A historic lounge and music venue is about to come back to life in West Palm Beach.
“A landmark in African American music and entertainment, the Sunset Lounge was one of the most significant venues in the South during the 1940’s and 1950s,” says the West Palm Beach website. “Located in the heart of the Historic Northwest neighborhood of West Palm Beach, it played host to legendary artists such as Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong during the era of segregation, when Black performers were often denied access to mainstream venues. More than just a nightclub, the Sunset Lounge became a cultural beacon and gathering place for the local community, fostering a sense of pride and artistic expression.”
Now, the Sunset Lounge is coming to the end of a major renovation and is preparing to reopen. This week What Now came across plan review paperwork submitted by the City of West Palm Beach for the Sunset Lounge, which will open at 609 Eighth Street.
With the renovations completed, the reborn Sunset Lounge will occupy “a new two-story, 7,200 square-foot building featuring a full-service restaurant, bar, rooftop space, and event amenities—ushering in a new era for this historic venue while honoring its rich legacy.”
Once open, the Sunset Lounge will be operated by the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), which is “committed to preserving the venue’s historic significance while bring high-quality music and cultural performances to the community.”
What Now reached out on Wednesday to Chris Roog, executive director of the West Palm Beach CRA, to ask about plans for the Sunset Lounge relaunch. Roog was not immediately available for comment.
