Crye-Leike Gulf Coast Real Estate

Commercial Real Estate
Expertise You Can Trust.

Buying, selling, and leasing commercial properties across Baldwin County, Alabama and Northwest Florida. With 20+ years of experience and the prestigious CCIM designation, Lydia Thomsen delivers results for investors and businesses alike.

CCIM Designation

Certified Commercial

Investment Member

CCIM Institute

20+ Years

Alabama & Northwest Florida

Baldwin County

Local Expert

Lydia Franz Thomsen, CCIM

Lydia Franz Thomsen

CCIM · Commercial Broker

Crye-Leike Gulf Coast Real Estate

Full-Service Commercial Real Estate

From raw land acquisition to complex multi-tenant dispositions, every engagement is guided by rigorous CCIM financial analysis and two decades of Gulf Coast market expertise.

Buy Commercial Property

Acquisition & Investment

Whether you're seeking retail centers, office buildings, industrial facilities, or raw land for development, Lydia's deep knowledge of the Baldwin County market identifies opportunities before they reach the open market. Her CCIM financial analysis expertise ensures every acquisition is evaluated for maximum return.

  • Site selection & due diligence
  • Investment analysis & underwriting
  • Off-market opportunity sourcing
  • Entitlement & permitting guidance

Sell Commercial Property

Disposition & Sales

Maximize your commercial asset's value with a strategic disposition plan. Lydia leverages her extensive investor network, CCIM designation, and 20+ years of Gulf Coast market relationships to position your property for the highest possible return — from pricing strategy through closing.

  • Comprehensive property valuation
  • Targeted investor marketing
  • Contract negotiation expertise
  • Bankruptcy court valuation consulting

Lease Commercial Space

Commercial Leasing

Finding the right commercial space — or the right tenant — requires intimate knowledge of local market conditions, absorption rates, and lease structures. Lydia represents both landlords and tenants across retail, office, and industrial sectors throughout Baldwin County and the surrounding Gulf Coast region.

  • Tenant & landlord representation
  • Market rate analysis
  • Lease structure & negotiation
  • Retail, office & industrial spaces

Active Listings

Featured Properties

Carefully selected commercial opportunities across Baldwin County and the Gulf Coast — from turnkey businesses to development-ready land.

Billy's Seafood photo 1
Active Listing
Turnkey Business
$2,785,000

Business + Real Estate

Billy's Seafood

Waterfront Seafood Market & Processing Facility

16780 River Rd, Bon Secour, AL

Site Size

2.7± Acres

Waterfront

978± Linear Feet

Improvements

~9,700+ SF

Owner Financing

Available

50+ year established, vertically integrated waterfront seafood operation on the Bon Secour River. Includes operating retail & dock business, 3 commercial parcels, marine dock infrastructure, fuel & ice operations, and all FF&E. Normalized EBITDA ~$430,000.

RetailRestaurantSpecial PurposeWaterfront
Gulf Shores Parkway Retail Site photo 1
Active Listing
Ready to Develop
$850,000

Commercial Land

Gulf Shores Parkway Retail Site

High-Traffic Commercial Development Opportunity

7200 AL-59 Hwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Lot Size

1.56 Acres

Zoning

General Business (BG)

Location

Gulf Shores Pkwy & Coastal Gateway

Sale Type

Investment or Owner User

Shovel-ready retail site with shared right-of-ways for curb cuts and access. Adjacent to O'Reilly Auto Parts, Cumberland Farms, and Burger King. High traffic counts with excellent visibility on one of Gulf Shores' busiest corridors.

LandCommercialRetailHigh Traffic
Ono Island Lot — Orange Beach photo 1
Active Listing
Gated Community
$250,000

Residential Lot

Ono Island Lot — Orange Beach

Prime Build Site in Gated Waterfront Community

31293 Pine Run Drive, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Lot Size

0.40 Acres (130×199 IRR)

Road Frontage

130 Feet

Community

Ono Island — 24hr Gated

HOA Fees

$2,093/Year

Excellent location to build a new home with 130 feet of road frontage in the prestigious gated community of Ono Island. Amenities include a private boat launch, fitness center, tennis & pickleball courts, indoor/outdoor pools, and 24-hour security.

LotLandGatedOrange BeachMLS #390106

Looking for something specific?

Lydia has access to off-market opportunities and can help you find the right property for your investment goals.

Alabama's Fastest-Growing Commercial Market

Baldwin County consistently outperforms state and national benchmarks across every key economic indicator — making it one of the Southeast's most compelling commercial real estate investment destinations.

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5-Year GDP Growth

Baldwin County leads all Alabama counties in 5-year compensation growth

Source: JobsEQ

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Property Value Growth

Total assessed property values grew 82% from 2019 to 2024

Source: Baldwin County Revenue Commission

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Fastest-Growing Metro

Among the top 10 fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the nation

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

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Total GDP

Baldwin County's total annual compensation — 2nd highest in Alabama

Source: JobsEQ

The Case for Investing in Baldwin County

Explosive Growth Trajectory

Baldwin County's population is projected to reach nearly 334,000 by 2037, driven by 97% migration-based growth. This sustained influx creates consistent demand for retail, office, and industrial commercial space.

Tourism & Hospitality Engine

Mobile and Baldwin counties generate over $3.4 billion in direct and indirect tourism earnings — roughly 40% of Alabama's total. This tourism base anchors retail and hospitality commercial investment.

Strategic Gulf Coast Location

Positioned between Mobile and the Florida Panhandle, Baldwin County offers access to the Port of Mobile (563,537 TEUs in 2023), major highway corridors, and a rapidly expanding regional workforce.

Business-Friendly Climate

Ranked among Alabama's Top 5 counties for Business Growth, GDP Growth, New Building Permits, and Business Investment. Low tax burden and pro-development local government support long-term commercial returns.

Baldwin County aerial view

Service Area

Baldwin County · Gulf Shores · Orange Beach · Foley · Fairhope · Daphne · Spanish Fort

Across Every Commercial Asset Class

Lydia's development background spans a diverse range of commercial asset types — from concept through execution — giving clients a strategic advantage in every transaction.

Retail & Mixed-Use

Retail & Mixed-Use

Strip centers, outparcels, fuel stations, and mixed-use developments serving Baldwin County's rapidly expanding consumer base.

Strip CentersOutparcelsFuel StationsMixed-Use
Land & Development

Land & Development

Raw land, entitled parcels, and development-ready sites for RV parks, conservation subdivisions, recreational facilities, and commercial projects.

Raw LandEntitled ParcelsRV ParksConservation Subdivisions
Office & Industrial

Office & Industrial

Professional office buildings, flex industrial, and warehouse facilities positioned along Baldwin County's major commercial corridors.

Office BuildingsFlex IndustrialWarehouseMedical Office

Additional Asset Classes

📈Investment Properties
🏢Multi-Family
🏨Hospitality
🏥Healthcare Facilities
📦Self-Storage
🔑NNN Leased Assets
Why Work With Lydia

The Difference a CCIM Makes

Commercial real estate transactions are complex. Lydia's combination of formal CCIM training, two decades of Gulf Coast market experience, and hands-on development expertise delivers measurably better results.

CCIM Designation

The CCIM pin is held by fewer than 10,000 professionals worldwide — representing the highest standard of commercial real estate expertise.

Data-Driven Analysis

Every recommendation is backed by rigorous financial modeling, market comparables, and demographic analysis — not gut instinct.

Deep Local Relationships

Two decades of relationships with Baldwin County developers, investors, municipalities, and lenders means faster deals and better outcomes.

Development Experience

Lydia has been hands-on in development projects from concept through execution — giving her clients an edge that pure brokers simply cannot offer.

Client Reviews

What Clients Say About Lydia

Over 20 five-star reviews on Zillow — a track record built on expertise, dedication, and genuine care for every client.

5.0 · 20+ Reviews on Zillow

"Lydia Franz did an outstanding job in finding me just the right home suited for my needs and budget. From the very first meeting, she was thorough and professional. She eliminated many hassles and stressors that home owners face. Her knowledge and expertise was noteworthy throughout the process which gave me confidence in the home I was purchasing. It is evident she is passionate about her job and making sure her customers are happy."

Donna C. Jones

Bought a Single Family Home · Lillian, AL

"I worked with Lydia both when I bought my beach condo, and when I sold it. Both were fantastic experiences, and both transactions went off without a hitch! Lydia's knowledge of the Gulf Coast market is second to none. Her extensive network of contractors, lenders, title companies, and closing attorneys — not to mention buyers and sellers — allows her to facilitate and streamline the process from listing to closing. Lydia is truly a full-service agent!"

Jeff Gale

Bought & Sold a Beach Condo · Gulf Coast, AL

"Lydia is the best! She knows the housing market and does her due diligence in helping clients choose properties that will rent well. She provided us with all of the data to allow us to decide which property was a good fit for us. She helped us close two properties within two months! Lydia attends to all the details and makes sure that the process is as painless as possible. I would recommend Lydia to everyone!"

Jennifer W.

Bought Two Properties · Orange Beach, AL

Lydia Franz Thomsen, CCIM
CCIM

CCIM Designation

Certified Commercial Investment Member — the gold standard in commercial real estate expertise

Two Decades of Gulf Coast Commercial Expertise

Lydia Thomsen, CCIM, is a commercial real estate broker and development specialist serving the Gulf Coast region. With more than 20 years of experience in Alabama and Florida, she specializes in land, investment properties, and development projects — with hands-on expertise in site selection, contract negotiation, and navigating the entitlement and permitting process.

Currently with Crye-Leike Gulf Coast Real Estate, Lydia advises clients on acquisitions, development opportunities, and complex commercial transactions. She holds the prestigious CCIM designation and has contributed to the industry through service on the Baldwin County Commercial MLS Committee and as a panelist for the University of South Alabama's Master's in Real Estate program.

Her development experience spans a diverse range of projects — RV park developments, conservation subdivisions, retail and fuel station projects, and recreational facilities — where she has been directly involved from concept through execution. Her work has also included property valuation consulting in support of U.S. Bankruptcy Court proceedings.

Credentials & Distinctions

CCIM Designation — Certified Commercial Investment Member
20+ years of experience in Alabama and Florida
Baldwin County Commercial MLS Committee member
University of South Alabama — Master's in Real Estate Program Panelist
Property valuation consulting for U.S. Bankruptcy Court proceedings
Specialization in land, investment properties & development projects

Areas of Specialization

Site SelectionContract NegotiationEntitlement & PermittingRV Park DevelopmentConservation SubdivisionsRetail & Fuel Station ProjectsRecreational FacilitiesInvestment Analysis

Let's Discuss Your Commercial Real Estate Goals

Whether you're ready to invest, sell, or explore leasing options in Baldwin County or Northwest Florida, Lydia is ready to provide expert guidance tailored to your objectives.

Crye-Leike Gulf Coast Real Estate

Direct Contact

Phone

251-978-6160

Email

[email protected]

Service Area

Baldwin County, Alabama

& Northwest Florida

Typical Response Time

Lydia responds to all inquiries within one business day. For urgent matters, call directly at 251-978-6160.