Developers are preparing to begin construction in December on a $105 million project in the heart of downtown Gulfport, one that promises to completely redefine the Mississippi Coast’s urban landscape. This major mixed-use development will merge residential living, retail, and hospitality in one vibrant destination.
The Vision and Partnerships Behind the Project
Transformative Ambitions
“We do transformative projects only,” said Sunny Sethi, CEO of Bellamare Development. His company’s mission is to launch developments that genuinely enhance quality of life while boosting economic growth across the region.
Key Partners and Location
Bellamare is teaming up with AnderCorp, led by Roy Anderson III, to develop nearly five acres located at the northwest corner of U.S. 49 and U.S. 90. The project is being coordinated with the Gulfport Redevelopment Commission (GRC), which oversees major urban projects in the city, including the Mississippi Aquarium.
Public Support and Funding
The Gulfport Town Center has already secured $16 million in state funding, including $10.5 million from the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund, which was established using Mississippi’s BP oil spill settlement.
Bellamare and AnderCorp took over the site around 18 months ago after earlier developers failed to move forward. They’ve since closed financing for the apartment complex and parking garage and are finalizing funding for the hotel.
Sethi also confirmed Bellamare is developing four additional coastal projects, including a Holiday Inn near DeBuys Road overlooking U.S. 90.
Inside the Gulfport Town Center
Luxury Apartments: Redefining Coastal Living
The centerpiece of the project will be 136 luxury apartments, some of which will be designed as lofts. Sethi compared the planned complex to upscale apartment buildings in Nashville and Austin, saying it will bring a modern, urban-lifestyle feel to the Mississippi Coast.
Apartment Features
The apartments will include:
- Shared workspaces and meeting areas
- A fully equipped gym
- Mail and package facilities
- A self-checkout market
- Outdoor pavilions and recreation spaces
- A large outdoor pool shared with the hotel
- Waterfront views and private balconies for many units
“It’s a very amenity-rich apartment,” Sethi said. “It’s not a traditional one.”
According to Anna Jane Stanley, Bellamare’s vice president, the goal is to create a walkable downtown district where people can live, dine, and relax all in one place. The complex will also feature retail space on the ground floor, including a local coffee shop, and will be managed by Rain Residential of Ocean Springs.
The Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott
On the property’s eastern side, a five-story Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott will rise, offering 115 guest rooms, a restaurant, and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the Mississippi Sound.
The Tribute brand is known for its boutique-style design and independently operated premium hotels. The Gulfport hotel’s architecture will pay homage to the historic Great Southern Hotel, which once stood on the same site in the early 1900s before being demolished in the 1950s. Interior details throughout the hotel and apartments will reflect Gulfport’s coastal heritage and the Great Southern’s legacy.
Parking and Public Infrastructure
The project will include a 294-space parking garage, funded by the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund, which will be transferred to the city after completion. Additional surface parking will also be provided to meet visitor and resident needs.
Revitalizing Downtown Gulfport
The Gulfport Town Center aims to breathe new life into downtown, creating a space where residents and visitors can live, work, and socialize in a single location. This development is expected to serve as a catalyst for future investment, positioning Gulfport as a modern coastal hub that balances growth, style, and community engagement.
