New Urbanism Provides Inspiration for Project

30-A’s Rosemary Beach was the inspiration for the Sunflower Beach community (shown: pool/dining pavilion).

PORT ARANSAS, TX—Sunflower Beach Resort & Residences is modeled on the New Urbanism school of community design that has been instrumental in the success of Florida’s 30-A communities such as Seaside, Rosemary Beach and Watercolor. New Urbanism was founded in the belief that physical environments have a direct impact on happy, prosperous lives and that well-designed cities create healthy places for both people and businesses.

Early in the planning process, the Sunflower Beach team traveled to 30-A to spend time with local resident and urban planner Mark Schnell. There, the team immersed itself in the architecture, sense of community and hometown roots behind Schnell’s design at Sunflower Beach, which places more emphasis on quality time, walkability, quiet lanes, open green spaces and unique architecture. 30-A’s Rosemary Beach is the particular inspiration for the Sunflower Beach community, especially the architectural mix and color palettes used there.