The Villas at Coast Cottages

The Coastal Georgia Resource, Conservation & Development Council has named The Hamby Corporation as the 2002 Tree Friendly Developer of the Year for its project Coast Cottages at St. Simons. Located adjacent to the Historic Coast Guard Station, Coast Cottages is a neo-traditional beach front neighborhood featuring historic architecture and environmentally sensitive development techniques.

Coast Cottages was chosen for its practices of retaining the native tree canopy, protecting specimen trees, preserving indigenous vegetation around each cottage, using porous paving materials, and maintaining a large percentage of permeable soil to reduce runoff and aid natural drainage. In most instances, the development far exceeds the Council’s guidelines.

“ The Hamby Corporation has employed materials and construction technology to maintain the hydrologic functionality of the site,” said Dr. Don Gardner, UGA Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent for Glynn County. “Porous paving, pier construction and clustered housing all contribute to a development that sits lightly on the land and allows the soil to continue its water quality functions” he explained.

In 2000, the corporation donated a 2-acre beachfront tract valued at $1.9 million to the St. Simons Land Trust. The gift land forms a dense buffer of natural vegetation between Coast Cottages and the Historic Coast Guard Station next door. The threatened Painted Bunting, a multi-colored migratory songbird, forages within and around the tract.

“ Our contractors don’t always understand why we would want to save a scruffy looking sea myrtle tree three feet from the building,” said Denval Hamby, developer of Coast Cottages and The Villas at Coast Cottages. “But we’re adamant about preserving native vegetation. It’s incorporated into every cottage’s landscape plan.”

The results are obvious as Coast Cottages has become one of St. Simons Island’s signature neighborhoods. Curious tourists and even local residents cruise up and down the brick-paved lane, charmed by the natural beauty and nostalgic architecture.

“ The Hamby Corporation went to extremes to retain existing vegetation throughout construction,” continued Dr. Gardner. “They also replanted with native vegetation that retains a sense of place. The most exciting contribution of Coast Cottages for me is its demonstration that environmentally sound design is consistent with economic viability, good sales velocity, and a product the consumer wants and is willing to purchase. Good environmental design is good business, and this development proves it.”

Begun in 1995, the property is zoned to allow over 320 hotel rooms or up to 147 condominiums. Instead, Hamby has planned only 45 cottages and 15 villas. “I’ve been coming here since I was a little boy,” said Hamby. “And to me, it’s more about building something that respects the history and beauty of St. Simons Island.” This from a developer who spent over 20 years building large hotel projects for companies like Hyatt and Four Seasons.

The Villas at Coast Cottages (www.TheVillasAtCoastCottages.net) are Hamby’s latest contributions to St. Simons Island’s beachscape. Largely inspired by the U.S. Guard Station and other coastal and low country architecture, these spacious town homes are being built along a winding brick road that was routed to save several specimen oaks and cedars. A mature tree canopy shades the entrance. Water and sewer lines are located underneath the road to preserve as much native vegetation as possible. The architecture includes materials like old brick, tabby and natural cypress. Interiors feature custom wall and ceiling treatments, porthole windows, bead board wainscoting, and plenty of old fashion craftsmanship. Four new Villas are under construction with prices starting at $1.475 million.

Coastal Living magazine has chosen The Villas at Coast Cottages as the site for its 2003 Idea House. The low country style beach house resembles a ship and overlooks St. Simons Island’s most spectacular beach area. It is expected to attract over 20,000 visitors between August 15, 2003 and January 4, 2004. Not surprisingly, Hamby will donate the admission proceeds to the restoration of the U.S. Coast Guard Station next door.

The Coastal Georgia Resource Conservation and Development Council (CGRC&D) is a private, non-profit corporation with 501(c) 3 status. It has been carrying out community development projects in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Long, Effingham, Evans, Glynn, Liberty, McIntosh and Tattnall Counties since 1973. The Council is composed of local citizens interested in natural resource and community issues. Council members are volunteers and serve without compensation. They are appointed by three sponsoring groups: County Commissioners in each county, Soil & Water Conservation Districts, and Regional Development Centers.

St. Simons Island is on the Georgia coast, midway between Savannah, Ga., and Jacksonville, Fla., and is just minutes from I-95 at exits 29 and 38. For a free Visitors’ Guide, call the Brunswick-Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.bgivb.com) at 1.800.933.COAST (2627).