High-rise Fever Continues to Infect Developers

Galveston County Daily News, July 30, 2007
by Laura Elder

GALVESTON — High-rise fever continues to infect developers, but at least one island resident and businessman is staying grounded.

Developer Miguel Prida is planning his third island condominium project in as many years — this time on the West End.

Prida said he plans to develop Playa del Sol, which will include 180 moderately priced condos in five mid-rise buildings just east of the Captain’s Table restaurant and across from Dellanera RV Park at 10901 San Luis Pass Road.

Though Prida is behind one freshly finished Seawall high-rise and plans another, his decision to build mid-rises is part of an effort to appease island residents, he said.

“I hope that local people can see that we are very respectful of what the island wants and I understand that right now people don’t want high-rises,” he said.

City officials are hashing out high-rise restrictions in certain parts of the island as residents complain of blocked views, shadows from structures and more.

Prida developed the 11-story Ocean Grove condominiums, 9420 Seawall Blvd., and plans to build the 12-story Island Grove at 9010 Seawall Blvd.

Though crews are clearing land at the Island Grove site, Prida is delaying construction of that high-rise for about four months to study the market.

Prida said units at his proposed $30 million Playa Del Sol, would sell for between $159,000 to $185,000. As is typical with Prida products, the buildings will be made of concrete.