Biloxi and the Coast

[tombarnes]

Well, that's what I'm hoping will happen too. We may need to see a few more condos built (and filled) before the restaurant activity heats up. Once the condos are in place, there may be a natrual selection in the restaurant scene. I fully agree about the chain places creating a trashy appearance. The "strip" is Biloxi's face to the world and should be unblemished.

[tombarnes]

Condo Craze Continues Unabated

Biloxi's condo-mania shows little sign of abatement. The condos are increasingly smaller, exhibiting a trend towards owners renting their units out as hotel rooms when not in use. An announcement about the Broadwater project should be forthcoming in the next month or so.

The Sun Herald

[tombarnes]

Chateau de la Mer Condominiums in Gulfport Meet the Landfill

One of the last major eyesores on Gulfport's waterfront is being demolished. Damage from Katrina was too extensive for the Chateau de la Mer condominium complex to be restored. It will be totally gone within two weeks. A developer from Hattiesburg has bought the property and is likely to propose a new condo for the site.

WLOX Channel 13 video clip included

[TONYCLT]

Its about time those condos were an eyesore before Katrina, Hopefully they will build something nice to fill in the spot.

[DruidCity]

Biloxi Mayor A.J. Holloway, said casinos have bought more than 100 acres of property in the city since the hurricane and plan for major expansion. After the storm he predicted that in 10 years Biloxi will have 18 to 22 casinos with twice as many hotel rooms and 30,000 jobs.

http://www.sunherald.com/185/story/50664.html

[tombarnes]

Mayor Holloway Discusses Plans for Biloxi at the Southern Gaming Summit

Mayor Holloway discussed plans for several projects at the Southern Gaming Summit today. Word has it that Harrah's will make their long-awaited announcement next Wednesday. It appears that a Horseshoe property may be built on the site of the original Grand Casino. This has not been confirmed, so I would not believe anything before hearing a confirmation next week. There is also a possibility that additional properties could be developed on the large parcels of land owned by the company.

Torguson Gaming is proceeding with their plans for the Bacaran Bay project. This will have over 600 hotel rooms and almost as many condo units. Another possible property is the proposed Bayview Casino which could have another 500 rooms. The Palace is considering the addition of a 400 room tower as well. Major projects are in the works for Gulfport, though the projected 3000 rooms ( in three separate properties) there could take up to 10 years to build.

The Sun Herald

Edited May 10, 2007 by tombarnes

[DruidCity]

That's cool. I'm staying at the Palace next week. The rooms there are extremely nice for the price.

[tombarnes]

Seaside Condo-Hotel

A major developemnt which had slipped under my radar is the Seaside Condominium-Hotel complex planned for 1782 Beach Boulevard. The site was formerly an amusement park. The complex is expected to include several mid-rise towers. Unfortunately, it appears that the developers aren't taking any chances with cutting-edge design. In any event, the project appears to be a go.

Seaside Condominium-Hotel

[tombarnes]

IP Plans $100m in Upgrades and Expansion

The IP Casino plans $100m in expansion projects which will include expanded meeting space and a new Asian restaurant. They will announce more about their plans next week. I wonder if new rooms are part of this? According to their statements, the property will be essentially "new" once their expansion is completed. Having stayed there in November, I can vouch for the fact that the property bears little resemblance to its pre-Katrina days.

The Sun Herald

[DruidCity]

The IP Casino plans $100m in expansion projects ... Having stayed there in November, I can vouch for the fact that the property bears little resemblance to its pre-Katrina days. The Sun Herald

The IP is easily one of the most improved properties on the Mississippi coast.

I couldn't believe how nice their Brazilian steakhouse was a couple of days ago.

It impressed me as much as any of the restaurants I've been to in Las Vegas.

[tombarnes]

Ocean Club Condo Casino Confusion

A news release by the public relations company representing the Ocean Club referred to the possibility of the condominium obtaining a casino license. While this is a possibility, it is also true that the land is not zoned for casino operations, nor is a variance likely. The developer of the Ocean Club, Drake Leddy of San Antonio, does have a partnership in a race track there. The confusion may have been an inadvertent mistake by the publicists. In any event, there isn't likely to be a casino here any time soon. Plans for Phases II and III are in the works. The first tower (18 floors) should be open later this year.

WLOX Channel 13 News - video included

Edited May 22, 2007 by tombarnes

[TONYCLT]

Has Harrahs released a rendering of there project yet?

[tombarnes]

Harrah's has not yet released anything in the way of renderings of the proposed project in Biloxi. I'd like to think that this could be something spectacular, but the theming and general mid-market aim of what has been suggested so far lead me to believe that this could be less-than spectacular. Still, I hope for the best. Mostly, I'm just glad to see the big hole on the waterfront filled.

[TONYCLT]

I think that all casinos in Biloxi should be built between Point Cadet and Interstate 110, that would give Biloxi a nice gaming district.

[tombarnes]

Ocean Club Condominium May Develop Casino

Drake Leddy, the San Antonio developer of the Ocean Club admits that the release of information about his hopes for a casino at the site was "premature." While the site is not zoned for casinos, this does not mean there won't be one on the site. Mr. Leddy has a lot of money and a zoning variance would come as no great surprise. Stay tuned for more...

WLOX Channel 13 News- video

[tombarnes]

South Beach Condominium/Hotel

I may have mentioned this 326 unit development earlier in this thread, but this is the first time I have seen renderings of the project. It's not bad, but could be a bit more daring.

South Beach Biloxi

[Eldwen]

I found this on Wlox.com, it contains a few possible images for the new Margaritaville Casino.

http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=6583386

Enjoy.

[TONYCLT]

What a great concept it will be a nice addition to the coast.

[tombarnes]

Hey Eldwen, thank for posting the newsclip! The renderings are better than I might have hoped for. So far, the project looks attractive! BTW, welcome to the forum.

[TONYCLT]

These are a few pictures I just found of Fort Mass. on ship island, they were taken before Katrina.

[tombarnes]

Great pictures Tony! Thanks for sharing them. I have yet to get out to the islands myself. I must make a point to do so on my next visit to the Coast.

[tombarnes]

The Avalon- Biloxi

The old Gulf Towers will soon reemerge as the Avalon, a condo/hotel near the Beau Rivage in downtown Biloxi. The transformation from a klunky 1960's box is remarkable. The video shows rooms which look appealing and the lobby looks good too. There will be a restaurant, but I think this will be leased out, so I'm not sure what it will be like. In any event, its a quantum leap from the tired old apartment building it once was.

The Avalon- video

[Beukeboom]

The last time I was over in Biloxi visiting my inlaws, I noticed the construction going on at the Edgewater Shopping Center. It's good to see it finally being rebuilt. Anyone know what businesses, if any, are planning on moving in once construction is finished? I hope the New Orleans Gumbo Company returns. My wife and I ate there pre-Katrina and didn't get back until post-Katrina.

I just hate seeing the coastal area going condo like Panama City Beach has become.

[tombarnes]

I know that the major construction there now is the Dillard's store, which is being completely rebuilt. As far as other stores, I'll have to check on that for you.

[tombarnes]

Public vs. Private Use Debate- Tullis Toledano Manor Site

The Biloxi City Council will debate an issue today which may have greater consequences than may be first apparent. Certain factions wish to sell the property while others want to see the Seafood Museum, destroyed by Katrina, rebuilt on this site. While the site would undoubtedly fetch millions from any developer, the idea of all of Biloxi's waterfront property landing in private hands is not a cheerful prospect. There must be a few places along the waterfront for public use. A museum on this site would be far better than another casino. I'm not sticking my head in the sand against development. I merely think that the city needs to follow the guidelines set forth by the Governor's Commission for Rebuilding and proceed accordingly. There is plenty of room elsewhere on the waterfronot or on Point Cadet for high-rise development.

The Sun Herald