Rosemary Beach is getting a new neighbor.
Walton County commissioners last week approved plans for The Inn on the Gulf, a trio of luxury, four-story buildings. The development will feature one-, two- and three-bedroom units ranging from 460 square feet to 2,118 square feet.
Mark Humphreys, CEO of Humphreys & Partners Architects and second homeowner in Rosemary Beach for 10 years, saw a need for lodging along the County Road 30A corridor during the spring break and summer. While Humphreys has developed a few houses in the area previously, The Inn is a personal one, he said.
“My heart’s sold on the Rosemary Beach development,” he said. “Everyone’s gonna love it.”
Humphreys & Partners and Atticus Real Estate are the leaders of the new development.
The Inn on the Gulf will have an edgy aesthetic, Humphreys said. He was inspired by resorts in Miami.
The lodging will be fashionable and functional. All rooms will feature a kitchen, an important aspect that will set The Inn apart, Humphreys said.
“When people come and stay here for a week, they don’t want to eat out for every single meal,” he said.
The resort also will feature a restaurant and is close to great South Walton dining options.
There also will be a rooftop deck, bars and several swimming pools, including a kid’s pool.
Humphreys also said the resort will be the “greenest, most environmentally-friendly hotel in the Panhandle.” Some green ideas include plug-ins for electric cars, solar panels and even two electric cars on site to be used for valet service.
The target demographic is pretty much everyone, said Humphreys, who noted that families, couples and young or old will appreciate The Inn’s beauty and convenience.
“The target demographic is someone that would want to be in an edgy condo with good restaurants and bars very close,” Humphreys said. “And it’s all in walking distance to the retail in Rosemary Beach. It’s good for everybody.”
Humphreys said The Inn on the Gulf will not compete with neighboring resorts, but will be something new. It also will add a nice visual aspect to U.S. Highway 98 and CR 30A. As a 30A homeowner, he’s adamant about preserving its beauty.
“Rosemary Beach is very protective of its environment,” he said. “I’ve been to resorts in places like the Caymans. They have a nice hotel, but they don’t have the little towns like WaterColor, Seaside and Alys Beach. It’s a unique place.”
Work will begin soon, and Humphreys predicts phase one of The Inn will be complete by the summer of 2014.
“I never had any negative feedback at all,” he said. “Being a long-time owner, I thought it was important to have a property that’s four or five stars level at the entrance to Rosemary Beach and 30A. I’m glad to have this opportunity and community support.”
Contact Walton Sun Staff Writer Jennie McKeon at 850-654-8445 or jmckeon@waltonsunonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @WaltonSunJennie.