Robert Grace
Robert M. Grace (1924-2022) was the driving force behind the Town’s zoning code in Palm Beach. After completing his studies at Yale University and enlisting in the U.S. Navy, Grace moved to Palm Beach to become an educator. He eventually served as assistant principal of the Graham Eckes School and later taught economics at Palm Beach Day Academy.
A strong believer in serving the community, Grace was devoted to putting an end to the rapid development that was threatening Palm Beach in the 1970s. Grace served on the Palm Beach Town Council from 1970 to 1984 and won his first council seat with the slogan "Vote as if the whole dignity of your town depended on it, Vote for Grace." Over fourteen years, he served in many different roles, including president, and worked with the Palm Beach Civic Association to update the community’s civic plan from the 1940s. Afterwards, he served on the Zoning Commission for six years in many roles — including as chairman. During his tenure, Grace enacted a zoning code to protect the Town from overdevelopment. In a similar effort to stop further condominium development, Grace led the campaign for the Town’s purchase of the Par 3 Golf Course from a private owner in 1973.
Along with the creation of the Architectural Commission (ARCOM) in 1970, which evolved from the 1920s Art Jury, Grace was passionate about the creation of an organization with the sole purpose to preserve the architectural heritage of the town. In 1979, Grace, along with Bob Rogers, LeBaron Willard, and John VanRyan founded the Preservation Society of Palm Beach (later the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach). Grace served as the first vice president in 1980 and was later appointed to the board in 2007. In the early 1980s, Grace encouraged the Foundation to purchase the northwest corner property of Peruvian and Hibiscus, which later became Pan’s Garden in 1994. During the economic crisis of 2008, Grace saved an important town serving gas station from going on out business.
The Robert M. Grace Library located in the Foundation’s headquarters is named in honor of Grace and houses a collection of books and periodicals covering architecture, historic preservation, and more. The library also hosts periodic museum exhibits which celebrate the lives and works of prominent Palm Beach architects, designers, and residents.
