A large parcel of land just outside of downtown Fairhope has a new owner with a new vision for a village-style mixed-use development combining commercial, residential and green space called Village …
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A large parcel of land just outside of downtown Fairhope has a new owner with a new vision for a village-style mixed-use development combining commercial, residential and green space called Village Park.
The proposed Village Park PUD is slated for the site of the previously approved Klumpp PUD. The 76 acres sit between Fairhope Avenue and Gayfer Road Extension and Hwy. 181.
The property, originally owned by Klumpp Family Partnership LTD, and then T J Klumpp Family LTD, sold in 2018 to Gayfer Village Partners LLC. The PUD approved for the property years ago included 16 general business lots, 232 apartments and 77 single-family residential lots. The proposed project drew concern from residents over traffic and drainage. The development did not move forward.
According to Baldwin County Property Tax records the property was sold to 181-Fairhope Avenue 2023, LLC., a subsidiary of 68 Ventures, in Dec. 2023, for $7.5 million. The warranty deed was notarized Dec. 15, 2023.
Investors in the project include U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL). According to Capitoltrades.com, she reported the purchase of $33,000 stock in 68V 181-Fairhope Avenue 2023, LLC. Dec. 15, 2023. The purchase was made Dec. 14, 2023.
During the April 1 Fairhope Planning Commission meeting, Larry Smith of S.E. Civil Engineering & Surveying spoke to the commission briefly during an informal review. He said despite an already approved PUD on the property, this project would be considered a new PUD. He introduced the commission to the architectural firm hired by 68 Ventures, Nequette Architecture & Design out of Birmingham. Jared Calhoun, principal architect and Louis Nequette, founder and chief architect were present to present to the commission.
During the informal review, Calhoun went through a slide presentation that included the masterplan and various slides highlighting the mixed-use areas, residential and commercial buildings. The proposed Park Village development is designed to have a village feel with a 1-acre event lawn with a band shell and central business district with shops and restaurants and a four-story hotel with short-term stay residences. Along with tree-lined sidewalks, trails and amenities, the village will include two large ponds.
As currently presented, the proposed Park Village will have a density of close to 700 dwelling units made up of 94 townhouse lots, 62 cottage lots and 272 multifamily rentals in standalone buildings and above commercial spaces (in the mixed-use area). One section was presented as an "active adult multifamily" area (geared toward 55-year-old and older residents) that would have 134 flats and 17 cottages. One-half of the overall dwelling units will be rentals and the other half will be for sale properties built in phases.
During the presentation, Calhoun noted 313 dwelling units but Gulf Coast Media contacted Calhoun for further clarification and was put in contact with 68 Ventures Drew Dolan, CEO and Cameron Thatcher, Director of Development Finance.
Dolan explained that the multi-family rentals will be in a mix of styles. The mixed-use units will be on the second and third floors over a first-floor business. Others will be in smaller apartment buildings.
"These are more of the entire building is multifamily but still a much smaller building than what we are used to seeing, those three-story garden style along Hwy – 181," Dolan explained. "It is more of your European village residential."
One question residents ask when a large development like this is proposed is where will these children go to school? There are many developments under construction or nearing completion in the Fairhope feeder pattern. We asked Dolan the same question.
"We have taken that into consideration. The hotel obviously doesn't affect schools, the active adult won't affect the schools. The multi-family that we are proposing is 300 plus but there are already 233 approved (in the existing Klumpp PUD). Then you have this for sale component that obviously takes much longer to come online," Dolan said. "I know from the school board's standpoint, multi-family is one of the big issues for them because if it is 300 multi-family units, it is just there tomorrow and it all opens up. Whereas, for sale, you may sell two or three a month. It could take four years for that entire project. (the for-sale section)."
Jon Gray, 68 Ventures public relations representative who also represents Baldwin County Schools, was quick to point out that 68 Ventures is the only developer in the area that works with Baldwin County Schools and meets quarterly to let them know areas they are looking to develop. This project is no different. Gray said 68 ventures are in talks with Baldwin County School to discuss a possible land swap to build a school like they did for Stonebridge Elementary.
An investor group led by 68 Ventures owner Nathan Cox's foundation and The Cox Family Foundation, donated the land for the Baldwin Prep Academy campus in Loxley.
Calhoun's presentation included a lot of photos of materials, building styles and colors. He said the entire development will be a mix of styles that will be in keeping with Fairhope's overall aesthetic but lean modern. The food and beverage building inspiration included integrated signs, public artwork and a "funky look" as Calhoun explained.
Fairhope Planning Commission chairperson Lee Turner commented that over the many years he has served on the commission he has seen a lot of photos of areas like Seaside and Grayton Beach in presentations but once the building began, they looked more like the Auburn student housing of his day with cheap siding, stairwells up the middle of the building and zero architecture. He went on to ask about guarantees.
"What kind of guarantees are y'all giving us that these are the architectural standards that are going to be done or as soon as this is approved it flips to someone else that comes in and just does cheap metal buildings?"
Calhoun said the inspiration photos were to get feedback that would be turned into a pattern book that would eventually become a regulating document for the development that would be part of the PUD submittal. That would give everyone involved a guidebook on the vision, what styles can be built, colors used and more.
The members of the planning commission as well as Hunter Simmons, Fairhope Zoning Director, asked for more detailed information on the green space dimensions, building heights, street sizes and classifications to be included in the formal presentation.
There was no date given on when Park Village would officially come before the commission. During Gulf Coast Media's meeting with 68 Ventures, Thatcher mentioned they are planning the submit to the planning commission next month. If they make the May 21 deadline, the project could come before the commission July 1.
Gulf Coast Media will continue to follow this developing story.
What are your thoughts? What would you rather see at the intersection of Hwy. 181 and Fairhope Avenue? The current approved PUD of a 232-unit apartment complex with commercial properties fronting Hwy. 181 and Fairhope Avenue or a village-like development with a city center, mix of housing and businesses and parks and trails open to all residents? Email melanie@gulfcoastmedia.com.
