Bringing Back the Spark That Turned a District into a Community
By Haley Dockendorff
It’s no secret that in the past five years, the culture around us has shifted, and arguably not in a good way. We’ve gone from “it takes a village” to expecting one person to be the village; from celebrating socialization to fearing it; from breaking molds to tightening ropes. Sure, we could blame it on the nasty elephant in the room (dare even say it – COVID) and declare it “ruined us,” say that third spaces are becoming obsolete, and point fingers at our collective crippling social anxiety. Or, we could get out and do something about it.
For all the yearners, collective creatives, and third-space searchers who we know are still out there, you’ll be happy to see some familiar faces coming back to West Palm Beach as a part of Caroline Station, the new heart of the Warehouse District. From the same creative minds that brought you Elizabeth Ave Station, or The Station, comes your newest go-to: West Palm Beach Exchange.
Danielle Zelaya (Danni) and Jacqueline Christensen (Jackie), co-owners of local design studio Gather & Seek, are bringing back the community-driven concept in early 2026 to the space that was Grandview Public Market, along with their friends Zipitios, Ramen Lab, and Rust & Wax.
Since Elizabeth Ave Station closed in 2020, West Palm has been missing the community, culture, events, and socialization that once belonged to the neighborhood.
“West Palm has grown quickly, but people still crave places that feel authentic,” Danni and Jackie said. “We believe this city needs spaces that inspire connection outside of nightlife or brunch, spaces that function as day-to-night living rooms for the community.”
After reminiscing with the community about how the block was used in years past – pop-ups, markets, community events, and a general gathering space where everyone felt they could show up – Danni and Jackie realized that the desire for a space like this had never left.
“This time, we didn’t want to recreate what existed before. We wanted to evolve it,” they said. “We’re prioritizing fewer vendors, deeper experiences, more intention, and a layout built around culture and connection rather than pure foot traffic.”
Danni and Jackie, along with their team at Gather & Seek, will lead the overall creative direction and management of the space and events programming, similar to their role and the magic they made with Elizabeth Ave Station. They’ve come together with Rust & Wax, a West Palm Beach record shop, as a retail partner. They have also joined forces with South Florida cult concepts, Zipitios and Ramen Lab, as food and beverage partners.
If you remember the days of Elizabeth Ave Station and Grandview Public Market, these names will feel familiar. Rust & Wax and Zipitios both trace their roots back to The Station, where Rust & Wax opened their first-ever retail space and Zipitios popped up during early events awaiting the opening at Grandview Public Market alongside Ramen Lab. After The Station closed, both Rust & Wax and Zipitios took their businesses to Industry Alley.
“Pre-2020, back when the Warehouse District was firing on all cylinders, it was arguably the heart of West Palm Beach,” said Jesse Feldman, co-owner of Rust & Wax, who’s eager to bring the space back to life.
Rust & Wax will be unveiling a new concept dubbed “Great Day” within The Exchange, offering a curated selection of what they do best – records and books, along with lifestyle goods.
To add to the excitement, Ricky and Niria Perez, the leading force behind the cult-like taco kitchen Zipitios, and Louis Grayson from one of South Florida’s favorite asian eateries, Ramen Lab, are joining forces to create a one-of-a-kind dining and beverage experience at The Exchange.
“Louis and I share a similar creative rhythm and respect for the craft,” Ricky said. “This collaboration goes beyond sharing a space,
we’re co-leading the culinary vision for the creative event venue. It’s a partnership built on pushing boundaries.”
Ramen Lab and Zipitios will each have their separate spaces, but with lots of room for collaboration. Fewer vendors mean more room for seating, collaboration, and event programming.
“You might come for a karaage rice bowl and find yourself learning how to wrap dumplings or sampling Japanese whiskeys,” Louis said. “It’s still our signature flavor, just amplified. We’re creating a space where guests don’t just eat, they engage.”
Gather & Seek is introducing functional “rooms” within The Exchange that serve different purposes, but maintain a consistent
flow throughout the space, each with a name that pays homage to the original Elizabeth Avenue Station.
Elizabeth’s Porch will be a lush outdoor seating area, offering space for brunch, grab-and-go eating, evening dinners, casual conversation, and kids running between picnic tables.
Elizabeth’s Curious Cocktails will serve as a cocktail bar, mixer space, and speakeasy-style venue, perfect for a date night.
Elizabeth’s Lounge will be an indoor space reminiscent of a Florida room, featuring a redesigned stage ideal for smaller performances, space for mixers and workshops, and an area where collaboration can flourish.
“We want West Palm Beach Exchange to feel like a living community, not just a venue. A place where all ages feel welcome and connected,”
Danni & Jackie
“We want West Palm Beach Exchange to feel like a living community, not just a venue. A place where all ages feel welcome and connected,” Danni and Jackie said, adding that Caroline Station was the perfect place to call home.
The Exchange is just one of the new partners arriving at Caroline Station as they revitalize the community in West Palm
Beach’s Warehouse District.
“This project wouldn’t exist without a landlord who genuinely believes in West Palm Beach and the people building within
it,” Danni and Jackie added. “Their support of local businesses and trust in our vision made it possible to bring this
concept to life at Caroline Station. We’re deeply aligned in the belief that what we’re creating here is for the greater good of
West Palm Beach and our community.”
There are no more excuses to perpetuate our reclusive habits. Whether you’re a local who’s seen this space open and reopen more than once, or a new face in the neighborhood, it will be the perfect excuse for you to get out and chase that community we all so desperately need.
Get up, get out, and get connected in 2026. West Palm Beach Exchange will be waiting for you.
1401 Clare Ave., West Palm Beach
