June, 8, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Marc Elkman: How Empire Development Is Elevating Luxury Real Estate Across Boca Raton
Boca Raton developer pairs a philosophy of “conscious design” with disciplined land acquisition to deliver a pipeline of high-end residences across Palm Beach County.
BOCA RATON, Fla. — Empire Development, the luxury residential firm founded and led by Marc Elkman, continues to set a new benchmark for high-end living in Boca Raton and the wider Palm Beach County market. Operating from its offices at 374 East Palmetto Park Road, the company has earned a reputation for residences that balance architectural ambition with genuine livability — homes built for a sophisticated and increasingly international clientele relocating to South Florida from the Northeast, the West Coast, and abroad. The work of Marc Elkman of Empire Development reflects a deliberate, design-first approach that has steadily reshaped the residential character of one of Florida’s most competitive luxury corridors.
In a market defined by rising expectations and a growing influx of affluent buyers, few developers have made as consistent an impact as Elkman. As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Empire Development, he has spent years transforming the residential landscape of Boca Raton one carefully crafted luxury home at a time, blending entrepreneurial discipline with a sincere passion for design. The result is a portfolio of properties that move well beyond conventional expectations of what a high-end home can be. A fuller overview of his professional background is available via Marc Elkman on LinkedIn.
A Foundation in Education and Entrepreneurship
Elkman’s professional journey began with formal training at Florida Atlantic University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. Situated in Boca Raton itself, FAU gave him an early and intimate connection to the South Florida market — its rhythms, its growth patterns, and its long-term potential. That proximity to one of the state’s most dynamic real estate corridors proved formative, planting the seeds for a focused career in luxury property development.
From the outset, Elkman demonstrated the instincts of an entrepreneur. Rather than following a conventional corporate path, he pursued opportunities that combined his interest in real estate with a desire to build something lasting. Over time, that drive crystallized into a clear vision: to create homes that did not simply meet the market’s standards, but redefined them. A snapshot of his professional profile and Empire’s milestones is catalogued on Marc Elkman on Crunchbase.
Empire Development and the Philosophy of “Conscious Design”
Empire Development was built on a philosophy Elkman describes as “conscious design” — a deliberate approach to every stage of the development process. Rather than treating homes as commodity products, he and his team approach each project as a distinct creative endeavor. The process begins with the selection of a premier location and works outward from there to establish a coherent vision for mood, artistry, and everyday livability.
The firm draws on a rich palette of influences, blending contemporary architecture with European and Asian aesthetics to produce residences that feel both globally informed and locally rooted. The outcome is a collection of homes that feel curated rather than merely constructed, where architecture, landscape, interior art, and natural light are woven together into a single, harmonious whole. Completed residences and project imagery are regularly showcased on Marc Elkman on Instagram.
“We don’t build houses to a formula,” said Marc Elkman, Founder and CEO of Empire Development. “Every residence begins with the land and the way a family wants to live in it. When you design consciously — with intention behind every material, every sightline, and every finish — you create a home that holds its value and its beauty for decades. That is the standard we hold ourselves to on every project.”
Elkman has assembled a leadership team that mirrors his commitment to excellence across disciplines. Creative Director Michael Lupo, a design and development executive with more than 13 years of experience in luxury architecture, brings meticulous attention to detail and a philosophy of timeless elegance. Project Manager John Passalacqua, who has worked on some of Boca Raton’s most notable residences, rounds out a leadership group united by a shared commitment to quality and integrity. Structural and general contracting expertise further ensures that Empire’s homes are as soundly engineered as they are beautifully designed.
Strategic Land Acquisition and a Golden Harbour Presence
One of the clearest signals of Elkman’s market confidence came in 2022, when Empire Development launched a strategic land acquisition campaign totaling roughly $16 million. The company secured a series of lots across some of Boca Raton’s most desirable neighborhoods, including multiple addresses along Golden Harbour Drive — a waterfront enclave set along a deep-water canal just off the Intracoastal Waterway, approximately 25 miles south of Palm Beach.
Golden Harbour, home to roughly 111 residences — many built three to four decades ago — represents exactly the kind of opportunity Elkman has identified as a cornerstone of Empire’s strategy. Recognizing that affluent buyers relocating to South Florida increasingly seek move-in-ready properties with modern design and premium finishes, the company purchased existing homes, cleared the lots, and constructed new residences on a speculative basis, building to the highest standard rather than waiting for a buyer to be secured in advance.
The results have been notable. At 651 Golden Harbour Drive, Empire developed a six-bedroom estate of roughly 7,490 square feet listed at $11.95 million. Nearby at 541 Golden Harbour Drive, a three-story home approaching 7,900 square feet came to market at $11.99 million, while a third lot at 561 Golden Harbour Drive joined the firm’s growing footprint in the neighborhood — a property singled out by the project team as among the most remarkable homes in Florida.
A Growing Pipeline of Landmark Listings
Empire’s ambitions extend well beyond Golden Harbour. In mid-2024, the company announced plans to launch sales for nine luxury homes across Boca Raton, with an estimated combined sellout of $85 million and individual asking prices ranging from roughly $6.3 million to $12 million. To handle sales and marketing across the portfolio, Elkman partnered with Senada Adžem of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, one of South Florida’s most prominent luxury agents, who has described demand for luxury spec development in Boca Raton as effectively insatiable.
In September 2024, the firm added three significant properties to its portfolio with a combined listing price just under $39 million. The flagship of the trio at 839 Orchid Drive was listed at $21.5 million — a contemporary waterfront estate positioned on a secluded Intracoastal cove with 160 feet of prime dockage and a primary suite featuring dual baths, walk-in closets, and private terraces. A Balinese-inspired modern mansion at 1351 Cocoanut Road, spanning roughly 11,186 square feet, was listed at $10.5 million, its floor plan crafted to blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. A third residence at 300 Northeast 11th Street in the Boca Villas community, featuring 24-foot foyer ceilings across approximately 7,126 square feet, was listed at $6.995 million. Around the same period, Empire closed two record-setting luxury sales totaling $15.05 million.
Reading the Market: Bullish on East Boca Raton
Elkman’s confidence in the Boca Raton market is grounded in both data and direct observation. While portions of the broader South Florida market have shown signs of softening in recent years, Boca Raton and Palm Beach County have remained comparatively stable, with median sale prices continuing to trend upward. Palm Beach County is projected to experience the fastest pace of population growth in the South Florida region in the coming years, according to research from Oxford Economics.
Elkman points specifically to the transformation of East Boca Raton as a key driver of his investment thesis. Once characterized by a more sedate, retirement-oriented profile, the area has evolved significantly since 2010 into a destination for younger, affluent families. The presence of The Boca Raton resort and proximity to top schools, dining, and cultural amenities have reinforced the neighborhood’s enduring appeal. Empire’s homes are designed with that demographic in mind, complemented by a turnkey program of custom millwork, furniture, and furnishings priced between $750,000 and $2 million for buyers who want a fully move-in-ready experience.
A Philosophy of Long-Term Value
At the core of Elkman’s work is a conviction that genuinely well-built homes are durable assets — properties that appreciate over time, withstand shifting market conditions, and serve their owners across generations. Empire’s emphasis on custom materials, intelligent floor plans, and design coherence is not simply an aesthetic preference; it reflects a belief that quality is ultimately the most reliable form of value creation in real estate. Each residence is approached as a bespoke project shaped by its specific site, its design inspiration, and the intended way of living, distinguishing Empire from developers who prioritize speed and margin over craft.
Looking Ahead
With a pipeline approaching $85 million in active inventory, a strategic footprint across East Boca Raton’s most desirable neighborhoods, and a growing reputation for delivering on its design promises, Empire Development is well-positioned for continued growth. Its disciplined approach to site selection, investment in creative and technical talent, and alignment with top-tier sales partners point to a company building not just homes, but a lasting institutional identity in one of Florida’s most competitive luxury markets. From Florida Atlantic University graduate to chief executive of a firm reshaping Boca Raton’s residential profile, Marc Elkman’s trajectory reflects the focused ambition and craft that make for enduring success in real estate.
About Empire Development
Empire Development is a Boca Raton–based luxury residential development firm founded and led by Marc Elkman. Guided by a philosophy of “conscious design,” the company develops bespoke, high-end homes across Boca Raton and Palm Beach County, blending contemporary architecture with European and Asian influences. Empire Development is headquartered at 374 East Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, FL 33432.
Media Contact
Empire Development 374 East Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, FL 33432 Media inquiries: press@empiredevelopment.com
About Brian French
Led by a commitment to tech-intelligent curation, Brian French tracks and analyzes corporate developments and writes Press Releases on Florida's dynamic companies, leaders and economy. Brian brings an extensive financial background to his analysis, having graduated from the University of South Florida in Finance and serving as a Vice President and Portfolio Manager for Merrill Lynch Private Investors and the Trust Department in St. Petersburg, FL, as well as a Vice President and Trust Investment Officer for SunTrust Bank in Sarasota, FL. His writing blends macroeconomic trends, capital markets, corporate strategy, and modern digital insights for a sophisticated look at Florida's business market.
