Lots more public parking coming for diners and shoppers in downtown Ocean Springs
In an age when downtowns across the United States are struggling, Ocean Springs’ biggest issue is enough parking for all those who want to dine, wander, shop and enjoy the downtown festivals.
Finding a parking place will be easier starting April 30, when the parking garage opens at the new OS 1515 development at 1515 Government St. Hotel reservations are open now for stays starting April 30 at the 32-room hotel.
The city will operate the parking garage, the developers said. The first of the three floors will be reserved for hotel and condo guests.
The other floors of the parking garage will be open to the public. From there, locals and visitors can walk to the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center and many restaurants and shops.
They also can explore OS 1515, with its food hall, shops and courtyard when they open.
Plans have been released in waves since November, when internationally muralist Douglas “Hoxxoh” Hoekzema spent two weeks transforming the blank walls of OS 1515 into a massive and colorful centerpiece for the courtyard.
Several restaurants and shops are targeted to open in April.
First food hall on the Coast
Crave Food Hall will be a new experience, made even more enticing with an indoor/outdoor bar that will serve both the food hall and the events in the courtyard.
The restaurants will combine chefs and tastes from New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. They include:
▪ Mawi Tortillas — New Orleans Chef Wilfreo Avelar brings his professional experience and training from Emeril Lagasse to his menu of Central American cuisine,. Honduran-style tacos and local Gulf Coast ingredients
▪ Sugar Cubed is a sweets shop and extension of Sweet Enchantments shop in Ocean Springs, featuring danishes, macaroons and cheesecake
▪ Marcello’s — Frank Marcello, owner of Mandina’s Restaurant in Mandeville, brings his renowned lasagna to Ocean Springs plus traditional classics like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken Parmesan and veal piccata.
▪ The Charcuterie Maker will provide meats, cheeses and extra touches to build your own charcuterie boards, along with chef crafted sandwiches made with fresh baked breads from Butcher Baker
▪ The District Coffee Company will provide locally sourced coffee, cold brew, teas, Red Bull infusions and a menu of breakfast and brunch items
▪ Proof Cocktail Bar will be a sophisticated gathering place with craft cocktails and mocktails.
Desi Vega, a fine dining restaurant, will open mid-Summer in the hotel portion of OS 1515.
Shop and ride
Most recently announced are some of the shops opening in one of the three buildings that make up OS 1515:
▪ Price & Co. menswear shop will feature classic styles with modern features, including custom and everyday pieces
▪ Coral Boutique is a family-owned women’s boutique featuring relaxed coastal fashions, shoes and accessories
▪ Sundry shop will be stocked with locally inspired goods, artisan snacks and coastal gifts
▪ Tour de Coast Bike Rentals will have an official hub at OS 1515 for customers to ride an electric bike to the beach and historic landmarks around town.
