The Wharf at Orange Beach, a well-known hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment along Alabama's Gulf Coast, is set to expand with a groundbreaking ceremony having taken place on June 16, 2023. Yesterday's event marked the commencement of a development project named "Portside on Main," signaling the venue's ongoing growth and commitment to offering a diverse range of services to its patrons.

Art Favre, the owner of The Wharf, shared his vision for the new development, which will span over 33,000 square feet and include retail, office, and entertainment space. An additional 26,000 square feet will be dedicated to green and open spaces, featuring an outdoor stage for events and concerts. The first floor of Portside on Main will house retail space and a beer brewery, while the second level will feature Class A office suites ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet. Favre anticipates the expansion will accommodate 24 to 27 new tenants.

Over the past five years, The Wharf has maintained a high occupancy rate of 95-99%, demonstrating its popularity among locals and tourists alike. Favre believes the expansion aligns well with the current growth trend in Baldwin County, which has been identified as the fastest-growing county in Alabama, witnessing a 27.2% population increase from 2010, and nearly 232,000 residents calling it home.

The groundbreaking ceremony included speeches from key figures, including The Wharf's general manager Jason Clabo, Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon, and Favre himself. The Wharf has been planning this expansion for the last two years and aims to complete it by summer 2024.

A second phase of the project, centered at the corner of Main Street and Canal Road, is currently in the planning stages. The Wharf is also overseeing other growth projects, including the redevelopment of the former Bama Bayou property on the north side of the Intracoastal Waterway. This property, now acquired by The Wharf, will soon be rebranded as "The Wharf Landing," with the demolition of existing buildings underway.