Breathing new life into a Gulf Shores landmark

Melanie LeCroy
Lifestyle Editor
melanie@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 10/26/22

Sitting in the 90-degree turn where East 2nd Street/State Route 180 and Canal Road meet, sits an old building most locals know as Frith's Bait Shop. The landmark property could soon have a new and …

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Breathing new life into a Gulf Shores landmark

Posted

Sitting in the 90-degree turn where East 2nd Street/State Route 180 and Canal Road meet, sits an old building most locals know as Frith's Bait Shop. The landmark property could soon have a new and bustling life breathed into it by Angie and David Swiger.

Angie and David Swiger are partners in every facet of life from personal to business. The real estate team and owners of Swiger & Company, Realtors LLC have been residents of Gulf Shores since 2003. In 2008, they opened their real estate business.

Over the years they noticed there was a shortage of commercial opportunities for people wanting to start small businesses, so they purchased their first commercial building. It was a small house in rough shape that David said no one wanted.

After two years of work, they turned the unwanted property into a viable business location.

In 2019, the Swigers purchased their biggest project to date: two neighboring buildings located at 1538 Gulf Shores Parkway. The properties were in rough shape but are now a bustling place for small businesses called The Square. Since the first lease was signed in February 2020, the Swigers have been selective in the mix of businesses that fill the spaces. They prefer to lease to people offering something new to the area.

The Swigers newest project, The Waterway, formerly known as Frith's Bait Shop, will test all their previous project knowledge and experience and they are excited about it.

David Swiger has a long history with the property. For many years he tried to convince owners Julia and Butch Frith to list the property for sale.

"I really thought this was a premium location and we have sold a lot of commercial property. I could never get past Mrs. Julia. She was a tough cookie, so I just let it go," he said.

Then one day, David drove by and saw a small handmade for sale by owner sign hanging on the end of the building. This time he proposed that the Swigers buy the property instead of list it.

After striking a deal with the Friths, the Swigers got to work on a vision and purpose for the property that would make it an asset to the Waterway District.

The large main parcel is made up of four large lots and four small lots along the intracoastal waterway. The property had a few structures existing. Angie said several people asked if they would tear everything down and start over, but the answer was no.

"We don't tear down. We keep the historical value of the building. It was built in 1965 and it has a lot of local flavor," Angie said. "What excites us the most is the transformation. We must be out of our minds, but we like to take the old crappy looking buildings and see what we can turn them in to. That is what excited us about The Square and we are super excited about this because it has been so bad for so long. We think there is such an opportunity for transformation."

The transformation began just after closing on the property in June 2021. The Swigers are not afraid to get their hands dirty and quickly started to clean up the property. An old green house was removed, and the heritage trees were trimmed by professionals.

The three building on the property have also seen improvement. The small cottage to the rear has been painted and the interior remodeled into a two-bedroom, one bath short term rental. The main building has a new roof and siding, and the lower level has been cleaned out. The second and third floors have been updated and painted as well.

When the Swigers' plans are approved by the Gulf Shores City Council, the property will transform into a bustling mixed-use development for the Waterway Village.

The lower level of the main building will include up to five small retail spaces that David said will offer affordable rent. Upstairs will feature a six-bedroom short term vacation rental perfect for family reunions, bachelorette parties or sports teams. A small outbuilding will be transformed into a public restroom for the five mobile retail unit spaces that the Swigers envision as a food truck court. The center of the property, between the main building and the food truck court, will be green space with string lights and seating.

"We feel like this is going to be a nice resting spot for people," David said. "We will have all kinds of games and stuff for families to hang out. We feel like we could be the anchor for this area."

Angie said this development will offer the retail shopping that is currently missing in the Waterway District.

"People want to park and walk. They will be able to stay here, they can go over to Big Beach Brewing Company, they could walk over to Acme Oyster or Tacky Jack's and the bridge," Angie said. "The retail was really important to us because the one thing missing down here for the Waterway District is retail. There is nothing to walk and shop and look at right now."

As soon as they get approval, they are ready to move forward. David said the contractors are ready to execute the plans and he already has a list of interested business owners and food trucks.

"We want to get going on our plan. I don't know if we can pull it off, but we want to be ready to rock and roll in the spring," David said.