Change takes shape at beach town
08/20/2007
JANNETTE PIPPIN
August 20, 2007 - 12:21AM
DAILY NEWS STAFF
INDIAN BEACH - Large cranes tower over Carteret County's smallest beach town these days, a sign of the change it is seeing as several major condominium projects rise from the landscape.
"The face of Indian Beach is changing," said Indian Beach Mayor Stewart Pickett.
Not far from his business at the Big Oak Drive-In, where beach visitors stop for the popular shrimp burgers, the Grande Villas is well under construction and opened its hospitality center this week to welcome prospective buyers.
Mark Tipton of Whistler Investment Group, a partner in the project, is excited to return to Bogue Banks, where he spent much of his time while growing up in Greenville. Hitting the beach strand and former hotspots like the Atlantic Beach Pavilion was a favorite pastime with friends.
"There are a lot of differences but a lot of similarities. Memories are made at the location where you grow up, and I have so many fond memories," he said.
He's now giving others a place to make their own beach memories. When the oceanfront complex is complete, 90 condominium units will be housed on eight residential floors.
Tipton believes it will be just the place for people seeking a special place by the sea. They have already shown interest.
"We just started selling them a couple of weeks ago and more than 30 are sold," he said.
"Find Your Horizon" and "Your Castle in the Sand" are among the phrases that line the walls of the hospitality center, and videos play showcasing planned amenities such as the Osprey Club Lounge; health and fitness club, pool and pavilion, outdoor fireplaces and a kids club and dog park.
And Grande Villas isn't the sole project enticing people to Carteret County and Bogue Banks.
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