Is Randall Davis In or Out at the Emerald?

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

GALVESTON — Seaside suspense: A lot of readers want to know whether prominent developer Randall Davis is still involved in Emerald By the Sea, a high-rise under construction at 500 Seawall Blvd., in the former site of the Jack Tar Hotel.

Here’s the answer:

“I haven’t been involved in the project for 10 months,” said Davis, who was initially hired as a fee developer on the 113-unit Emerald.

Houston firm Sunhill International Corp. hired Davis, known for posh residential and hotel projects from Houston to Las Vegas, to be a fee developer of the Emerald. By using a fee developer, Sunhill called upon Davis’ expertise, while maintaining ownership and control.

But after disagreements over compensation, Sunhill and Davis settled their issues through arbitration, he said.

Davis is busy developing Diamond Beach Resort, a resort-style condominium project at 105th Street and Seawall. Diamond Beach will be painted a romantic pink — the same hues as the famous Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles.

Davis also was behind some other island downtown projects, including Strand Lofts and St. Germain Place.

Meanwhile, construction crews continue work at the Emerald, which developers say is doing fine.

But Davis’ departure has spurred some litigation from potential Emerald condo owners who say the involvement of such a prominent developer influenced their decisions to buy. Stay tuned.