From the POA

Welcome to Rosemary Beach!

This year, we celebrate the twentyfifth anniversary of the founding of Rosemary Beach. In this issue of the Rosemary Thymes, we want to take a look back at some of the people, events and decisions that have helped formed the essence of this wonderful community since 1995. And we also hope you are able to spend even more time here in 2020 helping to celebrate this milestone with us.

THE VISION

There are of course so many important moments and decisions where hard work and thoughtful solutions helped generate a nuanced and cohesive development, which is truly remarkable in a time where too many communities have tended to become fractured and isolating. In addition, the ongoing commitment to our town’s plan and architectural regulations continue to serve us well, preserving the delightful character of our streets and parks.

Looking back, a few moments stand out as those that can perhaps lay the greatest claim to having made Rosemary Beach the unique place it now is. In this issue, we offer you a recollection of the first few decisions that, like dominoes falling into place perfectly, led to the unique vision for this new community. Fifteen years after designing Seaside, town planners Andres Duany and partner Elizabeth PlaterZyberk of firm DPZ were given the opportunity to return to the area to create Rosemary Beach on a 52-acre gulffront parcel to lead a design charrette with then president of Rosemary Beach Land Company and town founder Patrick Bienvenue. The overall plan was completed in 1997 with the acquisition and design of an additional parcel to the north, doubling the size of the town and turning Rosemary Beach into a traditionallyshaped mixed-use community centered on Highway 30-A. Complementing our town plan, our architecture is based upon the Caribbean models found in St. Augustine and the Islands.

DPZ has noted that Rosemary Beach differs from its predecessor Seaside in several fundamental ways, including the introduction of a rear alley system so that cars can be parked in garages that are not visible from the primary streets. Because many of the garages are below small apartments, the alleys remain interesting and vibrant. The presence of alleys also means that not every house needs street access at the front, allowing many of the homes to front onto pedestrian boardwalks. These wooden boardwalks allow direct access to the beach, and bring the beach experience deep into the plan. The two civic spaces, Eastern and Western Greens, on the southern boundary further focus the neighborhood’s activity to the gulf.

IMPLEMENTATION

design homes among the kneehigh scrub. "One of the biggest differences between the Seaside and Rosemary Beach code is that at Rosemary Beach, there is limited allowance for towers," said architect Eric Watson. "At Seaside, towers can be built anywhere, on any lot. At Rosemary Beach, towers are restricted to specific lots where they terminate specific visual axes from streets and pedestrian walkways. At Seaside, everyone has a tower, so their impact is diminished. At Rosemary Beach, because there are so few of them, they are special.” Watson also notes that “The houses are relatively simple masonry structures with wood-framed upper stories. Timber porches, brackets and wood shutters give expressive detail and texture and interesting shadows on the masonry walls."

As the first buildings took form, property owners and business owners had the beginnings of a palette on which to paint their own visions for the community. Slowly but surely, neighborhoods and a Town Center grew up around the community’s inspiring master plan. In upcoming issues, we will hear more stories about how these early beginnings became the Rosemary Beach we all know and love today.

From individual ideas and the drawing boards of planners and architects to the multi-faceted and still-evolving community that so many people have contributed to in so many wonderful ways, we have a lot to celebrate. As a part of festivities, we are gathering stories and images from the past 25 years – please consider sending us a note with any memories you would like to share with the community, to , or feel free to drop something by the POA office in person the next time you are in town.

LOOKING FORWARD

The Rosemary Beach Property Owners Association (POA) strives not only to operate and maintain the community’s common areas in world-class condition, but also to keep our owners and their guests and tenants informed of events, programs and projects that impact the town. As a quarterly publication, we try to focus the Rosemary Thymes’ content on topics of longer-term interest to our owners, merchants, and visitors. As a compliment to that perspective, we also send monthly newsletters to the property owners that include updates on shorter-term issues and topics.

The community’s websites rosemarybeachfl.org, which is maintained by the Rosemary Beach Property Owners Association (POA), and rosemarybeach.com, which is maintained by the Cottage Rental Company (CRC), are updated regularly with notices of interest to owners and visitors. The calendars on both websites are updated continuously and are available to all users. Take a moment to check out these online resources when you have a chance.

Be sure to also check out the Calendar of Events in this issue to learn about all the upcoming events that the Merchants Association, the Rosemary Beach Foundation, and our other community organizations have planned for you and your guests this season.

Again, welcome to Rosemary Beach!

- The Board of Directors and staff of the Rosemary Beach Property Owners Association (POA)

Tom Fitzpatrick

Featured 30A Local Golf Columnist

12 Spanish Town Lane

TOM’S GOLF TIP Copy Rafa Nadal’s tennis stroke: Short backswing, high right arm and whip the arms thru!

Broker Associate | c 850.225.4674 o 850.633.4876 tom@scenicsir.com | tom.scenicsir.com

67 Dunmore Town Lane