DRG Development has enlisted the architectural design firm of Henry Norris & Associates to design Abaco and introduce features never before seen in Gulf Shores.  Between the unique design of interior units that offer a more panoramic feel to the 7,000 square feet of flowing water features, Abaco will be Gulf Shores Like You Have Never Seen It.

“Working with Henry on the design of Abaco has been a gift,” DRG Development partner David Head said. “He has a unique vision for this development, and he has worked hard to see that this vision come to fruition.”

From the beginning of this project, Norris had an idea to make each residence have a wide, panoramic view of the Gulf so that every unit feels like an end unit.

“A lot of projects are built parallel and straight across the setback line so that each unit is the same distance from the beach view.  Most projects are built this way,” he said. “With Abaco we allowed the interior units to capture a more panoramic view by being pushed further south toward the water than the end units. With that, you feel like you are more surrounded by water and nature.”

Norris also described the interior units as having a “splayed” view creating a bi-directional balcony.  While the unit itself is 36 feet wide, the balcony, with its curvature toward the Gulf has a total of 46 feet in width.  Additionally, the interior walls angle outward as they get closer to the Gulf giving the feeling that everything is opening toward the water.

“This is a concept we had from the very beginning,” Norris said. “I am so pleased to see it come through in the final design.”

Another unique aspect of Abaco is the water feature.  Designed to give the feeling of a flowing and never-ending oasis, Abaco will offer more than 7,000 square feet of pool features with a lazy river and a spa whirlpool.

Norris said Abaco is the only development in Gulf Shores to have water features that integrate pools to flow into one another as much as these will.

“What makes this pool special is that it meanders in and around the first level’s support walls and columns while integrating the water feature designs,” Norris said. “The Lazy River flows from the indoor pool to the outdoor pools and throughout the building.  This reflects the flow of the waves, the natural beach forms, and scenes in nature.”

Henry Norris & Associates is based in Pensacola, FL and has more than 30 years of experience in award-winning residential and commercial architectural design.  Their portfolio includes Caribe, Mandolay Beach, Bella Luna, Atlantis, Mediterra, San Carlos and Grand Harbor to name a few.

You can see more of Henry Norris & Associates’ work at their website.

Gulf Shores prides itself on its family-friendly atmosphere where families can enjoy a vacation filled with fun, relaxation and activities that will appeal to all ages.

“Where Panama City Beach and others promoted themselves every year for Spring Break destinations and the parties, we had not done that,” Director of Gulf Shores’ Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department Gran Brown said to www.al.com in November. “Our loyal customers are truly families and Spring Break participants coming down here looking for a family vacation.”

In line with keeping our area family-friendly, the city of Gulf Shores has instituted an alcohol ban during Spring Break 2017 beginning on March 4 and running through April 16.

And for a family vacation…Gulf Shores has a lot to offer!  Check out some must-see, must do events your family can enjoy during Spring Break.

• The Hangout – The Hangout is all about fresh food and fun served daily. Famous for local Gulf seafood, signature cocktails and live music, we have fun things to do for people of all ages. Games, dancing, music, contests and entertainment start in the morning and don’t stop until closing. Chill beach side in our courtyard as the kids play or just enjoy one of the many attractions with your family & friends. At the top of each hour, the foam machine revs up and kids run amuck through an avalanche of foamy bubbles.  There’s a gigantic sand pile with a tunnel, a fire pit, a giant shaka hand, collections of vintage lunch boxes, rubber ducks, action figures, matchbox cars, Pez containers and a 15 ­foot wishing wall where guests jot down their heart’s desire, roll them into scrolls, and cast them into the wall. We have hair braiding, temporary tattoos and bungee jumping. Foosball, ping pong and ring toss also await in the courtyard. Our live music stage is the epicenter of the Hangout Music Fest in May. All summer long, kids eat free at our Pirates & Princesses Breakfast and our Oyster Cook-Off in November is a Gulf Shores tradition. Don’t forget to pick up souvenirs for yourself and everyone back home – our large one stop gift shop is an attraction in itself and has something for everyone! Our motto is “be nice or go home”. ​
• Gulf State Park – Gulf State Park sits on 2 miles of pristine, white beach. It features a championship golf course, new pavilion, rental cottages, tennis courts, camp sites, hiking trails and fishing pier that is 20 feet wide and extends into the Gulf 1,512 feet.  There is also a schedule of weekly events published here.
• Backcountry Trail – Backcountry Trail is made up of seven trails among six distinct ecosystems over a 15 mile stretch of Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and the Gulf State Park. You can enjoy the butterfly garden, freshwater  marshes,  and coastal hardwood swamps.  Wildlife abounds as you may even catch a glimpse of a white-tailed deer, a bobcat or and alligator!
• The Track – The Track offers fun for everyone. Featuring mini-golf, go carts, bumper rides, kiddie rides and an arcade, kids will be ready for bed by the end of the day!  If you are looking for serious adventure, try the Skycoaster!
• Water Activities: Dolphin Cruises, Charter Boats, Sunset Cruises, Jetskis, Paddleboards, Fishing and Boating – This link provides a list of local business who provide water sports and rentals along with charter fishing trips and dolphin and sunset cruise. There is no shortage of availability along the coasts of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!
• Gulf View Hot Air Balloon Rides – Gulf View offers 2-hour hot air balloon rides over the picturesque coastline of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. “We are really looking forward to our residents being able to live in this safe and clean environment as well as being able to rent their units to Spring Breakers looking for a destination they can enjoy as a family,” David Head said. “The fact that the Abaco site is located within a short walk or drive to these vacation activities makes it even better! We get more and more excited as the development progresses.”
• The Gulf Restaurant – The Gulf Restaurant is a uniquely designed restaurant destination, serving locally inspired food and beverages in a beautiful waterfront setting. Our daily changing food menu features Gulf to Table food and our bar features locally brewed beer and craft cocktails. The Gulf is about relaxing with friends and family, exploring the unique pieces in the shop, and listening to the curated vinyl collection.
• Fort Morgan – For the history buffs, a visit to Fort Morgan is a must! Fort Morgan is a Third System Masonry Fort built between 1819 and 1833 standing guard where the bay meets the Gulf of Mexico.  It played a significant role in the Battle of Mobile Bayin 1863.  The area also features a boat launch and nature and beach areas.
• The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo – The Aabama Gulf Coast Zoo is known as “The Little Zoo that Could.” It features more than 500 exotic animals including lions, tigers, bears, primates, leopards, wolves and more!