In the early 1970’s a group of forward thinking individuals
had a vision for a Gulf front condominium on Holiday Isle in the heart of
Destin, Florida. Jerry and Sally Lachapelle partnered with George Hayes and
Dick Bennett to form a business partnership called BHL. While the impending
venture was new for all parties involved, the fruition of
Jetty East is still
being enjoyed by locals and tourists decades later.
Best seen from an aerial view, the unique design and
strategic placement of
Jetty East Condominiums is evidence of the team’s
innovation. Credited to the guidance of structural engineer, Henry Wright, and
architect, William Simpson,
Jetty East has stood tall for over four decades. Though
not the original color, the coral pink building has become somewhat of an icon,
welcoming guests the moment they cross the Destin Bridge.
Unlike most condominiums in the area,
Jetty East’s units
open into a sunny atrium that is welcoming and protected from the elements. In
an effort to showcase as much of the beautiful outdoors Florida’s Emerald Coast
is known for, the architects’ design provides incredible views from almost
every unit, whether it be Gulf Views, Harbor Views, East Pass, Crab Island or
Lake Christina. For a select few, owners of Deluxe units enjoy panoramic views
of them all.
Just as the buildings longstanding history along Florida’s
Emerald Coast pays homage to the masterminds and innovators behind its
construction, same is true for the dedicated staff who are on hand to keep
Jetty East Condominiums as pristine as the day they were completed in 1974. In
fact, longtime Building Superintendent, Emery Mitchell came to work on the
construction crew with his brother Dale Mitchell, and father Norman during the
ground breaking in the early 1970’s. While Mitchell Senior went on to retire,
and Dale transitioned into other opportunities, Emery Mitchell has remained on
hand for over four decades dedicated to maintaining this historical building.
Although the staff have worked diligently to keep
Jetty East Condominiums far
from need of repair, following 40 years of life it is time for some structural
repairs and cosmetic maintenance to update the pinnacle condominium.
On November 4, 2016, owners and staff celebrated
the kick off of their major maintenance project that will be overseen by local
engineering firm, BE-CI, and ZMG Contractors.
Of course, Building Superintendent, Emery will be an advisor for the
team along the way to make sure the unique building that he helped build is
restored and will remain a relevant treasure of the Destin landscape for
generations to come. The $4,000,000+ project includes concrete spalling
repairs, sealing and painting of the building envelope and balconies, window
and sliding glass door replacement, and swimming pool renovations.
Additionally, many units will be receiving repair during the maintenance
project.
Most major condominium projects that require a temporary
closure or a special assessment trigger an increase in the number of units for
sale.
Jetty East has experienced this
phenomenon as well. Buyers are discovering it’s a great opportunity to purchase
a unit at a great price knowing their value should be positively affected by
the updates to the building. Since announcing
Century 21 Blue Marlin as the exclusive,
onsite
real estate company for
Jetty East in August 2016, the award winning
real estate and vacation rental company has helped numerous buyers discover the
hidden secret of
Jetty East, tucked away on quiet Holiday Isle.
The upcoming renovation of the
Jetty East Condominiums is a
welcome site to longstanding residents and owners. While the condominium will
be experiencing changes in the coming months, all parties involved want to
stress that the unspeakable presence that
Jetty East has been known for over
four decades will remain unchanged.
