Our Approach to Service – The intersection of New Urbanism and Unreasonable Hospitality in Seaside
By Kevin Boyle
General Manager,
Seaside Community Development Corp.
Seaside, Fla., is more than a picturesque town on the Gulf; it is a place built on intention. Every brick, pathway and porch was designed with a purpose — to foster community, connection and a sense of belonging. As the birthplace of New Urbanism, Seaside stands as a model for walkability, human-centered design and an unwavering commitment to hospitality. But beyond the architecture and town planning, what truly sets Seaside apart is how we approach service. Our goal is not just to meet expectations but to exceed them, creating experiences that make every guest and every employee feel valued in a way that is, as Will Guidara puts it, unreasonable hospitality.
Guidara, in his book “Unreasonable Hospitality,” states, “Every single interaction is an opportunity to transform a transaction into a meaningful moment.” That idea is woven into the fabric of Seaside. It’s the little things — an unexpected gesture, a personal touch, or a moment of genuine connection — that turn an ordinary stay into something unforgettable.
Seaside’s founding principles align seamlessly with this philosophy. Leon Krier, one of the foremost thinkers behind New Urbanism, once said, “A city is not an accident but the result of coherent visions and aims.” Seaside was never meant to be just another beach town; it was envisioned as a place where people could come together, slow down and engage in a way that modern life often makes difficult. Streets were designed for walking, front porches encourage conversation, and the town’s layout fosters a deep sense of community.
But New Urbanism alone doesn’t create hospitality, it only sets the stage for it. The real magic happens when people take ownership of that vision and turn it into a living, breathing experience. Our merchants, service teams and hospitality staff embody this daily. They understand that guests aren’t just visiting a town; they’re stepping into a place that should feel like home, even if only for a week. That’s why we go beyond expectations to make your experience not just enjoyable, but memorable.
For those of us who work here, unreasonable hospitality isn’t just about serving guests, it’s about creating a workplace that feels just as special. When employees feel valued, empowered and inspired, they pass that energy on to everyone they interact with. From the team members who open the fitness center early to the event staff who make sure every concert and movie night is seamless; we are all part of something bigger than ourselves.
Seaside’s blend of thoughtful design and unparalleled hospitality is what makes it unique. The town itself was built with people in mind, but it’s the people — our guests, residents and staff — who bring it to life.
Vincent Scully, the legendary architectural historian honored with the mural on our Machado Silvetti building, once said, “Things should not be built for the way we live today, but for the way we ought to live.” Here in Seaside, the streets were built to bring people together, and it is through our commitment to exceptional hospitality that we make every interaction meaningful. We don’t just want you to visit Seaside; we want you to feel Seaside. And when you leave, we want you to start counting down the weeks until you return, knowing that the same care and hospitality will be waiting for you.
