Peachtree Group and partners collaborate on 257-room Gulf Coast project

DD PARTNERS, PEACHTREE Group, and Woodbine Development are collaborating on Embassy Suites Gulf Shores, a resort with a Gulf of Mexico view located in tourism spot in Alabama. DD Partners and Woodbine lead the development and asset management of the 8-story joint venture project, with Peachtree overseeing resort operations.

The project is currently in progress and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025, the companies said in a joint statement.

The 8-story property will feature 257 all-suite beachfront guestrooms, along with 13,620 square feet of enclosed meeting and pre-function space, including a 7,800-square-foot ballroom, the statement said. The resort will also feature a 3-story parking garage and 7,618 square feet of leasable retail space.

"The Gulf Shores region has maintained strong appeal for leisure travelers due to its natural beauty and numerous attractions," said Ron Durham, co-founder of DD Partners. "The amenities of this destination are tailored to further enhance this appeal. Moreover, given the success of local meetings and events, we anticipate that Embassy Suites Gulf Shores will become a sought-after destination for business and special events travelers."

DD Partners, a joint venture between Durham and Ron Day, focuses on commercial real estate development in the Florida/Alabama Gulf Coast.

"We're excited to see Embassy Suites breaking ground in Gulf Shores," said Robert Craft, Gulf Shores mayor. "This aligns with the transformative vision we set in motion with Vision 2025. Having a top-tier, full-service hotel with substantial conference facilities in the heart of our beach district will bolster our shoulder seasons, provide year-round support for local businesses, and act as a catalyst for elevated redevelopment in this area."

"We're committed to advancing this development with our partners and introducing the Embassy Suites brand to the Gulf Shores community," said Greg Friedman, Peachtree Group CEO and managing principal. "As its operator, we anticipate its location and all-suite offerings will establish it as a standout performer in its segment, providing a compelling value proposition for travelers in the region."

The property is near the beach, next to the city's $15 million beachfront project completed in 2018. Nearby attractions include Gulf State Park, the Wharf at Orange Beach, Tanger Outlets, golf courses, and sports complexes in Foley. PFVS is the designated architect, while Robins & Morton is the contractor for the project.

In October, Peachtree Group's credit division closed $556 million in loan originations, constituting half of the $1.1 billion deployed by the company this year. The remaining $526 million was allocated for acquiring five hotels and commencing three new hotel development projects. The company also inaugurated five hotels that were under construction as of September, including the Home2 Suites by Hilton in Chandler, Arizona.