South MS city considering condominiums for waterfront. Big question delays public review
A developer is proposing waterfront condominiums for Ocean Springs’ western shoreline, saying he’ll invest $60 million, contribute to the tax base and improve property that has sat vacant for decades.
But some residents question whether the city should approve the project, called The Bay Club. They point to the building’s height — six stories, or 75 feet — along a waterfront dominated by single family homes that preserves views by including a 50-foot height restriction for multifamily development.
The height restriction does not apply in all areas. Developer Steve Bryan of Mid South Companies said Monday that the condominium development meets all city requirements, including height limits. The 66-unit condominium building would sit on 3.24 acres on Back Bay, between U.S. 90 and the CSX railroad tracks. It has been vacant for decades.
However, on Tuesday, the condo proposal was pulled at the last minute from the Planning Commission’s evening agenda. Some residents who closely follow city government insisted the 50-foot height limit would apply. Will Norman, an attorney for the Planning Commission, said the administration will look into whether the property is in the Waterview Protection District, which has the lower height limit.
“We need to make sure it’s done properly on the front end,” Norman said.
The property is zoned for commercial development but the development would require a conditional-use permit. No new date has been set for the commission to review the proposal.
“This particular zoning district is intended for high traffic, intense uses,” the permit application says. “A condominium complex would not be considered a high traffic use compared to other uses allowed in that zoning district.”
Condominium plans on waterfront
The permit would allow the Planning Commission to recommend conditions under which the condominiums could be built. The Board of Aldermen has final say on the development.
The Bay Club is the second proposal from Bryan, who also wanted to build condominiums on seven neighboring acres southeast of U.S. 90 and across from the Ocean Springs Yacht Club. That proposal ran into obstacles and has not moved forward.
But, Bryan said, “We’d love to see it happen.”
An experienced developer with projects in multiple states, Bryan previously told the Sun Herald he was attracted to Ocean Springs because he is always on the lookout for water-oriented sites, and the city has a good reputation regionally and nationally. Bryan, whose company is located outside Jackson, said he expects to attend Tuesday evening’s commission meeting.
Mid South’s application says the railroad tracks and highway provide a natural buffer for The Bay Club. Condominiums would be priced at $900,000 to $1.5 million. Mid South expects the development would attract many retirees and senior citizens with ample incomes.
The development would include a swimming pool, fitness center, beach front area, putting green, and courtyard with fire pit and grilling stations, the application says. Three Live oaks would need to be removed for the development.
A walkway under the U.S. 90 bridge to Front Beach would encourage pedestrian and bicycle traffic, the application says.
A public fishing pier is adjacent to the property.
“it’s an asset to everyone,” Bryan said.
The application mentions the possibility of the city and county partnering on a marina beside the pier. Ocean Springs Mayor Kenny Holloway previously proposed a marina to the southeast on Front Beach, a public beach, but residents opposed those plans.
This story was originally published January 14, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
