Biloxi’s Point Cadet — already buoyed by construction at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, a bigger and better Palace Casino Resort, and plans for a new fishing bridge and seafood museum — will soon also be home to one of the largest marinas in the state.
It’s Biloxi Boardwalk Marina and Dry Storage, on Back Bay off Eighth Street. The $11 million development will feature wet and dry slips for 400 vessels, a waterside restaurant and bar, a tackle shop, ship store, bait shop, marine repair and parts department, boat rentals and showers for visiting boaters.
In November, the first phase of the nine-acre development will open: dry storage for 300 vessels up to 40 feet and wet slips for 100 vessels from 28 to 70 feet. Scheduled to open a few months later are self-storage units and another 5,000 square feet of retail, and in the spring, a restaurant and bar will open. Visitors can also rent Pontoon boats for half-day or full-day excursions.
The project is the brainchild of developer Chris Ferrara of Holden, La. and Boardwalk partner-manager Ray Stronsky, a local commercial real-estate broker.
“This is going to be a great addition for the recreational boat owner,” Mayor A.J. Holloway said. “From the plans I’ve seen and the work that’s being done now, this is going be a first-class operation with a convenient location and amenities will be among the best anywhere on the Gulf Coast.”
Boat owners will be able to go online to view their boat anytime, and for those with boats in dry storage at the Boardwalk, they’ll be able to use their smart phone or computer to make arrangements for their boat to be moved into the water, fueled and ready to go. And once boaters return from an outing, a boat cleaning and detail service will be available.
The marina is also expected to offer another first: high-volume diesel and gasoline service able to pump 65 gallons of fuel a minute instead of the standard 20 gallons.
Said Stronsky: “Our onsite office is expected to open on Oct. 6. That’s when we’d like to invite everyone to stop by or call and make arrangements to view the marina and learn how you can become a member. We’re easy to reach at 432-BOAT.”
Pictures of progress: To see dozens of pictures showing the progress at Biloxi Boardwalk Marina, click here.
More online: To see the web site for Biloxi Boardwalk Marina, with a list of amenities and rates, click here.
Development overview: To see a list of development in Biloxi as compiled by the Community Development Department, click here.
