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What's Up at Prominence?

Beach Comber
52,924 views
Prominence

Has anyone heard anything as far as pricing\release info for this neighborhood located next to Watersound?

Thx.

Replies

268
Beach Lover
#27
Re: Prominence

I disagree. I live about a mile from "Prominence" and I'd glady attend events at their theatre. Also, the Seaside Rep. is based in Seaside, but they also travel to other venues to put on shows--Rosemary, Baytowne, etc. Most of the larger developments also all have concerts, outdoor movies, etc. and there doesn't seem to by any problems with competition. There isn't anywhere on 30A that has movies (first run or classic) in an indoor theater.


All that is true, and I have always wished there was a movie theater closer to Seaside. I just never thought anyone could make one ecomomically viable on 30-A.

All that said, I'll never have a problem with more entertainment options :clap_1:
Smiling JOe avatar
SoWal Expert
#28
Re: Prominence

All that is true, and I have always wished there was a movie theater closer to Seaside. I just never thought anyone could make one ecomomically viable on 30-A.

All that said, I'll never have a problem with more entertainment options :clap_1:


Actually, the movie theatre part will probably work fine as long as they show the Truman Show as their weekly movie. just kidding. Since I first heard the planners say that they wanted a movie theatre to be the anchor to the town, just like many small towns in the south used to have a Martin Theatre, I laughed because I have an idea of what the big movies cost to run them. However, if they show movies that are old and out on DVD's, they can probably pay show them for free as a form of babysitting. That would work. Don't hold your breath to see newly released movies at Prominence because the math just doesn't work.

A little more about my rant on Prominence over the last two days:
After further thought on my comments, I do want to say that I think the planners of Prominence did some good research to find things which make a town feel much like home. These things did include the "concept" of a variety of people from different socio-economic classes. They conveyed a vision of a real community filled with working class as well as the well to do. My real problem is that, while I agree with the things which they said made a real town, I knew then and know now, that it was impossible to pull off. Real estate prices were increasing at too high of a rate when Prominence was even in the conceptual phase a year and a half ago. I have stated before that I feel like SoWal is becoming much more monotone with every day that passes. I am referring to the people of SoWal? Living here, I do not encounter a wide mix of people, like when I first moved here only a short time ago. My frustration grows larger with the known problems of the future in SoWal, where we build more homes, without planning for the people who provide the services required in a resort community. If you think it is difficult to find a plumber today, wait 3 years down the road. I just hope SoWal does not go the way I see it where we have plenty of homes for the wealthy, but no services to keep them going.

In summary, my problem is not with Prominence. My problem is that the demand of property here has outpriced many cool artist-type and service oriented people from relocating here. Having been around so many average-income people in different towns, I have grown to miss their company and the diversity which they offer. I wish Prominence the best as they move forward.
Beach Runner avatar
beats on hood
#29
Re: Prominence

I just think that people are getting scared about the overdevelopment of 30-A. It's not the quiet little area that it was even three years ago. The traffic is really annoying. With so many properties available, supply and demand will reduce our rental rates and property resale values. I remember when people flipped out over big signs down here. High-rise developments are much more objectionable to me than a big sign because they're out of character with what attracted me to 30-A in the first place and will generate even more traffic to to the high population density of the development.

I know that people have a right to build on the property they've bought, but aren't there any zoning laws to control the density? And why is it that the mantra on 30-A at one time was "no chains," and now we have a Starbucks, a Publix, and perhaps a movie theatre soon - will it be independent or run by Carmike (or another chain)?

Don't get me wrong - I love it here. But i wish there could be a moratorium on building until an organized plan for the development of 30-A takes traffic and other issues into consideration.

Just a humble opinion. This is not my area of expertise.
Smiling JOe avatar
SoWal Expert
#30
Re: Prominence

I just think that people are getting scared about the overdevelopment of 30-A. It's not the quiet little area that it was even three years ago. The traffic is really annoying. With so many properties available, supply and demand will reduce our rental rates and property resale values. I remember when people flipped out over big signs down here. High-rise developments are much more objectionable to me than a big sign because they're out of character with what attracted me to 30-A in the first place and will generate even more traffic to to the high population density of the development.

I know that people have a right to build on the property they've bought, but aren't there any zoning laws to control the density? And why is it that the mantra on 30-A at one time was "no chains," and now we have a Starbucks, a Publix, and perhaps a movie theatre soon - will it be independent or run by Carmike (or another chain)?

Don't get me wrong - I love it here. But i wish there could be a moratorium on building until an organized plan for the development of 30-A takes traffic and other issues into consideration.

Just a humble opinion. This is not my area of expertise.

Speaking of chains and franchises, 30-A now has a second Subway. :puke:
Miss Kitty avatar
Meow
#31
Re: Prominence

Speaking of chains and franchises, 30-A now has a second Subway. :puke:


I agree with you my vomiter smilie friend! I can understand the Publix...not ON 30-A, but how is it the Starbucks was able to lease here? BR brings up good points here about the subtle and "sneaky" changes. My fear is the chains will be the only ones able to pay the rents around the area and we will lose our favorite eating ans shopping places. That said, I will do my part to help them pay the rent in Oct. I hardly "remember" how to cook anymore...but I make the best reservations!!!
josebby avatar
Beach Lover
#32
First Release of Prominence

I received an email today regarding the first release in Prominence, located on both sides of 30-A, just east of the WaterSound Beach Gatehouse and Beach Club, with the south side of the development surrounded by WaterSound Beach.

As it includes "the proposed largest amount of commercial space on 30-A, Prominence will be the hub for the 18 mile stretch." It will have an European Spa, resort hotel, town hall and chapel, an 'old time' movie theatre, bed & breakfast, bank, casual eateries, upscale restaurants, boutiques & everyday sundries.

Also pools, tennis courts, multi-family, condos above retail and two story parking garages.

Phase One pricing...south of 30-A but no direct beach access:

Row homes (3,100+ sf) starting at $2.4 million...2 of 7 reserved

Lots between $740,000 and $896,000...4 of 25 reserved


Opinions, please!
Beach Fanatic
#33
Re: First Release of Prominence

No wonder they had to clear cut it - they needed the room. :bang:


Beach Comber
#34
Re: First Release of Prominence

I understand that there is no beach access for this development.
Smiling JOe avatar
SoWal Expert
#35
Re: First Release of Prominence

Have you seen the sketches of the Row Houses? :puke: This is quite different from the prices they were throwing around, $250K, when they presented Prominence as an inclusive community where all economic ranges come together. Amazing how money changes things.

EllieDog, you are correct. The owners and guest are supposed to go to Deer Lake for Public Beach Access... on a tram I heard. :shock:
John R avatar
needs to get out more
#36
Re: First Release of Prominence

st. joe should have paid the piper...
Miss Kitty avatar
Meow
#37
Re: First Release of Prominence

st. joe should have paid the piper...

Yep.
Sally avatar
Beach Fanatic
#38
Re: Prominence

From Walton Sun

Prominence, one of South Walton?s newest planned communities is situated between WaterSound and Deer Lake State Park and offers a downtown district on a manmade harbor that features shops, restaurants and an oldstyle theatre for plays and movies.
The harbor is the only waterfront at this land-locked community, but Prominence Realty Inc. broker Sherry Carter is not concerned about the lack of beachfront. A short trip west on the bike path leads to Deer Lake State Park and beach access, when desired. Carter noted many visitors spend one day at the beach, and then look for other activities during their stay.
Prominence is a different type of community, Carter said. With both commercial and residential areas planned for the project, Deer Lake Development LLC, developers of Prominence promise a small town atmosphere with activities evoking an earlier time. There will be concerts, festivals and art shows. Space for a chapel near the Gulf has also been planned.
It will be a destination where families can come and relax, shop and eat without leaving the property, Carter said.
Developers have set up a sales office on County Road 30A and cleared land in preparation for the first phase of the 65-acre town ? row homes that will be reminiscent of those on a New England harbor.
Construction starts this spring
Within two months, work on the first row homes will begin.
All the homes will offer a distinctive New England coastal architecture with the latest technology. With impactresistant windows and insulated concrete forms, the homes will be hurricane resistant. They will also be built to fortified standards with geothermal heat and air systems and will qualify for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ? a Green Building Rating that stresses energy conservation and protection of the environment.
The three-story row homes, with prices starting in the mid-$2 million range, also feature private courtyards with splash pools and outdoor fireplaces.
goofer avatar
Beach Fanatic
#39
Re: First Release of Prominence

st. joe should have paid the piper...
i have a hard time believing this will be a successful development. st. joe may pick it up when the developer runs out of money because of sales not reaching projections. way over priced imo.
SHELLY avatar
SoWal Insider
#40
Re: Prominence

From Walton Sun

The harbor is the only waterfront at this land-locked community, but Prominence Realty Inc. broker Sherry Carter is not concerned about the lack of beachfront. Carter noted many visitors spend one day at the beach, and then look for other activities during their stay.
Construction starts this spring
Within two months, work on the first row homes will begin.
The three-story row homes, with prices starting in the mid-$2 million range, also feature private courtyards with splash pools and outdoor fireplaces.

Talk about whistling while Rome burns! :cool:
Uncle Timmy avatar
Beach Fanatic
#41
Re: Prominence

From Walton Sun

They will also be built to fortified standards with geothermal heat and air systems and will qualify for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ? a Green Building Rating that stresses energy conservation and protection of the environment.

Protection of the environment? Wasn't this land clear cut? Ridiculous.
Chickpea avatar
Beach Fanatic
#42
Re: Prominence

Protection of the environment? Wasn't this land clear cut? Ridiculous.
It certainly looks like it was clear cut and now stands desolate, like an island of nothing surrounded by Sowal's exquisite landscape. I just canot imagine looking around and saying, "yep, I just need to buy me one of these...."
peapod1980 avatar
percy
#43
Re: Prominence

All the homes will offer a distinctive New England coastal architecture with the latest technology.
The logic of this sort of thing continues to escape me.
Miss Kitty avatar
Meow
#44
Re: Prominence

The logic of this sort of thing continues to escape me.

Me too. The rendering looks like townhomes in a downtown area.
Smiling JOe avatar
SoWal Expert
#45
Re: Prominence

come on people, don't you want one of these beautes?:idontno:

Personally, I think these rowhouses are about $1.5 M over-priced. Write $600,000 on the back of your business card and present it to the seller.
Miss Kitty avatar
Meow
#46
Re: Prominence

come on people, don't you want one of these beautes?:idontno:

Personally, I think these rowhouses are about $1.5 M over-priced. Write $600,000 on the back of your business card and present it to the seller.

:blink: ...I think I'll pass. First the name would have to change...I couldn't say it with a straight face. Second...I don't want no brick house at the beach.
iqueequeg avatar
Beach Lover
#47
Re: First Release of Prominence

i have a hard time believing this will be a successful development. st. joe may pick it up when the developer runs out of money because of sales not reaching projections. way over priced imo.

I agree. St. Joe is currently not moving Watersound and Watersound West lots at the same price. These are lots also south of 30a, but with direct beach access and other amenties associated with the community. Prominences amenities seem to be mainly shopping/dining, which I would presume are available to anyone who walks/drives in. I don't see how they're going to make it work.
Beach Fanatic
#48
Re: Prominence

Just saw this in today's kurt photos - looks like the world's largest Koi pond.

Bizarre.

Smiling JOe avatar
SoWal Expert
#49
Re: Prominence

Just saw this in today's kurt photos - looks like the world's largest Koi pond.

Bizarre.

:floor::floor::floor: I think they are calling it a New England Harbour.
Jim Tucker avatar
Beach Fanatic
#50
Re: Prominence

:scratch:
gardening1970 avatar
Beach Fanatic
#51
Re: Prominence

I can't believe the developer performed any market research before selecting that name. Any 3 people at a cocktail party could have advised against that name. I thought I was the only one who hated "Prominence" until I read this strand. Probably the cheesiest name I've heard, and I live in Atlanta where cheesy subdivision names are the norm.

On the flip side, I think JOE does a good job of name selection... WaterColor, WaterSound, Windmark, SummerCamp, RiverCamp ... none of those is offensive to my ear. I think Rummell calls it "place making".

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