City of Orange Beach Has Purchased Over $57 Million In Land
Ken Cooper • August 8, 2024
Over the past decade the City has been busy buying property
Over the past thirteen years, the City of Orange Beach has made substantial investments in land acquisitions, securing approximately 215.26 acres across 25 parcels. These properties, with a combined value of $57.7 million, have been designated for various uses, including community services, public facilities, and future developments. The city's total real estate holdings now amount to an $1.88 billion. The City stated this reflects a strategic approach to enhancing public infrastructure and community amenities.
Significant purchases include the site for the new Orange Beach Wildlife Center, Fire Station 3 on Canal Road, and the Romar Beach Mini Warehouses. Other notable acquisitions involve properties slated for future medical complex expansions, community gardens, and recreational facilities like the City Beach Property. Each of these purchases aligns with the city's long-term vision of providing high-quality services and maintaining a well-planned urban environment.
Below is a list of properties purchased by the city since 2011. The list also has information about what the property is being used for, or what is currently being planned for the property. Some of the parcels don’t yet have plans. These parcels are also noted.
City of Orange Beach Properties Purchased Since 2011:
Orange Beach Wildlife Center
The City purchased 10 acres referred to as the Wade Property in June 2015. This is the site of the new Orange Beach Wildlife Center and is expected to be completed in the near future. This property has an appraised value of $1,756,400.
Fire Station 3
The City purchased 15 acres on Canal Road at Powerline Road in December 2022. This is where they built Fire Station 3. The property appraised for $3,384,900.
Romar Beach Mini Warehouses
The City purchased the Romar Beach Mini Warehouses on Sweetwater Drive in February 2023, including 2.00 acres. The property has an appraised value of $1,444,800.
Youngs Hideaway Glamping Site
The City purchased 15.15 acres on Perdido Beach Blvd. in May 2014, it currently has a value of $1,964,100. The City is currently leasing out the property to a Glamping company and receiving a royalty on the rentals. RELATED ARTICLE
Old Whitney Bank Building
The City purchased the old Whitney Bank Building in May 2014 with 0.98 acres on Canal Road, with a value of $1,103,200. The City was using the property as the Finance Dept. but has vacated the building and hopes to use it as the expanded medical complex.
Whitney Adjacent Parcel
The City purchased 0.92 acres on Canal Road in January 2020, with a value of $651,600. The City is currently using the property for overflow parking, but plans to make it part of a medical complex. (slide not provided)
25930 Bonito Ave.
The City purchased 0.25 acres on Bonito Avenue in November 2021, with a value of $80,600. The City plans on using this property for the expansion of medical services. (slide not provided)
White Ave. Property
The City purchased 2.09 acres on White Avenue in July 2019, with a value of $241,300. The City has this as a backup property for the Dog Park if it has to be moved.
New Community Garden site
The City purchased 2.0 acres of property just south of the Orange Beach Elementary School in November 2017. This property has a value of 819,000 and is currently being used as a community garden.
2823 Walker Lane
The City purchased 0.24 acres of property on Walker Lane in February 2019 with a value of $90,200. The property is slated for future use.
Orange Beach Community Center
The Orange Beach Community Center sits on 2.87 acres of land and has a value of $1,912,900. This property was acquired in July 2022 as a donation from the Orange Beach Community Center Corporation.
Contorno Property
The City purchased 14.06 acres of property on Canal Road just east of Sam’s Stop & Shop that has a value of $1,270,600. This property was purchased in July 2024 and is slated for future use.
4611 Nancy Lane
The City purchased 0.25 acres of property on Nancy Lane in March 2017 that has a value of $105,900. This property is slated for future use.
4613 Nancy Lane
The City purchased 0.23 acres of property on Nancy Lane in July 2019 that has a value of $95,300. This property is slated for future use.
26319 Nancy Lane
The City purchased 0.84 acres of property on Nancy Lane in December 2019 that has a value of $1,143,500. This property is slated for future use.
East Canal Road Property I
The City purchased 1.47 acres of property on East Canal Road in July 2018 with a value of $130,000. The property is slated for the expansion of the justice center.
East Canal Road Property II
The City purchased 6.31 acres of land in December 2017 with a value of $3,611,300. This property is north of the Police Station and is covered in oak trees.
East Canal Road Property III
The City purchased 0.91 acres of land with a value of $774,500 in September 2023 on the east side of the substation on Canal Road. There is a white, brick house on the property. The property is slated for public use.
East Canal Road Property IV
The City purchased 2.75 acres of land with a value of $609,500 in June 2022. This parcel is across from the Kid’s Park and is slated for future use.
East Canal Road Property V
The City purchased 10.35 acres of land with a value of $1,332,400 across the road from the Coastal Art Center. This property is slated for future use.
East Canal Road Property VI
The City purchased 1.42 acres with a value of $216,900 in October 2019. This parcel is across from the Library and Senior Center, next to the substation. This property is slated for future use.
Russian Road Property
The City purchased 18 acres of land on Russian Road in July 2021with a value of $414,000. This parcel is slated for future use.
Public Works Property
The City purchased 19 acres on Roscoe Road in July 2019 for Public Works. The Public Works Property on Roscoe Road has a value of $4,483,800 and serves as the operational hub for the city's public works department. This facility houses essential equipment, vehicles, and materials needed for maintaining and improving the city's infrastructure. Activities at the property include road maintenance, waste management, water and sewer services, and various municipal projects aimed at enhancing community services and public safety. The site is crucial for coordinating efforts to keep Orange Beach's public spaces, utilities, and services running efficiently, contributing to the overall well-being and quality of life for residents and visitors.
Shooting Range Property
The City purchased 81 acres on Russian Road in April 2019 with a value of $366,200. This property is now a Shooting Range. The Shooting Range Property is a designated area for firearms training and recreational shooting. The Shooting Range is open every other Saturday to the public. It has 5 trap and skeet stations. The range is operated under strict safety regulations, the facility offers a controlled environment for law enforcement training, competitive shooting events, and public use. It features various shooting lanes, targets, and safety equipment to accommodate different types of firearms practice. The property is also used for educational purposes, including firearm safety courses and marksmanship training, ensuring that both experienced shooters and beginners have access to the resources they need to practice responsibly and safely.
City Beach Property
The City purchased 4.22 acres of beachfront property in June 2021, This property is located next to CoastAL Restaurant and has a value of $24,177,900. The beachfront property is used for a Resident's Beach.
Orange Beach Event Center
The City purchased the Orange Beach Event Center with 2.95 acres of land in April 2011. The Event Center has a value of $5,569,300. The Orange Beach Event Center is a versatile facility that hosts a wide range of events and gatherings. The center features spacious meeting rooms, exhibition areas, and banquet facilities, making it an ideal venue for conferences, trade shows, weddings, and community events. Equipped with modern amenities and ample parking, it serves as a hub for both local and regional activities, offering a welcoming space for social, corporate, and recreational purposes throughout the year.
*** We have reached out to the City of Orange Beach to obtain the full purchase price paid for each parcel and will update the article with any response.
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