First-of-its-kind ‘ecolodge’ proposed in the Keys

ISLAMORADA, Fla. - June 30, 2013 - PRLog -- The project was designed by the firm EDSA, which has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Los Angeles, Beijing and Baltimore. The land, at mile marker 83 on the Old Highway, is owned by a Coral Springs investment company known as Bonefish Holdings LLC.

EDSA has designed and built “ecolodges” across the globe — in countries like China, Kenya and Brazil — but the Islamorada project would be the first in the United States, said George Hertel, former owner of the Islamorada Fish Co. and EDSA’s local representative.

In promotional material, the firm says the property’s “hardwood hammock will be cleaned, expanded with native species to provide shade values and property line buffer. It will be drained and irrigated with on-site reuse and conditioned storm water to maintain hammock health.”

Nonnative invasive plants would be removed from the property and replaced with native species, according to EDSA. The buildings would be “clustered” to protect the surrounding natural settings “while immersing the guest to enhance appreciation of the environment.”

An artist’s rendering shows a long beach and several swimming pools.

Hertel is lobbying Islamorada council members to gain support for the project. He said when completed, it would be akin to the tony Little Palm Island Resort & Spa off Summerland Key.

July 1st, 2013, Per Islamorada’s Top producing Realtor Kim Bagnell Thaler, "It is great to see this type of interest in the Keys. It shows you that major companies really see the value in development here due to our unique environment. Further as places like this are built and promoted, it results in more income for our local businesses.

When asked, if this would affect the local Real Estate market, Kim remarked, "Of course-more business means more employment and thus more housing needs plus as more people visit here the demand for homes always goes up. This just shows you that with our current pricing and mortgage rates, there has never been a better tine to own a piece of paradise.

Kim Bagnell Thaler is a pioneer among Florida Keys realtors. Regarded as one of the most influential realtors in the middle and upper keys, she provides expert and professional real estate service. With her vast knowledge, 20 years experience and commitment to the highest ethical standards, Kim remains a standout among other Florida Keys Real Estate companies