Wow. I am all about the laid back, low profile, anti-condo building along our beautiful coastlines. That said, we just returned from the Grand Opening Celebration at the Emerald Grande on the Destin Harbor. It has been built whether we like it or not and we were invited. I wasn't expecting too much but all I can say is WOW. What a great night. Crazy cirque-de-soliel type entertainers (I especially liked the guy in the big "bubble" on the pool!), food everywhere, lots of drinks, and a great fireworks show accompanied by a live orchestra. Pretty impressive. I got a special sneek peak at the Spa and Fitness Center (not completed yet) and it is going to put all the other places in town to shame. Amazing. The pool decks overlooking the harbor are really fantastic. It will be a great place for weddings (a special sun deck area with a big grand staircase would be perfect for a ceremony and the rest of the decks could accommodate a huge reception!).
Just thought I'd pass it along for those who may be curious.
Replies
105Beach Fanatic
...and isn't a shame that a developer with oodles of $$ doesn't have any more taste that this?
It is simply horrible. Gives me another reason to avoid driving into/through Destin. This building has forever ruined the most gorgeous view in the world.
It is simply horrible. Gives me another reason to avoid driving into/through Destin. This building has forever ruined the most gorgeous view in the world.
Beach Lover
Is their spa open yet? Anyone seen it?
needs to get out more
I drove across the bridge the other day in and out of Ft.Walton. I must say that that is the ugliest, out of place building I have seen in quote a long time. It's a shame that it's the first thing people see after crossing the Island. A huge mistake.
SoWal Expert
I drove across the bridge the other day in and out of Ft.Walton. I must say that that is the ugliest, out of place building I have seen in quote a long time. It's a shame that it's the first thing people see after crossing the Island. A huge mistake.
What he said
Banned
it's just tragic how tacky and wrong all the developers in destin are. they can't do a thing correctly! i love how he compares it to developments "worldwide" as though any of these idiots have been beyond south alabama. vile and tacky. all they would have had to do is stay in keeping with indigenous architecture and build community and tourist programming around the ecosystem and they would have been billionaires. instead they are small time operators who only know how to con a buck out of their guests instead of build a legacy of goodwill and a fortune.
SoWal Insider
It's the future of 30a ?
SoWal Expert
Only if we don't get an ironclad countywide height restriction! :bang:
SoWal Insider
It's the future of 30a ?
This is what I'm thinking the whole time I'm reading this thread. (Except when I am laughing out loud at SHEL -- who is a guy, only guys talk about enemas -- and beachmouse. You two have a way with words.)
BeachyQueen, don't feel bad about starting this thread. If it puts the fear of God into SoWallers, then it is well worth it. 😀 We have to stay on our toes.
Beach Fanatic
If anyone feels any additional need to cringe in horror, they're working on the, ahem, dramatic front entrance to Turnberry Harbor right between Destin Commons and the middle school.
I think it might be even more special than Emerald Grande by the time they're through, provided that the project gets off the ground. (Lots of resales at no gain in the complexes that I'd consider to be the competition)
I think it might be even more special than Emerald Grande by the time they're through, provided that the project gets off the ground. (Lots of resales at no gain in the complexes that I'd consider to be the competition)
SoWal Expert
If anyone feels any additional need to cringe in horror, they're working on the, ahem, dramatic front entrance to Turnberry Harbor right between Destin Commons and the middle school.
I think it might be even more special than Emerald Grande by the time they're through, provided that the project gets off the ground. (Lots of resales at no gain in the complexes that I'd consider to be the competition)
:floor:That entrance gets bigger and uglier every time I pass it. Yes, when it is finished, jaws will drop, but not in a good way.
Beach Fanatic
Anybody though about putting a gate on the west end of 30A, and killing every developer that tries to enter?:idontno:
This thing is just plain ugly. We drove past it coming over in Sept from our friend's place in Orange Beach, and ms Seaside almost upchucked.:pissed:
Makes Fitzgerald's look good. At least they admit to what they are up to (Stealing your money).😀
OK put a gate at the east end too. Stop the PC and PCB issues from migrating.:bang:
This thing is just plain ugly. We drove past it coming over in Sept from our friend's place in Orange Beach, and ms Seaside almost upchucked.:pissed:
Makes Fitzgerald's look good. At least they admit to what they are up to (Stealing your money).😀
OK put a gate at the east end too. Stop the PC and PCB issues from migrating.:bang:
Beach Fanatic
UGH.....why do get a feeling in the pit of my stomach every time I get on this board and see this thread STILL open?? I am having Post-Thread-Starting Guilt (PTSG)!!!
Sorry to hit such a sour note with so many peeps. I really am. I know MOST of us DON'T like the E.G. but I still hate that I opened what is clearly a fresh wound!! :cry:
Perhaps forging ahead and continuing to post, albeit more non-disturbing subjects, will somehow cure my PTSG! :blush:
Don't be hard on yourself. If someone can find a flaw in anything this group can. :bang:
Skunky
I think it looks sophisticated.
Meow
I think it looks sophisticated.
You are full of baloney. :wave:
SoWal Expert
Got pics?
SoWal Insider
Got pics?
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Edited
Beach Lover
you people sure do like to bash! while it may not be amicable to the 30-A society, emerald grande has apparently sold very well - so a lot of someones must think highly of it.
Beach Lover
This happened just a couple of weeks ago. I was showing property to a lady from Nashville who was visiting Destin for the first time.
We came up Calhoun and the EG loomed on the horizon.
Me, "What do you think of that condo?"
Her, "What's the difference between that one and all the rest?"
Me, "Uh, not much except it is very controversial because of it's appearance and location."
Her, "Oh."
To each his own...
We came up Calhoun and the EG loomed on the horizon.
Me, "What do you think of that condo?"
Her, "What's the difference between that one and all the rest?"
Me, "Uh, not much except it is very controversial because of it's appearance and location."
Her, "Oh."
To each his own...
Beach Fanatic
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Shell, show me what you think it should look like. This is not Never, never land. :idontno:
Beach Fanatic
Shell, show me what you think it should look like. This is not Never, never land. :idontno:
EG looks better than the Hilton place. 😀
Beach Fanatic
Dude, some people just have no taste....if it is a choice between what used to be there: beautiful water and white sand, and this.....it hardly seems like a choice.
Beach Lover
actually, i think it was a fat tuesdays that was there. but i can't argue against personal taste....everyone is free to think what they will. but people must also understand if there was no demand their would be no project.
Edited
SoWal Insider
you people sure do like to bash! while it may not be amicable to the 30-A society, emerald grande has apparently sold very well - so a lot of someones must think highly of it.
:idontno: All condos "sold very well" during the investulator era.
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Beach Lover
shelly, this is true - but not all projects that had presales actually had closings.
SoWal Insider
Shell, show me what you think it should look like.
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