12:21 PM CDT on Sunday, June 4, 2006

By Laura Elder / Galveston County Daily News

GALVESTON — Houston developer Randall Davis announced plans Thursday for a $65 million mid-rise condominium resort and spa project on the island that includes a private beach and sizeable water attraction.

Davis, who is behind a separate luxury condominium project under construction on the island, said he plans to build Diamond Beach Resort and Spa on 8.5 acres of beach at 105th Street and the Seawall.

The project, which comes as thousands of homes and condominiums are planned for the island, differs from other beach developments in that the triangular shaped piece of land has Seawall protection, Davis said.

Diamond Beach Resort and Spa will include a mid-rise of six or seven stories over a parking lot and 250 to 260 residential units.

The project’s architecture is inspired by such famed properties as Hotel Bellaire.

“I like the very tropical pink and white color combination that has a very resort feel,” Davis said.

Amenities include a “Lazy River,” similar to the attraction at Schlitterbahn’s island water park. The river will be 10 feet wide, 4 feet deep and 800 feet to 1,000 feet long.

The resort also will include a pool, 6,000-square-foot spa, a private movie theater, teen game room, wine room and 24-hour-concierge, among other amenities, Davis said.

Davis said he also plans to create a private beach by trucking in sand to cover a grassy field.

Prices for 1,100-square-foot to 1,350 square-foot condominiums start in the low $400,000 range. Units in the 1,500 square-foot to 2,000-square-foot range also are available.

About 40 potential buyers have already paid $3,000 each for nonrefundable reservations, he said.

Davis still must get approval from city and regulatory agencies for the project.

The developer is behind Emerald by the Sea, a 15-story condominium project at the corner of Seawall Boulevard and Broadway, across from Stewart Beach.

Only one condominium remains for sale at Emerald by the Sea, where buyers have paid anywhere from $250,000 to $1 million for units.

Davis is credited with spurring loft development in Houston’s downtown and has received numerous awards for preservation of such historic landmarks as the Rice Hotel, the Hogg Building and the Union National Bank.

Historic properties also include the 37-unit Strand Lofts on the corner of Mechanic and 24th Streets in Galveston. He also is behind a 65-unit Art Deco loft building in Las Vegas.

Davis plans a Diamond Beach grand opening party at Hotel Icon at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in Houston. He also plans a similar event at 4 p.m. June 9 for local real estate agents at the island site.

Both events are open to the public.