History

When Mr. John S. Phipps dreamt of The Royal Poinciana Plaza, he asked of John Volk to “design for us a shopping plaza in any style you wish; however, it must endure for fifty years.” John Volk, architect to America’s royal families like the Vanderbilts, DuPonts, Fords and Pulitzers, made this dream a reality.

The Royal Poinciana Plaza stands today with the inherent charm and idyllic beauty retained just as she did more than half a century ago. The glint of this charm can be seen in the curvature of the restored metalwork, the click of one’s heels on the black and white checkered terrazzo, or the warmth of the Florida sun while you sit in a tucked away courtyard.

Upon first opening, The Royal Poinciana Plaza was bustling. F.A.O. Schwartz acted as an anchor tenant, as did Gucci who had opened their very first store outside of New York at the property. Children waited in lines for their Schrafft’s ice cream, and the community came together here for momentous events like the Annual Easter Egg Hunt. The Royal Poinciana Plaza acted as a center for art, culture and above all, community.

Fast forward to today as WS Development’s dream comes to fruition: to restore the property to its original grandeur and the experience back to its intention: to be a place people love to be. Welcome to The Royal Poinciana Plaza!