AIG Baker develops Orange Beach center
Thursday, September 09, 2004
MICHAEL TOMBERLIN
News staff writer

AIG Baker Shopping Center Properties Inc. is developing a mixed-used development on 225 acres in Orange Beach with more than 1 million square feet of retail space and 741 condominiums.

The Wharf, being built along the Intracoastal Canal and Foley Beach Expressway in southern Baldwin County, will include a 200-slip marina, a hotel, restaurants, a boardwalk and an amphitheater with as many as 7,000 seats.

"We are envisioning a place where all of life's simple pleasures and then some are found right at your doorstep or just around the corner," said Alex Baker, president of AIG Baker.

Intermixed in the project will be outdoor bird sanctuaries, swimming pools, a health club, tennis courts and other amenities.

The project will even include a five-story Ferris wheel.

The first phase of the project will feature 350 condos and around 400,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. A 68,000-square-foot, 15-screen Rave Motion Pictures theater will anchor the first phase and is set to open in 2005.

"The Wharf is our entry into the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area and an opportunity for AIG Baker to create a truly unique retail and residential development designed to give tourists a place to relax, play or go to the movies without ever having to leave (the area)," said John Hogue, project manager for The Wharf.

Source: The Birmingham News