from staff
It’s a condominium.
That’s not the only first for the Jacksonville Symphony Guild’s Designer Showhouse. Designed by Rink Designs and built by Wisconsin-based MLG, the 34th version of the Symphony Showhouse was constructed as “green” as possible.
Set on the Ortega River, the Showhouse is actually two 2,600 square-foot condominiums that sit on Ortega Landing.
“The design of the building makes it very energy efficient,” said John Graham, principal of MLG. “We used natural materials that are not toxic to the environment in the future.”
Graham said building green isn’t difficult and it doesn’t vary much from standard construction. He did say most buildings — homes or commercial developments — will have a green element in the future thanks to state and federal mandates.
Graham’s company has been around for 20 years and this is the first project in Jacksonville. He said his company has a site selection committee that scours the country for the future development sites. When the Guild’s Showhouse became an option, MLG made its bid. Graham said he likes the area and sees his company doing more business down the road.
Designer Showhouse Chair Susan Kelley said the Ortega River locale is ideal for the organization’s annual event.
“It’s only fitting that this exquisite location and condo development is the location for our largest annual fundraiser,” said Kelley.
Still under construction, the Showhouse will open for public viewing May 16 and run until June 8.