While I'm sure the units will be very nice, it's still too bad to see taller buildings being built along SMB. I guess once the Ritz got a foothold, things were bound to chnge but personally I don't think it's necessarily for the better.

yes, the Ritz definitely was the turning point. That being said, I think the Ritz behemoth convention style buildings are far more objectionable than the new condos like Meridian, Beachcomber. Beach area at Ritz is extremely congested with barely inches of sand between hundreds of lounge chairs, whereas beach in front of these new condos remains spacious. Having 30 or so condo units in a 5-6 story structure with beach frontage of 200 feet and about 25 people at any given time relaxing on the sand is a far cry from the congestion on the sand and in the water in front of the Ritz which has hundreds of guests using about the same size area of beach as these condos.

Indeed the Ritz was the turning point.

When the Ritz was planned, it was to be a five storey building, as was the maximum height for hotels (condos limited to three storeys).

During development of the Ritz, somehow the law was changed to allow seven storey development along 7MB for condos and hotels, so the Ritz became seven storeys... and developers started rubbing their hands together at what they could do with the old three storey developments.

Nice buildings some of these new developments, but still, these "behemoths" are not to everyone's taste.

hey Tom, the mega commercialized development of Ritz sure makes your Reef Resort an even more special GC oasis, doesn't it!

I still truly love SMB, however I cannot say that I didn't like the old days better when you couldn't build above the tree line. Personally I think the RC is the worst thing that ever happened to GC much less SMB. However, I am sure there are those who were around long before me who that the Hyatt (which we thought was a truly beautiful property) was an impositition. It is sad to think what the future holds -- hopefully the same way thinking that went into preserving Cayman's marine life will prevail for land dvelopement as well!

like you, we still love the central SMB area for its gorgeous beach area and easy proximity to such a wonderful array of terrific restaurants & shops. Our initial trip to GC was spent at the "old" Hyatt (pre-Beachsuites, pre any structure along the beach over 3 stories) yet since then we have happily stayed and enjoyed the island in general and the "updated" SMB area...with the exception of the Ritz which we find quite offensive and commercial.

A 5-6 story condo with 40 or less units on a good stretch of beachfront has far less negative impact on the natural beauty of the area than the convention-esque R/C with hundreds of rooms and guests packed like sardines on their beachfront. All changes and "so called progress" are not always a positive thing:)

grandcaymanvillas.net/gcmcondos/beachcomber.…

Sue posted a link to this website in response to another question and it has the floorplans for Beachcomber units. It appears Jan 2009 is the newest projected opening date. The only difference that I noted with these units are not all the master bedrooms are oceanfront which may or may not be important to guests.