|
Villages developers have big plans for small town feel
By HARLAN WEIKLE
| Article published on Thursday, July 26, 2007 |
|
 |
 |
|
![[Image]](/content_images/072607_bee-01.jpg) |
|
| An artist’s rendering depicts The Villages at Indian Rocks Beach. |
|
|
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH – In the near future, visitors and residents walking north along Gulf Boulevard near 25th Avenue may spy an oasis ahead, a cool, enclaved patio surrounded by native flowering plants, shading trees and intersperced with colorful Mediterranean sunbrellas. Should they choose to sit a while, read the newspaper and sip coffee, that’s just fine.
The developers of The Villages at Indian Rocks Beach want everyone to know they are welcome to sit, share the shade as well as the view and be part of the community setting they are planning.
A.G. Armstrong earlier this month opened sales for the new 25 unit, mixed retail/residential project between 25th and 26th avenues bordering the east side of Gulf Boulevard.
According to Cindy Allen, Coldwell Banker residential sales, the Villages at Indian Rocks Beach was designed, “to keep faith with IRB’s quaint, unique setting and neighborly feeling.”
The complex’ mixed use, she added, is the result of the current trend in community development, which favors smaller “boutique living” communities set in places people want to live as well as work.
According to City Planning Director Danny Taylor, the development’s building plan review is currently under way and, so far, looks fine. Taylor added that the site plan review, which normally follows the building review is already complete. Taylor said that they reviewed the site plan first as a courtesy to the developer while the building plans were being finalized. A site plan review looks at development details such as landscaping, traffic access, circulation, parking and infrastructure features like storm drainage.
Eventually The Villages will consist of four buildings as well as a fifth, stand alone commercial structure envisioned as a bank.
In 90 to 120 days builders will began raising the first unit, a mixed-use retail building named Haven, after an early city resident who was the first to rent property in IRB in 1910. The Haven is a two-level, mixed-use structure with living space above retail and fronted by public space including the patio area.
“Haven should be ready in time for first occupancy by late fall, early winter 2008-’09,” Allen said.
An Italian restaurant and a flooring retailer are the first two commercial tenants to sign on.
Following then in succession the remaining buildings, named Hamlin, Henrick and Hollan, all historic family names with an IRB/Florida connection will complete the project.
As for amenities, Allan is excited about the fourth level “Cabana” style swimming pool, planned for the top of the Hamlin, the tallest building on site, providing residents and their guests a private setting designed to make the most of Florida’s unlimited sun.
Asked if there were plans for a health spa, she said, “What could be better for your health than the sun, sand, and surf of Indian Rocks Beach?” pointing to the twin beach access points across the street.
|
Article published on Thursday, July 26, 2007
Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
