The Wharf buys 86 acres near Bama Bayou property

OBA Staff • August 12, 2022

Plans are in the works for a mixed-use development

The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama, has bought 86 acres near the  old Bama Bayou project across the water.

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Wharf at Orange Beach, a popular shopping, dining and entertainment venue on the Alabama Gulf Coast, today announces the acquisition of an additional 86 acres on the north side of the Intracoastal Waterway near the Foley Beach Express Toll Bridge.


The property, formerly known as Bama Bayou, will be re-branded as The Wharf Landing. The purchase does not include the parcel with buildings on it is not part of the deal.


Ideally located across the Intracoastal Waterway from The Wharf, a vibrant and established 222-acre development encompassing a successful mix of commercial and residential uses.


Combined with The Wharf, the new acquisition will result in common ownership of approximately 4,000 feet of navigable water frontage on more than 300 acres. The land planning process will begin immediately, and The Wharf ownership is excited to work with users and developers to create an exceptional and complimentary project.


In it’s 16th year of business, and the 10th anniversary year of Art Favre’s ownership of The Wharf, this marks the second large-scale acquisition of property in the City of Orange Beach. Nearly all tenants at The Wharf are owned by area residents, making The Wharf one of the highest concentrations on the Gulf Coast of locally owned businesses.


“The vision of The Wharf has always been to develop unique experiences with creative improvements to engage the community,” Kristen Hammack of The Wharf Ownership Team said. “We’re always looking at ways we can enhance our goal of creating memories for those living in and visiting Orange Beach while also providing employment and educational opportunities, so this expansion is the perfect opportunity for growth.”


Since 2012, Favre has made state-of-the-art infrastructure and general property updates to the existing development including the SPECTRA Laser Light Experience, expansions at the full-service The Wharf Marina and the 10,000-seat The Wharf Amphitheater. This also includes outparcel expansions such as the SpringHill Suites by Marriott hotel, newly built The Wharf Storage and Cumberland Farms convenience store.


The Wharf has partnered with Jeff Barnes and Steadman Bethea, advisors with Stirling Properties, to secure tenants and users for the commercial space at The Wharf. Current occupancy is 97 percent and development activity is robust. 


“The Wharf sets the standard for a dynamic mixed-use development on Alabama’s Gulf Coast,” Barnes said. “The ownership team has a proven track record of creating an appealing and successful destination for tourists and local residents. As the coastal market continues to grow, the addition of The Wharf Landing is timely and exciting.”


For commercial real estate information pertaining to The Wharf or The Wharf Landing, contact Jeff Barnes at 251-375-2496 or mailto:jbarnes@stirlingprop.com?subject=The Wharf Landing or Steadman Bethea at 251-375-2486 or mailto:sbethea@stirlingprop.com?subject=The Wharf Landing). For the latest news and updates on what’s to come at The Wharf, visit alwharf.com, or follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @thewharfoba.

The Wharf Bama Bayou Property

Share this article w/ Friends...

Dolphins vs Porpoises
By R. Ken Cooper May 1, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Visitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast often spot marine mammals swimming near shore or alongside boats. Many people call these animals porpoises, but that is not accurate. According to NOAA Fisheries, the animals commonly seen in local waters are dolphins. The agency says dolphins and porpois
The Wharf in Orange Beach
By R. Ken Cooper May 1, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — May has arrived, and the Wharf in Orange Beach is set to launch its 2026 summer event lineup, featuring a series of family-friendly activities and entertainment. The season kicks off with a celebration featuring music, interactive attractions, and fireworks. Organizers say the events...
Foley Plans Upgrades At Farmers Market And Sports Fields
By Guy Busby May 1, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Foley is planning a series of upgrades at the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen's Market and the city’s sports tourism complex. City officials said the improvements will add new amenities for visitors and vendors. The projects are intended to support both recreation and local busin
Orange Beach Lady Makos - Photo by Brent Williams, Wolf Bay Media
By John Mullen April 30, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Orange Beach Lady Makos advanced to the second round of the Class 4A state playoffs with a 10-0 win on the road at New Brockton on Tuesday night. The No. 2-ranked Lady Makos scored early and often, with Gami Ausmuth scoring four goals en route to the blowout win. The home game highlight
Grand Lagoon Yacht Club - Stock Image
By R. Ken Cooper April 30, 2026
Perdido Key, Fla. — (OBA) — The Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce is kicking off a new event series for women in business. The Women Mean Business Committee created the LeadHer Lunch Series to connect, inspire, and empower professional women in the area. The series showcases local leaders making a real difference
Gulf Coast Businesses Are Saddling Up for Kentucky Derby Celebrations
By OBA Staff April 30, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Kentucky Derby is one of the United States' most celebrated sporting events, and Gulf Coast residents will have several ways to join the fun this year. Three venues in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores will host watch parties this weekend. Fans can expect live music, themed cocktails, costu
Gulf Shores City Hall
By OBA Staff April 29, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — At their Monday night meeting, the Gulf Shores City Council approved a pre-zoning and annexation request for the Riviera property. The decision permits a new residential and commercial development. The property sits at the northwest corner of County Road 8 West and Highway 59. City official
Nesting season runs through late October
By R. Ken Cooper April 29, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Sea turtle nesting season is set to begin along the northern Gulf Coast, including Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. The annual event brings threatened sea turtles ashore to lay eggs. Officials say public awareness is key to protecting the endangered animal and urge beachgoers to follow s
Facility engineered to withstand 160 mph winds and store vessels up to 55 feet
By OBA Staff April 29, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — With hurricane season approaching, boat owners along the Alabama Gulf Coast are being urged to be prepared. Legendary Marina & Yacht Club in Gulf Shores is offering storage options designed to protect vessels during a major storm. The marina is one of the only facilities on the Gulf Coast
Flora-Bama Lounge
By R. Peevy April 28, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The iconic Flora-Bama has been nominated for USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for Best Beach Bar. This selection, made by a panel of experts, puts the legendary spot in the national spotlight, with the ultimate winner determined by public votes.
Show More