Ambitious Diamondhead Town Center Plan Ready to Begin

​Aloha Diamondhead, July 2023

With an eye toward the future, Diamondhead’s leaders embark on a forward-looking plan to make the city an even more desirable place to live.
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– By Anne Pitre

The Diamondhead community has always been a gem for residents and visitors alike, steadily growing over the last decade with no signs of slowing down. It has a bustling commercial center on East Aloha Drive, a staggering number of businesses around Leisure Time Drive and Park Ten Drive, yet still has a need to plan for future growth. 
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On Noma Drive there sits a 14-acre parcel of land ripe for development which will become the new Diamondhead town center. A preliminary master plan for the area has been drawn by the firm Linfield, Hunter and Junius, and it is ambitious. The design includes condominiums and restaurants, soccer and baseball fields, a new residential area, and a mixed-use commercial/residential area with a combination of retail, restaurants, and professional services. This new town center will have the community shining even brighter. This state-of-the-art development promises to be a catalyst for economic growth, social engagement, and enhanced quality of life for its residents.

The City of Diamondhead will break ground on the first component of this plan on Wednesday, July 26th, at 9 a.m. - the Noma Drive Waterfront Development project. The initial phase will primarily focus on roadway improvements and utility installation. It is expected to reach substantial completion in 45 days.

(click photo for a larger version)

 
Phase 2 will provide direct access to the Jourdan River and will include a new boat launch, kayak launch, portable comfort station, parking, water and sewer facilities, a boardwalk, seating areas, a fishing pier and bird-watching area. It is being funded through a Tidelands grant from the State of Mississippi. Chiniche Engineering & Surveying is providing the engineering work, and Bottom 2 Top Construction is the contractor.
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Mayor Nancy Depreo is optimistic about the ripple effect of the new boat launch.

​Mayor Nancy Depreo is optimistic about the ripple effect of the new boat launch.
 
“This would be the perfect spot for future waterfront businesses,” Depreo said. “Diamondhead is a growing market, and our population spans a much wider age range than before. We will be in exactly the right position to support a paddle shop, a waterfront restaurant, or swim shop.”

At its core, the new Diamondhead Town Center is about bringing people together. The planners have included ample public gathering spaces to encourage social interaction and community engagement. From family-friendly play areas to cozy seating zones, the town center is designed to cater to people of all ages, fostering a sense of belonging among the residents. Regular events and recreational amenities will further strengthen the community bonds, turning the town center into a lively, thriving space where neighbors become friends.
 

 
The town center project also addresses the need for improved infrastructure and connectivity in Diamondhead. The developers have collaborated with local authorities to ensure that the site plan is aligned with the City’s comprehensive plan and includes enhanced transportation options, including pedestrian-friendly walkways and bike lanes. Ample parking facilities and accessibility measures will make the center easily accessible to all, including differently-abled individuals. Such infrastructure improvements will not only serve the town center but also contribute to the overall development of the surrounding neighborhoods. There are long-range plans to build new roads to divert future traffic as the area continues to grow.
 

 
The new Diamondhead Town Center represents a visionary and holistic approach to community development. It prioritizes economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and social harmony. With its eclectic mix of residential neighborhoods, mixed-use buildings, retail, cultural spaces, and recreational amenities, the town center is set to redefine the Diamondhead experience. There is no doubt that this development will leave a lasting impact, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike for years to come. Diamondhead’s future looks brighter than ever.
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