Eyesore Rose Garden Property Finally Sold

Fairhope, Alabama 

 (Edited for clarity)

'0' Fairhope Avenue

 

Aerial view.

BLUFF VIEW TO BE "PROTECTED"

A run-down small building near the city's main pier/rose garden has been purchased by the Single Tax Corporation's board of directors for $475K,  according to its president Lee Turner.

The property was appraised for only $211K this year according to county tax records (tax appraiser's estimate); former owner Bob Pope was asking $795K for it three years ago but no one was interested at that price.

Pope had sought to construct three story condominiums on the site in 2017, but was repeatedly denied required variances by the city planning department. An appeal to circuit court failed as well.

'Down by the Bay' Cafe was the last of several businesses to operate there, ca. 2017.

No immediate plans for the property were announced but Turner released a statement:

"We may have paid more than the appraisal value; however, this bluff has an iconic view in Fairhope and has been important to our sense of place. The FSTC directors felt it was extremely important to guarantee no future development will block the view."

The corporation often donates such property to the city, for use as parklands.

(Note: Since this is colony land, the corporation purchased Pope's 99-year leasehold back from him. The corporation always owned it.)


2017 condo proposal failed.

For sale in 2020


Comments

Anonymous said…
Thank you!

Anonymous said…
Thank the Lord. Now knock it down!
Anonymous said…
Publisher: Am I correct in assuming the Colony paid more for the property than the assessed value? Do we know why?
Publisher said…
Yes, we gave the numbers in the post. The former owner refused to sell for appraised value.
Anonymous said…
Either a Dollar General or Publix would be perfect there.
Anonymous said…
AgIn, another ridiculous waste of money by single tax. That’s not what single tax was founded for. Absolutely ludicrous.
Anonymous said…
Not a resident but am a frequent visitor to Fairhope. Would a Fairhope Visitor's center work there? So many tourist visit the pier and rose garden it would be a good place for them to find out more of what Fairhope has to offer.
Anonymous said…
What does the Colony plan to do ? Why does Fairhope allow so many eye sores
Anonymous said…
Fix it up and run a tasty freeze out of it!
Ms. Donna said…
Thank you Colony. I would like to see the eyesore knocked down. IDK what should go there, but nothing that distracts from the simple charm of the beach/Pier area, please.
Anonymous said…
more parking is desperately needed there please.
Anonymous said…
No good way 2 appraise property like this. one of a kind.
Anonymous said…
There’s already a visitors center downtown.
It’s an eyesore now, but could be great for
Something with a renovation to protect the
History of it.
Jennifer said…
While I don't like the idea of paying double appraisal, I am grateful the land will be handled appropriately moving forward. Thank you STC!
Jacqueline McCants said…
Great place for a Sno ball stand.
Anonymous said…
The tax appraisal is always less then a market appraisal.

Unless you would prefer to pay taxes based on a market appraisal. Or even better I’ll buy your house for your current tax appraisal.
Anonymous said…
Super grateful to the FSTC for preventing further development and benefitting the public. God bless you all.
Anonymous said…
A cute little updated restaurant with Burgers and milkshakes would be awesome there!!!
Anonymous said…
Anything would be better that that!