By Jamie Swann, Contributing Writer
St. Johns County, once a vast rural area, has become home to many new developments, each with its unique brand.
Representatives from several communities gathered with officials to discuss their future plans at an Urban Land Institute North Florida event.
“We’ve had amazing growth,” said Melissa Glasgow, director of economic development for St. Johns County. “We’re averaging 2,600 residential permits per year and in the last year we’ve had a 55 percent increase in commercial permits.”
Northern St. Johns, in particular, has made room for nearly 8,700 new residents in the previous year.
With the start of new developments and the continuation of those that were put on pause during the recession, it’s projected the influx of residents to the area won’t be slowing down any time soon.
Nocatee, which has been approved to have 12,579 residential units at completion, is currently home to nearly 5,000 families.
Three new neighborhoods in the Twenty Mile community of Nocatee — The Hammock, The Vista and The Ranch — will feature homes from the high $500,000s to the millions, accommodating the need for a higher price-point in the rapidly selling development.
Greg Barbour of The PARC Group, which is developing Nocatee, said it was named the third-fastest growing community in the country.
“We are very proud to carry that title,” he said.
Nocatee isn’t the only development planning additions.
Rivertown, located off Florida 13, is adding a second entrance, which will be located off Long Leaf Pine Parkway. That will give access to the development’s 4,057 acres from the east and the west.
The fast-growing Shearwater community, located off County Road 210, has quickly made an impact on the area. Boasting a kayak club with access to nearby Trout Creek, the development is targeting those looking to embrace the outdoor living lifestyle. The development is slated to have 2,600 homes at completion.
“We had a vision of trails, open space and activities,” said Russ Ervin of Ervin Lovett and Miller. “With that, the theme became somewhat of a Florida national park.”
Another development looking to make the most of the beauty the area has to offer is TrailMark.
With featured builders like D.R. Horton and Landon Homes, TrailMark offers residents miles of trails that wind through the trees and around waterways.
“Our goal was to make the existing nature be the feature of the community,” said Chris Kuhn, vice president of land development for Greenpointe Homes, the developer of the community. “We want our residents to be able to enjoy and utilize the natural surroundings.”
Racetrack Road has been a desired location for those looking to move to St. Johns County and with the addition of Celestina, the area soon will be home to 615 new families.
The amenity center stands as the focal point of the gated community — with three pools, tennis courts, a fitness center, clubhouse, playground, dog park and jogging track.
Located off International Golf Parkway is the new development of Markland.
The community will eventually be home to 345 families with access to the Manor House, a classic, Greek Revival style amenity center.
“We we’re looking to include a variety for all types of homebuyers,” said Kevin Jund, analyst from Hines, the developer. “Our amenities include a zero-entry pool, tennis courts, fitness center and yoga center, just to name a few.”
Just south of Markland, off County Road 207 is Treaty Oaks, a community that was once put on hold due to the recession.
A resurgence of people looking to move to the area has given the community new life. Encompassing 67 acres, Treaty Oaks is a 418-home community that surrounds Treaty Park, a 47-acre complex maintained by the St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department.
Nearing completion is Sawgrass Village, a 30,000-square-foot commercial property located just outside Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach.
The village, which is home to anchor store Publix, has added retail shops and dining like Aqua Grill, Peterbrooke Chocolatier, A’Propos Boutique, Marcia’s Place and Village Jewelers.
After much debate, the Cordova Inn in St. Augustine is opening their doors for business in 2016.
Originally, the Cordova Inn met resistance from the city and residents of St. Augustine. The property, located at 143 Cordova St., was once a museum of historic homes.
In order to preserve the homes and still make the property a viable business, it was finally agreed the homes would be best utilized as a hotel.
“It was a struggle at first, but worth it when all was said and done,” said Ellen Avery Smith from the Rogers Towers law firm, who represents Cordova Inn. “We are proud to be a part of St. Augustine and St. Johns County.”