Gated Waterfront Luxury Home Development Announced For ICW
Long Bayou Preserve will be across from Wharf on ICW
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Long Bayou Preserve will be situated in Orange Beach at the convergence of the Intracoastal Waterway and Long Bayou (Portage Creek), spanning 36 acres of waterfront land. The property is directly East of the new Margaritaville development.
Development is officially underway for Long Bayou Preserve, a new, small-scale residential community in Orange Beach, Alabama, that its developers describe as a coastal community dedicated to preserving tradition and a back-bay lifestyle.
Project Overview and Environmental Commitment
This 36-acre site is part of a larger, pristine 400-acre family-owned property that has been carefully managed for nearly a century.
The development plan is designed to minimize environmental disruption, impacting just 2.3 acres of coastal wetlands, or only 5% of the property. The 36 acres are composed of 22 designated native areas and 14 acres of existing upland area—the latter of which was created by the Corps of Engineers over 75 years ago using spoil from dredging operations. Developers have collaborated with the Corps of Engineers and ADEM, who approved the wetlands mitigation for the project, ensuring Long Bayou’s vibrant ecosystem remains healthy. To live up to its name, Covenants and Restrictions will mandate specific types of trees, plants, and grasses in the landscape design to protect the property's natural areas.
Developer Details and Timeline
The project is led by Cobb Development Company, helmed by Richard and Maury Cobb. Co-Developer Richard Cobb has 50 years of experience developing and building along the Gulf Coast and has been a resident of Orange Beach for 25 years. He has a reputation for completely low-impact and creative development, a standard the Long Bayou Preserve project intends to maintain. Construction on the entry road from the Expressway is currently underway and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Real Estate and Amenities
The community will consist of 48 residential lots, 37 of which are waterfront. Lot sizes will range from 60'x120' up to 100'x130'. Projected lot prices start at $700,000 and go up to $1,200,000.
A significant draw for boaters is the water access. Each waterfront lot will have the ability to purchase its own deeded, state-of-the-art boat lift or gain access to a boat lift in the Long Bayou Marina. Additionally, 26 boat slips in the Long Bayou Marina will be available to purchase—these are noted as the last remaining boat slips that can be issued by the Corps of Engineers along the Intracoastal Waterway from Wolf Bay to Mobile Bay. Residents will also have access to extensive kayaking opportunities through Long Bayou.
Notable features and amenities of the gated community include:
- A Private, Gated Entry Road.
- The Long Bayou Sporting Lodge, a unique waterfront lodge designed to enhance the back bay living experience.
- An infinity pool overlooking the convergence of the Intracoastal Waterway and Long Bayou.
- The Lodge is available for events and gatherings.
- Close proximity to local attractions such as Margaritaville, The Wharf, OWA, the Beach, and the Airport.
Gulf Shores News attempted to call the developers about their plans and timelines, working with the current moratorium in Orange Beach. At the time of publishing, we had yet to receive a return call or email. UPDATE: Since the project is not within city limits, zoning rules will be managed by Baldwin County.
(The attached PDF is a sales brochure provided by the developers)
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