The Sanborn: Boca Raton's New Invite-Only Sanctuary of Quiet Luxury

BOCA RATON, FL – January 29, 2026 – A new standard for luxury is quietly taking shape in the heart of Boca Raton. Development is advancing on The Sanborn, a visionary 44,000-square-foot, eight-story private members club poised to redefine the city's social and hospitality landscape. Named in homage to the historic Sanborn Square, this ambitious project promises not just opulence, but a new paradigm of discretion, personalized service, and architectural sophistication.

Unlike sprawling resorts or traditional country clubs, The Sanborn is conceived as a vertically integrated sanctuary. With membership available on an invite-only basis, the club is explicitly targeting a discerning clientele that values privacy over publicity and curated experiences over conspicuous displays. This move signals a significant shift in South Florida's luxury market, catering to a growing global demand for what has been termed 'quiet luxury.'

"This is not a scene-driven club—it is a sanctuary for purposeful connection, culture, and curated experience," says Steven Newman, General Partner of The Sanborn. This statement encapsulates the project's core ethos: to create an intimate environment for a select few, rather than a stage for the masses.

Architecting an Exclusive Ecosystem

The building itself is central to delivering this vision. Designed by the local firm HDA Architects, The Sanborn's architecture is a study in restrained elegance. The design philosophy eschews overt grandeur in favor of warm natural materials, sculptural forms, and a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. The goal, according to project descriptions, is to create spaces that feel collected rather than constructed, prioritizing atmosphere over excess.

This philosophy manifests in a 'vertical lifestyle ecosystem' that thoughtfully layers amenities across its eight floors. Upon entry, a gallery-like lobby featuring sculptural lighting and lush greenery will set a tone of calm sophistication. Above, members will find a collection of exclusive spaces designed to transition from day to night, business to leisure.

The amenities read like a checklist for the modern elite. Four distinct hospitality experiences are planned, including a signature restaurant, a supper club for intimate evenings, a speakeasy-style bar for discreet cocktails, and a rooftop bar and grill with panoramic city views. The rooftop will also feature a social pool deck complete with private cabanas, creating an elevated urban retreat.

For quieter moments, the club will house a refined library, private dining rooms, and a dedicated card room. A comprehensive wellness offering includes a tranquil spa and a third-floor fitness club designed with hotel-caliber intention. Further enhancing its boutique feel, The Sanborn will also contain eight hotel-style guest rooms, providing an intimate hospitality component for members and their guests.

Reshaping Boca's Competitive Luxury Landscape

The arrival of The Sanborn is a testament to Boca Raton's booming and evolving luxury market. The city has long been a magnet for affluent residents and visitors, but the nature of luxury itself is changing. The Sanborn's highly curated, service-intensive model enters a competitive landscape that includes the iconic, recently renovated resort The Boca Raton, as well as numerous exclusive golf and country club communities.

However, its approach is distinct. By focusing on a vertical, urban, and non-golf-centric model, it carves out a unique niche. It caters to a demographic that may already belong to a country club but seeks a different kind of social and wellness hub—one that is more integrated into the city's walkable core and offers a higher degree of privacy. This focus on an all-encompassing, in-town experience aligns with the broader trend of developing full-service, amenity-rich environments that blur the lines between home, work, and leisure.

The economic impact is expected to be significant. Projects like The Sanborn not only generate jobs and local spending but also enhance the city's international prestige. By attracting high-net-worth individuals, the club helps solidify Boca Raton's reputation as a premier destination for luxury living and tourism, which can, in turn, bolster property values and attract further investment.

The Business of Belonging

At its core, The Sanborn's strategy is built on the powerful allure of exclusivity. The invite-only membership model is more than a marketing tactic; it is a fundamental part of its business plan, designed to create a cohesive and private community. This model has been successfully employed by elite clubs in global capitals, from CORE: club in New York to Soho House locations worldwide, proving that in an age of overexposure, privacy is the ultimate luxury.

The value proposition for a potential member is clear: access to a meticulously designed space, unparalleled service, and a network of peers in an environment shielded from public scrutiny. It is a promise of belonging to a community defined not by its size, but by its shared values of discretion, culture, and appreciation for thoughtful design.

As it moves toward completion, The Sanborn represents more than just a new building on the skyline. It is a bold statement about the future of luxury in Boca Raton. By masterfully integrating world-class dining, wellness, and social spaces within a single, architecturally significant structure, it is poised to set a new benchmark for how the city's most discerning residents and visitors will live, gather, and entertain for years to come.