CONFIRMED List of Stores for Pier Park North [REPORT]

The list of stores slated for Pier Park North is small but seems to be growing very quickly cites an anonymous source. There has been a lot of speculation as to what stores are coming and it has been confirmed as to which ones are definite and which ones are in the works.

Here are some of our past articles about Pier Park North.

Confirmed list of stores.

Here is a full size plat map.

Working on LOI:

America’S Best
Aspen Dental
Best Buy
Cato
Family Christian
Hibachi Cafe
Logan’S Roadhouse
Mattress Firm
Newt’S Cafe
Orange Leaf
Sally Beauty
Wine World

Working On Lease:

Bed Bath & Beyond
Great Clips
Kirkland’S
Maharaja’S Jewelers
Men’S Warehouse
Petco
Pier 1
Ross
Shoe Carnival

Leases Signed:

Dicks
Lee Nails & Spa
Michaels
Rooms To Go

Proposed:

Chili’s
Leslie’s Pool

More Pier Park North Information Surfaces

Jason Koertge has an awesome vacation rental business in Panama City Beach that focuses on remarkable properties around the Pier Park area. They range from 1 to 3 bedrooms, they’re clean, and amazing. He can be found at PCBLP.com.

The concept of Pier Park North in Panama City Beach is beginning to solidify as more information has been released about it on a lease, development and management company’s website, Casto. If you remember, the buzz around Pier Park North began shortly after talks about Walmart opening a new store began. In fact, if you look at all the chatter over the last 12 months, it looks like we’re heading right into a commercial development boom.

With the 5 year anniversary of Pier Park (proper) coming up in February, many can attest to the success it’s had in not only offering immense shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities, but also effectively creating a greater sense of community in Panama City Beach. If you think back before Pier Park, where else did we have a place for 25,000+ people to gather to celebrate the New Year holiday?

List of tenants.

If you remember back in the day when legitimate talks about Pier Park began to surface, there were all sorts of retail brands thrown about as confirmed future tenants. Of course, some of those actually materialized, but many did not. I had the great pleasure of working with the leasing and development staff very early on to ensure I was reporting on accurate information. I was told repeatedly the retailers cited on the development plans were not representing actual signed leases but rather the types of retailers that would be fitting for particular areas.

I only underscore this as the list of following tenants should not be assumed to be confirmed.

The current “marketing” concept map includes the following tenants (in no particular order):

Rooms To Go
Havertys
Petco
Shoe Carnival
Ross
Pier 1 Imports
Kirkland’s
Michaels
Bed Bath & Beyond
Best Buy
Dick’s
Logan’s Roadhouse
Mattress Firm
Men’s Wearhouse

When looking on the Casto’s page on their website for this property, the key tenants cited only include:

Dick’s
Bed Bath & Beyond
Ross
Best Buy
Michaels
Rooms to Go

This leaves one to wonder one of two interpretations; 1) The “key tenants” are the ones from the list that are actually signed lessees or 2) the “key tenant” list is just a random sample of what is projected as ideal tenants.

I can tell you that I for one, would be ecstatic to see a Best Buy come in, along with RTG and many of the others. It would really diversify the offering we see on the beach for places that carry items that our clients and guests have need for their properties or while on vacation.

You can view the brochure here.

Concept, design and look and feel.

While there aren’t necessarily development conceptual elevations displayed per se, they definitely have an image that depicts a very similar look and feel the the existing Pier Park motif that we’ve all come to know and love. And of course, seeing this image reminds us that to move in a different direction of something that has been so successful just wouldn’t make sense. I for one am genuinely hoping for a consistent look and feel and can assure you it is essential to create the seamless, well-thought-out appearance that Panama City Beach has been so rigorously working hard to achieve.

The imagery depicts light, yet bright, beachy colors, look-out tower styled accents and tall cabana looking awnings. Some of the storefronts in the one picture displayed definitely show staged facades that offer dimension and could create recreation and lounging areas not unlike Pier Park has now. From what I’ve observed in the plans, it doesn’t look to have nearly as much offset, though, as the existing Pier Park.

And right in the middle, there is a Pier Park logo. Remember, St. Joe owns the Pier Park trademark.

Development timeline.

If you remember, the article we published about Pier Park North in January cited a ground breaking possible in March of this year. As I’m sure you can surmise, that didn’t happen. Since the last article, I suspect some changes have been made in how the whole new development will come about. I’m hinted at this because in the new lease marketing collateral, I see no mention of Glimcher, the original mall developer partner that St. Joe was working with.

Of course, it’s also important to note that until any “official” announcements are made about this project, everything here is purely speculation.

In my most recent correspondence from Mel Leonard, the Director of Planning for Panama City Beach, he said:

We are waiting for them to submit landscaping and buffering plans. They recently submitted the traffic study and are still working through the transportation improvements that will be required as well as some utility issues. They have said they want to have an approved development order and begin land clearing in December. That is still possible but it could slip until January if all issues do not get resolved soon.

From land clearing to fully developed, the existing Pier Park took around a year to develop. So, assuming everything is lining up, I would think we should see Pier Park North come online for the 2014 rental season.

Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater Structure is UP

In this third and final installment of construction updates in the Pier Park general area in Panama City Beach, the Aaron Bessant Park amphitheater has raised its hand and remarked that its structure is up and the roof is in place. Having been under construction for just a short period, you can actually see the final product as its come up from the ashes of the previous structure commonly referred to as “The Claw.”

For a recount of all the features this new amphitheater will have, click here.

Pictures.

In this shot you can see the entire front front of the new Aaron Bessant Park amphitheater. If you’re down here, I highly recommend walking over to check it out in person. It’s really quite large and very exciting!

This shot was taken from the back right (southwest) of the building. Behind those already-colored walls will be the dressing rooms and admin office. The large opening in the center under the peak of the roof structure will be where the hangar doors are that will be able to be opened.

This is a closer look at the large opening directly behind the stage. For scale, you can see the man in the middle by the boards leaning on the scaffolding. I’d assume he’s an average height. The structure really is quite tall.

This shot is from the southeast side of the building. The large opening in the middle of the shot on the easterly facing wall is where the tractor trailers could pull up and load/unload.

This gives you a better view of the loading/unloading area.

This is the new restroom facility behind the existing facility

This is a shot from the very back of the venue grounds. Directly behind me and to the right is the bathroom facilities. You can see from this shot that this will be a very sweet and grandly improved venue. So exciting!!!

Powell Adams Road CRA Treatment Begun (Pier Park)

The new road way that’s accompanying the new Walmart is beginning to materialize. If you remember, concurrent with the new Walmart in Panama City Beach next to Pier Park, Powell Adams road is getting the same treatment as the CRA reconstructed roadways found elsewhere on the beach. Wow, that was a mouthful.

The new roadway will be four lanes with a curbed median and a traffic signal at the Pamama City Beach Parkway (Back Beach Road) intersection. There will be sidewalks, street lights and all underground utilities.

To get an example of what we can expect this to look like upon completion, click here.

This will be an exceptionally nice additional entrance experience for Pier Park.

Pictures.

I know it doesn’t seem like much to look at now, but what you do see is the beginnings of something that will be very beautiful. If you’ve seen what they’ve done in the other CRA areas, you know this will be a much needed transformation of a very heavily used road right next to what some have begun to call “downtown Panama City Beach.”

Over the coming months, the vantage point of which these photos were taken will change dramatically.

To the right of this shot is the Walmart building, and to the left is Target. That roadway on the left is the existing Powell Adams roadway.

This shot is facing south with Walmart to the left and Target to the right.

Will the New Walmart be a Super Walmart? [Construction Update]

The new Walmart next to Pier Park in Panama City Beach is taking serious shape. Having been under construction for mere months, you can absolutely see the beginning signs of just what type of Walmart this is going to be.

I’m not one to ignite or fuel rumor-mill, but its been going around that this will indeed be a Super Walmart. I’ve found nothing official to note this but as the building shell is complete, it sure looks that it will indeed be a Super Walmart.

Is this a Super Walmart?

In South Walton, there is a Walmart neighborhood store. Think Walmart, only on a miniature scale. They have a lot of the things normal Walmarts have, but not as much, and there is grocery.

Original speculation discussed the new Walmart as being a neighborhood store as pundits insisted Walmart couldn’t justify two equally competitive stores in the same tax area. Plus the submitted plans specify that the new store is indeed smaller than the original Panama City Beach Walmart.

However, in the last couple weeks the store structure has taken enough shape to offer more clear speculation on what we can expect at this new Walmart.

Mayor Gayle Oberst has been known to say, “Panama City Beach, the only town with a population of 12,000 that has two super Walmarts.”

The photo evidence.

This first photo, taken from the front, closest to Pier Park clearly shows two entrances. The smaller, neighborhood stores only offer one entrance.

The second photo is taken from the front on the side furthest from Pier Park. From this view you can clearly see the large bay openings found in their lube centers for servicing vehicles.

Here are a variety of other shots to give you an idea of the progress. I’d say barring any weather issues, they’re still on schedule.

This shot is a closer look at the lube bay where they can service cars. It’s hard to tell at this point, but it looks as though the automobiles would come in from the left, entering on the wall that is facing to the left of the image.

This is a shot from the inside taken towards the south west. I didn’t get permission for this and sort of snuck up there – hope I don’t get in trouble! You can’t really see anything here short of the vastness of the inside of this new Walmart in Panama City Beach.

This is taken facing the southwest and shows the easterly-most entrance.

This is another view of the lube bay area, across the stormwater retention pond.

This shot was taken from the southwest (facing northeast) side of the building. There is a large solid concreate area, I assume would be for staging semi delivery trucks. I believe there are four bays for tractor trailers.

Harley-Davidson Panama City Beach Ground Breaking

For years the Harley Davidson Panama City Beach sign has waited quietly for it’s purpose. And after 5 Thunderbeach rally’s since it’s gone up, today was what many called an historic groundbreaking event. With a fairly large crowd, tons of shiny bikes and a huge open field, Harley Davidson of Panama City Beach is officially under construction.

Development timetable.

With the groundbreaking today, technically construction has started, but the entire dealership site has already been cleared, graded and prepped for development. The 5 acre site will be home to a 38,000 square foot Harley Davidson dealership that will sell hundreds of bikes a year and even have their own training course and course track.

In the next couple weeks expect to begin to see a foundation take shape and walls go up with a projected (weather permitting) completion mid to late spring 2013. Their goal is to be open and ready for business by the spring Thunderbeach Rally.

About the dealership [Press Release].

This dealership is going to be huge, tipping the scales at over 38,000 square feet. A large showroom floor will feature the newest Harley-Davidsons as well as a large selection of used bikes including Harleys and all other makes and of motorcycles. The Motorclothes department will feature a wide variety of clothing for all from fashionable t-shirts to functional riding gear including helmets, gloves, and leather jackets. Other items will also be available such as jewelry, glassware, HD home decor and plenty of other Harley-Davidson themed items.

For those riders who want to add a little something extra to their motorcycle, the full service Parts and Accessories department will be standing by to help. Chrome Consultants can help add a little or a lot of shine while the Fit Shop will help guests choose the right handlebars, seats and other accessories to ensure their bike is the perfect fit for them. From taillight to LED Head Lights and everything in between, Genuine Harley-Davidson Parts and Accessories will be available to keep your Harley looking good and running smooth.

If your bike needs some major repair work or just an oil change, the full service department will take care of you. With 6 service bays and a complete detail area, the factory-trained technicians treat your bike just as the would their own. Expertise in their field and a passion for riding means the techs will have you and your Harley roaring down the road in no time at all.

If you don’t know how to ride, no problem. The dealership will offer motorcycle-riding lessons through Harley-Davidson’s Rider’s Edge Course. The motorcycles are provided for the course and a training room and certified riding range s on site. Our coaches are experienced, knowledgable and patient and will teach all the skills needed to become a safe rider. When you pass the course, you will be able to pick up your motorcycle endorsement from the DMV. If you need to brush up on your skills, classes for the experienced rider will also be available.

The fishing village themed building ties into the coastal community and is an inviting place for guests to buy a Harley, shop for MOtorclothes, have their bike serviced or just hang out. The motorcycle dealership features a guest lounge complete with complementary soft drinks, popcorn and cookies. Guests will be encouraged to relax, shoot a game of pool or play some darts.

Location

The dealership is located on the 5 acre parcel immediately to the east of the Palmetto Trace subdivision, at the intersection of Panama City Beach Parkway (US 98 or Back Beach Road) and N Gulf Blvd on the northwest corner. The dealership entrance will be off of Gulf Blvd.

Map link

Pictures, site plans and renderings.

One of the coolest media kits I’ve received came in the form of a nifty usb thumb drive silicon bracelet with Harley-Davidson branding on it. They provided the site plan, rendering and the building floorplan.

Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater Construction Update

Very few things excite me as much as new construction in Panama City Beach. You know I love dreaming of the future and any sort of growth is a sign of prosperity and success. The improvements happening at Aaron Bessant Park are really beginning to take shape. So far the construction of the new amphitheater is giving it some shape and the new restroom facilities are coming out of the ground. They’ve also began grading the field preparing for the soccer fields.

As you roll through the pictures of the construction update, you can reference the layout schematics to get some bearing on what is where.

Amphitheater schematics

On the west side of the amphitheater there will be the dressing room area. This will provide an area for the performers to prepare and rest. There are actually two separate dressing rooms, each with their own full bathroom and a green room. In addition, on that side of the amphitheater there is an administrative office for support staff and secured storage.

On the east side of the amphitheater is the loading and storage area. There is an opening that is large enough and at the right height for a semi truck trailer to pull right up and off load equipment. In addition, there is a large amount of storage area.

Construction update photos

Taken from the east side (facing west), this shot looks at the side of the structure. To the right in this image would be the audience.

This is a closer shot of the east side of the structure. The larger opening in the middle will be the garage bay door where performers will be able to pull their trailer up to for loading and unloading. Immediately behind that wall will be storage.

This is taken from the front of the structure with the audience placement behind me. This shows the right or west side of the building and the stage area.

This is again, the west side of the structure.