Built in 1957 on land that was formerly the site of the Royal Poinciana Hotel, the Royal Poinciana Plaza was designed by prolific Palm Beach architect John L. Volk. Volk was hired by owner, John S. Phipps of Bessemer Properties, Inc., to "design for us a shopping plaza in any style you wish; however, it must endure its style for fifty years." Based on this directive, Volk chose to design the Plaza in the Regency style of architecture, writing that “Regency is… singularly adaptable to the open modern plan. Its use of large-scale openings, wide arches, porticos, doorways and windows makes it particularly suitable for a community center and shopping area such as the Royal Poinciana Plaza.” The plaza seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces, and is marked by striking black and white terrazzo flooring throughout.

Within the Plaza is a central tower building known as the “Slat House;” originally a part of the greenhouse and conservancy for the Royal Poinciana Hotel, this ca. 1894 structure is the only surviving piece of the original Flagler property. At the lakefront side of the Plaza is the Royal Poinciana Playhouse, a similarly Regency style building which has served as a highly popular theater and host to the Champagne Room and Poinciana Club. The Plaza and the Playhouse were designated as landmarked properties 11/12/2008.