Summer 2005

Condominium boom comes to South Daytona, Holly Hill

It was only a matter of time before outdated and long-depreciated structures on prime land would be razed in favor of new buildings at the water's edge. It appears the time is now in Holly Hill and South Daytona.

Major condominium developments that will have a profound impact are in the works for both cities. These projects will affect population, tax base, traffic and the number of service businesses springing up to accommodate the new residents. In Holly Hill, the vision of four gleaming condominium towers along Riverside Drive at the site of the old Halifax Shopping Plaza can be seen on a showcase billboard and in full page print advertisements. Graphic designers have created life-like renderings of Marina Grande on the Halifax with its four widely spaced towers, private marina, swimming pools, fountains, clubhouse and more. The renderings have been dropped into an aerial photograph of the area that gives a dramatic glimpse of the future. Marina Grande on the Halifax is commanding preconstruction prices from the upper $400s and is a joint venture of Boca Developers, a leading developer of luxury condominiums in South Florida.

An artist's rendering of the Marina Grande complex in Holly Hill.

"This project is a milestone for the City of Holly Hill," said City Manager Joe Forte. "It will bring new residents to our community and reinforce its evolving image as a great place in which to live." In South Daytona, several projects are planned and have been granted city approval or are in the final stages of earning approval. These developments represent approximately 2,000 condominium units. There are five approved projects along the Halifax River ranging in height from 14-18 stories.

Halifax Landing is a 186-unit project on a 6.4-acre site at 2801 S. Ridgewood Avenue at Reed Canal Road. The complex is a development of Oceans West IV LLC and replaces Hammerhead Lounge, which has been demolished.

Madeira is a 522-unit development on an 8.7-acre site at 2701 S. Ridgewood Ave. It replaces Daytona Bowl and The Waterside Shoppes and is a development of Broadway Florida LLC.

Casablanca North, a development of Allan Detert, is a 492-unit complex on an 8.2-acre parcel at 2941 S. Ridgewood Ave. It replaces two residences and two commercial buildings. Detert also is developing Casablanca South at 3109 S. Ridgewood Ave. that will have 198 units on 3.4 acres and replaces one residence and one commercial building.

Another condominium project, being developed by Gus Spreng, is a 192-unit complex on a 3.2-acre site at 3225 S. Ridgewood Ave. It replaces several residences and one commercial building.

Mediterranean Villas, a five-story structure, is across from City Hall at 1701 S. Ridgewood Ave. It features 311 units on a 5.9-acre parcel at 1701 S. Ridgewood Ave. It replaces two nonconforming mobile home parks.

South Daytona officials said they are pleased with the quality of these condominium projects and see them as adding excitement, synergy and a new dimension to the city in addition to adding to the city's real estate value base.