Transforming Gulf Shores: The Visionary Story of ONE Club

Entrepreneur Daniel Palmier serves as the Founder and Chairman of UC Funds, a distinguished private finance firm.  In addition to Mr. Palmier’s long-standing track record in commercial real estate, his philanthropic passion found expression in the ONE Foundation, a global non-profit whose mission is to assist individuals in local and global communities to attain a better quality of life. In 2016, Daniel purchased Emerald Greens, a 490-unit condo and apartment golf course community located on Gulf Shores Parkway and adjacent to Craft Farms.

The origin of ONE Club came from Daniel and UC Funds’ recognition of a growing market teeming with opportunity. This venture was not only a lucrative investment, but a chance to contribute significantly to the economic development of Gulf Shores.  In addition to the business aspect of the purchase, Daniel also integrated the teaching from his grandmother of three Fs:  Faith, Family, and Friends.  As you will see later in this article, he also incorporated a fourth F – Fun – into his Gulf Shores ventures.

A decisive turn came when Dan invited Ellen Plunkett to head his newly formed realty company to buy and sell condos, starting with his ambitious vision into what we now know as ONE Club Gulf Shores. Ellen began her real estate career in Rhode Island, where she was first licensed, and continued working as a broker for nearly two decades in Boston and the surrounding Northeast area.  Over the course of 20 years, she brokered an impressive $50 million across diverse real estate products, establishing her success in the field. Now, Ellen Plunkett is nominated as one of the top producing Brokers in Gulf Coast area. 

When Ellen was first hired, the mission was to renovate the condos and apartment homes, golf course, and amenities and elevate the new brand, ONE Club, as a 5-star resort community on par with destinations found in Miami or Palm Beach, Florida, but one that was affordable in nature.

Apartment and condo renovations were just the beginning of the improvements occurring at ONE Club. Over $25 million has been invested to a series of comprehensive renovations since its opening in 2018. The golf course was completely overhauled, and a partnership was created between Troon Golf’s Craft Farms courses to offer the Best 45 holes in golf.  The team then transformed a local golf grill into a stunning restaurant and sports bar called Bar 45 complemented by two new pools, a sauna, a jacuzzi, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a golf simulator, and indoor game rooms. Meanwhile, the buildings and living spaces saw new roofs, fresh paint, new appliances, cabinetry, wood plank flooring, and a complete refurbishment of the clubhouse.

Over time, the ONE Club business model changed as the ONE Club apartment rentals were so successful, Ellen and Dan purchased all the condos and converted them to renovated apartments and furnished vacation rentals.  Today, ONE Club stands as the most popular lifestyle development on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, complete with a sought-after golf course and pool club that is available for public memberships. ONE Club’s success is undeniable. It’s been named the #1 Residential Community in Baldwin County for four consecutive years. Its golf and social memberships have seen phenomenal growth, and it has fostered close partnerships with the city and county for ongoing economic development.

The ambitious vision for ONE Club does not stop here. Plans for more growth are in motion with acquired contiguous land to ultimately own over 100 acres for a to-be-developed mixed-use community, including retail, apartments, hotels, and other commercial uses. The opportunity for growth and development is as strong and visionary as it was at the beginning of the project, and Plunkett and Palmier remain committed to developing business in the region.

Palmier’s ONE Foundation has also been instrumental in fostering community involvement and philanthropy. It has contributed $100s of thousands of dollars to Gulf Shores and Baldwin County, extending its reach across Alabama. An annual charity golf tournament was created to support local environmental initiatives, Alabama’s Gulf Coast Zoo, and special programs with the Gulf Shores School District and its Dolphin Foundation. ONE Foundation’s support has been crucial during times of disaster in Alabama, providing healthcare services during hurricanes, tornadoes, and significantly contributed to the sustainability for the Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gulf Shores’ attractiveness goes beyond its pleasant climate and award-winning white quartzite sand beaches. Its natural resources, including a 6,000 acres state park which is ranked #1 in America, and commitment to environmental sustainability make it an appealing destination. Cost-wise, it offers a more affordable alternative to Florida without compromising on amenities and services. The local school district is the best in the County, and the nearby Gulf Shores International Airport is set for expansion, promising increased accessibility for visitors and residents.

According to a Wall Street Journal, Baldwin County has been the fastest-growing county in the Country for a decade, with a notable percentage of the population increase coming from retirees being priced out of South Florida. But young professionals and groups between ages 30-50 have also begun to flock to the area thanks to the flexibility of a work-from-home world.

Seeing around corners, Palmier anticipated this growth even before the migration of new residents, intrigued by the natural beauty, attractive climate, and recreational options in the area. Gulf Shores recently saw the first new zoo open in the country in 25 years and extensive sporting facilities less than a quarter of a mile from ONE Club. Golf enthusiasts have the famed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, and the area houses the largest man-made reef in the world, which is home to countless species of sea life. Every year, Gulf Shores hosts such national events as the Women’s NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship to a national ESPN viewership, the Hangout Music Festival, and several national fishing tournaments throughout the year.

The story of ONE Club is, at its heart, a tale of expertise, entrepreneurship, love of Baldwin County, and transformative leadership. The future is bright as Ellen Plunkett, alongside Team ONE, the ONE Club family, and Palmier, continues to chart a course that promises prosperity and growth. The vision of ONE Club and Gulf Shores flourishing together for decades to come is well within reach. And as this journey unfolds, there’s nothing but excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead.

Keen to learn more about ONE Club Gulf Shores and future developments? Contact info@ucfunds.com

Real Producers Hosts Fall Realtor/Broker Networking Event @ ONE Club

Real Producers, the leading realtor and broker group for the Mobile to Pensacola DMA recently hosted their Fall Social at ONE Club Gulf Shores.  More than 50 of the top realtors and brokers from the region enjoyed a spectacular evening enjoying ONE Club’s outdoor bar and adult pool and party venue.  For more information on renting spaces at ONE Club, please contact Whitney Sylvester @ contact@oneclubgulfshores.com

A New Dawn for Baldwin County, Alabama – September, 2023

The Visionary Leader and CEO of UC Funds, Daniel Palmier, strikes gold yet again in the realm of real estate investing. Seven years back, Dan set his sights on Gulf Shores, Alabama, a quaint beach community along the Gulf of Mexico. Then, a complete brand renovation of a golf and apartment community to become ONE Club Gulf Shores, a top-tier community celebrated as the number one residential community in Baldwin County for four years running.

Featured in a recent Wall Street Journal article, Baldwin County has garnered attention as the new hotspot for those seeking an idyllic, affordable, and quality lifestyle in a cordial community. This includes not only retirees but also a growing crowd of professionals between 30-50 years old who have embraced the work-from-home trend. Gulf Shores has served as a landing place for individuals from Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, the Midwest states, and even the Mid-Atlantic.

Gulf Shores has also become a popular vacation hub, serving as an alternative to Florida beaches. With the motto of “Small Town, Big Beach,” many vacationers have begun to prefer the quieter and calmer lifestyle of the Alabama beach towns, less crowded with tourists but still bursting with family activities, nightlife, nature, and restaurants. Those looking to make this vacation lifestyle more permanent may be influenced by the new renovations coming to ONE Club and Gulf Shores.

Daniel Palmier and UC Funds have taken a step further with an ambitious investment in 100 acres of land directly adjacent to the ONE Club multifamily and mixed-use resort community on the bustling Route 59 and County Road 6, amassing a total investment that sprawls over an impressive 200 contiguous acres.

This newly claimed land will soon be transformed into a stunning mixed-use resort experience, an epicenter of best-in-class homes, townhomes, retail, entertainment, luxury RV parks, senior housing, and so much more, including Bar 45, complimenting the best 45 holes in golf, and a Top Golf swing suite. Every element will be in harmony with the existing ONE Club renovations carried out over the past 7 years. Daniel enthuses, “Our passion for Gulf Shores is boundless. We remain committed to generating value, fostering economic growth, and providing additional opportunities for businesses and residents to choose our beautiful town.”

What makes Baldwin County such an ideal choice for living, working, and investing?

Warm climate: Baldwin County, positioned on the Gulf Coast, relishes a warm, sun-drenched climate throughout the year.

Natural beauty and recreation: Gulf Shores is a nature lover’s paradise with stunning beaches crowned the Best Beach in Alabama by Southern Magazine, nature reserves, spectacular golf courses, number one walking trails in the nation, and numerous outdoor activities.

Attractions: Gulf Shores boasts the world’s largest artificial reef, home to an array of sea life, including the local red snapper. Sports enthusiasts will relish the proximity to the annual NCAA Women’s Beach Volleyball Championship.

Affordable cost of living: With a median home price below $260K, Baldwin County provides an affordable coastal living alternative, catering to everyone from retirees to growing families in today’s remote-work-centric world.

Growing economy: The region thrives on a robust and diverse economy that spans healthcare, education, tourism, and a budding technology sector.

Excellent infrastructure: Modern infrastructure includes a well-maintained road network and easy access to major airports. Notably, the Gulf Shores International Airport, located only a half a mile from ONE Club, is undergoing a significant expansion to appease residents and travelers.

Warm community: Baldwin County is renowned for its welcoming populace, a strong sense of Southern hospitality, and a charming small-town feel.

High-quality healthcare: The county has top-notch hospitals and medical facilities, including the South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, which recently underwent a $260 million renovation and debuted a state-of-the-art emergency facility.

Keen to learn more about ONE Club Gulf Shores and future developments? Contact info@ucfunds.com

2023 – For the 4th year in a row, ONE Club Gulf Shores has been named Baldwin’s #1 Apartment Community in all of Baldwin County.  Best of 2023 and we are pleased to announce that ONE Club has been named the number ONE place to live and vacation in Baldwin County for the third year in row.

With miles of beautiful white sand beaches just minutes away, ONE Club is the premier five-star resort and residence on the Gulf Coast. ONE Club offers both year-round apartment rentals, fully furnished vacation accommodations, and short or long term furnished rentals.

ONE Club’s amenities surpass those of any other vacation or apartment community in Baldwin County. We offer golf, a brand-new practice range, 3 outdoor pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, two pools, jacuzzi, sauna, TOPGOLF simulator, and a cabana club.

In addition to our amenities for active individuals, couples, and families, this one-of-a-kind rental community on a golf course includes outdoor bars and dining, along with a full-service restaurant and bar, Bar 45, which offers weekly events and entertainment. From football watch parties and karaoke nights, to live music every Friday, Bar 45 at ONE Club is the ONE place where people can socialize in both an upscale and relaxed atmosphere.  Bar 45 also offers more than 25 sports TVs and large 8 foot to 20-foot screens to enjoy sporting events 12 months of the year!

Visit ONE Club today and see for yourself why this 5-star retreat was voted number ONE in our region four years in a row.  For more information, please contact the Leasing team at 1-844-ONE-CLUB or Contact@oneclubgulfshores.com