New $18-Million Residence Facility to House 600 Seasonal Workers in Foley

OBA Staff • August 16, 2023

South Baldwin Businesses to Benefit from the New International Resident Hall in Foley

Area officials break ground for the International Residence Hall in Foley. The first phase of the project will include housing for more than 600 seasonal workers.

Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The South Baldwin hospitality industry is set to receive a major boost with the construction of a new $18-million residence facility designed to accommodate over 600 seasonal workers. The International Resident Hall, located on Koniar Way, is a joint initiative by the city of Foley, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, and Holtz Companies. The first phase of the project, which includes two 37,500-square foot buildings, will provide housing for temporary international workers participating in the J-1 visa program. With work already underway, the facility is expected to be operational by the start of the 2024 tourist season.

Press Release:

A $18-million residence facility to house more than 600 seasonal workers needed by the South Baldwin hospitality industry is scheduled to open in Foley by the start of the 2024 tourist season.


Work is underway on the International Resident Hall on Koniar Way. When completed the first phase will include two 37,500-square foot buildings to house temporary international workers in the United States under the J-1 visa program.


The facility is a joint project by the city of Foley, Poarch Band of Creek Indians and Holtz Companies.


Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the workers are needed not just in the city, but throughout the region.


“This J-1 project will provide, in the first phase, over 600 J-1 workers that will help all of our businesses in South Baldwin. It’s a piece of the puzzle that is so important to us and it’s important to our local businesses,” Hellmich said.


The project is the first of four planned phases that will provide housing for more workers in the future.


“Eventually, hopefully this campus will go to 2,400 people,” Hellmich said. “It is strategically located near OWA, near Tanger, near our businesses downtown and also, we have great transportation to even serve the businesses south of us.”

The city of Foley provided the property on which the facility is being built. Hellmich said “We also will be doing a project for lighting and a sidewalk project and a pickleball court right across the street because the J-1 is not just about work. It’s about the cultural exchange and how that works with the workers as they live here in the United States,” Hellmich said.


The mayor said that businesses in South Baldwin County now need another 6,000 workers to fill positions during the summer tourist season.


“This impacts all of South Baldwin,” Hellmich said. “It’s not just restricted to the city and citizens of Foley. It’s for any business in South Baldwin.”


Cody Williamson, president and chief executive officer for Creek Indian Enterprise Development, which operates OWA, said their operations need more workers.


“During the summer, we employ at least 1,000 workers just for us. That doesn’t even count some of the shops and other things at the OWA facility and that doesn’t count the RV park and anything else that we might be building,” Williamson said. “This year, we were short, probably 200 workers, so, of the 600 spots, we’ll have one third of them.”


Stephanie Bryan, president and CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, said the band employs about 6,000 people around the state, many in the hospitality industry. “We’ve all navigated through the turbulent times of COVID, and we’re all having issues with workforce development,” she said. “Housing is a key component and a necessity that people need in the hospitality and tourism industry in order to provide that great experience and I think with this J-1 project that’s exactly what we will do.”


She said housing is a major issue for workers across the region.


“We’re investing in building stronger, safer communities together to have that workforce development,” Bryan said. “Alabama is a great state for economic development, but lack of housing has become a major issue.”


The Poarch Band is working with Holtz Companies to build the Foley facility. The total cost of the first phase of the project is expected to be $18 million.


Dan Bullock of Holtz said his company has built similar facilities in attractions such as Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN and Branson, MO.


At the Foley International Residence Hall, residents live in dormitory-style apartments. Each apartment includes beds for four people, a bathroom, and a kitchen area with refrigerator and microwave oven. Rent on the apartments is $150 a week.


The federal J-1 Visa program provides opportunities for international candidates to work in the United States on a temporary basis. In 2022, more than 96,000 students took part in the program working on a summer or seasonal basis.


Share this article w/ Friends...

Perdido Beach Resort Backs Orange Beach Schools with Major Gift
By OBA Staff April 24, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach City Schools and the Mako Academics, Arts, and Athletics Club have announced a major new sponsor. Perdido Beach Resort pledged to be a Diamond Level Sponsor for the 2025-2026 school year.
Cyclists Gear Up for 2025 Good Life Ride at Gulf State Park
By R. Ken Cooper April 24, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The popular Good Life Ride cycling event is set to return to Gulf State Park on May 10, 2025. The annual event, which attracts cycling enthusiasts from across the Southeast, will feature multiple route options designed to showcase the natural beauty of Alabama's coastal region.
Major Drainage Overhaul Taking Place on West Peachtree Avenue
By Guy Busby April 24, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Travel on West Peachtree Avenue will soon be smoother after the Foley City Council approved road repairs. The council voted to fix the road near Foley Airport last week. Jeff Phillips, the city construction projects manager, explained that collapsed metal storm drainage pipes buried alongside the road had damaged the street.
Orange Beach Schools Names Laatsch as Assistant Athletic Director
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach City Schools has appointed Chris Laatsch as their new Assistant Athletic Director. The announcement came Wednesday as school officials welcomed the veteran coach to his expanded role within the athletics program.
Mystery Urn Washes Ashore in Gulf Shores
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – An unusual discovery was made on the beaches of Gulf Shores last week. A funeral urn containing human ashes washed ashore after apparently being released into the Gulf of Mexico.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Hosts Summer Zoo Camp for Kids
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is inviting kids to experience a summer of adventure through its 2025 Zoo Camp program. The camp will give young animal lovers a hands-on opportunity to learn about wildlife and conservation.
Orange Beach Powerboat Week Returns for the Sixth Year
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The 6th Annual Orange Beach Powerboat Week is coming to Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The three-day event brings fast boats, fun runs, and parties to the area.
Foley Sanitation Department Faces Spring Cleanup Delays
By Guy Busby April 23, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The City of Foley is asking residents to be patient as spring-cleaning and yard work increase the need for limb collection services, according to the City of Foley website. The Foley Sanitation Department collects tree limbs weekly from homes across the city. However, officials said temporary high demand may delay collections on some routes by about one day.
2025 National Shrimp Festival Poster Winner
By OBA Staff April 22, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores-based artist Michael Swiger has been selected as the winner of the 52nd Annual National Shrimp Festival poster contest, festival organizers announced Monday.
Gulf Shores Planning Commission Meeting to Discuss Bar Permit and Water Tower
By John Mullen April 22, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Gulf Shores Planning Commission will hear a request from the owners of Hibas Karaoke and Arcade Bar for a conditional use permit to allow for a lounge/bar usage at the bar in Pelican Place.
Show More