Plans set for Ocean Springs beach property. ‘Public deserves this,’ investor says
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Realtor Brad Jay secured a one-year option to buy six-acre Front Beach site.
- He proposes 75% botanical gardens, 25% mixed-use development, including retail.
- Jay hopes state will help cover cost of botanical gardens for $17 million plan.
Realtor Brad Jay tried to sell six acres on the beach in Ocean Springs, but when none of the deals panned out, he decided to buy the property himself.
And it’s not just any old land.
The wooded acreage is one of the most recognizable sights in the city. Its canopy of mature trees shades the northwest corner of Front Beach and is one of the first sites motorists encounter as they cross the bridge from Biloxi to Ocean Springs.
A previous client of Jay’s wanted to build condos on the Front Beach Drive site. Residents howled. Many of them have said they want to preserve their city’s small-town charm rather than see it turned into a cookie-cutter tourist beach town.
Jay gets their point. “I believe this property deserves maximum public benefit, just because of the location and the beauty of it,” he said. “This is a gorgeous piece of property.”
Plans for Ocean Springs development
Jay, who grew up in Ocean Springs, has signed a contract with owner Naomi Enterprises L.P. that gives him a one-year option to buy the land.
The property will cost $5.5 million, while the total project cost is estimated at $17 million.
Jay is hoping the city and state will support his vision with funding that would help cover the land’s cost. He’s talked with state Rep. Hank Zuber of Ocean Springs about the project.
Zuber told the Sun Herald he would support funding, if it includes a balance of green space with development.
“My goal is to make sure there is green space left on that property,” Zuber said, adding that botanical gardens would qualify.
Jay said 75% of the property would be dedicated to botanical gardens, while a quarter would generate revenue.
He envisions a building modeled after the two-story Mary Mahoney’s Old French House in Biloxi, which includes the famed restaurant, along with retail and other spaces. Jay also hopes a miniature golf course with a botanical theme and other family-friendly activities can be incorporated into the botanical gardens.
About an acre of the land sits on the beachside of Front Beach Drive, while about five acres sit north of the road.
The Ocean Springs Yacht Club has long used the beach property as a boat yard. Jay said boat storage on the lot could continue when the north side property is developed. He’s discussed plans with yacht club members.
“It seems like it will be a real plus for the city of Ocean Springs — a win all the way around,” said Cynthia Moncreiff, yacht club fleet captain and past commodore.
Plans to preserve, plant trees
The development portion of the project is fluid, but Jay says he has investors lined up, although he’s not ready to name them.
Jay believes the property is perfect for botanical gardens. He would have underbrush removed, leaving Live oaks, magnolias, pines and other trees of value as anchors for the gardens.
“We plan on planting some new trees as well,” he said. He thinks people will appreciate the shade.
He also wants to take acorns from existing trees, pot them and give them away.
“I’m a world traveler,” Jay said. “Somehow, miraculously, I just keep on ending up in botanical gardens all over the world. I just love them.”
“I’m a big nature lover. I feel like this deserves to be something the public has access to.”
This story was originally published October 22, 2025 at 10:51 AM.
