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...

Things to do on the Gulf Coast This Week
By Jessica A. Taylor April 28, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – As the Gulf Coast transitions into mid-spring, the week of April 28th through May 4th offers a variety of events and experiences that capture the region’s unique blend of culture, cuisine, and community. From savoring coastal flavors at local eateries to celebrating time-honored traditions like hot air balloon rides and Kentucky Derby festivities, the Gulf Coast invites residents and visitors to explore its rich offerings. Whether you’re browsing for coastal treasures, enjoying a wine-paired dinner for a good cause, or immersing yourself in the arts, this week promises opportunities to connect with the area’s laid-back charm and lively spirit.
Gulf Shores Public Beach
By OBA Staff April 28, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Gulf Shores City Council will meet Tuesday, April 29, at 4 p.m. (instead of their normal Monday meeting) to review an agenda that includes technology upgrades, professional service agreements, and community recognitions.
Orange Beach Hosts Leadership League for Community Day
By OBA Staff April 28, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The City of Orange Beach welcomed members of the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber's Coastal Alabama Leadership League (C.A.L.L.) on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, for Orange Beach Day. The group toured the city and experienced hands-on demonstrations.
Sunset and Full Moon Paddles Planned in Orange Beach
By OBA Staff April 27, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The City of Orange Beach will host three Full Moon Paddle events this summer at the Wind and Water Learning Center, located behind the Orange Beach Public Library at 26267 Canal Road.
Orange Beach Elementary School Walk and Bike to School Day 2022
By OBA Staff April 27, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Students, parents, and teachers in Baldwin County are preparing to lace up their sneakers for the Annual Spring Walk event. The walk promotes healthy transportation, safer communities, and environmental support.
Gulf Coast Classic Fly Fishing Festival Returns for Third Year
By OBA Staff April 26, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Gulf Coast Council of Fly Fishers International will host their third annual Gulf Coast Classic fly-fishing festival on May 2-3, 2025. The event will take place at the Learning Campus of Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Service Dog Rules Workshop Coming to Coastal Arts Center
By OBA Staff April 26, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach will host a free professional development workshop focused on service dog regulations. The event aims to help local professionals understand ADA compliance and reduce liability risks. Knowing how to handle service dog rules properly and ADA compliance is important for keeping customers safe and businesses protected.
Ribbon Cutting for Young's Hideaway Glamping - Photo by Marc Anderson
By R. Ken Cooper April 25, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach officials and community members gathered to celebrate the opening of a new glamping site named "Young's Hideaway" in honor of longtime residents Cecil and Jesse Young. The project adds a unique accommodation option to the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Marks Opening of New Boat Ramp in Bon Secour
By OBA Staff April 25, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – A new public boat ramp on County Road 6 in Bon Secour was officially opened today during a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship.
Surf Fishing Clinic for Kids
By R. Ken Cooper April 25, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Young anglers will have the chance to cast their lines and learn from local experts at the Gulf State Park Kids Surf Fishing Clinic this summer.
Show More