Page 26 - Play Coastal Mississippi - Fall, 2025

PLAN YOUR PLAY WHAT’S NEW
The Gallery | OS Hotel
ROOTED IN COMMUNITY, ELEVATED BY CHARACTER
Story by Cherie Ward Photos by Katherine Sowers
Downtown Ocean Springs has long since carried the hum of creativity in its bones. The streets sway with galleries, shops, and Coastal charm, each storefront adding rhythm to the city’s cultural heartbeat. Now, there’s a new note in the melody—os1515 Downtown, a vibrant space that feels less like a business and more like a celebration of art, design, culture, food, and community.
The mission of the development is to create a haven for contemporary arts in Ocean Springs, where all forms of creativity—visual, culinary, and performing—are celebrated under one roof. That vision for os1515 began with the idea that Ocean Springs needed a hotel reflecting the city’s unique character.
“John found the property was for auction in May 2018,” co-owner Jim Hardin recalled. “We met for lunch at Murky Waters the very next day and discovered we were on the same page with nearly every detail. What you see today really grew out of that first lunch.”
For co-owner John Oropesa, the need was clear. As a longtime resident, he knew visiting family often had limited choices within the city. Ocean Springs deserved boutique accommodations of its own—a hotel designed to reflect the spirit and style of the community.
And the vision quickly grew. A hotel could serve visitors, but it wouldn’t necessarily create a lasting impact for locals. Oropesa and Hardin wanted more than lodging—they wanted a destination. That’s when the ideas flowed with restaurants, a public courtyard, a parking garage, and a mix of shops and wellness spaces. The goal was simple—build a community connection. A place where guests and residents alike could eat, gather, and celebrate together.
Their instincts were soon validated. Not long after plans were solidified, the Gulf Coast Business Council released an economic development report highlighting downtown living and communal
John Oropesa & Jim Hardin
26PLAYCOASTALMISSISSIPPI I FALL2025
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