How Phoenix Condos in Orange Beach Got Their Name: The Story Behind the Iconic Gulf Coast Landmark

Posted by Meredith Folger Amon on Sunday, August 18th, 2024  2:03pm.


How Phoenix Condos in Orange Beach Got Their Name: The Story Behind the Iconic Gulf Coast Landmark

Phoenix condos in Orange Beach have become iconic landmarks along the Alabama Gulf Coast, representing both resilience and luxury. The story of how these condos came to be—and how they got their distinctive name—is a fascinating chapter in the history of the area's real estate development.

Phoenix Orange Beach Condos Alabama


The history of Phoenix condos is deeply intertwined with the founding of Brett/Robinson, a company established by brothers Tillis and Gene Brett, along with their partner Tommy Robinson. The trio began their journey in real estate in 1968, pooling their resources and expertise to form Brett Real Estate Robinson Development Co Inc. They started small but quickly grew, building a reputation for integrity, hard work, and a commitment to their clients.

In the early 1980s, the partners ventured into condominium development, starting with Island Winds East in Gulf Shores. By 1985, they were ready to break ground on a new property in Orange Beach, but they needed a name that would stand out in a crowded market. During a business trip, Gene Brett was inspired by the movie "Flight of the Phoenix" and the image of the mythical bird that rises from its ashes. This symbolism resonated with Gene, especially given that the site of the first Phoenix condo had once been home to a burned-down beach house, with only a chimney remaining.

Gene proposed the name "Phoenix" to his partners, who were initially skeptical. They had envisioned a more traditional name like "Sea Oats" or "Sandpiper." However, Gene persisted, and eventually, the name Phoenix was adopted. It was a bold choice that set the development apart from others and captured the spirit of resilience that Brett/Robinson embodied.

The success of Phoenix I led to the development of many more Phoenix condos, each built with the same commitment to quality and durability. These condos are known for their all-concrete construction, designed to withstand the harsh coastal environment and storms like Hurricane Frederick. Today, Phoenix condos are synonymous with luxury living on the Gulf Coast, offering stunning beachfront views and top-tier amenities.

For those interested in buying or selling a Phoenix condo, our real estate experts are here to guide you through the process. Whether you're looking for a rental property or a permanent residence, we can help you find the perfect Phoenix condo to meet your needs. And if you need recommendations for a rental or property management company, we're happy to point you in the right direction.

Phoenix | Search Orange Beach Alabama Condos and Real Estate Listings For Sale

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29576 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1003, Orange Beach

$899,900

29576 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1003, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,395 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385363

Prickett Properties, LLC

29576 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 707, Orange Beach

$899,900

↓ $49,100

29576 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 707, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,392 SqFt Residential MLS® # 368971

IXL Real Estate-Eastern Shore PHONE: 251-979-0711

27008 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1004, Orange Beach

$830,000

27008 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1004, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,392 SqFt Residential MLS® # 378620

Current Tides Vacation Rentals PHONE: 251-979-7852

26800 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 6013, Orange Beach

$825,000

26800 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 6013, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,379 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385491

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-533-6677

29576 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 815, Orange Beach

$805,000

↓ $25,000

29576 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 815, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,064 SqFt Residential MLS® # 374064

Brett R/E Robinson Dev OB Main: 251-981-6180

27008 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1406, Orange Beach

$799,900

27008 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1406, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,420 SqFt Residential MLS® # 378073

RE/MAX By The Bay CELL: 251-401-3030

29576 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1212, Orange Beach

$795,000

29576 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1212, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,064 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385370

White Shores Realty, LLC

24400 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 701, Orange Beach

$792,500

↓ $20,000

24400 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 701, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,394 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381957

RE/MAX on the Coast

26802 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 703, Orange Beach

$789,000

↓ $10,000

26802 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 703, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,392 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384589

REMAX OF ORANGE BEACH-CANAL BR CELL: 251-747-5710

27100 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1201, Orange Beach

$784,000

↓ $15,000

27100 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1201, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,383 SqFt Residential MLS® # 373016

Coldwell Banker Coastal Realty

27580 Canal Road Unit 1322, Orange Beach

$780,000

27580 Canal Road Unit 1322, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,787 SqFt Residential MLS® # 367285

Brett R/E Robinson Dev OB Main: 251-981-6180

26802 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 7112, Orange Beach

$764,000

↓ $4,500

26802 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 7112, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,392 SqFt Residential MLS® # 379073

Brett R/E Robinson Dev OB Main: 251-981-6180

If you're considering investing in a Phoenix condo, you can search all available MLS listings on our website, www.searchthegulf.com. Discover the history, the luxury, and the unparalleled lifestyle that Phoenix condos offer.