Speculation of a Declining Market Can't Stop Highland Homes

Dec. 16, 2008 - PRLog -- At a time when many builders are reporting record losses, Highland Homes is doing the unbelievable-building in another new community.  While other companies are packing it in, Highland Homes is comfortably un-packing in the expansive new golf community of BridgeWater.

BridgeWater, http://www.bridgewater.cc/, is situated on 575 acres of prime Central Florida property located on State Road 33 just ½ mile from I-4, and surrounded by five signature lakes. With the majority of the property encompassed by open spaces, preserves, and lakes, this quiet retreat has the feel of the great outdoors with the city only minutes from your doorstep. BridgeWater is centrally located between Tampa and Orlando, with easy access to both of these major metropolitan areas via I-4. From famed theme parks, top-rated airports, professional sports to beaches, you’re never far from all the conveniences of Florida living.
   
BridgeWater, a premier master-planned community being developed by LandMar Group, LLC, was awarded Community of the Year during the recent Polk County Builder Association’s 2007 Fall Parade of Homes.
   
Highland Homes, http://www.highlandhomes.org, is proud to partner with fellow land developer LandMar. LandMar has been a leading community developer since 1987, building some of the Southeast’s best communities. Today, LandMar features a wide array of residential, commercial and mixed-use offerings throughout Florida and Georgia.

“BridgeWater’s ideal location, impeccable amenities and sales success in the Lakeland market all contribute to making this a winning community,” said Grady Miars, regional manager, LandMar Group. “LandMar strives to consistently deliver what homebuyers want in a community.”
   
Highland Homes will feature 17 floor plans within the BridgeWater Community ranging from 1567-2677 square feet, and priced from $177, 900-$252,900.
   
Five different models have been constructed and are available for touring. Theses models include the Williamson II, the Owenburg, the Shenandoah II, the Springfield, and among theses floor plans, is the brand new Treymore Model. This two story, 2677 square foot model, boasts a downstairs master bedroom, four total bedrooms and 3 full baths, a formal living and dining room, a spacious kitchen which opens into the family room, and an unexpected 12 x 10 bonus area on the second floor.
   
With the inclusion of the five signature lakes located within the BridgeWater Community, http://www.highlandhomes.org/BridgeWater---Lakeland-FL/63, almost every home site enjoys a beautiful water view. The exclusive Lake Club Amenity Center, located on sparkling Lake Peggy, consists of a resort style pool, clubhouse, fitness center, multi purpose sports courts, canoe launch, fishing dock, playground, and open lawn area.  Events and activities at BridgeWater are planned by a lifestyle director where residents can participate in events from family pool parties to adult only wine and cheese tastings.

“The Lake Club is the hub of the community we have all been waiting for,” says Tracy Brown, BridgeWater Marketing Coordinator. “It’s perfect for getting together with friends or building relationships with neighbors, featuring an inviting gathering area
that serves as a party room or multi-purpose space for classes and activities.”

Residents are already working out and getting in shape at the state-of-the-art fitness center which features cardiovascular equipment, weight machines and free weights. The fitness center overlooks the lanai that leads outdoors to the pool area. The resort-style pool features a beach entrance, where children can wade in at their own comfort level. There is a separate area for lap swimming. Other outdoor amenities include a playground, which is expected to open early this fall. Soon to follow will be tennis and multi-purpose sport courts and an open lawn area. A fishing dock and canoe launch will also be available soon allowing residents to fully enjoy the lakes of BridgeWater.

As exciting as the building and facilities are, it’s the events and activities for residents planned by Lifestyle Director Olivia Turner, part of LandMar’s exclusive lifestyle programming. As more residents move into the new community, programs will be added for all to enjoy – from fitness classes and swim lessons to family pool parties and adults-only happy hours, according to Turner.

We have already staged activities where residents and guests have participated such as the Cinco de Mayo (May 2008) celebration which included rounds of golf, fabulous food and beverages and special activities for everyone. Coming up, you’ll hear more about the Sunset Jazz Festival and Winterfest to get you in the mood for the holiday season.
   
Situated on 185 acres adjacent to BridgeWater, The Golf Club at BridgeWater is a semi-private golf course nationally ranked, Steve Smyers designed, 18-hole course and is open for play with BridgeWater residents having  membership opportunities to The Golf Club. Golfers enjoy a links-style, par-71 course measuring about 7,200 yards. Five sets of tees provide a challenge for golfers of all abilities. Natural buffers enhance the surrounding wildlife, adding to the overall golf experience.
   
This is the 40th project for local golf course architect Steve Smyers, a two-time Polk County Amateur golf champion, who served on the United States Golf Association Executive Committee and has a notable reputation for building quality courses.
   
Sales numbers for the master-planned community have remained strong. BridgeWater’s premier builders have recorded just over 114 home sales since the community opened in June 2006 with 90 of the sales taking place January to September 2007 – an average of 10 homes per month. With Highland Homes joining these builders, plans to increase this number by providing affordable homes, with the best interest rates, constructed with the highest quality, is very obtainable. With over 120 homes sold in the first 3 months of this year, President Robert Adams is confident that the success he has encountered up to this point will continue within BridgeWater.

Highland Homes is based in Lakeland, Florida and was founded in 1996 by Robert and Joel Adams. Professional Builder Magazine in its May 2006 issue recognized Highland Homes as one of the top 200 builders in the country and Florida Trend in its May 2006 issue listed Highland Homes as one of the largest privately held businesses in Florida.