Blog Layout

The Wharf buys 86 acres near Bama Bayou property

OBA Staff • Aug 12, 2022

Plans are in the works for a mixed-use development

The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama, has bought 86 acres near the  old Bama Bayou project across the water.

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Wharf at Orange Beach, a popular shopping, dining and entertainment venue on the Alabama Gulf Coast, today announces the acquisition of an additional 86 acres on the north side of the Intracoastal Waterway near the Foley Beach Express Toll Bridge.


The property, formerly known as Bama Bayou, will be re-branded as The Wharf Landing. The purchase does not include the parcel with buildings on it is not part of the deal.


Ideally located across the Intracoastal Waterway from The Wharf, a vibrant and established 222-acre development encompassing a successful mix of commercial and residential uses.


Combined with The Wharf, the new acquisition will result in common ownership of approximately 4,000 feet of navigable water frontage on more than 300 acres. The land planning process will begin immediately, and The Wharf ownership is excited to work with users and developers to create an exceptional and complimentary project.


In it’s 16th year of business, and the 10th anniversary year of Art Favre’s ownership of The Wharf, this marks the second large-scale acquisition of property in the City of Orange Beach. Nearly all tenants at The Wharf are owned by area residents, making The Wharf one of the highest concentrations on the Gulf Coast of locally owned businesses.


“The vision of The Wharf has always been to develop unique experiences with creative improvements to engage the community,” Kristen Hammack of The Wharf Ownership Team said. “We’re always looking at ways we can enhance our goal of creating memories for those living in and visiting Orange Beach while also providing employment and educational opportunities, so this expansion is the perfect opportunity for growth.”


Since 2012, Favre has made state-of-the-art infrastructure and general property updates to the existing development including the SPECTRA Laser Light Experience, expansions at the full-service The Wharf Marina and the 10,000-seat The Wharf Amphitheater. This also includes outparcel expansions such as the SpringHill Suites by Marriott hotel, newly built The Wharf Storage and Cumberland Farms convenience store.


The Wharf has partnered with Jeff Barnes and Steadman Bethea, advisors with Stirling Properties, to secure tenants and users for the commercial space at The Wharf. Current occupancy is 97 percent and development activity is robust. 


“The Wharf sets the standard for a dynamic mixed-use development on Alabama’s Gulf Coast,” Barnes said. “The ownership team has a proven track record of creating an appealing and successful destination for tourists and local residents. As the coastal market continues to grow, the addition of The Wharf Landing is timely and exciting.”


For commercial real estate information pertaining to The Wharf or The Wharf Landing, contact Jeff Barnes at 251-375-2496 or mailto:jbarnes@stirlingprop.com?subject=The Wharf Landing or Steadman Bethea at 251-375-2486 or mailto:sbethea@stirlingprop.com?subject=The Wharf Landing). For the latest news and updates on what’s to come at The Wharf, visit alwharf.com, or follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @thewharfoba.

The Wharf Bama Bayou Property

Share this article w/ Friends...

Alabama Coaches Bring
By R. Ken Cooper 23 Apr, 2024
The University of Alabama is relaunching its past tour event, "Crimson Caravan," as the new and improved "Tide on Tour." The three-city tour, beginning in Orange Beach, will feature Alabama Football Head Coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama Men's Basketball Head Coach Nate Oats, and Alabama Director of Athletics Greg Byrne, as well as current UA student-athletes.
Mullet Toss 2024
By R. Ken Cooper 23 Apr, 2024
The Gulf Coast's most peculiar event, the Mullet Toss, is set to entertain locals and visitors alike at the Flora-Bama. This annual spectacle, scheduled for the last full weekend of April, offers an opportunity for attendees to witness the quirky sport of mullet tossing, while also serving as a significant fundraiser for local youth charities.
Gulf Shores City Hall
By John Mullen 23 Apr, 2024
Developers will present a plan to the Gulf Shores Planning Commission on April 23 to build a new restaurant building at the intersection of Windmill Ridge Road and Gulf Shores Parkway across from the Original Oyster House. The new restaurant will be called Gulf Shores Ale House. The commission will meet at city hall in council chambers at 4 p.m. on April 23.
Orange Beach Sees Decline in Spring Break Arrests
By R. Ken Cooper 22 Apr, 2024
The Orange Beach Police Department had a relatively quiet Spring Break, compared to previous years. Arrests were down by almost 70% in 2024. The number of arrests during the 2023 spring break season was close to 200. According to the data just released, there were a total of 61 arrests directly related to spring break activities. The majority of the arrests, 48 in total, were for minors in possession of alcohol. An additional 4 arrests were made for public intoxication, 3 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) and 5 arrests for drug-related offenses. There was also 1 arrest that involved a combination of drug and alcohol charges.
Orange Beach Marine Police
By R. Ken Cooper 22 Apr, 2024
On Saturday, April 20, 2024, a diver from Louisiana was found dead in the water at The Wharf Marina in Orange Beach. According to the Orange Beach Police Department, the diver had been cleaning his boat around 7:30 AM but did not resurface. Officers were called to the scene around 1:00 PM and discovered the diver's body after deploying multiple dive teams.
Sea Turtle and Plastic in the Gulf of Mexico
By OBA Staff 22 Apr, 2024
Today, April 22nd, marks the annual celebration of Earth Day - a global event that has inspired millions to take action for the environment since its inception over 50 years ago. The origins of Earth Day can be traced back to 1970, when Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin called for a nationwide "teach-in" to raise awareness about environmental issues.
Fishing, Feasting, and Fun in a Jam-Packed Week on the Gulf Coast
By Jessica A. Taylor 22 Apr, 2024
Fish, Chicken, arts and crafts, hot rods, dodgeball for all and a few good mullets. Get ready for one exciting week on the Gulf Coast Bama style. We’ve got annual traditions, local focused handmade items, good eats, good music and good times, let’s go.
Orange Beach Fire Chief Jeff Smith
By R. Ken Cooper 22 Apr, 2024
The Orange Beach City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to appoint Jeff Smith as the new Fire Chief. The council chambers were filled to capacity with local firefighters who came to support Chief Smith.
Orange Beach Students Set Sail in the 3rd Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta
By R. Ken Cooper 21 Apr, 2024
Orange Beach Elementary School students are gearing up for a display of creativity and ingenuity at the 3rd Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta. Scheduled for May 4th, at 10:00 am, this event promises to bring together the community at the Bear Point Community Beach for a day of wholesome fun, especially for the little ones.
Publix Supermarkets New Store in Gulf Shores Opening Soon
By R. Ken Cooper 21 Apr, 2024
Publix is continuing its expansion across Alabama with the announcement of a new store opening in Gulf Shores. The new Publix supermarket will be located on Gulf Shores Parkway near Zaxby's, replacing a former Winn-Dixie building. The new store will host a grand opening on April 24th at 7:00am and will occupy a 65,000-square-foot space in the Paradise Isle Shopping Center.
Show More
Share by: