Alys Beach???

**skier** · 05-15-2005, 09:46 PM

Has anyone taken the tour of Alys Beach?

My understanding is that ALL of the houses in the development will be whitewashed stucco with white concrete roofs (just like the sales office directly on 30A). That could be really tough on the eyes with no contrast and bright white reflecting the sun all summer long. The buildings will lack any color save for shutters here and there--sounds really drab to me. Also, a large number of the homes will literally have zero lot lines. The walls of the homes will be separated by one inch of space. Virtually no porches and all of the courtyards will be cutoff from sight of the roads or other homes. Lots of privacy but no sense of community like in Rosemary, Watercolor or Seaside. They may sell homes quickly in the beginning, but my bet is over the long haul the place will not fair as well as the other mega developments. Alys just doesn't seem to fit the panhandle mold (or the mold in any other beach development that I am aware of). Just my two cents--

**kurt** · 05-15-2005, 10:14 PM

Seen Greek islands? It works there, as well as other places. The white buildings contrasted with the deep blue water is stunning. Of course there you have terraced hillsides and cliffs.

Personally I'm going to wait and see. My early opinion is it will be too tight for my taste (as every 30-A development is), but I have no doubt that it will be in as high demand as any other developments close to the beach.

**sunshine** · 05-16-2005, 07:07 AM

I hope WU doesn't mind if I post this link - it describes the development along 30A perfectly. We got a style for everyone here!

http://www.waltonundercurrent.com/fjord.htm

**kurt** · 05-16-2005, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by sunshine

I hope WU doesn't mind if I post this link - it describes the development along 30A perfectly. We got a style for everyone here!

http://www.waltonundercurrent.com/fjord.htm

**katie blue** · 05-16-2005, 10:13 AM

I have a neighbor in seacrest who thinks the Alys Beach design (white stucco/courtyards/walls) is the greatest thing she's ever seen. So it's appealing to some for sure. Personally, I'm withholding opinion until I see how much green space will be preserved. Sounds like the units themselves won't have any lawn or vegetation to speak of (or if so, would not be visible to the eye outside of the walled-in courtyards), so it would seem to make sense to balance it all out with a lot of greenery. Lots of greenery. : :wink:

I've had a hard time getting in tune with the "walls" idea-- I need to see what they have in mind. My neighbor thinks it's awesome, but I'm on the fence about it. (heh! :laughing1 ) Because if a buyer wants that kind of privacy, and doesnt want to see their neighbor at all, i'd *imagine* they'd be more drawn to, say, buying a house or lot in a beachside neighborhood.

I trust these guys to build something nice, though, they sure have a good track record. I mean, they practically defined the style of architecture that's now universally recognized as 30a/Walton style. I like that they're putting their "park" right near the beach access too. It will give us Seacrester's a fun destination on our beach walks.

BUT, that said, i hope go to great pains to preserve open-ness whereever possible to balance out the walls everywhere.

**kurt** · 05-16-2005, 10:25 AM

I agree that landscaping will make a huge difference. I like a lot of different styles. White makes colors really stand out. Colored doors, shutters, and other stuff will add a lot of character, along with gardens, etc.

**kurt** · 05-16-2005, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by katmoo

I trust these guys to build something nice, though, they sure have a good track record. I mean, they practically defined the style of architecture that's now universally recognized as 30a/Walton style.

Who do you mean by "they"? DPZ?

And what is the universal 30a/Walton style?

**katie blue** · 05-16-2005, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by kurt

Who do you mean by "they"? DPZ?
And what is the universal 30a/Walton style?

i read an article in a realty information site last month about how seaside's cottage/frame/balcony architecture was being recognized as an "identifiable" style attibutable to our area, and it was now being studied and copied to an extent by a few "new urbanist" developers in Europe. They were supposedly giving props to seaside and were intending to emulate it to some degree. That's what i was referring to. If i'm uninformed, I apologize.

**kurt** · 05-16-2005, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by katmoo

i read an article in a realty information site last month about how seaside's cottage/frame/balcony architecture was being recognized as an "identifiable" style attibutable to our area, and it was now being studied and copied to an extent by a few "new urbanist" developers in Europe. They were supposedly giving props to seaside and were intending to emulate it to some degree. That's what i was referring to. If i'm uninformed, I apologize.

No apology needed - I was just confused. Duany Plater-Zyberk (http://www.dpz.com - great links page there) are the town planners leading the new urbanism movement which sort of started in Seaside and was influenced heavily by Italian towns designed around a piazza, but as far as the architecture - a lot of different firms have contributed.

Everyone copied Seaside (and many still do). Which was copied from southern / cracker and northeastern coastal styles. And then a lot of folks copied Rosemary which drew from Charleston and the caribbean. Many now are copying WaterColor, which again relies heavily on influences from cracker / southern styles. Some call it cracker chic which is kind of funny in a mildly ironic way.

If SoWal has a style it is a blend of all those. People all over the world study examples of SoWal town planning and style. No doubt there will be entire college courses devoted to SoWal one day. I hope they leave out stucco boxes which will surely be covered in the South Florida class.

Not to be forgotten is Jeffrey Prescott, a Destin architect that early on published a couple of books with cottage designs - http://www.classic-cottages.com. Most are designed to fit on 50' lots. The cottages draw heavily from Seaside / southern influences. The well-done stock plans have been used by many builders and owners for many years in SoWal.

Tom Christ is a long-time local architect who draws influence from the islands. And Matt Savoie came over from New Orleans and brought a lot of French quarter / creole style.

**stormweary** · 08-19-2005, 11:31 AM

Hasn't anyone been to Bermuda - the most beautiful island ever - Aly's Beach is based on Bermuda architecture - however, they do have a lot of pink houses there, certainly not all white. I'm going to have to take a ride down there and see how it is coming along. Don't you just love the Aly's Beach vehicle as seen in their parking lot and in the Seaside 4th of July parade!

**Miss Kitty** · 08-19-2005, 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by stormweary

Hasn't anyone been to Bermuda - the most beautiful island ever - Aly's Beach is based on Bermuda architecture - however, they do have a lot of pink houses there, certainly not all white. I'm going to have to take a ride down there and see how it is coming along. Don't you just love the Aly's Beach vehicle as seen in their parking lot and in the Seaside 4th of July parade!

Bermuda....not my fav. Lots of pink houses with white concrete roofs though. To be fair, we went in early August...hottest vacation I can ever remember...no breeze. Also, we stayed at the Pink Beach Club. My daughter coined a new phrase there...."Tropical Dirty Dancing"!

Let us know how Alys is coming along!

**skier** · 08-23-2005, 04:49 PM

I heard a rumor that the sales agents at Alys Beach are making lots of calls to try to drum up people willing to buy lots. Apparently, lots of people have lost interest and they are trying to find buyers. I also heard a rumor that they are changing the method of offering properties for sale (won't be sealed bid in the future). Can anyone confirm the rumors based on direct contact with someone at Alys?

**Ocean Lover** · 08-23-2005, 09:05 PM

On one of our many outings, we drove past Alys Beach one night and they were hosting something. It could have been a tour. There was a torch lined path down to the beach. I have to say it does look different than anything else in the area. Not sure whether I like it or not. I'm a pastel kind of girl. I enjoyed reading the article about the Grandmother who inspired the neighborhood.

**Beach Runner** · 08-23-2005, 09:20 PM

Originally Posted by stormweary

Hasn't anyone been to Bermuda - the most beautiful island ever - Aly's Beach is based on Bermuda architecture - however, they do have a lot of pink houses there, certainly not all white. I'm going to have to take a ride down there and see how it is coming along. Don't you just love the Aly's Beach vehicle as seen in their parking lot and in the Seaside 4th of July parade!

Oh, yes, we've been to Bermuda many times. We loved staying at Ariel Sands where they have a saltwater pool where you can swim with the tropical fish. On one visit when we took our daughter at age two, she pointed to the fish and said, "Oh, my goodness! Dose are gorgeous!" We still tease her about that. Guess you had to be there.

**OnMackBayou** · 08-23-2005, 09:54 PM

Five years from now I bet that eastern end of 30A will be phenomenal. Once Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach and Watersound are more developed it should be quite fun to bike or walk between them. The visual contrast between the architecture of the areas will be amazing.

CJ · 08-25-2005, 03:46 PM

Last I heard Alys Beach was interviewing people to see if they would allow them to purchase their very expensive property. None of the friends I have who have been through the interview process have been called. Maybe they did not make the cut.

My husband and I have discussed opening a sunglass shop there...it would make a killing.

The place is beautiful, there is no denying it, blinding or not. You would have to be blinded not to think so.

**Miss Kitty** · 08-25-2005, 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by CJ

Last I heard Alys Beach was interviewing people to see if they would allow them to purchase their very expensive property. None of the friends I have who have been through the interview process have been called. Maybe they did not make the cut.

My husband and I have discussed opening a sunglass shop there...it would make a killing.

The place is beautiful, there is no denying it, blinding or not. You would have to be blinded not to think so.

Excuse me....did you say interviewing? This sounds like NYC kinda' stuff!

**homeboy** · 01-09-2010, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by OnMackBayou

Five years from now I bet that eastern end of 30A will be phenomenal. Once Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach and Watersound are more developed it should be quite fun to bike or walk between them. The visual contrast between the architecture of the areas will be amazing.

Might take another 5 years times 5 years for Alys and Watersound to be on solid footing. Due to the unusual architectural style at Alys, it has been the lease successful of all developments along 30A. People just aren't warming up to the place.

It would be interesting to see the total number of sales in Alys in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 compared to the other major developments along 30A. Watercolor seems to have the most robust sales by a long shot and Alys appears to be way, way behind the rest of the pack.

**30ashopper** · 01-09-2010, 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by homeboy

Might take another 5 years times 5 years for Alys and Watersound to be on solid footing. Due to the unusual architectural style at Alys, it has been the lease successful of all developments along 30A. People just aren't warming up to the place.

It would be interesting to see the total number of sales in Alys in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 compared to the other major developments along 30A. Watercolor seems to have the most robust sales by a long shot and Alys appears to be way, way behind the rest of the pack.

Looks like they are going backwards, I see at least two lots re-puchased by Ebsco from buyers. I wonder if that was to prevent foreclosure sales from popping up?

**SWGB** · 01-11-2010, 03:50 AM

Originally Posted by homeboy

Might take another 5 years times 5 years for Alys and Watersound to be on solid footing. Due to the unusual architectural style at Alys, it has been the lease successful of all developments along 30A. People just aren't warming up to the place.

It would be interesting to see the total number of sales in Alys in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 compared to the other major developments along 30A. Watercolor seems to have the most robust sales by a long shot and Alys appears to be way, way behind the rest of the pack.

Define warming up to. Every event they've held in the last 2 years has been packed to the point that parking was difficult.

The price point may be a little high for this area, but they are far from in trouble.

**melscuba** · 01-11-2010, 07:28 AM

Originally Posted by SWGB

Define warming up to. Every event they've held in the last 2 years has been packed to the point that parking was difficult.

The price point may be a little high for this area, but they are far from in trouble.

Alys Beach is truly a sight to behold. It is stunning and MoonCreek Studios pictures of it are remarkable. I love its aesthetics. I personally will never understand who makes/has the money to sustain an entire community at that price point, but I will continue to admire its beauty as I drive on to my personal 30-A destination.

ˆguess only time will tell how it will build out.

**30ashopper** · 01-11-2010, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by SWGB

Define warming up to. Every event they've held in the last 2 years has been packed to the point that parking was difficult.

The price point may be a little high for this area, but they are far from in trouble.

Events and selling real-estate are two different things. Regardless, Ebsco is well diversified and has deep pockets, I doubt they'll run into any financial trouble. I think it'll just take time to fill in, there isn't a lot of money out there these days for high end, enviro sensitive RE.

EBSCO Industries - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

**Lynnie** · 01-11-2010, 03:38 PM

Originally Posted by 30ashopper

Looks like they are going backwards, I see at least two lots re-puchased by Ebsco from buyers. I wonder if that was to prevent foreclosure sales from popping up?

It could be that or a 'trade.' Construction loans for the superjumbo market is very difficult right now and if the owner of the lot can't break ground by their contract date, they are fined. So, there is sometimes the option to trade the lot for a home being sold. Just a thought~~~~

I think Alys Beach is beautiful, too!!!!

**scooterbug44** · 01-11-2010, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by 30ashopper

Events and selling real-estate are two different things. Regardless, Ebsco is well diversified and has deep pockets, I doubt they'll run into any financial trouble. I think it'll just take time to fill in, there isn't a lot of money out there these days for high end, enviro sensitive RE.

EBSCO Industries - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

IMO ALys Beach actually is high-end construction - making it much more desirable post-bubble than other places that just have high-end prices.

If I had the money I would certainly be buying a concrete bunker in a community with great events over other 30-A options.

Not to mention that THE thing right now is LEED and green construction - for health, conscience, and pocketbook reasons.

**30ashopper** · 01-11-2010, 09:51 PM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

IMO ALys Beach actually is high-end construction - making it much more desirable post-bubble than other places that just have high-end prices.

If I had the money I would certainly be buying a concrete bunker in a community with great events over other 30-A options.

Well, sales compared to places like Watercolor don't show that. Alys got caught in the down turn, I think recovering will require a number of years of slower growth. In time I'm sure the community will do just fine.

Not to mention that THE thing right now is LEED and green construction - for health, conscience, and pocketbook reasons.

Which would you rather own and insure, a small house with simple construction you could rebuild with 150K or less, or a high-end LEED™ constructed 1.5 million dollar white stucco a storm surge could wipe off the face of the map with little effort regardless of it's accolades? Lets face it, Alys appeals to the guilty conscience of the richy rich, (I believe I've made this assertion before in these threads) and offers "green construction" you have to pay for. There aren't as many richy riches out there these days. The buy backs show at least a few owners weren't as rich as they thought. It'll take time for the community to recover.

**30ashopper** · 01-11-2010, 09:59 PM

I think Alys is simply great marketing, nothing more, nothing less.

**SWGB** · 01-12-2010, 12:30 AM

I don't think Alys can be compared to WaterColor. Alys is much higher end than WaterColor.

The storm surge that would wipe Alys off the face of the Earth would bankrupt the insurance companies as it would completely destroy everything in about 20-50 miles in each direction and about 5 miles inland. Think Homestead, but with predominately million dollar plus homes.

**kurt** · 01-12-2010, 08:05 AM

Originally Posted by 30ashopper

I think Alys is simply great marketing, nothing more, nothing less.

The business of home sales and town building in SoWal includes marketing. And it better be great.

Ever hung out at Caliza pool? Looked closely at a house under construction? Seen plans for the Beach Club? Watched the Video? I guess you could call all of it marketing right now. It might take awhile for it to catch fire, but it will. I'm glad the developer has the financial ability to to continue to market and add amenities. Think of the alternative.

**Paula** · 01-12-2010, 09:10 AM

If I had gazilliions of dollars and had to live in one of the high-end communities along 30A, I don't know which one I'd choose. But I don't have that problem so I'm not taking the time to think about the trade-offs.

But I can say that I'm very happy that our cottages at the Cottages at Camp Creek are only 1/2 mile from Alys Beach. We love going to the restaurants (Calyza pool, George's, donut truck, Fonville Press). Someday we'll also benefit from outdoor concerts, movies, etc. I've been to a few of the Friday late afternoon wine events, and they've been awesome (about a year ago, maybe even before that).

What I REALLY like about Alys Beach is that despite it's high end appeal, it is VERY family friendly - playgrounds, photos of kids, inclusion of kids in events. And, regardless of whether one likes the architecture, it sure is architecturally well done and consistent with the Alys Beach vision from what I can tell. I, for one, am glad that Ebsco can keep Alys Beach going despite the downturn for the long-run.

I went to the Calyza restaurant last Easter with my daughters and it was such a fine experience. We paid attention to all the little architectural details and choices the architects made. Even the little chains that hang from the rafters to separate the restaurant from the pool were carefully thought out so that they would have a certain "look" and make a particular sound in the wind. It was fun to have my daughters learn about how attention to the smallest details and being consistent with a vision is a big part of excellence. We'll go back this Easter as well.

**30ashopper** · 01-12-2010, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by kurt

The business of home sales and town building in SoWal includes marketing. And it better be great.

Ever hung out at Caliza pool? Looked closely at a house under construction? Seen plans for the Beach Club? Watched the Video? I guess you could call all of it marketing right now. It might take awhile for it to catch fire, but it will. I'm glad the developer has the financial ability to to continue to market and add amenities. Think of the alternative.

Open spaces, larger lots, year round community, affordable housing, .. I'm thinking! I'm thinking!

**homeboy** · 01-14-2010, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by kurt

The business of home sales and town building in SoWal includes marketing. And it better be great.

Ever hung out at Caliza pool? Looked closely at a house under construction? Seen plans for the Beach Club? Watched the Video? I guess you could call all of it marketing right now. It might take awhile for it to catch fire, but it will. I'm glad the developer has the financial ability to to continue to market and add amenities. Think of the alternative.

Events is all they have. Why hasn't it caught fire yet? How many houses and lots sold in Watercolor last year- How many in Alys? How many in Watersound-how many in Alys?

Maybe a realtor could tell us how many properties sold in Alys 2007-2009 compared to all the other major developments along 30A.

I would say Watercolor is on fire. Alys hasn't even sparked as the other developments along 30A continue to sell modestly to well.

There is a reason they aren't selling anything in Alys--overpriced and not appealing to the vast majority of buyers compared to the products in Rosemary, Watersound, Seaside, Watercolor, etc. If the product was appealing, they would be selling alot more than they have.

**homeboy** · 01-14-2010, 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by SWGB

I don't think Alys can be compared to WaterColor. Alys is much higher end than WaterColor.

The storm surge that would wipe Alys off the face of the Earth would bankrupt the insurance companies as it would completely destroy everything in about 20-50 miles in each direction and about 5 miles inland. Think Homestead, but with predominately million dollar plus homes.

Then why isn't the product selling? And, what makes the product in watercolor lower quality? I disagree with the quality statement.

**middlesister** · 01-14-2010, 08:41 PM

I have never experienced Alys Beach from the perspective of the events they offer but I can say that it has been interesting to see it develop. First of all driving east on 30A through Alys Beach is beautiful with the backlit kiosks. My sisters and I have noticed for years that it doesn't seem to be really taking off. It has a Grecian look, sort of Santorini like. So beautiful but don't y'all think that the flaw may be it is too far removed from the water which is what (in my opinion) draws people to the area. You have to be able to pop out of your rental, house, condo or whatever and immerse yourself in that absolutely gorgeous crystal clear water without walking that far??? Just an opinion. Hopefully it will take off at some point but at least it isn't Prominence!

**homeboy** · 01-15-2010, 08:03 AM

Originally Posted by 30ashopper

I think Alys is simply great marketing, nothing more, nothing less.

Agreed. But, the great marketing has not resulted in success in the sales department. When the rubber meets the road, only sales will make the place a success. Great events, pretty pictures, a nice website, a cool pool, etc. are only window dressing.

So far, not so good compared to the other developments along 30A.

**scooterbug44** · 01-15-2010, 10:01 AM

Which other developments are you talking about? The ones full of foreclosures and short sales? Or the ones that have been completely abandoned?

**GoodWitch58** · 01-15-2010, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by middlesister

... but at least it isn't Prominence!

I was wondering yesterday just what it would take to have the developers at Prominence fill in that horrible "waterfront" they dug? Anyone?

**SWGB** · 01-15-2010, 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by homeboy

Then why isn't the product selling? And, what makes the product in watercolor lower quality? I disagree with the quality statement.

How many poured concrete structures are there in WaterColor? WaterColor was not designed down to the street level to be hurricane proof as Alys was.

I'm not saying that WaterColor is a dump, but it is of a lower quality construction (stick and beam) than Alys.

As to the sales perhaps you could enlighten us? I'm venturing the guess that you are/were a Realtor there and feel somehow slighted.

**scooterbug44** · 01-15-2010, 01:49 PM

I think Alys Beach is the proverbial "tortoise" of Sowal real estate/development.

Slow with well planned growth is much better than a half-assed "boom" IMO.

**Bobby J** · 01-17-2010, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

I think Alys Beach is the proverbial "tortoise" of Sowal real estate/development.

Slow with well planned growth is much better than a half-assed "boom" IMO.

That could be their tag line. The only problem with this is that boom was anything but half ass!

Alys Beach
Slow with well planned growth is much better than a half-assed "boom"

**scooterbug44** · 01-18-2010, 10:18 AM

I believe the current mortgage crisis, bubble popping, clear cut lots full of weeds and utility stubs, and number of foreclosures/short sales certainly qualifies as "half assed".

**SWGB** · 01-18-2010, 11:50 AM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

I believe the current mortgage crisis, bubble popping, clear cut lots full of weeds and utility stubs, and number of foreclosures/short sales certainly qualifies as "half assed".

I don't know, some folks made pretty good money out of that half assed boom.

**scooterbug44** · 01-18-2010, 12:19 PM

And many of us folks are paying for it.

Not saying there wasn't profit to be made or that it was 100% negative, but I don't think the current cluster could accurately be described as "well planned."

**SWGB** · 01-18-2010, 11:40 PM

Well it doesn't look like this:

or this:

I'd call this pretty good planning.

**scooterbug44** · 01-19-2010, 01:19 PM

After attending 2 events at ALys this weekend for the Songwriter's Festival I am more certain than ever they have got it figured out!

The off street parking "roads" are genius!

**Chickpea** · 01-23-2010, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

After attending 2 events at ALys this weekend for the Songwriter's Festival I am more certain than ever they have got it figured out!

The off street parking "roads" are genius!

I think so too! FWIW: People always complain about parking at Seaside as well and one quickly realizes that as long as one is willing to venture outside of immediate town center / amphitheatre area, parking is plentiful!

**Bobby J** · 01-24-2010, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

I believe the current mortgage crisis, bubble popping, clear cut lots full of weeds and utility stubs, and number of foreclosures/short sales certainly qualifies as "half assed".

I was thinking "half assed" was an under statement...