Orange Beach, Ala. — (GSN) — South Baldwin real estate is not one big market with one personality. Canal Road in Orange Beach has its own vibe. Gulf Shores Parkway has another. Foley’s Highway 59 /McKenzie stretch is doing something totally different, and Robertsdale’s U.S. 90 edge is its own chapter. That is why Heather Harp, an experienced real estate professional, breaks down recent transactions in the South Baldwin region.

This roundup focuses specifically on commercial activity from summer through early fall 2026—highlighting recent property closings, groundbreaking developments, infrastructure projects, and active construction.

Recently Closed Commercial Deals:

Orange Beach

• West Marine Building (Canal Road): ~13,600 SF on 1.45 acres. Sold for $3.2 million (closed ~July 2026). The property was acquired with West Marine remaining as a long-term tenant following a competitive multi-offer process.
• 4404 Canal Square Lane: 0.74 acres zoned General Business. Sold for $425,000 (~$574,000/acre) on July 8, 2026.
• Canal Road Commercial Tract: ~11 acres. Sold for $1.75 million on July 29, 2026.

Foley

• North Foley Industrial Park Site: 121 acres near the Foley Beach Expressway. Purchased by the City of Foley for approximately $6.6 million (comprising ~$3.33 million in SEEDS grant funding plus municipal funds).

Gulf Shores & Robertsdale

• While major public sales were quieter during this recent window, both markets are experiencing major momentum driven by industrial construction and civil infrastructure projects.

Active Construction and New Openings

Major commercial and infrastructure projects currently underway or newly opened across the area:

Orange Beach

• Margaritaville Resort / The Wharf Landing: A landmark development representing over $350 million in private investment on Intracoastal Waterway acreage. Construction is actively underway with project phases extending into late 2027, featuring expanded lodging, dining, marina amenities, and residential districts.
• Commercial & Medical Growth: Planning initiatives include storage and garage-condo facilities (All About Storage expansion at 24140 Canal Rd and Toy Chest Garage Condominium) and multi-tenant offices near Canal Rd & Lindsey Ln.
• Civic & Infrastructure: A ~$1.4 million renovation project is converting former financial space into Orange Beach Medical Center South, and contract awards are progressing for permanent traffic signals at Canal Road and Wharf Parkway.

Gulf Shores

• Airport Terminal Expansion: Ground broke on July 21, 2026, for a $15 million terminal expansion targeted for completion ahead of the May 2027 travel season, adding expanded dining and retail options.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Phase 1 of the Highway 59 improvements (from Fort Morgan Road toward Cypress Bend, including upgraded access for Publix) is slated for completion in Fall 2026. The Waterway Village pedestrian bridge is progressing toward an early 2027 completion.
• Public & Residential Projects: The new Gulf Shores High School opened in August 2026, and the Justice Center completed key construction milestones. Residential developments feeding commercial growth include Oyster Bay (40 townhomes, Fall 2026) and The Village at Gulf Landing (116 townhomes).

Foley

• BJ’s Wholesale Club: Grand opening set for September 25, 2026, at 3275 Palm Beach Way, expected to significantly increase commercial traffic along Highway 59.
• New Public Library: A new ~40,000 SF municipal library opened on August 4, 2026, at 230 E. Orange Avenue, accentuating downtown revitalization efforts.
• Industrial & Lodging Growth: Baldwin Cold Logistics is developing a 91,650 SF, $27 million cold-storage facility on Industrial Parkway. Nearby, StudioRes by Marriott land development signals new hotel inventory across from OWA on the Foley Beach Expressway.

Robertsdale

• ABC Supply Co.: Under construction on an ~30,000 SF office-warehouse on AL-59 (6.7–6.8 acres), targeted for completion in late Q3 / early Q4 2026 as a prime single-tenant investment asset.
• Warrior Legacy Ranch: Development work continues toward a future opening date.

Corridor Spotlight: Highway 59 / McKenzie in Foley

Foley’s Highway 59 / South McKenzie corridor stands out as a high-priority commercial focus due to dual demand drivers:

1. Retail Strength Strong grocery and outlet traffic, further reinforced by the arrival of BJ's Wholesale Club.
2. Industrial Expansion: Proximity to the 121-acre Foley Beach Expressway land bank and Baldwin Cold Logistics highlights ongoing demand for industrial site development north of the coastal strip.

• For Property Owners: Existing commercial structures with solid access and parking offer significant upside potential.
• For Investors: Leased retail, commercial pads, and rare industrial sites along this stretch represent prime acquisition targets.

Investor Briefing: Top Target Sectors

Three primary commercial real estate categories currently present compelling options for 1031 exchange and yield-focused buyers:

1. Leased Beach Retail High-visibility properties along established corridors like Canal Road with strong long-term tenants and adequate parking (e.g., West Marine transaction).
2. Modern Industrial & Flex Space: Cold storage, contractor flex spaces, and entitled land near major transport corridors like the Foley Beach Expressway.
3. Strategic Commercial Land: Well-located acreage along key thoroughfares in Orange Beach and Foley poised for future commercial or mixed-use development.

Frequently Asked Questions (Ask Heather)

Why Invest in South Baldwin Now?

• Proven Market Demand: Multi-million dollar transactions (such as West Marine at $3.2M with multiple competing offers) demonstrate strong investor commitment.
• Surging Infrastructure & Commerce: Major driver projects—including BJ’s Wholesale Club, airport expansion, Highway 59 widening, and Wharf Landing—are continuously increasing consumer traffic.
• Inventory Scarcity: Prime commercial assets (leased retail, modern flex/industrial) remain tightly held, creating urgency for buyers seeking quality replacements.

Land vs. Leased Building: Which Fits Your Strategy?

• Leased Commercial Buildings: Ideal for investors prioritizing immediate cash flow, established tenant stability, and favorable financing profiles.
• Commercial Land: Best suited for developers and long-term investors seeking value creation through site entitlements and long-term asset appreciation.

About the Author

Heather Harp is a leading commercial real estate specialist with RE/MAX of Orange Beach. Recognized as the #1 RE/MAX Agent in Alabama, Heather specializes in commercial sales, land development, and waterfront investment properties throughout Baldwin County and the Florida Panhandle.