A four-story arcade geared to kids, with a rooftop bar for grownups, is on the way to Beach Boulevard in Bay St. Louis, developers said Monday. The project, dubbed Bay Play, would turn a former commercial building on the waterfront into stacked play zones for families plus a separate adults-only rooftop space. Co-owners Jourdan and Field Nicaud say they want to create an after-school hangout for local kids while adding a fresh draw for visitors to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
According to NOLA, Bay Play is planned as a vertical playground: a first-floor redemption center, arcade games spread across the second and third floors, and a rooftop bar featuring adult-oriented games such as beer pong, along with private-party space. Renderings shared with the outlet show a turquoise exterior and a vintage boardwalk-style sign. Developers told the paper they are planning a rotating mix of new and retro machines, from claw cranes to car- and bike-riding games, with the lineup refreshed about every two years. NOLA also reported that a social media post showed the former O'Dwyer Realty building being demolished to clear the way for the arcade. "We just really wanted to bring something new to the area that would help out the community and be a place where kids can go after school or on the weekends if they go downtown," Jourdan Nicaud told NOLA.
What Bay Play Will Offer
The ground floor is slated to operate as a redemption center where kids can swap tickets for prizes. The second and third stories are designed for arcade play and ticketed attractions. The top level is planned as an adults-only rooftop bar with games, private-party areas and beach views. The stacked layout is meant to keep family traffic and late-night bar crowds on separate levels so parents and kids can visit at different times without much overlap.
Who’s Behind It
Jourdan and Field Nicaud are leading the project. The hospitality-focused pair has already opened restaurants and short-term lodging along the Coast. Their Pass Bungalows property in nearby Pass Christian appears on short-term rental listings, and regional development tied to the Nicauds includes food and beverage concepts they have introduced along the Mississippi shoreline. Reporting in NOLA notes that the team has also announced plans for additional hospitality projects in the area, including a Le Magnolia hotel targeted for spring 2027.
Next Steps And Local Context
The developers have not yet named a formal opening date, and city permits along with construction schedules are expected to determine the timeline. Local coverage and community outlets such as Shoofly Magazine have tracked a recent wave of downtown investment, and backers say a family-friendly venue could help stretch Bay St. Louis tourism beyond the peak summer season. This story will be updated when developers or city officials release a timetable or permit details.
