Seaside Villas in Gulfport to be redeveloped after Hurricane Helene destruction
/Seaside villas, a 121-unit apartment complex in Gulfport, was destroyed during Hurricane Helene last year | Seaside Villas Florida LLC
A decades-old waterfront apartment community in Gulfport is preparing for a major comeback.
Seaside Villas, a 121-unit complex located at 3205 58th Street South, was destroyed last year when Hurricane Helene tore through Tampa Bay.
Now, the 3.74-acre property, located on the west end of Shore Boulevard South next to the Gulfport Recreation Center, is ready for a fresh start.
Built in 1964, Seaside Villas originally consisted of three three-story buildings just a few feet above sea level.
Last year, when Helene swept through the Gulf and into Tampa Bay, the storm’s surge overwhelmed the property, leaving it beyond repair.
“The flood damage from Hurricane Helene was very extensive and took out the electrical system in all three buildings, so we had to move everybody out,” said Eric Schifferli, CEO of Seaside Villas Florida LLC, which purchased the property in 2018 for $20 million.
Seaside Villas is located on a 3.74-acre property on the west side of Shore Boulevard next to the Gulfport Recreation Center | Google Maps
“We actually started restoration of the property, which was our intention, and by early November, the city thought we might be over 50% damage following the FEMA rules,” Schifferli continued.
Under FEMA regulations, if the cost to repair a building equals or exceeds 50% of its pre-damage market value, it’s deemed “substantially damaged” and must be rebuilt to meet modern floodplain standards, typically by elevating the structure.
Rather than dispute the determination, Schifferli said, “we decided we couldn’t really fight the FEMA rules, and instead we would redevelop the property.”
Schifferli, who lives in Delray Beach and has more than 30 years of apartment management and development experience, said his family originally fell in love with the property after visiting Gulfport.
“My daughter found this property. My wife and I drove into Gulfport, drove down Beach Boulevard with all the cute shops. We saw this property on the water and decided to buy it,” he said. “I love Gulfport. It’s such a unique part of Florida.”
The redevelopment plans call for a single five-story apartment building featuring a dramatically improved design and with one-to-one replacement of the site’s 121 units and 168 parking spaces.
Site Plan for the new Seaside Villas | Seaside Villas Florida LLC
The ground floor will include parking, storage, and the main lobby, while all apartments will be located on the second through fifth floors. The lowest residential unit will sit more than 22 feet above sea level.
The new Seaside Villas will contain approximately 79 one-bedrooms, 38 two-bedroom units, and four three-bedroom units.
“We’re designing it so all the units will have water and beach views,” Schifferli said. “We’re also upping the amenity package. There’ll be a waterfront infinity pool, a rooftop deck with a hot tub, a large view fitness center, and all kinds of other activities.”
Additionally, a dog park is planned for the northwest section of the site.
Seaside Villas Florida LLC submitted plans to the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD) on Tuesday seeking a de minimis exemption from the full stormwater management review, noting that the redevelopment will reduce the amount of impervious area on the site compared to the previous design.
Built in 1964, Seaside Villas originally consisted of three three-story buildings just a few feet above sea level | CoSTar
The company is working with Suncoast Civil of Wesley Chapel on the engineering plans and expects to submit the project for site plan review soon.
If approved, construction is expected to begin by spring 2026, with the new Seaside Villas opening to residents by summer 2027.
“We felt bad for the residents,” Schifferli said, reflecting on the difficult months following the storm. “After trying to find a way to restore the buildings, we realized it wasn’t feasible. We’re looking forward to getting this back up and running and being part of the Gulfport community again, a community we truly love.”
