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Sapphire Bay
A Development Beyond MeasureAverage Reviews
Description
A giant $1 billion development in Texas called Sapphire Bay will include a wave pool as part of a mixed-use development proposal that also includes commercial space, a marina, resort, conference center and a Crystal Lagoon.
While little is known about the wave pool technology or the waves it will produce, the renderings show a pool that resembles those created by Surf Loch or SwellSpot. Based on planning drawings, the wave pool appears to be roughly 450′ x 200′. It will be capable of producing lefts, rights and straight whitewater rides for beginners.
The Sapphire Bay team has made it clear that they intends to produce waves that can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels, including competitive level surfers. VenuBlue will operate the wave pool and beach club.
The development includes 117 acres of land plus a marina with 1005 boat slips.
The surf pool and beach will be the center of attention at Sapphire Bay, but other water activities will also be available. Those activities include kayaking, stand-up paddling, nature trails, waterpark features, the Crystal Lagoon and a lazy river. Beyond the water activities, Sapphire Bay will include multi-use retail, entertainment and dining attractions. The development will also include offices, high-end condominiums, luxury townhomes, a 500-room hotel and a conference center.
The Sapphire Bay development team is expecting to complete the first phase of construction by December 31, 2023. If the City and the development team can develop the funding plan for the Hotel Resort and Convention Center by December 31, 2019, then the hotel, convention center and wave pool will also be included in the first phase.
The city and development team expect the remaining phases to take 10 years, so expect the Sapphire Bay you see in the conceptual drawings to be complete in 2029 if things go as planned.
The project will benefit the local community in a variety of ways, including tax collection: through 2036, Sapphire Bay is projected to contribute nearly $165M in tax revenue from the property.
The Sapphire Bay team has identified the partners to help them build and operate the development.
- Consulting firm and beach lifestyle innovator VenuBlue
- Lead architect 5G Studio Collaborative
- Civil engineer Brian Bridgewater with Manhard Consulting;
- Pool and amenities designer Lifescapes International.
- Martin Brinkerhoff Associates, which will be responsible for the design and production of the island’s entertainment features.
History
Marc S. English, President of Sapphire Bay Land Development LLC, and his partner Kent Donahue are leading the initiative.
On August 1, 2019, the city of Rowlett shared the Sapphire Bay development plan. They also announced the that Sapphire Bay Land Holdings LLC, purchased the property from the city for $39M.
On August 8, 2019, Mayor Tammy Dana-Bashian and the Sapphire Bay development team presented their proposal at a town hall meeting. A groundbreaking ceremony took place in November 2019 signaling the start of construction.
Sources: The City of Rowlett, Sapphire Bay
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