Realtor Brad Jay tried to sell six acres in Ocean Springs Beach, but when no deal came through, he decided to buy the property himself.
And this is not just any old land.
The wooded area is one of the most recognizable landmarks of the city. Its canopy of mature trees shades the northwest corner of Front Beach and is one of the first places drivers encounter when crossing the bridge from Biloxi to Ocean Springs.
A previous client of Jay’s wanted to build condos on the Front Beach Drive site. Residents gasped. Many of them said they want to preserve their city’s small-town charm rather than see it turned into a cookie-cutter tourist beach town.
Jay gets his point across. “I think this property deserves the greatest public benefit just because of its location and its beauty,” he said. “It’s a wonderful asset.”
A wooded area on Front Beach in Ocean Springs has remained undeveloped for years. Residents are waiting to see what can be built on the highly visible plot. Current plans are for a botanical garden on 75% of the six acres, with potential for minor mixed use.
Ocean Springs Development Plans
Jay, who grew up in Ocean Springs, signed a contract with the owner, Naomi Enterprises LP, giving him a one-year option to purchase the land.
The property will cost 5.5 million. US dollars, and the total cost of the project is 17 million.
Jay hopes the city and state will support his vision with funds to help cover the cost of the land. He spoke with state representative Hank Zuber of Ocean Springs about the project.
Zuber told the Sun Herald he would support the funding if it included a balance of green space and development.
“My goal is to make sure there’s green space left on that property,” Zuber said, adding that the botanical gardens would qualify.
Jay said 75% of the property would go to the botanical gardens and a quarter would generate revenue.
He envisions a building modeled after Mary Mahoney’s two-story Old French House in Biloxi that would include a popular restaurant as well as retail and other spaces. Jay also hopes the botanical garden will include a botanical-themed miniature golf course and other family-friendly activities.
About an acre of land is on Front Beach Drive and about five acres is north of the road.
The Ocean Springs Yacht Club has long used the beach property as a boat yard. Jay said boat storage on the lot could continue once the north side property is developed. He discussed the plans with members of the yacht club.
“It looks like it’s going to be a real plus for the city of Ocean Springs — a win all round,” said Cynthia Moncreiff, the yacht club’s fleet captain and former commodore.
This aerial view shows six acres for sale at Front Beach Drive and Porter Avenue in Ocean Springs.
Plans to preserve and plant trees
The development part of the project is in the works, but Jay says he has investors, though he’s not ready to name them.
Jay believes the property is perfect for botanic gardens. He would have removed brushwood, leaving live oaks, magnolias, pines and other valuable trees as the anchors of the gardens.
“We also plan to plant some new trees,” he said. He thinks people will appreciate the shade.
He also wants to take acorns from existing trees, plant them and give them away.
“I’m a world traveler,” Jay said. “Somehow, magically, I keep finding myself in botanical gardens all over the world. I just love them.”
“I’m a big nature lover. I feel it deserves what society can achieve.”
Tuesday, 2025 Oct. 21, another view of the contracted area at Front Beach, Ocean Springs.