Although Gulf Shores is already an amazingly beautiful destination for tourists, city officials are planning to take underused beach space and revitalize it into a more welcoming mixed-use area.
Plans for Gulf Place Revitalization (Photo: Steve Alexander, FOX10 News)
Part of the plan is to remove part of the roadway to the west near Gulf Place and turn it into more parking spaces. In doing so, traffic will lessen near the ocean and give beachgoers more space to spread out.
This expansion will lessen the amount of people who congregate near The Hangout and allow families seeking a quieter atmosphere away from the vibrant social scene. The city owns a half-mile stretch public beach, but right now it’s not accessible to the public.
Estimates are that it would take roughly 2-3 years and cost in the ballpark of nearly $20 Million to complete. One positive thing about the project is that it won’t burden taxpayers, as funding is expected to come from the BP Oil Settlement.
Creating a park atmosphere in Gulf Shores is an excellent addition. With already much to do in town, a revitalized area will lend itself to fewer cars and more room for community events like concerts. Plus the potential for more retail shops can attract businesses and stimulate the local economy a bit.
We love tourist season, but at the same it does tend to get a bit crowded. This expansion will provide plenty of walking space. Plus, there’s potential for more grass and trees, which is always a positive for any community.
I love reading about projects like this one. It proves that city officials are on top of their games in improving Gulf Shores. As a proud member of the community, I’m excited to see what happens next.
Be sure to contact us at Century 21 Meyer – Kris Powell if you have any questions about the city, or if you’re in the market to buy, sell or rent a home.
Leave a Reply