Author: Tiffany Hill
Master-Planned Communities Are Thriving And Growing In Florida
Lakewood Ranch and Cecilian Partners Celebrate PropTech Breakthrough Award for Residential Property Management Platform of the Year
Customer Blueprint recognized as a game-changer in resident engagement and community management
LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL. – Lakewood Ranch and leading proptech firm Cecilian Partners are thrilled to announce that the recently launched resident lifestyle platform, Customer Blueprint, has been awarded the PropTech Breakthrough Residential Platform of the Year. Lakewood Ranch, the nation’s top-selling multi-generational master planned community, was the first to launch and actively collaborate in the design of the groundbreaking platform.
Customer Blueprint elevates the resident experience by providing an all-in-one, integrated digital solution for community management and resident engagement. Lakewood Ranch was instrumental in shaping the platform and ensuring it met the needs of modern residents and community managers.
“Lakewood Ranch is expansive and offers a wide array of amenities and a vibrant events calendar,” said Sandy Shahinian, vice president of sales and marketing for Lakewood Ranch Communities. “Customer Blueprint has played a key role in making the vibrant lifestyle at Lakewood Ranch even more accessible, strengthening connections among residents and enriching the sense of community.”
Part of Cecilian’s proprietary Residential OS, Customer Blueprint gives residents seamless access to all aspects of community living, from event tickets to facility reservations and amenity details. As a centralized hub, the platform consolidates community management tasks, streamlines communications, and provides real-time insights into resident behavior, allowing communities like Lakewood Ranch to make data-driven decisions that continually improve the resident experience.
The PropTech Breakthrough award highlights Cecilian Partners’ dedication to propelling the future of community development technology and emphasizes Lakewood Ranch’s role as a pioneer in adopting and helping design this game-changing platform. Together, the companies are redefining what it means to foster a connected and thriving residential community.
“Lakewood Ranch has always been a leader in innovation and resident experience, making it a natural partner for bringing Customer Blueprint to life,” said Philip Worland, co-founder and chief product officer at Cecilian Partners. “The team’s insights and feedback, combined with real users in the platform, helped us develop a product that can scale across the industry and sets a new standard for resident engagement.”
Since launching in February, Customer Blueprint has seen rapid adoption within Lakewood Ranch, with over 4,000 residents and 1,500 non-residents already registered. The platform’s user-friendly interface and dynamic capabilities have made it a critical tool in managing one of the country’s most complex and successful master planned communities.
Media contact: Lisa Barnott
P: 941.757.1542
E: lisa.barnott@lakewoodranch.com
About Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch is the 33,000+-acre award-winning master-planned community in Sarasota and Manatee counties on the West Coast of Florida. Just minutes from the Gulf Coast beaches and cultural assets in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch is already home to more than 72,000 residents and features top-rated schools, the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the Sarasota Polo Club, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, three town centers, and countless shopping and dining experiences. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com.
About Cecilian Partners
Cecilian Partners collaborates with land developers and homebuilders across the U.S. who aspire to modernize their digital footprint, from land to lots to homes to residents. Cecilian’s community development software, 3D maps, data solutions, and resident engagement platforms simplify placemaking and elevate the homebuying experience. Learn more at cecilianpartners.com.
Ryan Homes Announces New Community: Amber Creek in Lakewood Ranch
Ryan Homes is thrilled to unveil its latest development, Amber Creek, a vibrant new community in the heart of Lakewood Ranch. The grand opening for VIP sales will take place on September 28th, offering prospective homeowners a unique opportunity to be part of one of the region’s most sought-after locations.
Amber Creek stands out as a premier residential destination, featuring beautifully designed townhomes starting from the upper $300s. This exceptional community offers several key benefits, including no CDD fees, low monthly HOA dues, and a 2-car brick-paved driveway, making it an attractive option for those seeking both value and convenience.
Residents of Amber Creek will enjoy a range of desirable amenities and features:
- Included Lanai: Each townhome comes with a covered lanai, perfect for relaxing and entertaining.
- Scenic Homesites: Choose from homesites with stunning water or nature views.
- Direct School Access: Convenient sidewalk access to B.D. Gullet Elementary and Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, enhancing the community’s appeal for families.
- Dog Park: A dedicated area for pets, ensuring that four-legged family members are well-catered for and have a place to roam off-leash.
- Two Dynamic Town Centers: Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street and Waterside Place offer a multitude of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
- Prime Location: Situated at the corner of 44th Ave E. and White Eagle Blvd, Amber Creek is just 10 minutes from I-75, providing a quick commute to Tampa and Sarasota. The community is also close to the new Lakewood Ranch Library, and to Bob Gardner Park and the Premier Sports Campus, which offer ample recreational opportunities.
“Amber Creek represents our commitment to creating high-quality, accessible living spaces in top locations,” said Tony Piscopo, Sales Manager at Ryan Homes. “We’re excited to introduce this new community, which combines stylish, affordable townhomes with excellent designer features and a prime location.”
The opening of Amber Creek marks a significant addition to Lakewood Ranch’s renowned real estate offerings. With its combination of modern features, competitive pricing, and a family-friendly environment, Amber Creek is poised to be a standout choice for homebuyers in the area.
Event Details:
- Grand Opening VIP Sales Date: September 28, 2024
- Location: 12570 Amber Creek Cir, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211
For more information about Amber Creek or to join the interest list to receive pre-construction pricing and the best selection of homesites, please contact (813) 519-4550 or visit our website at RyanHomes.com/AmberCreek
About Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch is the 33,000+-acre award-winning master-planned community in Sarasota and Manatee counties on the West Coast of Florida. Just minutes from the Gulf Coast beaches and cultural assets in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch is already home to more than 70,000 residents and features top-rated schools, the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the Sarasota Polo Club, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, and three town centers that include theaters, shopping and dining. For more information, visit lakewoodranch.com.
M/I Homes at Sweetwater in Lakewood Ranch Supports Cancer Research with $140,000 Donation
M/I Homes proudly announced the successful sale of a Benefit Home in the Sweetwater at Lakewood Ranch, as part of an initiative to support cancer research through Pelotonia, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending cancer. This effort resulted in over $140,000 being raised for innovative cancer treatments and research.
An integral part of this effort was the contribution of over $12,000 from Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc., the master-planned Lakewood Ranch community developer.
“Lakewood Ranch is proud to partner with builders who prioritize philanthropic causes,” said Sandy Shahinian, vice president of sales and marketing for Lakewood Ranch Communities. “We are thrilled to support this initiative and contribute to the proceeds that will be donated from the sale of this home.”
“M/I Homes is proud to support Pelotonia, an incredibly impactful and mission-driven organization dedicated to funding cancer research that is extending and saving lives,” said Greg Crawford, president of M/I Homes Sarasota division. “This was a community effort, and we are grateful to all of the people and companies that made this donation possible.”
This remarkable achievement was celebrated at an event on Aug. 26 when M/I Homes recognized the participating vendors and trade partners where Eric Olsavsky, vice president of community engagement and partnerships for Pelotonia, accepted the donation.
“We continue to be humbled by this generous, innovative program from M/I Homes to support Pelotonia’s mission of ending cancer through research, said Olsavsky. “The tremendous engagement of M/I Homes at the national level has helped to broaden awareness of Pelotonia, furthering our collective impact on a mission that affects us all.”
This initiative highlights the strengthened role of the Lakewood Ranch community in driving national progress toward ending cancer. For more information, visit www.mihomes.com/pelotonia.
New Restaurant opens at Regional Dining Destination Waterside Place
Deep Lagoon Seafood and Oyster House is the most recent addition to Waterside Place, a lakeside destination that showcases a range of international dining experiences. The “upscale casual” restaurant features inside and outside dining and bars, with boundless lake views.
Begin with a morning cup of coffee, join colleagues for a leisurely business lunch, gather friends and family for a carefree dinner, and stay to watch a brilliant sunset or for one of the numerous programmed activities while grabbing a drink and strolling the street. Combined with the abundance of shops, self-care and beauty options, you can spend a few hours or an entire day at Waterside Place.
This regional destination is also home to the weekly Farmers’ Market, recently ranked No. 1 in Florida for the second year in a row; the world’s largest recreational cornhole league, the monthly Sights and Sounds arts series and Movies in the Park, and Music on the Plaza on Friday and Saturday nights.
Waterside Place takes the best of dining, shopping and arts districts and combines them into one inviting gathering place for the community that’s never the same place twice. Bring your dogs and your kids and let them enjoy the abundance of green space, playground and splash pad, and park, all connected by trails and nestled around beautiful Kingfisher Lake.
Opening soon will be Allswell brew pub, Italian market Eatalia, and Carved, a gourmet sandwich shop offering crafted sandwiches, salads, soups, bowls, and more, which will give diners even more choices for a bite on the go or a leisurely meal.
For more information about Waterside Place, visit watersideplace.com and keep up with Waterside Place’s social life on Facebook and Instagram.
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About Waterside Place
Waterside Place town center serves as the heart of Waterside – Lakewood Ranch’s first Sarasota village – and offers an elevated community experience that extends beyond that of a traditional town center. Situated on a 36-acre peninsula overlooking the mile-long Kingfisher Lake, the development blends entertainment with unique retail shops; diverse dining options; an eight-acre park; miles of nature trails; communal “pop-up” spaces, and more.
Lakewood Ranch Farmers’ Market Named No. 1 in Florida for the Second Year
The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch was recently named No. 1 in Florida for the second year running, as part of the 15th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration (AFMC), sponsored by the American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition. The event ran from June 1 to July 31, during which the public voted on their favorite markets. The Market was also ranked No. 3 in the Southeast. The AFMC is the only annual ranking of the top farmers markets in the U.S. as voted on by the public.
The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch, which is about to enter its seventh season, is home to more than 100 curated vendors of the region’s best food and flavors, and is located at Waterside Place – Lakewood Ranch’s dynamic lakefront town center. Open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. year-round, The Market has become a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, prepared foods, and specialty items and gifts.
“We are deeply grateful to have been voted the #1 market in Florida once again,” said Nicole Hackel, the Market’s manager. “Our commitment to enhancing the experience for our attendees drives us to continuously seek out new vendors, activities, and experiences for the Farmers’ Market.”
The Market also works with Community Harvest SRQ as part of the Suncoast Gleaning Project. Among other efforts, volunteers pick up leftover vegetables from the farmers weekly and take them to food banks to make meals for those in need, thereby helping diminish food waste while providing nutritious produce to diverse populations. Other activities on Market Sundays include yoga at the adjacent Waterside Park, weekly live music, Kids’ Corner crafts, facepainting and balloon twisting, among others.
Before or after enjoying the Farmers’ Market, Waterside Place visitors can immerse themselves in an engaging experience that offers more waterfront dining and shopping than any other locale in Manatee and Sarasota counties, including more than 30 carefully curated retailers and restaurants.
For more information about The Market, contact Nicole Hackel at 941-757-1520 or visit lakewoodranch.com/life-on-the-ranch/themarket/.
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About Waterside Place
Waterside Place serves as the heart of Waterside – Lakewood Ranch’s first Sarasota village – and offers an elevated community experience that extends beyond that of a traditional town center. Situated on a 36-acre peninsula overlooking the mile-long Kingfisher Lake, the development blends entertainment with unique commercial, retail and office space; diverse international dining options; an eight-acre park with splash pad; miles of nature trails; communal “pop-up” spaces, and more.
About Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch is the 33,000+-acre award-winning master-planned community in Sarasota and Manatee counties on the West Coast of Florida. Just minutes from the Gulf Coast beaches and cultural assets in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch is already home to more than 72,000 residents and features top-rated schools, the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the Sarasota Polo Club, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, three town centers, and countless shopping and dining experiences. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com.
LAKEWOOD RANCH REMAINS #1 TOP SELLING MULTI-GEN COMMUNITY IN THE NATION
Lakewood Ranch continues to be the best-selling master-planned community for all ages in the U.S., according to national real estate consulting firm RCLCO’s 2024 mid-year survey. The Ranch secured 1,238 new home sales through the end of June of 2024, beating last year’s numbers and maintaining the No. 1 position for more than six consecutive years.
The continued success of Lakewood Ranch, celebrating its 30th year of community building, is attributable to its multi-generational approach. Built around residential segmentation and lifestyle amenities appealing to a broad variety of age, income, and household segments, The Ranch continues to offer something for everyone.
Lakewood Ranch offers a variety of neighborhoods, home styles and price points from $300K to more than $2 million, in 26 actively selling villages. Four new villages were introduced so far in 2024, ranging from Azario’s townhomes at the entry-level to Monterey’s luxury homes. Year-to-date, homes priced under $500K make up the largest segment of sales, accounting for 33%. This is followed by homes in the $500K to $700K range at 30%, and those in the $700k to $1M category at 19%. Homes over $1M represent a record 18% of total sales in Lakewood Ranch. Builder incentives, including interest rate buy-downs, promotional pricing, and assistance with closing costs, have helped buyers attain their homes.
Consumers are increasingly favoring master-planned communities (MPCs), according to Laura Cole, senior vice president of Lakewood Ranch Communities. “MPCs are seen as an assurance of quality—community has become more important as a factor of total value,” Cole said. “The increase in sales of new homes located within MPCs reflects the lifestyle, community amenities, and quality schools, plus buyers’ anticipation that home prices will appreciate and hold up well in all market conditions.”
Lifestyle continues to be a driver of sales. Lakewood Ranch’s three town centers are the hub of many activities, including an arts series, the award-winning weekly Farmers’ Market, a monthly Music on Main event that benefits a different non-profit each month; and many annual signature events. The Ranch’s parks and trails, and the nearby Sarasota Polo Club and Premier Sports Campus, afford residents numerous sports and leisure opportunities.
The vast array of health and wellness options also appeal to buyers, with Lakewood Ranch Medical Center announcing its second expansion, and Erickson Senior Living’s new Emerson Lakes opening soon.
RCLCO has been ranking master-planned communities since 1994; for more information, visit www.rclco.com.
About Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch is the 33,000+-acre award-winning master-planned community in Sarasota and Manatee counties on the West Coast of Florida. Just minutes from the Gulf Coast beaches and cultural assets in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch is already home to more than 72,000 residents and features top-rated schools, the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the Sarasota Polo Club, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, and three town centers that include theaters, shopping and dining. For more information, visit lakewoodranch.com.
Ideal-LIVING Magazine Unveils the 2024 Top 100 Amenity Communities in its “Best Places to Live” Issue
Wilmington, NC – June 18, 2024 – Ideal-LIVING magazine, a leading publication for those seeking to find their ideal destination, life, and home, is thrilled to announce its 2024 “Best Places to Live” issue. This special edition unveils its Top 100 Amenity Communities across the nation and abroad, based on reader surveys’ desired amenities.
“Each year, we leverage valuable insights from our readers to identify the most desirable locations and the amenities that truly elevate their quality of life,” says Kelly Godbey, editor of Ideal-LIVING magazine. “This year’s Top 100 Amenity Communities cater to a wide range of preferences, from stunning mountain retreats and sun-kissed coastal escapes to exciting international destinations.”
Ideal-LIVING’s research process considers the goals of its readership, many of whom seek an escape from high taxes and a yearning for a more favorable climate and a heightened quality of life. Whether your dream involves picturesque mountain vistas, breathtaking coastlines, or venturing beyond U.S. borders, the “Best Places to Live” issue offers a wealth of possibilities to spark your relocation journey.
Beyond the magazine, Ideal-LIVING provides a robust online presence at https://ideal-living.com/best-places, allowing you to explore the Top 100 Amenity Communities in detail.
For over 35 years, Ideal-LIVING magazine has empowered its readers with valuable resources and insights for a successful relocation. The magazine is part of RPI Media, a leading media group that offers a comprehensive suite of resources for those considering a move. This includes the in-depth Ideal-LIVING Relocation Guide and the highly regarded Ideal-LIVING Real Estate Shows held throughout the year.
Explore the 2024 “Best Places to Live” issue and the Top 100 Amenity Communities list at ideal-LIVING.com/best-places today!
Help Keep Lakewood Ranch Farmers’ Market No. 1 in Florida!
Last year, the Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch was named No. 1 in Florida as part of the 16th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration (AFMC), sponsored by the American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition. This year, voting runs from June 1 to July 31, during which the public is invited to vote on their favorite markets. “We are deeply honored to have been voted the #1 farmers’ market in Florida last year,” said Nicole Hackel, events and resident experience manager for Lakewood Ranch Communities. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion of our vendors, the hard work of our Market team, and the unwavering support of our visitors. As we look ahead, we are eager to retain our top position in Florida and are excited about the opportunity to become the #1 farmers’ market in the nation this year.”
The AFMC is the only annual ranking of the top farmers markets in the U.S. as voted on by the public.
The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch, which is about to enter its seventh season, is home to more than 100 curated vendors of the region’s best food and flavors, and is located at Waterside Place – Lakewood Ranch’s newest town center. Open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. year-round, The Market is a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, prepared foods, specialty items and gifts.
Other activities on Market Sundays include yoga at 9 a.m. at the adjacent Waterside Park, weekly live music, Kids’ Corner crafts and games, and a Community Supported Agriculture program each fall and winter in partnership with Honeyside Farms.
The Market also works with Community Harvest SRQ as part of the Suncoast Gleaning Project. Among other efforts, volunteers pick up leftover vegetables from the farmers weekly and take them to food banks to make meals for those in need, thereby helping diminish food waste while providing nutritious produce to diverse populations.
“The Farmers’ Market has become the heart of our community, serving as a cherished weekly gathering space,” Hackel said. “It’s where we come together to connect with friends and neighbors, bring our families and furry friends, and enjoy live music set against the stunning backdrop of Kingfisher Lake. This vibrant atmosphere embodies the spirit of Lakewood Ranch, fostering connections and celebrating local talent and vendors. We are deeply grateful for the continued support and enthusiasm that makes our market a special place for everyone.”
For more information about The Market, contact Nicole Hackel at 941-757-1520 or visit lakewoodranch.com/life-on-the-ranch/themarket/.
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About Waterside Place
Waterside Place serves as the heart of Waterside – Lakewood Ranch’s first Sarasota village – and offers an elevated community experience that extends beyond that of a traditional town center. Situated on a 36-acre peninsula overlooking the mile-long Kingfisher Lake, the development blends entertainment with unique in-line and freestanding commercial, retail and office space; diverse dining options; an eight-acre park; miles of nature trails; communal “pop-up” spaces, and more.
About Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch is the 33,000+-acre award-winning master-planned community in Sarasota and Manatee counties on the West Coast of Florida. Just minutes from the Gulf Coast beaches and cultural assets in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch is already home to more than 70,000 residents and features top-rated schools, the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the Sarasota Polo Club, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, three town centers, and countless shopping and dining experiences. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com.
