What's Up at Prominence?

[Camp Creek Kid]

I've noticed that for about the past week, there has been absolutely nothing going on at Prominence. All but the main entrance are blocked off. There have been no work crews, nobody at the sales offices, etc. Any one know what is going on? Are they in bankruptcy?

[Bobby J]

I've noticed that for about the past week, there has been absolutely nothing going on at Prominence. All but the main entrance are blocked off. There have been no work crews, nobody at the sales offices, etc. Any one know what is going on? Are they in bankruptcy?

I bet they wish they would have sold to St. Joe when they had the chance?

[Little Fish]

CCK:

Not sure about bankruptcy, nevertheless it ain't good. Nothing but problems with this project from the get go. WS refused to allow Prominence access to their beach... environmental challenge (?) due to plans to clear cut acres of scrub pines... Country Cabins as a drop location to boat owners to the beach...

Unfortunately, they started this project at the end of the boom. Prices are very high for lots and townhouses, especially when you consider the current market. The concept looked attractive; however, now the property is an eyesore. Too many trees cut down despite the lack of demand for product.

Little Fish

[tsutcli]

Beach access for this development was to be through Deer Lake recreational area - not convenient at all with minimal parking. Also, that beach access is probably the longest one in Walton County - not conducive to anyone with kids. This was not a very well thought out project from the git go and high end pricing to boot.

[TooFarTampa]

Just wanted to link to this old post, to revisit some of the discussions we've had about this "development."

Personally I could never look past the clear cutting ... or the name.

http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.php?t=1648&highlight=prominence

[TreeFrog]

I've noticed that for about the past week, there has been absolutely nothing going on at Prominence. All but the main entrance are blocked off. There have been no work crews, nobody at the sales offices, etc. Any one know what is going on? Are they in bankruptcy?

Not just plans to clear cut, they actually did it. And just a month or so ago, they clear cut even more land just to the east of the original construction site.

[30A Skunkape]

Chateau de Paris part deux

[egrp]

yes porrly timed and planned from the get go on almost every critical level.

you know they wished they had sold to JOE, that property was meant to be a part of watersound beach and they fought that and turned down some very good offers out of pure stubborness...as they say hogs get slaughtered.

[TooFarTampa]

Chateau de Paris part deux

Aquatera part tres

[raven]

i could never look past the random architecture..new england townhomes?? talk about not fitting in with the indigenous culture. and the name?? they should have called it:

KLASSY

[Busta Hustle]

or nature walKED par quatro?

[30A Skunkape]

nouveau riche urbanism:wave:

[Smiling JOe]

http://www.redhotsweeps.com/forum/images/smilies/beat_deadhorse.gif

[sowalgayboi]

i could never look past the random architecture..new england townhomes?? talk about not fitting in with the indigenous culture. and the name?? they should have called it:

KLASSY

Even though there is New England area architecture to the East and West of the development?

[sowalgayboi]

http://www.redhotsweeps.com/forum/images/smilies/beat_deadhorse.gif

That's come interesting architecture SJ. :biggrin:

[beachmouse]

Even though there is New England area architecture to the East and West of the development?

There's a way of buiilding to an architectural style without making it look like a theme park. Prominence's design was a theme park.

[scooterbug44]

There's a way of buiilding to an architectural style without making it look like a theme park. Prominence's design was a theme park.

They ain't the lone nominee in the "theme park architecture on 30A" category! :biggrin:

[beachmouse]

It's Florida. Someone's always going to want their theme-park experience. All I can do is shrug and hope they enjoy what they ask for as I gently mock them behind their back.

[LeBoeuf]

Not just plans to clear cut, they actually did it. And just a month or so ago, they clear cut even more land just to the east of the original construction site.

I thought the Prominence developers were fined for doing the original clear cutting. I'm surprised they would cut more... :confused:

In my opinion, this is (was) yet another example of developers trying to throw something on 30-A to make a buck without a clear plan.

[John R]

that clear cutting on the west side happened during the last month. why they would do that when they knew there was no money is beyond comprehension.

[sowalgayboi]

My understanding was that the property was pretty much split equally by 30A and the original plans were for both sides of the road. However, due to conservation of the scrub pine they would basically be unable to develop the North side. I remember an article about it, brb.

[TreeFrog]

that clear cutting on the west side happened during the last month. why they would do that when they knew there was no money is beyond comprehension.


The British call it "bloody-minded", which translates to American roughly as "stupidly and destructively persistent".

[dude]

why they would do that when they knew there was no money is beyond comprehension.


you assume they have no money....perhaps they have really deep pockets???

[Smiling JOe]

dude, perhaps the money to which John R refers, is the money from sales. Developers don't typically build an entire community before selling any. If there are no sales, why would the developer continue to clear land? They already have the D.O.

Prominence would be an easy sell if they did what they said they were going to do when they had the first local meeting. They said that it would include a mix of homes to draw in a diverse group of people, including the very wealthy, and they specifically mentioned that even "school teachers would be able to afford a home." I called B.S. in front of a room of 100+ people on that one, and basically told them that they were smoking crack. That was back in 2003 or early 2004, not too many years ago. If they had stuck to that pricing structure, they would have sold out already. Somehow, things changed, and now they have zero sales. They want to pretend to be a self-contained development, but they know the beach is the draw. Deer Lake State Park is the closest beach access, and the gates are locked at sunset. I am wondering what beach the owners and guests will flock to, in order to watch a sunset over the water. I have no idea what the prices will be in there, but I think end-users will look at other options once they find out the beach is a hassle to get to.

[flyforfun]

I've noticed that for about the past week, there has been absolutely nothing going on at Prominence. All but the main entrance are blocked off. There have been no work crews, nobody at the sales offices, etc. Any one know what is going on? Are they in bankruptcy?

Your looking at the first "Purple Haze" or "Crazy Bill's Tatto" palor on 30-A. Of course with the pond, it would make a great site for the next water park. I am amazed at how the county just rubber stamped all these projects. :bang:

[goodwitch58]

I am amazed at how the county just rubber stamped all these projects. :bang:

Me too. Whatever happened to the concept of "good stewardship of the land?":bang:

[hnooe]

Whew....yes, I live right across from there--hope it doesn't stay unfinished--I wonder if they would let me rent the tacky man-made pond at the front of the place for kiddie parties with plastic paddle boats :lol:

(If not, maybe the Airforce could use it as bombing practice)

[ameliaj]

[quote=hnooe2000;358014]Whew....yes, I live right across from there--hope it doesn't stay unfinished--I wonder if they would let me rent the tacky man-made pond at the front of the place for kiddie parties with plastic paddle boats :lol:

Yippeee:clap: let's have bumper boats and goofy golf. I love those things.

[Babyblue]

Yippeee let's have bumper boats and goofy golf. I love those things


That is a good idea. I hate driving all the way in to PC for bumper boats. :funn:

[TreeFrog]

I am amazed at how the county just rubber stamped all these projects.

Why?

[goodwitch58]

Whew....yes, I live right across from there--hope it doesn't stay unfinished--I wonder if they would let me rent the tacky man-made pond at the front of the place for kiddie parties with plastic paddle boats :lol:

(If not, maybe the Airforce could use it as bombing practice)

You know how there are those SuperFund Clean up sites for environmental hazards/spills/etc?

Perhaps there can be a SuperFund Designation for half finished developments...

Those deteriorating half finished houses in Inlet Beach south of Highway 98 make me crazy...Where is Walton County Code Enforcement when we need them?"?"??:bang:

[NotDeadYet]

Where is Walton County Code Enforcement when we need them?"?"??:bang:

Occupied elsewhere. Out removing signs from the highway. It's what they do best, and why they needed those expensive trucks. :roll:

[goodwitch58]

yeah, but they aren't removing the signs that really need removing!

[John R]

you assume they have no money....perhaps they have really deep pockets???

i assume they have a CDD that will cover any infrastructure costs, but like SJ said, if there's no sales, why continue laying any?

[Smiling JOe]

What’s up with developers these days?

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WaltonSun.com

What are builders and developers doing now that there are so many properties for sale and so few buyers? Is anyone still building or planning to build a new project? Why? What’s up with Prominence, the Hotel Viridian and Owl’s Head? If a project is abandoned, will it turn into an eyesore?
WORKERS ON
ASSIGNMENT
Although one entrance to Prominence is blocked by a construction vehicle and there are rarely cars in the parking lot, there’s still activity behind the scenes.
Prominence Realty’s Broker Sherry Carter said the developer, Deer Lake Development LLC, pulled work crews from the Prominence site on County Road 30A to complete Tidewater in Panama City Beach. That project, a 600-unit condo, was nearing completion, she said.
Meanwhile, the developer is working to fi nalize plans for the commercial area that will surround the man-made harbor, Carter said....

[tsutcli]

Just a couple of other abandoned developments on 30-A: Magnolia - across from Andante, and Chateau du Paris - across from Monterey. Both are eyesores and the developers should be fined - especially Chateau.

[TreeFrog]

Minor thread drift, in response to SJ's post from the Walton Sun.

Apologies to George and partners, but I'm fine with the Hotel Viridian fizzling. I like my grouper sandwiches in the old market, thank you.

[Smiling JOe]

I find it interesting that Hotel Viridian peeps are talking about changing their entire concept since the condo-tel didn't go over at all. The property just received a one year extension on the Development Order, yet no work has been done, and the property is actively listed for sale.

[wrobert]

Just a couple of other abandoned developments on 30-A: Magnolia - across from Andante, and Chateau du Paris - across from Monterey. Both are eyesores and the developers should be fined - especially Chateau.


File complaints on them so the very slow process can begin.

[Smiling JOe]

Has anyone noticed that Chateau du Paris has a basketball court?

[elgordoboy]

Has anyone noticed that Chateau du Paris has a basketball court?
Wanna play HORSE tomorrow?

[sowalgayboi]

Has anyone noticed that Chateau du Paris has a basketball court?

Yep, but no one is allowed to use it.

[Smiling JOe]

What? Is the security going to stop us?

[SHELLY]

Wanna play HORSE tomorrow?

....shouldn't that be 'wanna eat horse tomorrow?' http://www.nettrafficchat.com/images/smilies/smiley_french.gif

.

[elgordoboy]

....shouldn't that be 'wanna eat horse tomorrow?' http://www.nettrafficchat.com/images/smilies/smiley_french.gif

.
Makes better sense with Monsieur Smiley. Do they really eat horse over there?

[SHELLY]

Makes better sense with Monsieur Smiley. Do they really eat horse over there?


http://www.guardian.co.uk/france/story/0,,2103538,00.html

.

[sowalgayboi]

Makes better sense with Monsieur Smiley. Do they really eat horse over there?

Yes they do. No horse where we are eating tomorrow. :wave:

[hnooe]

Has anyone noticed that Chateau du Paris has a basketball court?

Yes, I go over there and shoot hoops now and then.... The cement slab for the Chateau du Paris basketball court is as big as one of the entire lots in there. Well, we all know what great basketball players the French are!:rolling:

[SGB]

Just a couple of other abandoned developments on 30-A: Magnolia - across from Andante, and Chateau du Paris - across from Monterey. Both are eyesores and the developers should be fined - especially Chateau.

What' the deal with Magnolia? What type of development was it? Has it really been abandoned?

[flyforfun]

The property just received a one year extension on the Development Order, yet no work has been done, and the property is actively listed for sale.

Interesting...I did know the county was able to grant DO extensions? How big of a campaign contribution do you have to give to get one of those? :confused:

[flyforfun]

Has anyone noticed that Chateau du Paris has a basketball court?

SJ, its my understanding that the developer of Chateau du Paris has a suit against the county and local property owners regarding the construction of the block fence. Neighbors have told me that he tied into the sewer wrong and has the block fence on the neighboring property. It's my understanding that the developer is from Atlanta!!! I have heard he is sueing the county for discrimination! Guess he is not use to dealing with the complex coding system of Walton County.

[hnooe]

SJ, its my understanding that the developer of Chateau du Paris has a suit against the county and local property owners regarding the construction of the block fence. Neighbors have told me that he tied into the sewer wrong and has the block fence on the neighboring property. It's my understanding that the developer is from Atlanta!!! I have heard he is sueing the county for discrimination! Guess he is not use to dealing with the complex coding system of Walton County.

Sorry, but Walton County should counter sue the owner of Chateau du Paris for total lack of taste, disregard of 30 A aesthetic standards, and no imagination. I mean c'mon.

[Smiling JOe]

The BCC will typically extend any D.O. for a one year period with much thought. Beyond that, and they may ask a question or two before extending it.

I am confused by your statement that the developer of Chat. de Paris is suing the neighbors and the County. It seems like if the developer built the block fence on the neighboring property, the suit would be against the developer.

[wrobert]

Interesting...I did know the county was able to grant DO extensions? How big of a campaign contribution do you have to give to get one of those? :confused:


Make as large as you can afford then let us know how it works out.

[sowalgayboi]

What' the deal with Magnolia? What type of development was it? Has it really been abandoned?

If this is the one across from Andante then it is 30A's first "fractional ownership" (see timeshare) condo.

[tsutcli]

The BCC will typically extend any D.O. for a one year period with much thought. Beyond that, and they may ask a question or two before extending it.

I am confused by your statement that the developer of Chat. de Paris is suing the neighbors and the County. It seems like if the developer built the block fence on the neighboring property, the suit would be against the developer.
Friends who live close by Chateau told me that the owner is Jamaican with a French wife, hence the name. Anyway they also told me that what had stalled the project was that the wall was built too close to the street and that the owner has a suit against the county claiming that he got permission. I would guess that he is in no hurry to go forward given the state of the market.

[30A Skunkape]

I wonder why one of our local gangs hasn't tagged that nice inviting castle wall yet? :scratch:

[SHELLY]

Friends who live close by Chateau told me that the owner is Jamaican with a French wife, hence the name.

He would have had more success with a "Jamaican-themed" subdivision, mon.
http://smilies.vidahost.com/contrib/guus/rasta.gif
.

[30A Skunkape]

He would have had more success with a "Jamaican-themed" subdivision, mon.
http://smilies.vidahost.com/contrib/guus/rasta.gif
.
There is a bunch of weed growing around the property...weeds I mean:biggrin:

[elgordoboy]

There is a bunch of weed growing around the property...weeds I mean:biggrin:
Cheech
He would have had more success with a "Jamaican-themed" subdivision, mon.
http://smilies.vidahost.com/contrib/guus/rasta.gif
.
Chong

[sowalgayboi]

He would have had more success with a "Jamaican-themed" subdivision, mon.
http://smilies.vidahost.com/contrib/guus/rasta.gif
.

There is a bunch of weed growing around the property...weeds I mean:biggrin:

Do we have some proponents of medical marijuana?

[Smiling JOe]

Why does everyone keep calling it "medical?" Okay, I know quite a few people with chronic (pun intended) pain, who smoke it for medicinal reasons -- a few who wouldn't dream of breaking the law, or even drinking, much less doing illegal drugs. Their doctors told them that the best thing they could do to ease the pain, and gain an appetite, was to get some weed and smoke it. However, the rest of the people whom I know that smoke, do so for pure pleasure. I guess you could say that relaxing relieves stress, therefore anyone who smokes is reducing their stress levels. Hops, a key ingredient in beer, is the closest plant to the marijuana plant. Hops is an herb which gives you that relaxing sensation when drinking beer. Drinking alcohol can also help you relieve some stress.

[TooFarTampa]

I find it interesting that Hotel Viridian peeps are talking about changing their entire concept since the condo-tel didn't go over at all. The property just received a one year extension on the Development Order, yet no work has been done, and the property is actively listed for sale.

An interesting story down here made me think of the Hotel Viridian. The owner of Bern's Steak House, which is world renowned for its steak and especially its wine list, announced last year it planned a condo-hotel with 75 units for the lot across the street from its restaurant. Well, they built the parking garage but the rest of the project is on hold indefinitely. The reason? Only a few people signed on to buy units. The entire purpose behind the condo-tel concept, apparently, is to make it easy for the developer to secure financing.

The logical thing would be for the Bern's people to convert the project into merely a hotel, but apparently it is impossible right now to get financing for this kind of project unless you are an experienced hotel developer. So the project is dead, for now.

I'm assuming this is why the Viridian property is now on the market -- the units didn't sell, and even as a hotel it's just not a viable project right now or in the near future. I imagine that D.O. will expire and that will be that. If the Bern's people can't get financing done for a hotel, then the owners of the Seagrove Market certainly will not be able to. I am guessing. :idontno:

[kurt]

Condotels in Hogtown are $117k in the same building the team stays in. A lot less than some RVs I see.

[beachmouse]

The Ramada across from Silver Sands is/was a condotel, oddly enough. When they were selling units a couple years back, I seem to remember prices were in the $80-$110K range.

[TooFarTampa]

Condotels in Hogtown are $117k in the same building the team stays in. A lot less than some RVs I see.

If you bought one you probably wouldn't even be able to stay there during game weekends. :angry:

[Little Fish]

TooFarTampa:

I'm a little confused... are you saying the owners of Berns Steakhouse also own the Seagrove Market and were planning to build a condo-tel? I understand the owners of the Seagrove Market are opening a new restaurant in Alys Beach. I never heard about plans for a condo-tel.

Little Fish

[TooFarTampa]

TooFarTampa:

I'm a little confused... are you saying the owners of Berns Steakhouse also own the Seagrove Market and were planning to build a condo-tel? I understand the owners of the Seagrove Market are opening a new restaurant in Alys Beach. I never heard about plans for a condo-tel.

Little Fish

Sorry ... the Bern's project is not related in any way to the Hotel Viridian. But it is the owner of Seagrove Market who was the one spearheading Hotel Viridian (someone please correct me if I am wrong). I was trying to say that if the Bern's people couldn't get financing for a hotel project, the Seagrove Market people probably won't be able to either.

I was just trying to shed some light as to why the Viridian property might be for sale, even though the development order for the project is still active. Maybe it is obvious to some people but I found it interesting.

[tsutcli]

TooFarTampa:

I'm a little confused... are you saying the owners of Berns Steakhouse also own the Seagrove Market and were planning to build a condo-tel? I understand the owners of the Seagrove Market are opening a new restaurant in Alys Beach. I never heard about plans for a condo-tel.

Little Fish
The owners of Seagrove Market are involved with other investors to open a condotel on that corner. I think market forces have delayed this. George, owner of Seagrove Market, is opening a similar place in Alyce Beach called Georges and is in the process of moving the old Sandors Rest. building to that location.

[Camp Creek Kid]

The owners of Seagrove Market are involved with other investors to open a condotel on that corner. I think market forces have delayed this. George, owner of Seagrove Market, is opening a similar place in Alyce Beach called Georges and is in the process of moving the old Sandors Rest. building to that location.

Interesting. How is that building going to fit in at Alys?

I believe that the Hotel Viridian project has become a full-fledged hotel and they are moving forward. I wouldn't be surprised to the the Village Market close for good after Georges is up and running.

[tsutcli]

Interesting. How is that building going to fit in at Alys?

I believe that the Hotel Viridian project has become a full-fledged hotel and they are moving forward. I wouldn't be surprised to the the Village Market close for good after Georges is up and running.
My thought exactly! Maybe they will paint it white and put one of those artsy chimneys on it. Building would fit in better at Prominence. Understand they are waiting for a period of 5 days projected for no rain to move building because they have to remove the roof to get under power lines on 30a. Can you imagine the traffic back-up as they move the 7 miles to Alyce Beach!!!!

[John R]

pretty sure this move will be made at night.