Maritime project approved by council

Developers seek to preserve 60 percent of forested tract
Thursday, April 17, 2008
By RYAN DEZEMBER
Staff Reporter

ORANGE BEACH -- Praising designs that will leave more than 100 acres of forest and wetlands intact, the City Council on Tuesday approved plans for Maritime, a mixed-use project planned for 182 acres between Canal Road and Gulf State Park.

The developers, Pat Martin and Paul Monroe, plan to build 325 residential units -- a mix of 211 houses, 55 townhomes and 59 condos -- and nearly 210,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and office space.

"This is probably one of the most well-thought-out (planned unit developments) that's ever come before the city," said Mayor Pete Blalock. "I think it's great. I don't know what else we could ask for."

The council voted unanimously in favor of the plans, though Councilwoman Tracy Holiday abstained because her husband, Tim McCrory, was once a partner with the developers on the property.

Click here to read the full article from the Mobile Press-Register.