European Charm Renovation on Worth Avenue
The Californer/10126173

PALM BEACH, Fla. - Californer -- The heavily anticipated Via Bice renovation and redesign Phase I completion has been revealed to a warm and most-welcome public reception in Palm Beach, Florida. While the project is nearly complete, the rustic design with an old-world setting is already reminiscent of the Mediterranean coasts of Spain and Italy. Starting with the picturesque awnings to the vibrant bougainvillea, the romantic Via is an enchanting, impeccable impression of Capri.

Smith Architectural Group is the award-winning firm responsible for the redesign from top to bottom: From the rooftop-level pergola, which spans the widths of the buildings and allows the sun to peak through to the courtyard, to the geometric pattern floor tile typically found in Lisbon, the Via is like a trip to Capri!

"Our vision for the renovation of Via Bice was to mask the sun-drenched via with a pergola draped in bougainvillea for a respite from the hot Florida sun. We then selected the large-scaled, custom, black and beige marble patterned floor to offset the irregular shape of the Via," said lead architect Jeffrey Smith. Further, indicative of the Mediterranean influence, the second story offices in the east building feature beautiful, wrought iron appointed balconies overlooking the potted plant adorned Via.

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The Via, which houses the popular Italian Bice Ristorante, preserved the bougainvillea-laden trellises on the northern façade at the restaurant's main entrance to ensure continuity with the original 1980's era design by the late renowned Palm Beach architect Gene Lawrence. Visitors, shoppers, and diners entering the Via's south entrance from Worth Avenue will immediately notice the overhead arched arbor accent structure and are greeted by an imported obelisk-style fountain anchored by four young Royal Palm trees.

The inviting ambience of the Via has created a natural point of rendezvous for the locals, as well as the seasonal tourists. In addition to BiCE Ristorante, visitors strolling the Via will encounter Taglialatella Galleries, Gil Walsh Interiors and boutiques Coastal Girls Co., Eye of the Needle, Frances Valentine, J'da Palm Beach, and MAAC London.

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The Palm Beach Architectural Committee-approved renovation took approximately two years to achieve its current stunning aesthetics and is an ongoing project with Phase II, which includes additional foliage and flora, expected to be completed during summer 2021 for a final fall reveal.

Fun Fact: Via Bice is known by two addresses — 313½ Worth Avenue and 320 Peruvian Avenue. In all, the property encompasses five buildings with a total of 18,712 square feet.