Belle Grove Historic District | Fort Smith

Information

Landmark: Belle Grove Historic District
City: Fort Smith
Country: USA Arkansas
Continent: North America

Belle Grove Historic District, Fort Smith, USA Arkansas, North America

The Gulfport Harbor Lights Pavilion is a waterfront event venue located in Gulfport, Mississippi, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a single-story building with a rectangular footprint. Its exterior is primarily clad in light-colored, smooth stucco. The roofline is low-pitched and features wide overhangs. Large, clear-pane windows dominate the facade facing the harbor, allowing for unobstructed views. The building's color palette is neutral, emphasizing its integration with the coastal environment.

Location & Access Logistics

The pavilion is situated at 2300 East Beach Boulevard, Gulfport, MS 39501. It is approximately 1.5 miles east of the Gulfport central business district. Access is directly from East Beach Boulevard. Ample paved parking is available on-site, directly adjacent to the building. No public transport routes directly serve the pavilion; private vehicle or taxi/rideshare services are the primary access methods.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Gulfport Harbor Lights Pavilion was constructed in 2007. It was designed to serve as a venue for community events and private functions. The site is part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, an area characterized by its sandy beaches and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. The immediate area is reclaimed land, built up to support coastal development.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary function of the pavilion is as an event space. It hosts weddings, corporate events, and public gatherings. The open-air deck area provides space for outdoor activities. Access to the adjacent beach is available for attendees.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the main building. Shaded areas are provided by the roof overhangs and the adjacent deck. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in this coastal area. Food vendors are not permanently located on-site but are often present during scheduled public events.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting conditions for photography, late afternoon (approximately 2-3 hours before sunset) offers favorable natural light. The best months for weather are typically April through June and September through October, avoiding the peak heat and humidity of summer and the potential for winter storms. No tide-specific access requirements apply to the pavilion itself.

Facts & Legends

The pavilion was rebuilt and enhanced following damage sustained from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, though its current iteration was completed in 2007. A local anecdote suggests that on clear nights, the lights from the pavilion reflect on the calm harbor waters, creating an illusion of floating lights.