since when is a big ugly mall a town center?

[mf]

we just got this press release from sandestin.


i'm a little confused. i live near this and so far it looks like a hideous stucco strip mall. not at all like any of the local small towns. it says it's a 'town center' but i don't see anything in the press release about a post office, public spaces or community centers, or a town hall or entertainment venues or libraries or other community-centered venues.


the only thing mentioned here are a bunch of stores and restaurants.


that sounds like a mall to me.


town center? geez do they think i'm a total push over? hahaha!


p.s. as a retired marketing/pr professional, who the heck issues an 8 page press release about a mall? i had to cut it in half to fit here! what a mess! get an editor!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Angela Triplett, Public Relations Manager
Howard Group
850.654.9771
angela@howardgrp.com

Grand Boulevard, A Place of Distinction


Destination Shop, Work, Play, Stay Town Center To Open Spring ‘07

Sandestin, Florida, December 6, 2006 - Rising auspiciously within the thriving landscape of South Walton County, a small city’s worth of construction is taking shape. Modeled after the familiar town squares that still dot small towns throughout America, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin is the new, highly-anticipated, shop, work, play and stay destination being built in Northwest Florida.

Based on the prominent mixed-use architectural model, Grand Boulevard will offer a dynamic lifestyle experience with convenient access to a multitude of exclusive shopping and dining options, entertainment, professional services, corporate offices and even residential and hotel space. Offering a pedestrian-friendly layout, the town center also includes a large, centrally-located public green space named Grand Park which will host year-round events. This vibrant downtown-inspired locale provides most of the necessities one would need for the day or week, as a resident or a visitor to the area.

“When we were growing up, we went downtown to the grocery store, to shop for clothes, to the bank or doctor. Grand Boulevard will be a more modern and dynamic version of the town square model. You won’t have to leave the property,” says developer Keith Howard, of whom Grand Boulevard is the brainchild.

Howard Group, the development company located in Grand Boulevard, spent more than 10 years acquiring the 52 acres upon which Grand Boulevard is located. Propitiously placed just across the street from Topsail State Preserve and a short walk from Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Grand Boulevard is designed as a natural town center and destination for all of Northwest Florida. The eastern-most end of the property already boasts the Sacred Heart Hospital and Publix Gourmet Supermarket, both of which opened in 2003. Marriott Courtyard and Marriott Residence Inn, bordering the western end, opened in 2006.

With the significant economic and population growth sustained by Walton County in recent years, the area is primed and the location ideal to support the immensely distinctive mixed-use center. The idea is to offer a premium lifestyle experience. Ideally, you can either walk to, or after parking your car or golf cart stroll within, a beautifully designed town center. Once there, you can walk to a banking or doctor’s appointment, meet friends for lunch, spend the afternoon perusing fine shopping venues, in the evening enjoy a concert in Grand Park and then walk back to your abode.

According to Howard, the area residents and visitors are ready for a sophisticated destination of this caliber.

“This is more than a typical lifestyle retail center. It’s more cutting-edge - offering a truly grand experience and a sense of excitement,” he says, pointing out the lush grounds and landscaping plans, Mediterranean-influenced architecture and spacious covered walkways, designed for comfortable traversing, throughout the town center.


A Place to Shop, Play, Work, Stay


Built along two miles of Emerald Coast Parkway, Grand Boulevard will ultimately have a wide and diverse array of retail and dining options, offices for professionals, and rental and residential spaces. The tenant names are among the most appealing in the worlds of fashion, food and active lifestyle retail.

In spring 2007, Grand Boulevard will celebrate the grand opening of a major portion of the town center, including several coveted lifestyle brands and restaurants. Among the first to open will be P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Café & Emporium, The Orvis Company, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Coldwater Creek, J. Jill, Aveda Salon, Cantina Laredo Gourmet Mexican Food and an exciting new concept from an American retail icon - Brooks Brothers Country Club.

Among the other exciting new retail tenants opening are Viking Lifestyle Store, Fusion Glass Art Gallery, Learning Express Toys, Sunglass Station and Billabong.

Offering numerous fine and casual dining options and a variety of food genres, the hardest part of dining in Grand Boulevard will be deciding which tempting culinary experience to enjoy first…and then second. Several of the new restaurants are brand new to the region and will be completely original epicurean experiences. There is a culinary diversity that will pique the taste buds of every foodie – and of those who simply enjoy a wonderful dining experience in a great setting with a beautiful view.

The name P.F. Chang’s China Bistro evokes one of the most original and exciting dining experiences in the country. Fresh, contemporary and consistently outstanding are the trademarks of this illustrious addition to Grand Boulevard.

A unique combination of Chinese cuisine, attentive service, wine and delectable desserts, P.F. Chang’s truly reflects the evolving Chinese culinary landscape, served up in a stylish high-energy bistro. Striving for harmony in taste, texture, color and aroma, P.F. Chang’s balances the Chinese principles of fan and t’sai. Fan foods include rice, noodles, grains and dumplings while vegetables, meat, poultry and seafood are t’sai foods.

Working in a dramatic exhibition kitchen, the chefs of P.F. Chang’s use Mandarin-style wok cooking to prepare the inspired menu. Using the freshest and highest quality ingredients, the chefs create lightly sauced dishes that allow natural flavors to emerge and stimulate the senses.

Cantina Laredo, located in the east end of Grand Park, serves gourmet Mexican food in a sophisticated, vibrant atmosphere. The Mexico City-style menu includes grilled fish, chicken and steaks complimented by signature sauces such as chipotle-wine with portobello mushrooms or sauteéd artichoke hearts and roasted red bell peppers. Enjoy the signature margarita, the Casa Rita, made from fresh lime juice and the finest tequila while overlooking the lovely grounds of Grand Park. Savor guacamole made fresh at your table to your exact specifications. In addition to serving lunch, dinner, drinks, and Sunday brunch, Cantina Laredo also offers full service catering.

Tommy Bahama, the purveyor of island lifestyles, is among the most eagerly-awaited specialty retailers to open in Grand Boulevard. It is conveniently located at the west end of Grand Park.

Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Café & Emporium brings to Grand Boulevard something unique – a beautiful retail store featuring TOMMY BAHAMA apparel, accessories and home décor items, along with a casually elegant restaurant that has a large veranda for outdoor dining, serving upscale-inspired cuisine – and it’s all under one roof.

Besides enjoying the delicious island-themed food, drinks and atmosphere, this will be an ideal place to people-watch while enjoying of the fine performances in Grand Park.

Sporting Traditions will be well-represented with the inclusion of one of our country’s oldest retailers, The Orvis Company. Specializing in what the company calls a “distinctive country lifestyle”, Orvis offers the world’s finest fly fishing equipment, men’s and women’s clothing, gifts for the home as well as its famed dog beds and other pet supplies. The 13000 square foot store in Sandestin is a long way from the small store front where the company was founded by Charles Orvis over 150 years ago in Manchester, Vermont.

It will be easy to find Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar at Grand Boulevard – just follow the savory aromas to one of the finest prime steakhouses and wine bars in the country. Since the first Fleming’s opened in 1998, they’ve raised the standard of excellence for steakhouses to a whole new level, winning awards from all over the country for food, wine and service. Most recently, Fleming’s was the recipient of 37 awards of excellence from Wine Spectator.

Stylish, contemporary dining is the hallmark of Fleming’s. As the name implies, the menu features succulent prime beef, a tempting variety of chops, the freshest seafood, chicken, tempting salads and indulgent desserts. Wine selections are recommended with menu items or may be chosen from the “100 wines-by-the-glass” selection or from the extensive wine list which includes hard-to-find Reserve bottles.

In addition to the mouth-watering menu selections, Fleming’s offers another creative way to enjoy delicious food and wine with Discovery Dinners and Wine Flights. Their signature Discovery Dinners offer three four-course menus with wine pairings. For parties of six or more, Discovery Dinners feature wines especially chosen to complement each course. Create a truly memorable evening in Grand Boulevard for your friends, family or business associates and, as host, receive a pair of signature wine glasses as a gift.

With 100 wines by the glass, including many hard to find boutique wines, Fleming’s is a wine-lovers dream. Besides pairing the ideal wine with dinner, explore their signature Discovery Wine Flight. A great way to enjoy the adventurous side of wine-tasting, there are six different flights to explore, compare and enjoy.

Discovery Wine Flights are like having your own private wine-tasting every time. You can sit at the bar and try them or have one during dinner. One fun way to enjoy a flight is by having your waiter bring you a blind flight along with tasting notes. This is a great way to explore and educate your palate.

Dedicated to the art of eating well, Fleming’s offers an inviting atmosphere with a generous spirit, creating an experience you won’t soon forget. As with all dining establishments in the Grand Boulevard town center, Fleming’s will also offer prime outdoor patio seating.


Building a Town Center


At the heart of Grand Boulevard, the town center is a symphonious hub of construction and building as the spring grand opening nears. The town square has taken on a sophisticated and comfortable sense of place, with attractive areas for walking, sitting or merely taking time to enjoy a beautifully designed space or building.

It has taken hundreds of construction workers, engineers, carpenters, roofers, electricians and plumbers, a dozen architects and one visionary to launch Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. It turns out building a town center really is as arduous as it sounds, but you would never know that from talking to Keith Howard, a developer who is committed to responsible development within his community.

Emanating a palpable energy and optimism, Howard says Grand Boulevard is the natural progression for his work in the community. After securing major successes at the Market Shops at Sandestin and the nationally-recognized Silver Sands Factory Stores, he says he knew the land and location warranted something special that would endure the test of time. Howard opted for a sustainable town center development based on the principles of New Urbanism.

“We asked ourselves how we could take the retail lifestyle experience to the next level. We knew what we wanted to do years ago, before town center models came to the forefront. Now there is a name for it,” says Howard.

While Grand Boulevard draws upon the style and comfort of old-fashioned town squares, the walkable town center takes a modern and innovative approach to this time-honored tradition. It has been updated and fine-tuned, with a healthy dose of attitude and panache added into the mix. No expense has been spared to make the Grand Boulevard experience truly grand and inviting.

One of the first things Howard did to ensure the success of the project was to research other similar successful developments and identify the professionals responsible. Enter Nelson Architects, Inc., an Austin-based firm specializing in the town center model and exclusive mixed-use vernacular.

As the project began to take shape, Philip Crisara, AIA, principal architect with Nelson, realized the scope of the project was far more ambitious than anything else being built in Northwest Florida between Panama City and Mobile. With his experienced team on board, Howard’s dream for a town center in south Walton County really took off.

“Keith (Howard) is bringing forward two unique things. He is bringing a project-type that does not exist in this part of the region – a true mixed-use development with all of the layers needed to support it. Secondly, the quality of every aspect of the center is unparalleled,” says Crisara.

“It’s spectacular to have a project with all of these layers melded together - retail, dining, entertainment, outdoor lifestyle, lodging and even residential down the line,” he says.


Classic Green Space and Grounds


The close proximity to the growing population, popular beaches and bourgeoning development in Northwest Florida make Grand Boulevard the right destination in the right place at the right time. Located between Pensacola and Panama City – approximately 45 miles to either – at the entrance to Sandestin’s Golf and Beach Resort, the town center incorporates premium lifestyle goods and services and offers a broad range of deliverables in a compelling setting that complements the dense natural surroundings.

A proponent of sustainable development and protecting the community’s natural resources, Howard made a conscience decision to ensure Grand Boulevard will complement the environment by making green space and landscaping a vital part of the project’s design.

Topsail State Preserve spans the south side of Emerald Coast Parkway across the street from Grand Boulevard. In a tribute to this haven for local flora and fauna, a large public green space has been designated as Grand Park, a major focal point of the town center. Besides providing idyllic scenery, Grand Park is designed with a great deal of flexibility. It will be a valuable asset to the entire community, offering an exciting space for entertainment, celebrations and community events. Year-round programming such as concerts, movies, and dance and theatre performances will occur at Grand Park.

One of the most elegant and awe-inspiring elements of Grand Park is the playful and intricately-designed water fountain. Paying homage to the nearby Gulf of Mexico, the fountain visually represents the ebb and flow of the tide and, as with the tide, it constantly changes. Located at the east end of Grand Park, it displays a horizontal design that mimics the coastal tides and projects vertical water at intervals.

According to Howard, the fountain is one of the classic characteristics associated with the town center. The dynamic yet tasteful presentation fits beautifully within the park, making it an essential and lively part of the landscape. Soothing acoustics from the flowing water combine to make the fountain in Grand Boulevard a highlight within the town center.

Howard is building Grand Boulevard as a “must-see” destination for residents and visitors and is proceeding accordingly to ensure a memorable experience for all. In keeping with this ambitious goal, he has secured the best professionals, the highest quality of building materials, the most creative designs and a huge commitment to landscaping architecture.

Approximately $4.2 million dollars is being spent on the lush landscaping that will be planted and grown throughout and around Grand Boulevard. A visually stunning array of more than 50 types of trees, bushes and plants will include Medjool Date Palms, Live Oaks, Bird of Paradise, Bamboo varietals, Crepe Myrtles and 600 oversized planters of seasonal varieties. This eclectic mix will create a refreshingly verdant backdrop for the town center and lovely natural scenery to enhance the pedestrian experience.

The richly landscaped walkways around Grand Boulevard will provide comforting shade and playful tree canopies at Grand Park will offer respite to those waiting or merely relaxing and enjoying the park. It’s the ideal place for a short respite while you regroup and plan which stores or restaurants to visit next.

At night, the grounds of Grand Boulevard are beautifully illuminated throughout, creating a soft and well-lit canvas in which to enjoy strolling, shopping, dining and entertainment.

[mf]

endless press release. part deux.

4.2 million on landscaping and nothing for the kids to do? what a waste.
sounds a very expensive ghost town.


A Place of Distinction Built to Last


Intent and determined to meet the growing lifestyle needs and desires of an expanding community of residents and visitors, for 10 years Keith Howard collected parcels of land along Emerald Coast Parkway in South Walton County. The success of his previous area retail ventures convinced him that a distinctive mixed-use project - shop, play, work, stay –would be a valuable asset to, and desirable destination along, the Gulf Coast region.

“We wanted to build a place with all of the depth and components of a thriving town center and to make sure it will still be here 50 years from now. We will not sacrifice the quality of materials. We’ve built it to last,” says Howard.

A place designed and built to withstand the test of time takes time and patience. A long-time area resident and successful developer along the Gulf Coast of Florida, Howard’s approach to business can be described as pleasant, persistent and patient. He has been deeply committed to taking the time necessary to make Grand Boulevard a truly special destination and meaningful experience.

Opting for the highest quality building materials, from solid masonry block frames and authentic traditional stucco exteriors to walnut stained floors in the luxurious office space lobbies, space in Grand Boulevard – whether for a professional business, a specialty retailer or fine dining – will offer premium standards and a sophisticated and thoughtful approach to the aesthetic.

Aiming to take merchandising to the next level for the area, the best and most exclusive in retail and dining options is an exciting component of Grand Boulevard that continues to unfold. As the spring Grand Opening nears, more of these exciting tenants will be announced.

According to Howard, easy access to the town center and a definitive connectivity to the community are two important elements in developing a sophisticated town center. The eponymous main street, Grand Boulevard, will ultimately run the length of the property from Sandestin to Sacred Heart Hospital. Easy and plentiful parking options - for bike and golf carts as well as cars - and numerous trams from Sandestin make for stress-free entry. Besides walking, Howard is quick to note, with a laugh, that “you can even jog over”.

The grand opening of the major portion of Grand Boulevard will take place in spring 2007. The opening festivities will include spectacular and extensive private and public events.

Howard Group is a development company recognized for building responsible and sustainable projects incorporating significant community interface. Established in 1988 in Northwest Florida, Howard Group is responsible for the development of The Market Shops at Sandestin, the acclaimed Silver Sands Factory Stores, several upscale gulf-front resort and residential communities such as Vizcaya at Dune Allen and Stallworth Preserve, as well as Heron Harbor in Destin, Florida. Heron Harbor is being designed as a mixed-use community that will include retail, office, residential and marina components. For more information, please call (850) 837-1886.

Grand Boulevard is the new, shop, work, play and stay town center being built in Northwest Florida. Based on the prominent mixed-use architectural model, Grand Boulevard will offer a dynamic lifestyle experience with convenient access to a multitude of exclusive shopping and dining options, entertainment, professional services, corporate offices and lodging. For more information, please call (850) 837-1886.

--END--

[Jdarg]

Get this- I was in the parking lot at the Sandestin Publix last week, and 3 older ladies stopped in the car and asked me how to get to the Coldwater Creek store on Grand Blvd. They saw the new store location listed in their catalog. I explained that it didn't appear the Grand Blvd. shopping mall was finished yet, and they seemed very disappointed.

As they pulled away, I saw their license plate- Alaska. Sandestin better hurry up and finish this project since people are coming from so far away to shop at their new "town center"!!!

[Smiling JOe]

...

they've built the same kind of crappy non-stores non-services model (no entertainment venues for kids, no restaurants that will seat large groups with reservations, no concierge or security) at the baytowne village ...

...and when they charge $5 for a Budweiser, I don't find myself even thinking about going into Baytowne Wharf.

[mf]

Get this- I was in the parking lot at the Sandestin Publix last week, and 3 older ladies stopped in the car and asked me how to get to the Coldwater Creek store on Grand Blvd. They saw the new store location listed in their catalog. I explained that it didn't appear the Grand Blvd. shopping mall was finished yet, and they seemed very disappointed.

As they pulled away, I saw their license plate- Alaska. Sandestin better hurry up and finish this project since people are coming from so far away to shop at their new "town center"!!!

as a 20 year marketing veteran, i'm consistently underwhelmed by sandestin's "marketing". they really do not understand what today's consumer wants or they're just BEGGING to lose money. who knows?

it's so sad because you really see the potential of a property like this and i guess they just can't get people with any real world experience in to make it happen.

they've built the same kind of crappy non-stores non-services model (no entertainment venues for kids, no restaurants that will seat large groups with reservations, no concierge or security) at the baytowne village and i've now received 4 emails in the last month begging me to book a hotel room at the village for $118. which is still too expensive considering they are full of old furniture and mold and the last time we recommended family stayed there they had stuff stolen, had fleas in the room, were woken each night at 2 am by a fire alarm with NO sandestin employees to be found to explain, were charged two extra nights for no reason and we found two used condoms in the garage near their car. EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW that would have to pay me to stay there and even then, i'd be reticent.

i like living here. it's a decent neighborhood, but by no stretch is it a resort. yet they keep claiming they're upscale over and over, but they've "marketed" themselves into a really crappy demographic.

i don't think they understand, just because they say something is so, doesn't make it that way and while they're all buying it, the consumer is not.

[mf]

...and when they charge $5 for a Budweiser, I don't find myself even thinking about going into Baytowne Wharf.

in hawaii, miami or the carribean you can get a beer cheaper than that and with lots more amenities around!

this "sense of entitlement" is gonna bite em in the butt!

[30gAy]

Quote: Sandestin, Florida, December 6, 2006 -Rising auspiciously.....



Believe me I am normally very excited about any auspicious rising, but not generally within this context.

[jimmyp5]

I guess this type of development is clearly being done for the tourist, the short-term visitor, because most of us didn't move here because Keith Howard planned to "take the retail lifestyle experience to the next level."

I'm not even sure just what that is, but I know that's not what drew me here.

At some point, enough is enough, and even the tourists who largely drive our economy will begin to ask why we choose (zone, approve, etc.) to trade more open space for more shopping .... how much shopping can one do on vacation??? I thought it was the beach & the sun, and the woods & lakes & trails, and Dread Clampitt -- OK, smooth jazz even -- but MORE retail lifestyle experience ???

Please tell me this will get better, not worse.

[30A Skunkape]

PF Chang's is the embodiement of what is wrong with our society. Strip mall Chinese chains with a sleek, hip finish and nary an Asian to be seen...give me the good old days of dining in a hole in the wall joint owned by a Chinese family, dark except for dim red lighting ala an opium den, and the danger of finding a piece of fowl in your food that is taboo in our culture. The good old days. The soothing lettuce wraps are pretty good though!

[GoodWitch58]

...and, it makes me crazy that the movie theater which is one thing that all of us wanted to see soon, is not in the original plan. How much more shopping can one do?

I went to Silver Sands yesterday to buy some socks for my granddaughter--there was not a single person (except for the sales staff) in either of the stores I visited. There were 3 peoplle having lunch at Camille's, and all over Sandestin the traffic was non-existent.

So, why do we need more shopping? Silver Sands serves the purpose quite well.

Apparently, the Howard Group public relations staff never went to Communication or Journalism school; my PR 101 students can write a better news release!

[30A Skunkape]

I guess this type of development is clearly being done for the tourist, the short-term visitor, because most of us didn't move here because Keith Howard planned to "take the retail lifestyle experience to the next level."

I'm not even sure just what that is, but I know that's not what drew me here.

At some point, enough is enough, and even the tourists who largely drive our economy will begin to ask why we choose (zone, approve, etc.) to trade more open space for more shopping .... how much shopping can one do on vacation??? I thought it was the beach & the sun, and the woods & lakes & trails, and Dread Clampitt -- OK, smooth jazz even -- but MORE retail lifestyle experience ???

Please tell me this will get better, not worse.

You are so right. Have you ever watched beach TV? There is a spot for Destin Commons, and the quote is something very similar to "The Emerald Coast is now recognozed as one of the country's most important shopping destinations"! This always sounded very strange to me...what the hell is important about shopping for what is mostly clutter, and who on Earth except the Paris Hilton types go on vacation to shop? And from what I can tell, it looks like they are building the same stores that you can find just about anywhere else. Funny story, last night we went to the French Quarter to watch the Christmas lights being lit in Jackson Square. We walked by a Pottery Barn store on the edge of the Quarter, and a lady in a group walking next to us proclaimed "Why would I go to a Pottery Barn in the French Quarter?". My thoughts exactly.

[mf]

I guess this type of development is clearly being done for the tourist, the short-term visitor, because most of us didn't move here because Keith Howard planned to "take the retail lifestyle experience to the next level."

I'm not even sure just what that is, but I know that's not what drew me here.

At some point, enough is enough, and even the tourists who largely drive our economy will begin to ask why we choose (zone, approve, etc.) to trade more open space for more shopping .... how much shopping can one do on vacation??? I thought it was the beach & the sun, and the woods & lakes & trails, and Dread Clampitt -- OK, smooth jazz even -- but MORE retail lifestyle experience ???

Please tell me this will get better, not worse.

what tourist comes to a place for pf changs?????

again.. ZERO marketing. ZERO understanding of the tourism demographic and their expectations.

they have UPSCALE prices with MOTEL 6 amenities and planning.

the tourists want all the things you mention. nature and local culture.

the current powers that be are wiping out what will make them money instead of providing a platform for it and promoting it.

it's simply bad business. will NOT make them money and devalues the property. i can only hope that fortress investments who now owns intrawest will care enough to change the current course before any potential marketing benefits are destroyed before they just give up and dump the property.

[mf]

You are so right. Have you ever watched beach TV? There is a spot for Destin Commons, and the quote is something very similar to "The Emerald Coast is now recognozed as one of the country's most important shopping destinations"! This always sounded very strange to me...what the hell is important about shopping for what is mostly clutter, and who on Earth except the Paris Hilton types go on vacation to shop? And from what I can tell, it looks like they are building the same stores that you can find just about anywhere else. Funny story, last night we went to the French Quarter to watch the Christmas lights being lit in Jackson Square. We walked by a Pottery Barn store on the edge of the Quarter, and a lady in a group walking next to us proclaimed "Why would I go to a Pottery Barn in the French Quarter?". My thoughts exactly.

p.s. any BASIC research of the tourism demographic will show you that most people come here from urban areas with superior shopping and the draw is nature and local low-key culture.

they are destroying the marketing value and in turn their lame attempts to compete for shopping is only an embarrassment compared to other markets.

it doesn't make ANY sense. they are building urban density with NONE of the services or infrastructure (security, traffic) or cultural benefits.

who wants to visit that?

[mf]

give me the good old days of dining in a hole in the wall joint owned by a Chinese family, dark except for dim red lighting ala an opium den, and the danger of finding a piece of fowl in your food that is taboo in our culture. The good old days. The soothing lettuce wraps are pretty good though!

amen brotha!
HAHAHAHAHA!!!


anyhoo, people don't come to the south for chinese or italian! they want bbq, cajun and soul food!!! where are those places??? there's one in the village, but the food is not very good and when everyone working there is from eastern europe you kidn of lose the flavor....

jim and nicks i really like though and it's a good idea because it's local.

[jimmyp5]

they are destroying the marketing value and in turn their lame attempts to compete for shopping is only an embarrassment compared to other markets.

it doesn't make ANY sense. they are building urban density with NONE of the services or infrastructure (security, traffic) or cultural benefits.

Thank you ... I couldn't have said it better.

[Jdarg]

This reminds me of another "destination shopping" vacation spot that was once a beautiful, natural area--Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge. Lots of hotels, water parks, buffet restaurants, outlet malls, stores selling an unbelieveable amount of crap- and many of the people who vacation there never set foot on anything but the asphalt parking lots. I can't imagine spending our hard earned vacation time shopping and swimming in a pool.

It may seem wacko to us, but there you have it- it takes all kinds.

[mf]

This reminds me of another "destination shopping" vacation spot that was once a beautiful, natural area--Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge. Lots of hotels, water parks, buffet restaurants, outlet malls, stores selling an unbelieveable amount of crap- and many of the people who vacation there never set foot on anything but the asphalt parking lots. I can't imagine spending our hard earned vacation time shopping and swimming in a pool.

It may seem wacko to us, but there you have it- it takes all kinds.

that's true. you will get LOTS of people. but LOTS of people is not good marketing. LOTS of money is. the problem is that particular demographic who comes here to shop second rate mall stores cannot sustain the inflated home values of this area.

what does that mean for you? rentals become more competitive, rental values cannot sustain current mortgages, home values decrease, taxes decrease, county infrastructure negatively affected.

[mf]

More Condos in South Walton?
I did a Google search for "Grand Boulevard" and "Sandestin" and I got this link:

http://www.thetenpoundfactor.com/ani..._boulevard.swf

It says they plan to build 350 condos in Grand Boulevard in 2008. That's news to me.

to add fuel to the fire. i see here they have 350 condos and just built another 300 or so hotel room in grand boulevard.

how do they plan on filling these rooms? and if they do, what are all these people going to do for fun?

go to coldwater creek?

i'm worried about safety with all these potential college kids looking for cheap rooms at the beach and nothing for them to do.

[mf]

Quote: Sandestin, Florida, December 6, 2006 -Rising auspiciously.....



Believe me I am normally very excited about any auspicious rising, but not generally within this context.

hehe!

[sunspotbaby]

800,000 permanent residents???? I guess we better up the circulation of the paper!

[flyforfun]

Well, within 5 years it will be wall to wall tatto parlors and T-shirt shops. Parking lot will be a giant "go-cart" race track. Will start off looking like down town Atlanta and end up lick PC beach. Bahama's looking better every day!

[John R]

i couldn't get through part one, it was too heavy with awesome catchphrases like:

...dynamic lifestyle experience...
...Propitiously placed just across the street from Topsail State Preserve...
...immensely distinctive mixed-use center...
...premium lifestyle experience...
...sophisticated destination of this caliber...
This is more than a typical lifestyle retail center. It’s more cutting-edge...
...coveted lifestyle brands and restaurants...
...symphonious hub of construction and building... my favorite

i shudder to think of the hourly rate mr howard paid for such puffed up drivel.

[mf]

i couldn't get through part one, it was too heavy with awesome catchphrases like:

...dynamic lifestyle experience...
...Propitiously placed just across the street from Topsail State Preserve...
...immensely distinctive mixed-use center...
...premium lifestyle experience...
...sophisticated destination of this caliber...
This is more than a typical lifestyle retail center. It’s more cutting-edge...
...coveted lifestyle brands and restaurants...
...symphonious hub of construction and building... my favorite

i shudder to think of the hourly rate mr howard paid for such puffed up drivel.

hehehehehe!!!! that is hilarious!

sounds like the lyrics of a rap song!

[mf]

alright...i have successfully avoided doing any of my work today...i have to do *bookkeeping* today {{{{{{shuddderr}}}}}}} numbers are scary

so i'll get down off my soapbox and get to work

[beachmouse]

amen brotha!
HAHAHAHAHA!!!


anyhoo, people don't come to the south for chinese or italian! they want bbq, cajun and soul food!!! where are those places??? there's one in the village, but the food is not very good and when everyone working there is from eastern europe you kidn of lose the flavor....

jim and nicks i really like though and it's a good idea because it's local.

Do you know how much I'd give for truly great strip mall Chinese within a half hour of either home or work? For all the good Thai/Japanese/Korean you can find, the quality of Chinese food in this area is a really big disappointment.

There have been a lot of cajun/creole places to come and go over the years. For some reason, not many of them have long term staying power.

[SHELLY]

it's simply bad business. will NOT make them money and devalues the property. i can only hope that fortress investments who now owns intrawest will care enough to change the current course before any potential marketing benefits are destroyed before they just give up and dump the property.

From what I've read, Fortress "really" were after Intrawest's snow country properties. Private equity firms don't buy up businesses and make changes to please the customers...they load them up with debt, slap a bit of lipstick on the pig, suck them dry of every penny they can pillage and then toss them back as an IPO to the 'great unwashed masses.'...right Goofer?

[jimmyp5]

...dynamic lifestyle experience...
...Propitiously placed just across the street from Topsail State Preserve...
...immensely distinctive mixed-use center...
...premium lifestyle experience...
...sophisticated destination of this caliber...
This is more than a typical lifestyle retail center. It’s more cutting-edge...
...coveted lifestyle brands and restaurants...
...symphonious hub of construction and building... my favorite

"SHOPPING IS A FEELING."
-- David Byrne, in his film True Stories

[barefootguy]

Built along two miles of Emerald Coast Parkway, Grand Boulevard will ultimately have a wide and diverse array of retail and dining options ...


I think they must have meant 2 blocks. You can't stretch a 52 acre development for 2 miles.

[mf]

i just got this in my mailbox.
sandestin's further "panama city-fiication" of walton county

$79 A NIGHT! TO THE SAME MAILING LIST THAT RECEIVED 4 OFFERS OF $118 PER NIGHT. THE SMELL OF DESPERATION IS PALPABLE.

as for fortress, for sure, they only bough intrawest t to be in whistler for the olympics. and now once they see the rapid decline of this property they are sure to dump it as quickly as sandestin is dropping prices.


[IMG]<p>http://www.sandestin.com/email/images/inThisIssue_header.gif[/IMG] <p>
sandestin stays from $79
shop and stay<p>
ring in the new year
a sugar-white christmas<p>
the gift of sandestin<p>
boeing championship<p>
graffiti now open
make our world your home
a gift for the heart
tell a friend to win
holiday fun for everyone
grab a spoon and go<p>
[IMG]<p>http://www.sandestin.com/email/images/index_05.gif[/IMG]
sandestin stays from $79

Looking for a last-minute winter escape? Sandestin has the rate for you with wonderful winter offers including accommodations at the Bayside Inn starting from $79 per night. Rates are available now through March 1, 2007 with some date restrictions. Other restrictions may apply. Call 800.622.1038 to check rates and availability.

[Bobby J]

I just want a giant real live wave pool Please!!!

[SHELLY]

I just want a giant real live wave pool Please!!!

Try "The Gulf."

[Bobby J]

Try "The Gulf."

I have for years! That is why I want a Real live giant wave pool...

[Bobby J]

Here is what I am hoping for.... or I should say praying for....
http://www.ronjonsurfpark.com

[beachmouse]

If the planned Ron Jon's at Pier Park starts out strongly, you never know, they just might find a place to build one of those in PCB.

[Bobby J]

If the planned Ron Jon's at Pier Park starts out strongly, you never know, they just might find a place to build one of those in PCB.

It sure would beat all this shopping and give folks something to do on a rainy day or when the gulf is full of jellies.

[John R]

It sure would beat all this shopping and give folks something to do on a rainy day or when the gulf is full of jellies.

bobby, i think you should buy the grayton grand and drop the wave pool right there. it would make a lot better use of that property.

[kurt]

bobby, i think you should buy the grayton grand and drop the wave pool right there. it would make a lot better use of that property.

Considering all the debate is about wetlands on that property, wouldn't that be the ultimate irony?

[Smiling JOe]

You are so right. Have you ever watched beach TV? There is a spot for Destin Commons, and the quote is something very similar to "The Emerald Coast is now recognozed as one of the country's most important shopping destinations"! This always sounded very strange to me...what the hell is important about shopping for what is mostly clutter, and who on Earth except the Paris Hilton types go on vacation to shop? And from what I can tell, it looks like they are building the same stores that you can find just about anywhere else. Funny story, last night we went to the French Quarter to watch the Christmas lights being lit in Jackson Square. We walked by a Pottery Barn store on the edge of the Quarter, and a lady in a group walking next to us proclaimed "Why would I go to a Pottery Barn in the French Quarter?". My thoughts exactly.

Somewhere, I have read that the "factory stores" in Sandestin are the USA's "largest outlet mall." I think Factory Stores and Outlet Mall are different. Outlet Malls, like you find on I-85 in Jefferson, GA (ENE of ATL), offer great prices. The Factory Stores at Sandestin rarely have a discount from what I have seen, except the NIKE store.

Who shops on vacation? Skunky, I want you to attempt to drive past the Factory Stores in Sandestin on a rainy day in June. When the rain comes, everyone goes to the Outlet Mall. Also, other than the beach in Destin, Destin Commons is the single most visited place in Destin. Kids love playing in the fountains. I think they seem to like it more than playing at the beach. Like it or not, these shopping places are packed throughout the summer. Here at the beach, for retailers, we have three months of Christmas - June, July & August. December is just a bonus. It is not surprising to see the factory stores here, empty for most of December.

[Indigo Jill]

I believe this is the largest outlet mall in America, SJ. http://www.mallofamerica.com/ This is considered a "vacation destination". I know it seems like we are at the center of the world here but, really, there is a huge universe outside the Southeast everyone!

[Smiling JOe]

I believe this is the largest mall in America, SJ. http://www.mallofamerica.com/ This is considered a "vacation destination". I know it seems like we are at the center of the world here but, really, there is a huge universe outside the Southeast everyone!

I have no idea what the largest mall is, but what I heard was that the Factory Stores at Sandestin were the USA's largest "outlet mall."


From http://www.silversandsoutlet.com/htm...o/about_us.php
"The History and Vision Behind Silver Sands Factory Stores

What started as an empty shopping center and a vision held by one man has become the nation's largest designer outlet center.

Silver Sands Factory Stores, located just east of Destin, Fla., offers over 100 factory direct stores and some 450,000 square feet of retail space filled with designer merchandise at up to 75 percent off retail price. The five million plus shoppers a year can choose from such stores as Polo Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Jones New York, Bose, Coach, Liz Claiborne, Tommy Hilfiger, Lenox, Nike and Reebok - just to name a few."

[Indigo Jill]

Some frightening stats from the Mall of America website:
Did you know?

• 258 Statues of Liberty could lie inside the Mall
• If Mount Rushmore was divided into individual monuments, a president could reside in each of the Mall's four courts
• Mall of America is big enough to hold 32 Boeing 747s
• Seven Yankee Stadiums can fit inside Mall of America
• If a shopper spent 10 minutes browsing at every store, it would take them more than 86 hours to complete their visit to Mall of America
• There is no sales tax on clothing in Minnesota

[Indigo Jill]

I have no idea what the largest mall is, but what I heard was that the Factory Stores at Sandestin were the USA's largest "outlet mall."

My mistake...I edited the original post to include "outlet"...sorry about that. Mall of America IS an outlet mall...and the country's, if not world's, largest.

[Hollibird]

There are crazy people out there who love to get a 'good deal'. and will travel here for the shopping. all I know is that the "Outlet Mall' is just as expensive as everywhere else. but I still can't wait for the Tommy Bahama restaurant in sandestin. mmmmm. Destin Commons is always packed when I go.

[Jdarg]

There are crazy people out there who love to get a 'good deal'. and will travel here for the shopping. all I know is that the "Outlet Mall' is just as expensive as everywhere else. but I still can't wait for the Tommy Bahama restaurant in sandestin. mmmmm. Destin Commons is always packed when I go.

A Tommy Bahama restaurant? Do you have to dress in Tommy Bahama to go there?

Does branded food really taste better?

[30A Skunkape]

A Tommy Bahama restaurant? Do you have to dress in Tommy Bahama to go there?

Does branded food really taste better?

It is analagous to wearing the band's tshirt at the concert. Oh, what a faux pas

[Smiling JOe]

I believe this is the largest outlet mall in America, SJ. http://www.mallofamerica.com/ This is considered a "vacation destination". I know it seems like we are at the center of the world here but, really, there is a huge universe outside the Southeast everyone!

Does it really matter? The point is that people go shopping while at the beach. They sit in the Sun too much, get sunburned, then seek the releif of the shade. > Repeat.

[mf]

the largest outlet mall in the nation? do these people think i was born under a rock? hahaha! he seriously must think that nobody here travels at all.

in new jersey alone, there are at least 5 outlet malls larger than silver sands. http://www.harmonmeadow.com/pages/secaucusmap.html
(and better if you ask me!!)
and even the hundreds of cookie cutter outlet malls the dot the country like those from "the mills company" are larger than silver sands. http://www.themills.com/static/node80.jsp

so it's not the biggest or the best, but how can i even find the time to shope, when unlike other shopping centers around the country, there's nothing to do with your kids while you shop? there's no diversion for my 13 year old. even a bookstore!

it's not like other real malls or tourist places that have video arcades, skateparks, a movie theater or indoor sporting or other fun activities that will keep them busy.

as for the wave pool, sandestin actually sold most of their condos based on a model that showed a water park with a wave pool. of course, they pretended that was never promised after they sold all the condos! they still have the model at the soa office. i'm not sure why, unless it's to taunt people!

[Bobby J]

We need things for kids to do here. I am amazed that no one has gone after this. Maybe rents are just too high to sustain a business that goes after that market. My wife and I have looked but I can not make the numbers work. The rental rates are too high.... $20 per sq foot plus just does not work for any kid based business .

[goofer44]

What our area really needs is a good kosher deli !! what do you guys do when you have a craving for a pastrami or corned beef on rye with a round potato knish and a kosher pickle ???? How about some good fresh made chopped chicken liver.....and ruggalah for dessert. Now thats good eatin !!

p.s. i like pf changs.

[Smiling JOe]

What our area really needs is a good kosher deli !! what do you guys do when you have a craving for a pastrami or corned beef on rye with a round potato knish and a kosher pickle ???? How about some good fresh made chopped chicken liver.....and ruggalah for dessert. Now thats good eatin !!

p.s. i like pf changs.

I have never craved a sandwich.