Curb appeal
Grande Bay Resort has started putting in the landscaping. We say “started” because we’re sure hoping there’s more than just a potted plant or two at the end of the driveway in the plans.
Furniture’s been going in recently. Folks that bought way back when had the option to buy a full furniture package. We hear most did. But that’s not necessarily a sign it’s time to move in. That’s probably still a few months off.
We’re also just joking about the landscaping. We’re sure it’ll be extensive. Time for this project to be done and start blending into the landscape.
October 25th, 2007 06:05
Yes it’s time!! I have been watching this monstrosity for it seems lika a millenium!
October 25th, 2007 06:42
Grande Bay is a massive fake-Mediterranean uppity condo shoe-horned into what was a serene tropical space filled with scattered structures that reflect St John’s low-key style. Just look at Gallows Point or Caneel and make a comparison!
Not even the best of Caribbean-inspired landscapings can make up for the construction project’s insult to our collective image of St John.
October 25th, 2007 07:10
In my eyes they could hire the top architectural landscape company in the world and that place would still be ugly.It reminds me of a cancerous growth.
October 25th, 2007 07:16
A cruise ship has landed on St. John!
October 25th, 2007 08:03
Those buildings really capture the quaintness of Cruz Bay! Bravo!
October 25th, 2007 08:21
Are all the units sold? How much were they? The construction site is ugly, I hope they can turn this around into something acceptable for the area. I hope the owners and/or renters don’t trash our beloved STJ.
October 25th, 2007 09:18
To Karen….” I hope the owners and/or renters don’t trash our beloved STJ.”…….too late.
Jeff, I don’t think that thing could ever blend in with anything on St. John. I’m sorry, but it just does not belong there.
IMHO,
-Bert
October 25th, 2007 09:46
Exactly where is Grande Bay Resort located?
October 25th, 2007 10:15
It’s in Cruz Bay, across from the beach between the Beach Bar and Gallows. I can see your confusion - it’s kind of hard to spot unless you know what you are looking for.
Seriously, though - what an eyesore. I cry a little inside every time I come in on the ferry from Red Hook and see that horrible thing. It’s kind of symbol of all the things that are going wrong with STJ lately.
October 25th, 2007 10:38
Bill:
Look at this photo of Cruz Bay: Here
What sticks out like a big fat sore thumb? That’s Grande Bay.
-Sandy
October 25th, 2007 10:40
If you think this is bad, just look up the hill to Sirenusa
Pia
October 25th, 2007 11:05
Let the Evil Empire reign high on our beautiful little island….
October 26th, 2007 05:30
Now, now, let’s not be too harsh. Enjoy the “look” of Grande Bay now because all too soon we’ll be seeing all the multicolored beach towels draped over the balconies, boogie boards propped up against the railings, and don’t forget the designer hurricane shutters every season.
October 26th, 2007 07:55
No one would build these monsters if people did not buy them or rent them from the individual owners.The cause and blame is certainly spread over many people for contributing to the demand or success of these large projects.
October 26th, 2007 08:59
Wow, you bring a little class to a backwards island with backwards people and they call it cancer! Where were you people when the permits were reviewed, approved and issued? Asleep (or drunk) at the wheel! Get used to change, there will be more soon.
October 26th, 2007 09:23
Thanks everyone for the info. I now know where it is and I understand the consternation. I just didn’t know it by name.
October 26th, 2007 09:56
St. John is known and loved for its natural beauty, pristine environment, and laid back atmosphere. You only need to check out the most recent (Nov/Dec) issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine to see what overdevelopment and inappropriate development can do to an island. Class is not defined by how much concrete you can pour and how much money you can make. Kudos to those truly classy folks on STJ who are resisting the “development pressure” and are fighting the good fight to keep their home healthy.
October 26th, 2007 14:35
The cancer truly is the attitude that promotes such change “to this backwards island with backward people” and then calls it “class”…
There is also a very good article by Debra A. Klein in the November Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. In my opinion it’s right on target. It’s called “An Island in the Balance”
October 26th, 2007 14:50
RE: “An Island in the Balance”
You can read that article online as well.
http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/detail?articleId=11507&pageNumber=1
October 26th, 2007 16:23
Dband must be one of the new owners, eh?
I hope his attitude does not represent what is coming when Grande Bay opens, but…
*sigh*
October 27th, 2007 09:14
Unfortunate as this new type of development is, what is more disheartening for those who truly love st. John, is the mindset that allowed this to happen and the attitudes that come with it. In (short) time it will destroy the genius locii of the island.
Pitchforks to D Band.
It is surprising but there are people who really do want to live at Disneyland.
October 27th, 2007 16:03
they say ‘do not piss off mother nature’ and I think all this over development has.
I loved the conde nast article that is linked here. It really spoke about what all is going on.
I do think the administration `can change some of this by getting a planner on STJ ASAP not soon come…………
November 1st, 2007 08:49
D Band, you sure do not get St. John! I sure hope you are on your way out! and if you are new to the island - You won’t last long! Good bye, and have a nice life elsewhere.
November 9th, 2007 09:08
What’s up with the large building to the right of the main development? Little construction progress is evident on that structure in the past couple months. The Developer really needs to inform STJ of what is going on! What happened to their PR campaign reported in Tradewinds?
November 17th, 2007 16:54
look at it this way: 48 people with money are paying to develop this.
Would you rather have this one lot built up in an already populated area or 48 other lots in Coral Bay or Great Cruz Bay?
January 6th, 2008 09:02
Bud: Thanks so much for posting the article link…very interesting…and unfortunately true.
May 18th, 2008 07:35
Week of May 12, 2008, Major Jack Hammering still occuring at site. Not the place to go at this time.