Meeks + Partners Designs Resort Condominium off Coast of Southern Texas

By Erika Schnitzer, Associate EditorMustang Island, Texas–Meeks + Partners, based in Houston, has designed a flagship development for San Antonio-based Koontz McCombs LLC. The Palmilla at Port Aransas, a 94-unit luxury condominium, is expected to break ground in the spring of 2009.“Bart Koontz (president and CEO of Koontz McCombs) had a vision to build a resort development unlike anything that had been built in Port Aransas,” says Thomas Wells, vice president of multifamily development at Koontz McCombs LLC. Many developments in this location tend to be single-family homes, beach homes and hotels, he adds.Located off the south coast of Texas on Mustang Island, an 18-mile barrier island 30 minutes from Corpus Christi and 11 miles south of Port Aransas, The Palmilla at Port Aransas will comprise 30 acres and four residential buildings, each with four stories of condos and parking on the first level.The development is designed in the coastal architecture style, explains Don Meeks, a principal at Meeks + Partners. “It is light and airy, with metal roofs, white trim and horizontal siding—everything you would see in Southern coastal architecture.”The condominium will offer two- and three-bedroom units ranging in size from 1,441 to 1,830 sq. ft. Additionally, eight four-bedroom, three-bathroom penthouses at 2,584 sq. ft. will be available. Home prices range from approximately $400,000 to $900,000.The residences are designed as luxury second homes, Meeks tells MHN, with 10-ft. ceilings; expansive windows providing views of the bay and marina; open, gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and custom cabinetry; morning kitchens in the master bedroom; and large balconies or terraces.Amenities will include a resort-style pool, private cabanas, outdoor kitchen and large party decks, as well as a lounge and bar, game room, Internet café with coffee bar and state-of-the-art fitness center. Additionally, the development will offer 384 boat slips, which Wells notes is unusual given the much smaller number of residences. A new Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course is located directly across the street from the development, and the Mustang Beach Airport is within walking distance.Construction on The Palmilla at Port Aransas is expected to take about 15 months, and plans for future development will be discussed, as this project will make up only about five of the 30 acres of land Koontz McCombs owns.