For Immediate Release
Contact: Joshua Kayne
Marketing Director - The Wharf
251-224-5501
Wilkes appointed as lead in Gulf Coast Development
AIG Baker Development poised for growth in the coastal region
September 28, 2006 - Orange Beach, Alabama
AIG Baker has named Beason Wilkes as Vice President, Production – Gulf Coast Area and Managing Director of The Wharf. Announced from their Birmingham, Alabama corporate headquarters, AIG Baker president, Alex Baker named Wilkes to take the lead in the ongoing development and management of The Wharf and to act on the vision for expansion in the Gulf Coast region. Wilkes has acted as the Director of Development – Gulf Coast Area since the inception of The Wharf in July of 2004.
It all started in a sales trailer under the bridge -
Wilkes often jokes that he was the first employee of The Wharf and began the development by setting up a sales trailer under the bridge.
Wilkes notes “I remember sitting alone in that trailer with all of these plans and wondering if we could really make this happen”. He continues “and here we are with the first season under our belt, expecting our first residents to move onto property and watching the dramatic positive impact that this project has had on the community.”
Wilkes is referring to the jobs that have been created as well as the programming that brings major national acts to perform in the 10,000 seat amphitheater. The Wharf now employees over 40 full and part-time employees in residential, retail, marina, amphitheater, marketing, administration and construction. The concert programs regularly bring thousands of people to Orange Beach which helps to support businesses throughout the community. Wilkes, formerly with Coca Cola International, is a resident of Gulf Shores and is involved in several civic and charitable organizations within the community.
Staged for Growth
AIG Baker Shopping Center Properties, LLC. continues to grow both here and along the Mississippi, Alabama and Florida coasts. The Blackwater project, an AIG Baker resort community, is in the planning stages in Lillian, Alabama and will feature an Aveda destination spa. Kitts Marina in Lillian is an AIG Baker property as well as Jubilee Square in Daphne, Alabama. An AIG Baker master-planned community is also under construction in Tallahassee, Florida.
While much real estate has been stagnant in the past few months, AIG Baker has continued in an acquisition mode reflecting their belief in the growth of the area and the strength of the market.
About The Wharf
The Wharf, located in Orange Beach on the Intracoastal Waterway, is a 220-acre mixed-use project operating year-round to serve residents and visitors with world-class retail, residential, entertainment and marina facilities.
Destined to be Alabama’s premiere destination resort and attraction, The Wharf features a 112’ Ferris Wheel, Mainstreet shopping and dining, 208 boat slips in a public/private marina, a boardwalk with open-air cafés and restaurants and an Aveda Resort Spa. At full build-out, it is anticipated that The Wharf will feature one million square feet of retail, office and restaurants and 1600 condominium homes complete with private clubhouse, resort pools and nature trails.
The Amphitheater at The Wharf, an open-air 10,200 seat venue for national acts and local performances, will host special events and concerts throughout the season as well as during the holidays. The 100’ wide covered stage, box seats and food and beverage facilities provide the perfect setting for the annual entertainment series but is also adaptable for large groups and shows throughout the year.
The entertainment component of The Wharf opened Memorial Day weekend and includes The Amphitheater at The Wharf, The Ferris Wheel and RAVE Motion Pictures’ Wharf 15 (a 15 screen state-of-the-art cinema).
Retail stores and restaurants are open and include Starbucks, Johnny Rockets, Ginny Lane Bar & Grill and several select local and regional specialty tenants.
For more information, contact marketing at The Wharf 251.224-1000 or visit online at www.thewharfal.com.
About AIG Baker
AIG Baker Shopping Center Properties, LLC is a privately held entrepreneurial-driven company, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, that specializes in ground-up development, acquisition, leasing and management of retail centers nationwide.
Backed by American International Group (AIG), one of the world’s largest insurance companies, AIG Baker has developed more than 20 million square feet in 17 states since 1993. Subsidiaries of AIG Baker include AIG Baker Real Estate, L.L.C., AIG Baker Management, L.L.C., AIG Baker Development, L.L.C., and Pinnacle Communities L.L.C.
For more information, contact AIG Baker Shopping Centers www.aigbaker.com or call 205.969-1000