At Rheace Contracting, we bring firefighter-owned integrity and second-generation craftsmanship to the Town of Palm Beach, one of the most prestigious residential enclaves in the world. From the historic mansions along Ocean Boulevard and North County Road to the gated estates on the Intracoastal, Palm Beach is synonymous with heritage, exclusivity, and architectural sophistication.
Building or renovating here is unlike anywhere else. The Town of Palm Beach enforces strict preservation and architectural standards, while its oceanfront location demands advanced hurricane resilience and flood mitigation. We specialize in ICF custom homes, luxury renovations, and bespoke additions that respect Palm Beach’s storied character while introducing modern innovations in energy efficiency, smart home technology, and structural resilience.
In Palm Beach’s Estate Section, where some of the island’s most iconic oceanfront mansions reside, we deliver homes engineered for hurricane resilience and timeless elegance. Elevated foundations, impact-rated glass, and corrosion-resistant roofing ensure durability, while bespoke interiors reflect the refined lifestyles of Palm Beach’s most discerning residents.
The North End offers a mix of waterfront estates and family residences, prized for their privacy and access to both the ocean and Intracoastal. Here, we create homes that blend seamless indoor-outdoor living with advanced building science, ensuring that luxury and resilience go hand in hand.
Palm Beach’s Midtown and Historic Districts include Mediterranean Revival and Addison Mizner–inspired residences that are integral to the island’s heritage. We specialize in sensitive renovations that modernize interiors while preserving architectural exteriors, securing approvals through the town’s strict preservation boards.
Palm Beach falls within Florida’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone. Our ICF homes are engineered to exceed these requirements, offering structural integrity up to 250 mph wind ratings, reinforced roofing systems, and whole-home backup power solutions.
With exposure to both the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal, Palm Beach estates face significant salt-air deterioration. We combat this with marine-grade materials, stainless fasteners, and corrosion-resistant window and roof systems designed for coastal durability.
Oceanfront and Intracoastal estates often sit within flood-prone areas. We engineer elevated foundations, comprehensive drainage systems, and waterproofing strategies that protect homes from storm surge and rising tides.
The Architectural Commission (ARCOM) oversees design integrity across Palm Beach. We handle the entire ARCOM approval process, ensuring projects honor Palm Beach’s architectural heritage while integrating modern systems and finishes.
Through our five-step Rheace Approach, we deliver a discreet, concierge-level building experience for Palm Beach clients. We begin with a private consultation to define your vision, then collaborate with top architects and designers to craft detailed plans. Our team manages permitting, preservation board approvals, and ARCOM submissions with precision. During construction, our superintendent oversees every aspect, ensuring craftsmanship that meets Palm Beach’s highest expectations. At completion, we provide a white-glove walkthrough, warranty support, and long-term care, ensuring your experience is as refined as your residence.
Rheace Contracting is more than a builder — we are stewards of your vision. In Palm Beach, where heritage meets innovation, we create homes that are architecturally timeless, structurally superior, and future-ready. As a firefighter-owned, second-generation firm, integrity and trust are our foundation. Our expertise in ICF construction ensures homes that exceed code while reducing energy costs and providing unmatched durability. With transparent communication, fixed pricing options, and white-glove service, we deliver projects worthy of Palm Beach’s prestige.
Custom home construction in Palm Beach typically ranges from $500-1000+ per square foot, with ultra-luxury estates averaging $5,000,000-$50,000,000+. This barrier island consistently ranks among America's most expensive real estate markets.
ICF construction adds approximately 3-5% to already substantial budgets while providing essential hurricane resistance for this Atlantic and Lake Worth Lagoon waterfront location. All properties require elevated foundations, impact-rated building envelope systems, and ultra-premium materials meeting rigorous town standards.
Palm Beach's architectural prestige demands exceptional design and construction quality. Factors affecting costs include historic preservation requirements in certain districts, strict Architectural Commission review standards, oceanfront engineering complexity, estate-scale landscaping, and integration of smart home technology. Waterfront properties face additional expenses for seawalls, docks, and marine structures. We provide detailed estimates after thorough site and regulatory analysis.
The Town of Palm Beach Architectural Commission (ARCOM) maintains arguably Florida's strictest architectural review process, preserving the island's aesthetic character. All new construction, additions, and most renovations require ARCOM approval before building permits are issued.
ARCOM reviews architectural style compatibility, scale and massing relative to neighborhood, material quality and appropriateness, landscaping design, site planning, and visibility from public ways. Projects must demonstrate architectural merit while respecting surrounding properties.
The review process typically requires 2-4 presentations at monthly ARCOM meetings: conceptual review, preliminary approval, and final approval. This adds 3-6 months before building permits are issued. Oceanfront properties have additional requirements from the Landmarks Preservation Commission if within historic districts.
ARCOM is notoriously detail-oriented, sometimes requiring multiple revisions. Working with architects experienced with ARCOM standards is essential. While the process is lengthy, it ensures Palm Beach maintains its distinctive character and architectural legacy.
Building permits are processed through the Town of Palm Beach Building Department after Architectural Commission approval. The town maintains independent building requirements exceeding Palm Beach County standards.
Required permits include building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and separate permits for pools, docks, and landscape work. All projects require ARCOM approval before building permits are issued. Oceanfront properties need additional state DEP permits.
Total permitting including ARCOM review takes 6-12 months for new construction, 4-8 months for major renovations. ARCOM alone accounts for 3-6 months. Building permit review adds 2-4 months for plan examination and approval.
The town conducts extraordinarily thorough plan reviews and inspections throughout construction. Code compliance, structural engineering, and aesthetic standards all receive scrutiny. Historic properties face additional Landmarks Preservation Commission review.
Given Palm Beach's unique regulatory environment, working with contractors experienced with town requirements, ARCOM processes, and oceanfront construction is essential for successful project outcomes.
Yes, we work throughout Palm Beach including properties in historic districts and Landmarks-designated buildings. Historic properties require Landmarks Preservation Commission review in addition to ARCOM and building permits.
Landmarks Commission evaluates proposed changes for historical appropriateness, preservation of character-defining features, compatibility of additions or alterations, material authenticity, and protection of architectural integrity. Even interior modifications may require review for landmark properties.
Common historic renovation projects include hurricane protection upgrades with period-appropriate impact products, modernization while preserving historic character, structural reinforcement meeting current codes, systems updates (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), and additions designed to respect original architecture.
Historic review adds 2-4 months to standard ARCOM timelines. Projects require extensive documentation, sometimes including historical research, measured drawings, and material analysis.
We have experience balancing historic preservation requirements with modern building codes, hurricane standards, and contemporary living needs. Our work respects Palm Beach's architectural heritage while delivering functional, code-compliant, hurricane-resistant homes.
Custom homes in Palm Beach require 24-36 months from initial concept through completion—among the longest timelines in South Florida due to ARCOM review, stringent building requirements, and construction complexity.
Timeline includes architectural design (4-6 months), ARCOM review and approval (3-6 months), building permit processing (2-4 months), and construction (16-24 months for luxury estates).
Oceanfront properties require additional state permitting (adding 2-3 months) and complex engineering. Historic properties need Landmarks Commission review (adding 2-4 months). Large estates with extensive features, guest houses, and elaborate landscaping trend toward maximum timelines.
Sea turtle nesting season (March 1 - October 31) restricts beach-area work. Weather delays during hurricane season affect schedules. Limited site access on narrow island streets complicates material logistics.
The town conducts meticulous inspections at every construction phase. ARCOM may require interim reviews during construction for any design modifications.
Renovation timelines: updates take 6-10 months, major renovations require 12-24 months. Tear-down rebuilds follow new construction schedules.
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