commun i t y
New Urbanism at its finest The Seaside way of life by Christopher Manson
S easide, Florida was developed by Robert Davis and his partner Daryl Rose after Alabama native Davis inherited the property from his grandfather, J.S. Smolian, in 1978. Today, Seaside has over 300 homes, along with restaurants, shops and galleries, and thousands of families visit every year.
Other communities have looked to Seaside as a model for stimulating growth using Seaside’s “thoughtful urban planning and placemaking” as a guide. Throughout the year, Seaside hosts free community events—concerts, farmers markets and outdoor movie nights. “These allow residents and visitors to come together, fostering a sense of community and belonging,” said Spence. Seaside also supports local nonprofits through donations, sponsorships and fundraising events. “Along with the Seaside Institute, we focus on issues such as affordable housing, environmental conservation, education, health care and social services that benefit residents in need,” Spence said. As for what the near future holds, Spence says, “Seaside is never finished. We are always looking to the future. We look forward to enhancing our amenities throughout town, including our entertainment offerings,
Seaside’s planning was designed to minimize congestion and encourage alternative modes of transportation like walking, cycling and public transit.
Seaside is at the forefront of embracing New Urbanism principles, especially with initiatives like managed parking, says Kendall Andrews, Senior Director of Marketing. “New Urbanism emphasizes walkability, mixed land use and community engagement to create vibrant and sustainable neighborhoods,” Andrews said. Managed parking, often a component of this approach, is designed to minimize congestion and encourage alternative modes of transportation like walking, cycling and public transit. “By implementing managed parking, the town is aiming to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment, while reducing the environmental impact of excessive car usage,” says Andrews. “This has influenced our neighboring communities to follow our lead and implement creative ways to manage their parking as well—to enhance the experience for guests and locals alike.” The Seaside Institute, a nonprofit whose mission is “to promote the building of sustainable places through education and design,” works alongside Walton County
The Seaside Institute functions as an ongoing resource for the countywide DPZ Co-Design Comprehensive Plan, which will address the future growth
Today, Seaside has over 300 homes along with restaurants, shops and galleries and thousands of families visit every year.
of Walton County and how further development will impact life in the community. “Workforce housing, long- term residential housing, connectivity issues, public transportation, multi-model
Other communities have looked to Seaside as a model for stimulating growth using Seaside’s thoughtful urban planning and placemaking as a guide.
New Urbanism emphasizes walkability, mixed land use and community engagement to create vibrant and sustainable neighborhoods.
elevated beach experiences and new and creative events.” Seaside’s leadership team recently visited the Disney Institute in Orlando for an immersive session into the Walt Disney Company’s approach to quality service. “Our team is bringing those principles back to our area to enhance the experience of guests, team members and locals as they visit, work or live in our community,” says Spence. As Daryl Rose Davis, co-founder of Seaside puts it, "Seaside is that warm breeze that gently stirs the chimes on the front porch."
transportation and pedestrian safety, to name a few,” says Andrews. Seaside has had a considerable impact on the community and its neighbors, bringing economic benefits by providing over 400 jobs in the restaurant, hospitality, retail and service industries. Madison
-Kendall Andrews, Seaside’s Senior Director of Marketing
officials to help foster and secure federal grant funding for Safe Streets for All (SS4A funding), which Andrews says, “will lead to a safer community for everyone.”
Spence, Director of Marketing, says, “By being a coveted travel destination during the summer, our influx of visitors creates additional job opportunities in (those) industries.”
Discover more at seasidefl.com.
30 | THE THIRTY-A REVIEW | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024
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