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Redfish Village

Sally avatar
SallyBeach Fanatic
10,006 views
By Joyce Owen

With twice the number of businesses that can be accommodated hoping to land a spot at Redfish Village, developers are reviewing each candidate for the correct balance, said Tom Rymer, New Orchard Group?s executive vice president of sales and marketing.
New Orchard Group, Redfish Village developers, has a plan to create a gathering place for the neighborhood combining 42,000 square feet of office and retail space with 80 residential condos.
?The developers want this to be a place where people want to come because there are a variety of things to do,? Redfish Village sales associate Allen Adams said.
Redfish Village is located on the corner of County Highways 30A and 83 near Blue Mountain Beach, however, the developers took the name from Big Redfish Lake, a coastal dune lake that abuts the property to the west.
?The commercial spaces, which are available for purchase rather than lease, were announced in July,? Rymer said.
Retail spaces range between 1,500 and 2,000 square feet and are listed from $763,000 to $999,000. Office units with 550 to 735 square feet range in price from $275,000 to $399,000.
The village has a central plaza that is convenient to the restaurants and boutiques located in the retail and office buildings. In the Ice House, a two-story building near the front of the property with open-air meeting areas three restaurants ? David Seering?s Piano Club, Beach Walk at Redfish Village and Lee?s Famous Recipe ? are planned. PJs Coffee and Planet Smoothie, a coffee shop and smoothie bar, will be near the pool and amphitheater. Wachovia Bank will occupy the first floor of the office complex. Other businesses scheduled to move into the Village are Aesthetic Clinique, Morgan Financial Advisors Inc. and H20 Properties. Developers are also in negotiations with a day spa, Rymer said. There are more exciting announcements to come, as Rymer hinted at high end clothing and jewelry stores and an art gallery that have expressed interest in the new project.
Rymer anticipates completing construction by December, and he expects many of the businesses will be ready to open in the spring.

_________________________________________________________

When Tom Rymer stood on the second floor of one of the residential condominiums at Redfish Village, what he sought wasn?t the usual Gulf view but instead, he looked east toward Big Redfish Lake. Though many buyers look first for that sought-after ebb and flow of the Gulf, for Rymer, a New Orchard Group vice president, the coastal dune lake surrounded by natural vegetation was a bonus he hoped homeowners would come to appreciate.
There are two four-story condominium buildings at Redfish Village being developed by the New Orchard Group. The two- and three-bedroom units range in size from 1,185 square feet to 1,635 square feet and are listed from $900,000 to $1.5 million, with four floor plans available. The condos have 10-foot ceilings, granite countertops, hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances. Each unit has a covered parking space and valet parking is provided.
One building combines residential and commercial space, while the other is strictly residential.
Residents will have many opportunities to enjoy the water, as there is an owner?s-only beach boardwalk to the Gulf and a dock on the lake. There are also two pools, an amphitheatre, children?s play garden and walking and biking trails around the lake.
For more information on Redfish Village: (850) 622-5705 or go to www. redfishvillage.com

Edited

Replies

27
BlueMtnBeachVagrant avatar
BlueMtnBeachVagrantBeach Fanatic
#2
From www.redfishvillage.com website....

"A private pavilion just a short stroll away links the village to some of the world's most breathtaking beaches."

Does anyone out there know where this "private pavilion" is located?
Thanks in advance.
sherry avatar
sherryBeach Comber
#3
I am not exactly sure, but heard they bought a lot on the Gulf that will have the private access and pavillion for Redfish Village owners only. I think it is suppose to be just to the east of the development. I have seen photos, but can't seem to pinpoint exact location. I am not sure if they will walk there, drive and park or what??:idontno:
Smiling JOe avatar
Smiling JOeSoWal Expert
#4
From www.redfishvillage.com website....

"A private pavilion just a short stroll away links the village to some of the world's most breathtaking beaches."

Does anyone out there know where this "private pavilion" is located?
Thanks in advance.
My guess is that it is a "marketing tool." Heck, you could say that 30A links the village to some of the world's most....

I am on Big Redfish Lake all the time and I have seen no such pavilion owned by Redfish Village around the Lake or the Gulf. There are a couple of pavilions built by Sanctuary at Redfish, located on the Lake. I guess it is possible that they the pavilion is yet to be built. :idontno:
whitesysBeach Comber
#5
The "Beach Access Lot" legal description is
"Lot 7, Block 13, Blue Mountain Beach Subdivision No. 1"

From the map, it appears to be the sixth gulf front lot east of CR83
(between Sand Dunes Rd and Gulf Point Rd)
BlueMtnBeachVagrant avatar
BlueMtnBeachVagrantBeach Fanatic
#6
My guess is that it is a "marketing tool." Heck, you could say that 30A links the village to some of the world's most....

I am on Big Redfish Lake all the time and I have seen no such pavilion owned by Redfish Village around the Lake or the Gulf. There are a couple of pavilions built by Sanctuary at Redfish, located on the Lake. I guess it is possible that they the pavilion is yet to be built. :idontno:

I understand what you're saying regarding "marketing tool".

However they did use the words "private pavilion" on their website. Their project does NOT adjoin the beach unlike the Sanctuary which does adjoin the lake. Sounds like there should be a private walkover somewhere. Thanks for the reply.




The "Beach Access Lot" legal description is
"Lot 7, Block 13, Blue Mountain Beach Subdivision No. 1"

From the map, it appears to be the sixth gulf front lot east of CR83
(between Sand Dunes Rd and Gulf Point Rd)

You seem to have a handle on things considering this is your first post! 😀 :welcome:

That's what I heard from others in the area. I also heard that the county shot down their attempt to build a walkover on that property for basically "commercial" purposes in a residential neighborhood.

Now, it APPEARS that they have purchased the property 3 lots to the west of the 83 public access. It would be logical to assume that they are attempting to do the same thing there. This is also a "residential" area.

Considering what's at stake, I'm just concerned with what might happen because of the pressure they have put on themselves in regards to the promised "private pavilion" as stated on their website and probably their brochures.

Everyone who has any property in a residential area south of 30A should be also be concerned with the outcome. This is not just a beachfront issue.

Any more input would be very much appreciated.
wallymomBeach Lover
#7
Hi Whitesys!

Glad to see you're on top of things!!!😀
whitesysBeach Comber
#8
Hi back at you wallymom.

And hi to wally and scooter
(I have heard that they really want to visit the house on 30A) :floor:
Dreaming watercolorBeach Comber
#9
quoting from sales literature " An owners-only, private gateway and vista to the the white sand beaches of the gulf of mexico is just a short stroll away. In addition to private access to some of the world's most stunning beaches, Redfish village beachwalk features bicycle parking,outdoor showers, and beach chair and umbrella rentals."
BlueMtnBeachVagrant avatar
BlueMtnBeachVagrantBeach Fanatic
#10
There was some question from the neighbors about it being allowed but I was told by the developer a couple of months ago that it was a done deal on the lot whitesys noted. The developer also has donated money to improve the access at 83.

There will also be a dock on the lake but it will be on the property north of 30A.


I heard it was NOT a "done deal" regarding the beach access. Maybe that's why they bought the following and closed on 8/31/06...


This from ecarmls.com...

260 BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH RD

MLS#: 407640p
SoldPrice: $5,045,000
DOM: 315
BuyerName: Redfish Village
CloseDate: 08/31/2006
DUC: 122
NewMortType: CONVENTIONAL
ContractDate: 05/01/2006
PrjClsDate: 08/31/2006
SaleNotes: Also listed as land mls 423020
SellingOff: ERMS RE/MAX SOUTHERN REALTY
SellAgt: E1827 MOLLY KEHOE

Tax record...
http://64.234.218.210/cgi-bin/walton_display.cgi?KEY=12-3S-20-34000-001-0032

The above is the 3rd lot west of the 83 beach access that I was referring to earlier. It lies right in the middle of 2 adjacent single family residences.


I'm hoping that someone "in the know" will shine some light on this situation.

Again, the reason I point this out is that this situation can happen to ANYONE who owns property along 30A (gulf front or not) in Walton County if Redfish is allowed to proceed as I suspect they would like to.

One other thing... Why would they even want to "develop" another access when the BMB public beach access (major access) is actually located closer? I guess the only reason I can see now is that they are contracturally obligated.

Kurt, you even shared that they had donated money to improve the beach access. The problem I see with this is that if the county were to build restroom facilities, then parking (which is already at a premium) will be reduced for those who must drive from other parts of the county to get to the beach.
BPickelTDCBeach Lover
#11
The TDC upgrades at the Blue Mountain Beach Regional Access (CR83) will include a restroom but will NOT include a reduction in current parking. The restroom will include one male and one female stall with a small janitors closet in the middle, it is about half or less than our current restroom size. Current parking design is for 20 spots that include some ADA-compliant spots that we don't have now but want. We hope to have it under construction this fall/winter. It has been delayed due to hurricane damages and reconstruction efforts.

As for the donation by Redfish, it was to pay for landscaping, and brickpavers at the access entryway.
BlueMtnBeachVagrant avatar
BlueMtnBeachVagrantBeach Fanatic
#12
Thanks Brad for setting me (us) straight regarding the proposed improvements at BMB Regional Access. I had heard there were plans for restrooms but wasn't sure of the final status.

Can you shed any light on my original question regarding Redfish Village and their proposed use for their acquired residential lot(s) on Blue Mountain Road?

I assume that whatever Redfish does will be kept private and not fall under TDC's jurisdiction. However, what is TDC's official posture when it comes to what I perceive Redfish desires to do with the lot(s)?

The county has accepted private funds from them for public use. I have no problem with that part of the equation. I just don't "payback" to come at the expense of private home owners in our area.

Respectfully,
BMBV
BPickelTDCBeach Lover
#13
Thanks Brad for setting me (us) straight regarding the proposed improvements at BMB Regional Access. I had heard there were plans for restrooms but wasn't sure of the final status.

Can you shed any light on my original question regarding Redfish Village and their proposed use for their acquired residential lot(s) on Blue Mountain Road?

I assume that whatever Redfish does will be kept private and not fall under TDC's jurisdiction. However, what is TDC's official posture when it comes to what I perceive Redfish desires to do with the lot(s)?

The county has accepted private funds from them for public use. I have no problem with that part of the equation. I just don't "payback" to come at the expense of private home owners in our area.

Respectfully,
BMBV

I can't speak for the TDC; however, I will try to answer a couple of things. One it was made EXTREMELY, VERY, CRYSTAL clear that participating in the access would not have any bearing on existing or new plans that the development has. There is no quid pro quo. Actually, this has happened three times in the past 5-6 years when private individuals/organizations financially participated in making County accesses better. Not often though :cool:

The TDC, a County agency :blush: , already maintains four accesses from CR83 east to the end of Blue Mtn Rd so NO we would not have any desire to develop any other accesses in that area. There are more areas that are much more needy for access and with the money we have spent on recovering from hurricanes, we already have a backlog of projects. Start commercial, "The TDC is funded completely with Tourist Development Taxes paid by visitors to our area and not by other County tax revenue streams. We export the cost of beach management to the visitor. This means no visitors, no money, no accesses", end commercial.

Finally, no I am not involved, nor aware more than the rest of you, on what is happening with those lots. I can tell you that the Planning department reviews all developments for compatibility and proper zoning and makes their reccomendations to the BCC so they would have the best information if you are interested. Sorry not more help, just wanted to chime in as asked. Thanks BMBV!
BlueMtnBeachVagrant avatar
BlueMtnBeachVagrantBeach Fanatic
#14
I can't speak for the TDC; however, I will try to answer a couple of things. One it was made EXTREMELY, VERY, CRYSTAL clear that participating in the access would not have any bearing on existing or new plans that the development has. There is no quid pro quo. Actually, this has happened three times in the past 5-6 years when private individuals/organizations financially participated in making County accesses better. Not often though :cool:
Considering that Redfish has apparently purchased 2 lots on the same street AND what I perceive to be unfulfilled obligations on Redfish's part, at a minimum, I still have a suspicious streak in me. Who wouldn't?


The TDC, a County agency :blush: , already maintains four accesses from CR83 east to the end of Blue Mtn Rd so NO we would not have any desire to develop any other accesses in that area. There are more areas that are much more needy for access and with the money we have spent on recovering from hurricanes, we already have a backlog of projects. Start commercial, "The TDC is funded completely with Tourist Development Taxes paid by visitors to our area and not by other County tax revenue streams. We export the cost of beach management to the visitor. This means no visitors, no money, no accesses", end commercial.
I've understood TDC's roll in all of this. However I was just wondering if there was a possibility of some arrangement where Redfish's obligations are satisfied and the county gets another access - indirectly speaking since the Redfish people would not need to use the 83 public access leaving it and the immediate beach area more available for others. With this in mind, would TDC use any influence on zoning or land use decisions? Based on what you've said earlier and also below, the answer is no. Right?


Finally, no I am not involved, nor aware more than the rest of you, on what is happening with those lots. I can tell you that the Planning department reviews all developments for compatibility and proper zoning and makes their reccomendations to the BCC so they would have the best information if you are interested. Sorry not more help, just wanted to chime in as asked. Thanks BMBV!
I (we) personally have had experience with "recommendations" being made to the BCC where the BCC's resulting decision cost us to defend our very clear position (and we ultimately prevailed). The point is that even if "it's not right" doesn't mean that the BCC would not approve it anyway. I just don't want any private home owners to be "bulldozed" by the bigger parties involved. That's it.


I know all of us really appreciate everything that you and TDC does for the county. The THANKS truly go to you for taking the extra time to add your thoughts here!
Advance The Man avatar
Advance The ManBeach Lover
#15
Considering the lot purchased had a price tag of $5,000,000 and a loan around $3,000,000, it's hard to believe the developer would not have some sort of agreement or guarantee in place from the BCC or Planning already. Any developer worth his salt would not fork out that kind of money without the guarantee of development.
Lisa Ruby avatar
Lisa RubyBeach Fanatic
#16
Considering the lot purchased had a price tag of $5,000,000 and a loan around $3,000,000, it's hard to believe the developer would not have some sort of agreement or guarantee in place from the BCC or Planning already. Any developer worth his salt would not fork out that kind of money without the guarantee of development.

Hmmm....not so sure they really do their homework, especially newcomers to Walton County. The Nature Walk developers have two gulf front homes for re-sale in Seagrove they had intended for similar use where such a plan did not work because of improper zoning. Finally acheived their goal when they shelled out 16M for a piece that had proper zoning....
GoodWitch58Beach Fanatic
#17
Don't know about this developer, but there are at least six in the area who have not done there homework: when I asked them "what did your Market Research show?" about buyers for the units, they looked at me as though I was from another planet...now, there are cleared areas with development orders, but no building. Buildings with no buyers, flippers with no one to flip to...so, there could well be a $5M lot with no real plans.....it has happened.
:idontno:
BlueMtnBeachVagrant avatar
BlueMtnBeachVagrantBeach Fanatic
#18
Hmmm....not so sure they really do their homework, especially newcomers to Walton County. The Nature Walk developers have two gulf front homes for re-sale in Seagrove they had intended for similar use where such a plan did not work because of improper zoning. Finally acheived their goal when they shelled out 16M for a piece that had proper zoning....
Very interesting post! Thanks!

Do you have any idea what "proper zoning" would be that would allow a remote development to use beachfront residential property for access and amenities? Commercial? Village Mixed Use?
Lisa Ruby avatar
Lisa RubyBeach Fanatic
#19
Commercial or VMU would probably work for an access/beach club, but I can't imagine anything less than those classifications would pass....involvement of surrounding property owners should definitely have an impact on any decision.
Pirate avatar
PirateBeach Fanatic
#20
Don't know about this developer, but there are at least six in the area who have not done there homework: when I asked them "what did your Market Research show?" about buyers for the units, they looked at me as though I was from another planet...now, there are cleared areas with development orders, but no building. Buildings with no buyers, flippers with no one to flip to...so, there could well be a $5M lot with no real plans.....it has happened.
:idontno:

Be interesting to see them try to squeeze 5m back out of that property.:roll:

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