Odom's Grayton Beach project gets final OK
An appellate court decision handed down on March 24 has cleared the way for developer Jay Odom of Destin to build The Grayton Grand, a hotel, condominium and retail project in Grayton Beach in Walton County.
The development earned the county's approval two years ago but has been held up in legal limbo because opponents sued to challenge the county's decision.
Following Thursday's ruling by the 1st District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee, "Grayton Grand is grand," Odom said. "Anybody now who says this project doesn't meet every requirement known to man is probably just not living in reality," he said. "Today is a good day for property rights in Walton County."
Two years ago, members of the community groups Beach to Bay Connection, South Walton Community Council and Blue Mountain Beach Community Association, as well as South Walton residents Linda and Lee Eyer, sued the county. They said county commissioners violated the county's Comprehensive Plan when they approved the project.
They contended that The Grayton Grand would harm wetlands and that it is not a conforming use for the Grayton Beach area. In 2004, a Walton circuit judge upheld the county's decision to approve the project, which will be built on 7.35 acres on County Road 283 near Logan Lane.
Those suing the county appealed that decision to the 1st District Court of Appeals, which ruled, without comment, eight days after hearing the case on March 16. Grayton Beach is a traditional, small beach community that's one of the oldest beach villages in the Southeast.
Plans for The Grayton Grand include a 75-room hotel, 78 condominium units, 1,000 square feet of retail space, a 3,600 square foot exhibition area, a 6,000 square foot restaurant and a 160 seat conference center. Site work on The Grayton Grand has already started, and the buildings should start going up in about eight months, Odom said.
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got any pics?
Would someone be so kind and post a map of this site? 
Admin
It is on the NE corner of Scenic 30-A and 283 (Grayton Road), across from Mystic Porte and the Shops of Grayton.
Beach Fanatic
It is on the NE corner of Scenic 30-A and 283 (Grayton Road), across from Mystic Porte and the Shops of Grayton.Hmm. So to get to the beach, hotel guests are going to walk down 283 competing with all those SUVs also trying to get on to the beach? That should be interesting. Or are they putting in a shuttle system or something?
Admin
Hmm. So to get to the beach, hotel guests are going to walk down 283 competing with all those SUVs also trying to get on to the beach? That should be interesting. Or are they putting in a shuttle system or something?
Stretch Hummers would be nice for a beach shuttle. :roll:
Beach Fanatic
They said county commissioners violated the county?s Comprehensive Plan when they approved the project.Does anyone know of any cases in Walton County where opponents challenged due to Comprehensive Plan non-conformance and actually won? That would be refreshing.
They contended that The Grayton Grand would harm wetlands and that it is not a conforming use for the Grayton Beach area. In 2004, a Walton circuit judge upheld the county?s decision to approve the project, which will be built on 7.35 acres on County Road 283 near Logan Lane.
Beach Fanatic
Does anyone know of any cases in Walton County where opponents challenged due to Comprehensive Plan non-conformance and actually won? That would be refreshing.Well, after reading about the B&G club, I guess the opposition to the Boys & Girls club would be one example. Thank god 30-A is being protected from evil Boys and Girls club developers.
directionally challenged
Does anybody know when they're gonna presell the Grayton Grand or who has the listings?
Debbie
www.uniquepanhandleproperties.com
Debbie
www.uniquepanhandleproperties.com
SoWal Insider
Kurt, Here's how you prevail against evil developers. Assemble a dozen [or two] envelopes filled with thousands in cash. Give the entire amount to your attorneys[also evil]. Request that they keep half and "distribute" the rest. You will win. You'll also help kickstart the economy. I'm good for 1.87 Canadian.
Admin
Jay Odom said at today's chamber lunch that Grayton Grand Hotel project would begin construction this Fall.
Beach Fanatic
Was told today that the Seaside employee parking, which was on this property, is now going to be at the church parking lot on 98, east of 395. The large church with all the flags. Not so convenient for the employees.
Beach Fanatic
How exactly are they going to put a 75-room hotel, 78 condominium units, 1,000 square feet of retail space, a 3,600 square foot exhibition area, a 6,000 square foot restaurant and a 160 seat conference center on that lot?
SWGB
Very tightly.
Beach Fanatic
$$$$$$$$$$$$ already in the right pockets you can bet. Remember this Jay Odom, the developer that got old 98 detoured around so he could build more houses in Destiny on the beach side of old 98.
Beach Fanatic
How exactly are they going to put a 75-room hotel, 78 condominium units, 1,000 square feet of retail space, a 3,600 square foot exhibition area, a 6,000 square foot restaurant and a 160 seat conference center on that lot?
There was effort to keep him from building on wetlands but not sure it was successful. If Murphy oil can do it I guess I can too.
Beach Fanatic
Yes, but Murphy Oil is still sitting unopen.
Beach Fanatic
Yes, but Murphy Oil is still sitting unopen.
They got approval to open. Probably waiting on stock.
Admin
SWGB
Fabulous new residential opportunity along Scenic 30A!
I know when I'm looking for my permanent residence I like to make sure it has world class conference/convention space attached.
Beach Lover
Cannot wait until all those folks flow on Grayton Beach and collide with the local car traffic. Next, will be a call to remove all vehicles and then I am sure there will be a call for the county to build bathrooms and parking. With mixed emotions, we just sold our Grayton home and unfortunately I believe we timed it just right.
Beach Fanatic
Weird construction going on this property.
Beach Lover
Weird construction going on this property.
If it is this parcel (#08-3S-19-25000-004-0030, I'm not sure if the waltonpa.com link stays live from the search, but if so, this is it: Walton County Property Appraiser's Web Site)
According to that, it looks like the deed had action on 01/31/2015 transferring from "CRYSTAL BEACH DEVELOPMENT OF DESTIN, LLC" (of which ODOM, JAY A is listed as a partner), to GENRE HOLDINGS LLC . However, it caught my eye that the address for both the parties involved in the deed transfer is exactly the same. A Google search shows Jay Odom as the manager of "Genre Holdings LLC" so this looks to be the same developer, it also shows a Robert O. Beasley as related to Genre Holdings. Does anyone know if this project is going to be built out as this thread suggested a few years ago? Never thought I'd see a "conference center" here.
The speed and number of new construction/corporate developments during the last 12 months or so throughout the area is pretty surprising to us. It seems unsustainable given the current infrastructure, but that doesn't seem to slow anyone down. Was this what 2003-2006 was like around here?
Edited
SoWal Guide
Cannot wait until all those folks flow on Grayton Beach and collide with the local car traffic. Next, will be a call to remove all vehicles and then I am sure there will be a call for the county to build bathrooms and parking. With mixed emotions, we just sold our Grayton home and unfortunately I believe we timed it just right.Bathroom and parking at Grayton Beach would be a good thing. And soon.
Beach Fanatic
If it is this parcel (#08-3S-19-25000-004-0030, I'm not sure if the waltonpa.com link stays live from the search, but if so, this is it: Walton County Property Appraiser's Web Site)
According to that, it looks like the deed had action on 01/31/2015 transferring from "CRYSTAL BEACH DEVELOPMENT OF DESTIN, LLC" (of which ODOM, JAY A is listed as a partner), to GENRE HOLDINGS LLC . However, it caught my eye that the address for both the parties involved in the deed transfer is exactly the same. A Google search shows Jay Odom as the manager of "Genre Holdings LLC" so this looks to be the same developer, it also shows a Robert O. Beasley as related to Genre Holdings. Does anyone know if this project is going to be built out as this thread suggested a few years ago? Never thought I'd see a "conference center" here.
The speed and number of new construction/corporate developments during the last 12 months or so throughout the area is pretty surprising to us. It seems unsustainable given the current infrastructure, but that doesn't seem to slow anyone down. Was this what 2003-2006 was like around here?
Back then it was all about flipping. Now it's all about tourists. Of course we are also getting a lot of new permanent residents.
The project has morphed a bit. But the scope of it has always felt like the end of the sweet little ole Grayton we all know and love.
Beach Fanatic
Wow
Beach Comber
If you thought Grayton Beach was crowded before....
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