Recently, a developer outlined its plans for Turtle Bay Resort. No, this isn’t Host Hotels & Resorts, the company that bought the existing Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay and some of the surrounding lands. Rather, this is another developer that bought parcels that Host didn’t during the Blackstone sale.
As you all recall, earlier this year, Blackstone sold off the Turtle Bay Resort, which included the hotels of the same name, along with 59 acres of land available for development. However, that wasn’t all the land that was up for sale. At the same time, another developer purchased 65 acres of land that was also zoned for development. What’s even more interesting is that both Host and this other developer have the rights to build one hotel each on their property.
Recently, that other developer outlined its plans for Turtle Bay. And while I’m sure most that follows this blog are more interested in hotel developments, that doesn’t appear to be the case with their current plans. At least, not right now.
Developer Outlined Its Plans for Turtle Bay
The developer in question is Arete Collective, which is an Utah-based real estate development firm that owns the other parcels of land not acquired by Host Hotels & Resorts. Apparently, they’re also the operators of the golf courses in the resort area – the Arnold Palmer course and the George Fazio course. The George Fazio course is currently closed, which is kind of interesting. Why? Well, when the developer outlined its plans for Turtle Bay, they show that their new development will be built near the 18th hole of the Arnold Palmer course. Just how they plan on doing that is beyond me, given the scale of the project and access needs of the area. But, more on that later.
First, let’s discuss what’s actually going on here. At a recent town hall, Arete Collective executives state that they hope to begin construction on an eight- to ten-year project that will bring 100 new homes to the area. The first phase of this project will see 20 units built in four low-rise structures, which are slated for completion in 2026 or 2027. Grading work has already begun, and vertical construction will commence once Arete receives the requisite permits.
Not much details beyond the above were provided publicly, unless, of course, you were able to attend the public informational sessions. However, we do know that Arete will provide additional public parking and beach access in the area, while also doing more than is required by currently regulations. Examples include building their structures 200 feet further from the shoreline and keeping well under the 90-foot height limit. They also plan on keeping 70% of the site open space and developing 50 affordable units, which is double the 25 required.
Ignoring all the controversies surrounding any development in the area, what interests me the most as the developer outline its plans for Turtle Bay is access. As you can see in the dashed lines in the above drawing, they plan on bringing road access in from the resort’s current main drive. This means that they’re going to have to modify the existing golf course, as it gets pretty close the the ocean today. This also means that future residents will need to be mindful of flying balls when driving through the area.
Perhaps, this is why the Fazio course is closed? With the modifications needed to the Palmer course, it’s reasonable to believe that the Fazio course is being upgraded for use when the Palmer course inevitable closes on a temporary (or, maybe even permanent) basis.
Final Thoughts
Well, though a developer outlined its plans for Turtle Bay that don’t include another hotel, it doesn’t mean that another won’t be built in the future. Moreover, the current plans don’t really impact the existing resort area unless you’re a golf fan. If you are, the future is a little murky in the area. But, only time will tell what will ultimately happen.