PALMER sat down with Danielle del Sol, CEO and President of the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, to discuss her new role leading one of the island’s most vital cultural institutions. Under her leadership, the Foundation continues to champion Palm Beach’s architectural, natural, and historical heritage, most notably through the ambitious revitalization of Phipps Ocean Park, a transformative project restoring the island’s beloved shoreline and green space. In our conversation, del Sol reflects on her path from New Orleans to Palm Beach, her vision for preservation in the community, and what lies ahead for the season.
You recently stepped into your new role as CEO and President of the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach. What has the transition been like, and what are your key priorities as you begin this new chapter in Palm Beach?
The transition has been wonderful, in large part thanks to the talented staff at the Foundation and the extraordinary Board of Trustees. Everyone has been so warm and welcoming, and I feel fortunate to join an organization defined by excellence. My top priority is to see our major initiatives through—especially the Phipps Ocean Park restoration currently underway. It’s a major endeavor that embodies our mission on every level. Once it’s complete, I look forward to expanding our programming and outreach to deepen our impact and engagement across the island. The possibilities for how we can further serve the community are endless, and I’m excited for that opportunity.
How do you hope to shape the organization’s identity and impact under your leadership, particularly in a community with such a strong sense of history and place?
The Preservation Foundation has a stellar reputation locally, and rightly so. For 45 years, the Board and staff have done transformative work on the island. Having served on national preservation boards, I know how respected the organization is among peers, yet it’s still relatively unknown beyond Palm Beach. I’d like to broaden that awareness and share our work nationally to inspire and connect with the wider preservation community. While our mission will always center on Palm Beach, I believe there’s great value in amplifying our story and impact beyond it.
Danielle del Sol, CEO and President of the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach
Your previous work in New Orleans immersed you in a city known for its architectural heritage and cultural preservation. How have those experiences influenced your approach here in Palm Beach?
My years in New Orleans shaped how I think about preservation, not just building by building, but as a collective whole. The tout ensemble—the spirit of a place—is as vital as any single landmark. Not everything can be saved, but thoughtful preservation helps maintain a place’s essence, beauty, and quality of life. Like New Orleans, Palm Beach has a one-of-a-kind identity. If you find yourself on Worth Avenue or Jackson Square, you immediately know where you are. That distinct sense of place is precious, and must be protected. My approach here is to help people see that preservation isn’t about nostalgia; it’s about safeguarding what makes Palm Beach magical.
Both New Orleans and Palm Beach have distinct architectural and cultural legacies. What parallels or contrasts do you see between preserving history in those two environments?
Both cities are globally recognized for their architecture, culture, and deep sense of place—and both communities take immense pride in that heritage. What sets them apart is also what unites them: the harmony between architecture and culture. In New Orleans, historic buildings mingle with music, cuisine, and celebration. In Palm Beach, Mediterranean Revival architecture meets lush gardens, ocean breezes, and a timeless social elegance. In both, preservation sustains not just beauty, but a way of life that can’t be recreated anywhere else.
The revitalization of Phipps Ocean Park has generated a lot of excitement. What makes this project so special, and what can the community look forward to as it progresses?
Phipps Ocean Park is a once-in-a-generation project and a true gift to the community. Over 80,000 native plants—many long lost from the island—are being reintroduced, strengthening the shoreline and restoring ecological diversity. The new Coastal Restoration Center will educate visitors about native species and coastal resilience. We’re also relocating and restoring the historic Little Red Schoolhouse, creating beautiful new pavilions and rest areas, and installing a whimsical Monstrum playground that children will love. The $30 million raised for this transformation reflects extraordinary community generosity. The project perfectly captures our mission—protecting Palm Beach’s historic, natural, and cultural heritage—and we’re thrilled to unveil it next fall.
How do you see residents and visitors engaging with spaces like Phipps Ocean Park once the work is complete? What role does community input play in shaping these kinds of projects?
The renewed Phipps Ocean Park will fulfill the Phipps family’s original vision, a serene, protected space where all can enjoy the island’s natural beauty. Accessibility has been greatly enhanced, both physically, with ADA-compliant paths, and educationally, through interpretive signage that highlights our native plantings and their role in coastal protection. Visitors will not only experience a more beautiful park but also learn how native landscapes sustain our environment and community.
As the upcoming Palm Beach season gets underway, what initiatives, events, or projects are you most excited to share with the community?
We have an exciting season ahead. This month, we will be launching a campaign titled Our Dear Palm Beach, a heartfelt series of letters written by residents celebrating what makes Palm Beach so special. We’re also hosting a joint celebration with the Town to honor Landmark property owners, who are stewards of fewer than 400 buildings designated as Landmarks on the island. We want to celebrate the commitment of these owners and thank them for their generosity in stewarding these important sites into the future. On December 4, we’ll host a Season Open House at the Foundation, a wonderful chance to meet and connect with members and residents who share our love of preservation. And of course, I am looking forward to our Annual Dinner Dance on February 27 – it’s going to be an unforgettable night.
What’s a favorite hidden gem in Palm Beach you’ve discovered since moving here?
Pan’s Garden has quickly become my favorite spot on the island. This lush, all-native sanctuary, tucked right next to our offices, is a world apart. With ponds, birds, beautiful botanicals, and towering trees, it’s a place of daily wonder. It’s a delight, and I’m so lucky to stroll within its walls every day.
If you could interview one of Palm Beach’s great late architects, who would it be and what would you ask them?
It might be an obvious choice, but what a delight it would be to have dinner with Addison Mizner—and his pet monkey! To sit in his imaginative world, hearing firsthand how he dreamed up this European-meets-Floridian paradise, would be entertaining beyond compare. I have no doubt.