that we maintained the building’s historic integrity while modernizing the apartments for the rehab.

A Postcard to the Past: Recreating El Cid’s Historic Façade

The El Cid Apartments, a historic gem nestled in West Palm Beach’s vibrant Historic District, recently underwent a meticulous renovation that paid homage to its storied past. During the restoration process, Wilshire Pacific Builders, in collaboration with the Historic Preservation Society, unearthed a treasure trove of history – a collection of vintage postcards depicting the building’s original facade.

These postcards, like time capsules, offered a glimpse into the building’s early days. The intricate details, the architectural style, and the overall aesthetic were all captured in these images. Armed with this invaluable visual reference, the design team at Wilshire Pacific Builders meticulously recreated the facade, ensuring that every element, from the ornate cornices to the distinctive window frames, was true to the original design. This painstaking process involved careful study of postcards, consultation with preservation experts, and the use of traditional construction techniques to achieve an authentic look and feel.

Preserving History and Providing Affordable Housing

The El Cid Apartments project was made possible through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), a federal program designed to incentivize the development and preservation of affordable housing. By leveraging these tax credits, we were able to transform the dilapidated building into a vibrant community that provides much-needed affordable housing for residents of West Palm Beach.

Key Elements of the Renovation

• Exterior Restoration: We found an old post card and meticulously restored the building’s historic exterior, including the stucco facade, and decorative elements. Our goal was to preserve the property’s unique character and charm while ensuring its structural integrity.  We chose a muted color palette, reminiscent of the 1920s, to create a timeless and sophisticated ambiance. Where possible, we preserved and restored the original cobblestone flooring, a unique and historic feature that adds an authentic touch to the interiors.
• Interior Upgrades: The interior of the apartments underwent complete renovation, featuring new flooring, cabinetry, appliances, and fixtures. We also upgraded the plumbing and electrical
• Community Amenities: We added new community amenities to enhance the quality of life for residents, such as a landscaped courtyard, and revamped the community room. These spaces provide opportunities for socialization and recreation.

A Commitment to Sustainable Living

As part of our commitment to sustainable living, we incorporated energy-efficient features into the renovation, LED lighting, and improved insulation. These upgrades will help to reduce the building’s environmental impact and lower operating costs for residents.

A Successful Partnership

The success of the El Cid Apartments project was a result of a strong partnership between our company, the property owner, and the preservation society. Together, we were able to create a beautiful and sustainable community that will benefit residents for generations to come.

Conclusion

The renovation of El Cid Apartments is a testament to the power of historic preservation and affordable housing. By revitalizing this iconic property, we have not only preserved a piece of West Palm Beach’s history but have also provided much-needed affordable housing for the community.