All about the Orange Beach $13M investment to expand beachfront access

Did you know that before June 2021, the City of Orange Beach did not own any actual beachfront property? But as of June 23rd, that’s no longer the case as the City of Orange Beach finalized the purchase of over 4 acres of beachfront property! This purchase is a part of a public-private collaboration with Orange Beach Land Company, LLC (OBLC), owned by Flora-Bama co-owners, John McInnis & Cameron Price.

“Prime Gulf-front property”

“This is prime Gulf-front property that beachgoers see first when driving south.”

Orange Beach Mayor, Tony Kennon, in a statement.

Originally, this parcel of land was slated to become two high-rise towers, with a combined total of around 250 condos. Instead, City officials geared focus towards residential enjoyment, ensuring there’s beach access for all Orange Beach citizens while providing a welcome center for this popular beach hang.

“The developers call Orange Beach home and they love our community just as much as we do. It’s all about finding a positive balance for our residents and for our tourism-based economy. This accomplishes both in one project. We’re excited about it.”

Orange Beach Mayor, Tony Kennon, in a statement.

Let’s take a closer look at those plans!

Public-Private Partnership

With the City buying a few acres of beachfront property, so too did OBLC, who purchased some adjacent beachfront property sitting on 8.7 acres. These pieces of property are directly next to one another, and this is where the partnership comes in!

OBLC has since proposed a CoastAL branded restaurant development. It will be made up of three buildings, a 20,000 sqft restaurant, 5,000 sqft of retail space, and 3,000 sqft devoted to an outdoor bar. This will all be situated around a 15,000 sqft courtyard area.

In this partnership, the City is fronting just under $10M to start development, paying the other $3M on completion. The City and OBLC have reached an agreement over parking in which residents of Orange Beach will have access to free beachside parking, around 100 spaces opduring peak season.

“We love the fact that the general public will have access to over 800 feet of beachfront and that Orange Beach residents will finally have free priority parking on the Gulf. What Gulf Shores has in public space on the beach is wonderful and now residents of Orange Beach will have something very comparable.”

McInnis & Price, owners of OBLC in a statement to the City of Orange Beach.

There are still a few logistics that need to be worked out in the project before ground can be broken, but we know we’re excited about the new beachfront access!

What part of these Orange Beach improvements are you most psyched for? Tag us @thebamabuzz & letnus know!