Category: Press Releases

LAKEWOOD RANCH’S 3-D DIGITAL MAP WINS GOLD AWARD

Lakewood Ranch’s 3-D “community Xplorer map” was awarded gold for best innovative use of technology at the Southeast Building Conference’s 42^nd annual Aurora Awards. The map is a centerpiece of the community’s website, lakewoodranch.com. Winners were determined after evaluation by a panel of judges, including designers, planners, and builders.

The map was developed by LWR Communities, in partnership with Cecilian Partners, a company that specializes in the customer service experience for community developers, home builders, and home buyers.

“We’re really setting the standard for how customers will explore communities like Lakewood Ranch in the future,” said Phil Worland, chief strategy officer at Cecilian Partners.

The map is completely interactive and searchable. There are built-in filters to assist the user with a list of villages that might be a good fit for them. In addition, in one view, a user can see all of the villages, product types and prices ranges in relation to their location near shopping, schools, parks, and other community amenities. There is also a regional map that highlights the beaches, arts, shopping districts and other conveniences and attractions outside of The Ranch, allowing for a full perspective of the area.

“Lakewood Ranch was looking for a way to show prospects everything the community has to offer, without them having to be at The Ranch in person,” said Rachel Gray, marketing manager for LWR Communities. “This was something we were searching for pre-pandemic, but the pandemic changed consumer behavior and it became an even more important tool than we could’ve imagined.”

Feedback has been notably positive. “Users appreciate that they can see everything in the same place; they no longer need to bounce from the village page on the Lakewood Ranch website to a Google map page to get their bearings,” Gray said. “Many people want to be close to a specific area – for instance, near the interstate for an easy commute to work – and this has given them the ability to find what they want or need. Other users appreciate that they are able to plan their visit to The Ranch in advance by using the map; they know what is here before arriving, so they can be sure to see everything that interests them.”

Earlier this week, Lakewood Ranch was recognized as the best-selling community in the U.S., according to national real estate consulting firm RCLCO’s 2021 mid-year survey.

“Our insistence on innovation to make the homebuying journey as productive and enjoyable as possible has paid dividends in generating home sales,“ said Laura Cole, senior vice president of LWR Communities. “This week was very rewarding in that our efforts to build a first-class community and to share its benefits through our marketing platform is being recognized and is resonating with a broad audience.”

For more information about Cecilian Partners, visit cecilianpartners.com.

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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 50,000 residents and features A-rated schools, a hospital, the Sarasota Polo Club, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, its own Main Street with theaters, shopping and dining, and more than four million square feet of commercial property. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com.

LAKEWOOD RANCH IS THE BEST-SELLING COMMUNITY IN THE NATION

Lakewood Ranch is the best-selling community in the U.S., according to national real estate consulting firm RCLCO’s 2021 mid-year survey. The Ranch secured 1,535 new home sales through the end of June of 2021, beating last year’s numbers by 83% percent. Although Lakewood Ranch has been the best-selling multi-generational master-planned community in the U.S. for the past three years, the 2021 mid-year report marks the first time it’s ranked No. 1 overall.

Lakewood Ranch was primed to meet the increased number of relocations spurred by the pandemic, according to Laura Cole, executive vice president of LWR Communities.  “The Ranch’s maturity, locational assets, and multi-generational appeal drew buyers and their extended families (and friends) from all corners of the U.S.,” Cole said. “Five new villages opened during the pandemic, offering greater home choices at all price points with outstanding amenities and access to open space and trails — key criteria sought by buyers fleeing more urban locations.

“Buyers say they are looking to move close to family and friends, downsizing, or accelerating retirement. Year-over-year, we experienced the largest sales gains in the Entry/First Move-up segment (84% growth over prior year) which generally leans towards millennials. The Empty Nest/Active Adult market jumped by 71% during this period, and Second Home Move-up/Luxury buyers increased by 57%.”

Lakewood Ranch’s first place position put it among the top-selling master-planned communities (MPCs) in the country for 10 consecutive years. Rex Jensen, president and CEO of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc., developer of Lakewood Ranch, said that planning and execution continue to keep the community –  which has been owned and guided by the same family since its inception over 25 years ago – at the top.

“Lakewood Ranch has been a perennial pack leader by delivering the features which epitomize top selling MPCs: consumer centric homes, well integrated natural areas, abundant amenities and a vast array of lifestyle offerings,” Jensen said.

There is no doubt Lakewood Ranch is seeing a “pursuit of quality of life,” Cole said.  “Buyers across the demographic and geographic spectrum are attracted to the qualities and conveniences of our established community with the added benefit of resort-level amenities in their neighborhood. Lakewood Ranch has three town centers, five neighborhood shopping centers, the award-winning Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, A-Rated schools, over 120 miles of trails, a parks and recreation program, 60+ clubs, the Premier Sports Campus, Sarasota Polo Club, and more than 1,400 businesses.”

Waterside Place, The Ranch’s newest town center – and its first in Sarasota County – will open this fall with a wide array of shopping, dining, and wellness opportunities. The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch will make Waterside Place its permanent home later this fall, and numerous events, sports leagues, and musical performances are scheduled throughout each month.

The robust sales have caused heightened demand, and Ranch builders are working to increase availability. Two new villages, Star Farms and Sweetwater, will be added to the 21 new home villages by year-end. There remain plenty of opportunities to buy in Lakewood Ranch.

“As the market has become more competitive,” Cole continued, “we feel it is essential to recognize the pressures confronting buyers and help them navigate options in the for-sale or rental space.”

RCLCO has been ranking master-planned communities since 1994; for more information, visit www.rclco.com.

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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 50,000 residents and features A-rated schools, a hospital, the Sarasota Polo Club, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, its own Main Street with theaters, shopping and dining, and more than four million square feet of commercial property. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com.

DATE: July 5, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ideal-LIVING Magazine Honors “The Top 100 Planned Communities”

Wilmington, NC – ideal-LIVING magazine is pleased to announce the Top 100 Planned Communities as featured in the summer issue of Ideal-LIVING magazine’s Best Places to Live. The honorees are also revealed on www.ideal-LIVING.com/bestplaces. 

A special editorial committee assembled by the publication reviewed the qualifications of each nominee and selected the winners.

“Each year we survey our readers to determine the most popular destinations and amenities. We’ve researched communities from our readers’ most-desired areas based on survey results.The destinations featured in this special issue are representative of those desires,” says Kelly Godbey, ideal-LIVING editor. These planned communities are walkable with lots of open spaces and and have promote a real sense of community. Overall health and wellness is promoted by the myriad of amenities and clubs that allow a new homeowner to dive into a healthy, active lifestyle. Residents might enjoy some or all of the following amenities: golf, walking and biking trails, fitness centers, spas and health clubs, community gardens, marinas, boating, and watersports, as well as tennis and pickleball.

For more than 30 years, ideal-LIVING magazine has been a leading national publication  for readers who are nearing retirement age or who are interested in the benefits of relocating their families or businesses. From its headquarters in Wilmington, North Carolina, each edition of the quarterly publication is currently delivered to more than 80,000 homes. The magazine’s parent company, RPI Media, also distributes other publications like the comprehensive ideal-LIVING Choose Your Ideal Place Guide and sponsors the company’s signature ideal-LIVING Real Estate Shows each year. For more information, go to the website at www.ideal-LIVING.com.      

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           

April 27, 2021                                                                                       

                                                

Lakewood Ranch to Expand Experiential Lifestyle Offerings With Three New

Waterside Place Tenants

Good Liquid Brewing Co., 3Form Fitness and ManCave for Men to Open First

Lakewood Ranch Locations

Lakewood Ranch, the nation’s best-selling multi-generational master-planned community, has announced three additional tenants in the community’s new, 36-acre Waterside Place development, which is on track to become the region’s premier experiential lifestyle destination.

Set to open in late summer of 2021, Waterside Place will embody the essence of Lakewood Ranch, serving as a retail, dining, wellness, and entertainment hub with waterfront charm. Whether guests are looking to enjoy a morning coffee and jog along the nature trails or opt for an evening lakeside concert followed by dinner and craft beers with friends, Waterside Place will appeal to a variety of lifestyles and interests.

Upon opening, Waterside Place will serve as the heart of Waterside – Lakewood Ranch’s first Sarasota village – and offer 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 will blend arts and entertainment destinations with 115,000 square feet of unique in-line and freestanding commercial, retail and office space; diverse dining options; an eight-acre park; miles of nature trails; communal “pop-out” spaces; a water splash park and more.

The town center will further activate the dynamic area by hosting festivals and becoming the future home for the Farmers’ Market at LWR, connecting local farmers and artisans with area residents and their guests. Additionally, Lakewood Ranch will work with Waterside Place tenants to create custom programming tailored to their consumers.

Good Liquid Brewing Co., 3 Form Fitness, and ManCave for Men are set to join previously announced tenants: O&A Coffee Supply, CROPjuice, Duck Donuts, Korê, Derek The Salon, PAINT Nail Bar, SmithLaw, The Yoga Shack and Kilwins.

Good Liquid Brewing Co. is a Bradenton-based brewery offering an array of unique beers. Known for its out-of-the-box flavors such as Fruity Pebble Beer, Jalapeno Mango Sour with Ginger, Blackberry Raspberry Marshmallow Sour and Blonde Milk Stout, Good Liquid Brewing Co. specializes in IPAs, lagers, sours and more, offering “a beer for everyone.” Set to open at Waterside Place this fall, the brewery – founded in 2017 by Mike and Sandra Krail – will also feature classic pub fare, from starters, hand-tossed pizzas and elevated burgers to lighter dishes and condiments made with its signature beers. The waterfront location at Waterside Place will feature a modern industrial look and include an outdoor space with fire pits and games. There will also be a separate, glass-enclosed brewing room, inviting guests to enjoy a glimpse into the brewing process. This will be the first location for Good Liquid Brewing Co. within Lakewood Ranch.

3Form Fitness reinvents the traditional idea of fitness via three forms of exercise – strength, endurance and cardiovascular – to achieve three forms of results: looking, moving, and feeling better. 3Form Fitness was founded in 2021 by Michael Demarski, a 15-year fitness industry expert, who aims to change the philosophy of the gym experience by providing a unique environment that makes clients feel comfortable, empowered, and supported throughout their fitness journey. The studio will feature a modern, first-floor space that differs from both typical and boutique gyms. Through a mix of staple exercises and funky trends, Demarski hopes to help clients “become happier overall,” adding, “improving their health is my goal as well as theirs.” This will be the first location for 3Form Fitness.

ManCave for Men is a luxury, modern barber shop featuring highly experienced barbers specializing in cuts and finishes, hot shaves, beard facials and more. Clients will also enjoy an array of services, including manicures and pedicures, massages, waxes and facials. This will be the first location for ManCave for Men within Lakewood Ranch.

“Waterside Place is taking shape beautifully and I have no doubt that it will quickly become a lifestyle destination where residents and people throughout the region can enjoy unique, high-quality shopping, waterfront dining and entertainment,” said Kirk Boylston, president of LWR Commercial. “We look forward to opening and sharing Waterside Place with our neighbors this year, and we believe it will exceed all expectations!”

Other future amenities include the beloved Players Centre for Performing Arts, which is relocating from Sarasota to an expanded, 70,000 square foot performing arts center at Waterside Place.

Waterside will feature more than 5,000 for-sale and rental homes in up to 12 neighborhoods, ranging from $250K to over $2M. All neighborhoods are connected to Waterside Place via trails and many homes will benefit from water taxis to the town center. To date, more than 500 homes have been sold in Waterside, and occupancy is ahead of schedule at The Botanic and The Adley, apartment communities within close proximity to Waterside Place.

Founded in 1994, Lakewood Ranch spans over two counties with 20 villages, and is consistently rated as one of the best-selling master-planned communities in the country by both RCLCO and John Burns Real Estate Consulting, two independent real estate consulting firms. In January, both firms designated Lakewood Ranch as the best-selling master-planned community in the U.S. for all ages for the third year in a row.

For more information about Waterside and Waterside Place, visit www.WatersidePlace.com. For more information on Lakewood Ranch, please contact Lisa Barnott at 941-757-1542.

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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 42,000 residents and features A-rated schools, the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the Sarasota Polo Club, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, its own Main Street with theaters, shopping and dining, and more than 5.5 million square feet of commercial property. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com.

Lakewood Ranch Engages Residents, Businesses Via Virtual Lifestyle Programming and Community Mobile App

 

Lakewood Ranch, the nation’s best-selling, multi-generational master-planned community, is enhancing the way it connects with and engages its 42,000 residents and 1,600 businesses through a variety of digital lifestyle programming and platforms. Among them: Lakewood Ranch’s namesake community-focused app, developed by residential experience platform Alosant.

 

Community pride and engagement have always been strong pillars of the Lakewood Ranch residential experience, with residents ranking community clubs, social events, parks and trails, shopping and dining among their most beloved amenities. Therefore, in the wake of COVID-19, community directors transitioned to virtual programming and communication tools via social media, the myLWR.com site, and the new Lakewood Ranch mobile app, which allows community members to easily connect and engage with their favorite features.

 

In March, Lakewood Ranch launched a digital version of its award-winning lifestyle programming, in which residents could enjoy virtual “Ranch Nites Live” events with performances by local and national musicians, fitness and wellness instructors, as well as dedicated family nights, happy hours, and more. When the app launched in November, users gained the ability to join in on the programming on the app, RSVP to events, personalize their profiles based on interest, and more.

 

“Our app and virtual programming streamline the way residents enjoy the numerous opportunities to remain active, entertained and connected within Lakewood Ranch, all while prioritizing their health and well-being,” said Monaca Onstad, director of community relations for Lakewood Ranch.

 

The app is also used to promote health and wellness, a pillar of the community lifestyle, by encouraging outdoor recreation. Included in the app is a listing of all Lakewood Ranch parks and a downloadable parks, trails, and bike map.

The Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is one of the five main sponsors of myLWR.com and the app. “Engaging in community events plays a vital role in mental and physical health, which is especially important during this time,” said Andy Guz, CEO of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. “We are proud to be a part of Lakewood Ranch communities’ digital, virtual and outdoor activities – delivered in a socially distanced manner and with masks – to keep everyone safe and healthy.”

 

Additionally, the Lakewood Ranch app supports community businesses by engaging potential customers. The app will soon debut a new marketplace feature that includes a directory of all Lakewood Ranch businesses. Business owners can choose to upgrade for expanded profiles that highlight additional information such as their offerings, videos and photos, social channels, and more. Push notifications alert opt-in followers of important updates, hours of operation, discounts, promotions and more.

 

“Having an easy-to-access way to find and support fellow businesses here on The Ranch has been a great benefit of the new app,” said Lakewood Ranch resident and local CoWork business owner, Keith Pandeloglou. “The ease of registering for an event or activity makes this a must-download. Access to the community’s great virtual programming, is ever so needed during challenging times like these.”

 

Currently, the Lakewood Ranch app has more than 4,000 users, with the adoption rate expected to rise significantly in the coming months. It’s also drawing non-resident users, as many prospective home buyers and business owners seek more information about the community’s offerings.

 

The Lakewood Ranch app was developed by Alosant, which powers branded native apps for many of the nation’s most innovative and fastest-growing communities. April LaMon, CEO and Co-Founder of Alosant, said that apps have become essential for master-planned communities, especially during this socially distanced time.

 

“The app allows developers, residents and businesses to share resources, updates and information all in one place, and on the device no one can live without: their smart phone. I’m not surprised that in-app usage among our clients has tripled in recent months,” LaMon said.

 

Founded in 1994, Lakewood Ranch spans more than 33,000 acres and includes more than 42,000 residents in over 20 villages. The Ranch is consistently rated as one of the best-selling master-planned communities in the country by both RCLCO and John Burns Real Estate Consulting, two independent real estate consulting firms. In January, both firms designated Lakewood Ranch as the best-selling multi-gen community in the U.S. for the third year in a row.

 

For more information on Lakewood Ranch, please contact Monaca Onstad at 941-757-1544.

 

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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 42,000 residents and features A-rated schools, the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the Sarasota Polo Club, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, its own Main Street with theaters, shopping and dining, and more than 4 million square feet of commercial property. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com.

 

About Alosant

Alosant is the residential experience platform that powers branded, mobile apps for the nation’s fastest growing single family, multifamily, mixed use, and member club communities working with developers such as Hillwood Communities, Johnson Development Corporation, Lakewood Ranch, Lone Mountain Land Company, Newland, Rancho Mission Viejo, Tavistock, Toll Brothers and more. Alosant’s community experience apps are utilized in 12 states and 40 communities across the nation.

LAKEWOOD RANCH BEST-SELLING MULTI-GEN COMMUNITY IN THE NATION

Lakewood Ranch has been recognized as the best-selling, master-planned multi-generational community in the country by John Burns and RCLCO (two independent real estate consulting firms) for the third year in a row.

 

Lakewood Ranch saw 2,149 new home sales in 2020, up from 1,648 in 2019 – a 30 percent increase year-over-year and the best sales year on record for The Ranch.

 

The pandemic-era desire for floorplans with independent offices, separate entertainment rooms, technology packages, and pools and increased outdoor living space helped drive sales, as did the demand for multi-generational floorplans to accommodate family members – both seniors and adult children. Low interest rates and a dwindling inventory of resale homes also helped spur sales.

 

Laura Cole, senior vice president of Lakewood Ranch, said that while COVID-19 has driven some buyers to act, there are longer term trends at play as well. “The pandemic caused an acceleration of purchase decisions for some buyers already in the market, especially young families seeking their first home and people nearing retirement,” Cole said. “A strong desire to upgrade one’s quality of life through home and place was a powerful motivator to purchase a home this year.

 

“Many buyers said that COVID-19 has created a need to reestablish roots in an environment that affords a more connected and active lifestyle, while offering ample open space and tranquility,” Cole continued. “Lakewood Ranch’s vast green space and amenities – including space for walking, hiking, and biking – were very attractive to those seeking to escape urban centers and increase their ability to socialize outside while observing social distancing requirements.”

 

Even with restrictions in place, buyers have been purchasing homes – in many cases, sight unseen – with the help of interactive chats and virtual community presentations from the Lakewood Ranch Information Center, an easily navigable Lakewood Ranch website with a 3D interactive map, and builders’ virtual tours.

The Ranch continues to be successful at market segmentation, filling multiple market niches with homes available with price points from the $200s to more than $1 million. There are more than 20 unique villages from which to choose, with more than 20 different builders, including four new villages that opened in 2020: Taylor Morrison’s Esplanade at Azario, Lennar’s Lorraine Lakes, Neal Communities’ Windward, and Pulte’s Sapphire Point.

 

Although sales at all price points have been strong, the luxury market continues to perform extremely well, Cole said. “The community was prepared to meet increased demand from the millennial buyer while still accommodating move-up families, empty-nesters, retirees, and seniors,” Cole said. “Our strength continues to come from the diversity of our neighborhoods and homes, abundance of shopping, dining, and services, job base, and exceptional lifestyle offerings.”

 

Lakewood Ranch’s award-winning lifestyle program transitioned from completely in-person events, to virtual offerings, and then to a hybrid of both formats. A new Lakewood Ranch app was launched to complement the myLWR.com community website, which is a one-stop-shop for “everything Lakewood Ranch,” including a community calendar, bike and trail map, business directory, and service requests, among other things.

Popular amongst residents – and prospective buyers – are miles of trails and paths, parks offering a disc golf course, watercraft launches, and dog parks for socially distanced, outdoor activity; and nationally recognized sports venues like the Premier Sports Campus and the Sarasota Polo Club. The Ranch is also home to A-rated schools, 10 institutions of higher learning, and the nationally recognized Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The Ranch has been recognized by ideal-LIVING magazine as a “best health and fitness” and “best wellness” community.

 

Waterside Place,  one of three town centers in Lakewood Ranch, has drawn widespread attention as it nears a second quarter of 2021 completion. Located on the southern edge of The Ranch in Sarasota County, it will be a blend of arts and entertainment, with diverse dining options, commercial, retail and office space, and an eight-acre park, which will be the eventual home of the Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch.

 

Also attractive to buyers is Lakewood Ranch’s status as a major job center, with more than four million square feet of commercial real estate in place and entitlements for up to 14 million. There are more than 1,350 businesses in diverse sectors such as biomedical, technology, insurance, and education.

 

Not to be overlooked is Lakewood Ranch’s proximity to the beaches, and cultural and sports offerings that allow residents to experience a higher quality of life without sacrificing big-city conveniences.

 

Lakewood Ranch has been among the top-selling master-planned communities in the country for 10 out of the last 11 years, according to RCLCO.

 

RCLCO has been ranking master-planned communities since 1994; for more information, visit www.rclco.com. This is the 12^th year that John Burns Real Estate Consulting has ranked top-selling U.S. master-planned communities; for more information, visit www.realestateconsulting.com.

 

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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 42,000 residents and features A-rated schools, a hospital, the Sarasota Polo Club, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, its own Main Street with theaters, shopping and dining, and more than four million square feet of commercial property. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Katy Walker

Walker Group

kwalker@wgcmarketing.com

(770) 880-3189

 

Forestar Reveals New Community Coming Soon – Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch

 

TAMPA, FL, DEC. 15, 2020 – Forestar Group Inc. (“Forestar”), a leading national residential lot developer, is excited to announce a new community coming soon – Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Southwest Florida, Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch will be a multi-generational lifestyle community that offers a unique experience tailored to meet the needs of today’s diverse homebuyers.

The thoughtfully designed, 700-acre, gated neighborhood presented by Forestar is planned to be a resort ranch hometown featuring 1,500 single family homes, paired villa retreats and townhomes with a variety of amenities, clubs and hospitality services. Positioned within the award-winning master-planned community of Lakewood Ranch, Star Farms is minutes from dining, shopping and cultural activities as well as top-rated beaches.

“We look forward to introducing a new hometown concept with our resort ranch community. As the latest village in Lakewood Ranch, Star Farms plans to offer a wide range of amenities and diverse housing options for parents, children, retirees and singles to enjoy,” said Forestar West Florida Division President Tony Squiteri. “The Forestar team has significant experience designing, developing and executing the vision for lifestyle communities in the Lakewood Ranch area, and we are passionate about creating an inspiring experience for our homeowners within our master-planned communities.”

 

“We are excited that Forestar chose Lakewood Ranch to introduce its first-in-kind concept around multi-generational living,” said Laura Cole, senior vice president of Lakewood Ranch Communities, LLC.  “Star Farms will be a vibrant new village with opportunities for diverse housing and a lifestyle that will bridge the gap between generations and shape community.”

 

Whether exploring new adventures, discovering new passions, meeting new neighbors or finding new ways to connect with nature, Star Farms will be an extraordinary place to call home. Experience a hometown that connects and inspires.

 

To join the VIP Club or for more information, visit www.starfarmslwr.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 42,000 residents and features A-rated schools, the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the Sarasota Polo Club, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, its own Main Street with theaters, shopping and dining, and more than four million square feet of commercial property. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com.

 

About Forestar Group Inc.

Forestar Group Inc. is a residential lot development company with operations in 49 markets and 21 states at September 30, 2020 and is a majority-owned subsidiary of D.R. Horton, the largest homebuilder by volume in the United States since 2002. For more information, visit www.forestar.com.

 

Community information including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities are subject to change at any time without notice or obligation. Dimensions are approximate. Forestar is an equal housing developer.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 5, 2020                                                                                                           For more information contact:

Lisa M. Barnott 941-757-1542

Lisa.barnott@lakewoodranch.com

LAKEWOOD RANCH UNVEILS “RANCH ROAD HOME”

Lakewood Ranch’s new Ranch Road Home experience will run from Nov. 6-22, featuring a variety of ways to experience Lakewood Ranch, the No. 1 best-selling multi-generational community in the country.

 

The Ranch Road Home campaign reflects a shift in the way buyers have been exploring and purchasing homes, accelerated by the circumstances of COVID-19. It has been a record-setting year for Lakewood Ranch: sales are up 20% over the same period last year. With two months yet to go, sales for 2020 have already matched last year’s total for the entire year. Many home sales were made sight-unseen, with only builders’ virtual tours and online assistance via the Lakewood Ranch website and from the Lakewood Ranch Information Center community specialists.

 

The Ranch Road Home guide, complete with virtual and in-person touring instructions; and a map, village matrix and event listing, can be picked up at the Lakewood Ranch Information Center, located at 8131 Lakewood Main Street, and viewed or downloaded from lakewoodranch.com. Potential buyers can view than 90 models in 20+ villages, with pricing from $200,000 to more than $1 million, including in five new  villages: Esplanade at Azario, Lorraine Lakes, Solera, Windward, and Sapphire Point.

 

The Ranch Road Home guide can also be picked up at the “Gather and Go” drive-thru events, held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 7 – 22. Participants can get a taste of The Ranch delivered to their cars: drive up to the Information Center on Main Street and a member of the team will deliver a Ranch goodie bag full of information about life on The Ranch, special offers from Main Street merchants, and fun Ranch swag.

 

“People are welcome to visit Lakewood Ranch virtually or in person at any time, but Ranch Road Home is our opportunity to share what is new and unique about our community, using a variety of exciting tools,” said Laura Cole, senior vice president for LWR Communities.

 

“We’re especially proud of our new, 3D interactive map. With this, we can improve navigation within Lakewood Ranch and help visitors gain a unique and accurate perspective of the community overall, each village and its surrounding amenities, the vast green space on The Ranch, and the proximity to conveniences and attractions that are nearby, including shopping, the airport, and the beaches. You just don’t get a feel for that otherwise.”

 

A series of events will take place during Ranch Road Home, both in-person and virtual, maximizing everyone’s comfort level. Live events include socially distanced offerings such as Yoga in the Park, the Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch, the Mindful Triathlon with both virtual and in-person components, a guided nature walk, and a bike tour around The Ranch. Virtual offerings, such as Ranch Nites Live, and MindUP live virtual event series, will also be available. For a full listing of events, visit myLWR.com.

 

The information center and models are open daily, Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. Chat hours are extended to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, from Nov. 6-22, via the website. For more information about Ranch Road Home, visit lakewoodranch.com.

 

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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 41,000 residents and features A-rated schools, the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the Sarasota Polo Club, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, its own Main Street with theaters, shopping and dining, and more than four million square feet of commercial property. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com.

LAKEWOOD RANCH REPORTS RECORD SALES FOR AUGUST, YEAR

Lakewood Ranch had a record-setting 189 sales for the month of August, up from 115 in 2019. The Ranch secured 1,197 new home sales through the end of August of 2020, beating last year’s numbers by 8 percent.

Although sales at all price points have been strong, the luxury market is performing extremely well, said Laura Cole, senior vice president for LWR Communities, LLC.

Low interest rates continue to drive demand for homes, as does the pandemic-era desire for floorplans with independent offices, separate entertainment rooms, technology packages, and pools and increased outdoor living space. Another noteworthy trend is the demand for multi-generational floorplans to accommodate family members, both seniors and adult children.

“Although demand remains strong from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic markets, we have seen a sizeable uptick in Florida buyers from throughout the state, especially Tampa, Orlando, and the east coast,” Cole said. “Activity amongst Lakewood Ranch buyers is also notable, with many current residents looking for new homes with larger floorplans.”

Many buyers have noted that COVID-19 has accelerated life plans to reestablish roots in an environment that affords a more connected and active lifestyle, while offering ample open space and tranquility. Lakewood Ranch’s vast green space, amenities, and vast array of modern floorplans has become very attractive to those seeking to escape urban centers.

Even with restrictions in place, buyers have been purchasing homes – in many cases, sight unseen – with the help of interactive chats and virtual community presentations from the Lakewood Ranch Information Center, as well as builders’ virtual tours.

For more information visit lakewoodranch.com.

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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 41,000 residents and features A-rated schools, a hospital, the Sarasota Polo Club, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, its own Main Street with theaters, shopping and dining, and more than four million square feet of commercial property. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 11, 2020 

For more information contact:
Lisa M. Barnott, (941)757-1542
Lisa.barnott@lakewoodranch.com

LAKEWOOD RANCH GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB’S GOLF SHOP RANKED No. 1 AMONG PRIVATE CLUBS

PGA magazine has named Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s golf shop as best among private clubs.

“The 2020 season has been challenging for golf shop retailers,” said Rick Summers, publisher and CEO of PGA Magazine. “At the same time, it has presented unique opportunities for facilities to move in a positive direction with creative merchandising, strong club logos and multi-functional apparel.

“Bryan McManis of Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club uses a combination of great amenities, a member-friendly pricing structure and a keen eye for trends to enhance his club’s status as a premier private facility,” Summers said.

McManis, who is the director of golf at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club, has also been named the 2020 North Florida PGA Section Merchandiser of the Year for private facilities.

McManis said the members’ 15-percent-over-cost pricing plan is one of the things that fosters an environment for purchasing.

“The programs and offerings we have are very member focused and have changed over the years as we continually react to trends, change in market conditions, and embrace technology in the golf business,” McManis said.

One such market condition has been the advent of the COVID-10 pandemic. Adjustments to the operation of the golf club and its amenities ensured that those who wanted to relax and recreate in a socially distant, responsible manner, could still do so at their club.

“The overall sentiment is that the members were thankful to have something to do during the pandemic that made them feel safe,” McManis said.  

In fact, members played more golf than ever; from May 1-July 31 of 2019, members and their guests played 12,240 rounds; over the same period this year, 15,413 rounds were played – members only – a 26% increase year-over-year.

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The Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club features three courses with a total of 54 holes of championship golf, a 400-yard practice range, state-of-the-art golf academy, 20 tennis courts, 12 pickleball courts, a 24-hour fitness facility, two award-winning clubhouses. For more information about the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club visit lakewoodranchgolf.com.