Florida Developer Works With Town of Ponce Inlet to Create Unique Oceanfront Project
Jacksonville, Florida The latest oceanfront residential project by Cranewoods Development, The Cottages at Ponce Inlet, took more work than usual to create. For the past three years, the town of Ponce Inlet has been working to control future development in this conservative and sophisticated area south of Daytona Beach.
There has been significant pressure on the Council to control real estate development in the area. The town council was only approving projects that would be sympathetic to historical preservation and sympathetic to the town’s vision.
Andrew Howe, of Cranewoods Development took this challenge in his stride. With extensive experience creatively building in coastal areas, the requirements posed by Ponce Inlet was imminently in their project vision.
The homes needed coordination to ensure they were designed to satisfy the requirements of coastal construction and to ensure that the views of other residents were not impaired. In addition, the project site plan had to be carefully integrated into the topography of the protective oceanfront dune system to avoid disruption of the dunes, while providing maximum ocean views, and allowing four of the homes to have private swimming pools.
Finally, Cranewoods had to relocate 17 Gopher Tortoises to the Panhandle of Florida with the help of the Humane Society. “This was an unprecedented move. We always felt that it was more important to relocate these tortoises, and with the help of various agencies, they will have a new home on a huge nature preserve.” Mr. Howe explained.
To choose the site settled on, Howe explored various types of architecture before deciding on a historic Cape Cod shingle style. The individual designs have different types of cedar shake and traditional lap siding, historic window and door brackets and carriage style garage doors, giving each home a personal identity rather than the ‘cookie cutter’ mentality of some new communities.
With groundbreaking in November, seven magnificent oceanfront homes will now grace the charming township of Ponce Inlet – a barrier island on the Southern most point of Daytona Beach’s coast. To the west is the Halifax River – where boating and fishing are the key leisure activities. Just a short walk from the project is the historic 175 foot Ponce Inlet lighthouse, the tallest working lighthouse in Florida and the second tallest in America.
With the exterior of the homes decided, attention now turned to the interiors, which needed to provide the luxury and sophistication that ocean front homes demand. Features include private internal elevators, extensive cottage style trim, natural stone flooring and gourmet styled kitchens. State-of-the-art technology and audio/visual packages come as standard. Buyers can choose from one of three separate designer interiors to reflect their lifestyle
The key to the success of these enchanting oceanfront homes is teamwork. The nationally recognized Merchandising Plus was commissioned to provide polished interior vignettes. Quality construction will be provided by award winning HCM Construction – known for their considerable experience in building oceanfront homes with exacting architectural standards.
Was it worth all the obstacles that had to be tackled to work in the Ponce Inlet area? “Absolutely.” says Howe, ”So much so that I have bought and refurbished a second home up the street for myself. Ponce Inlet offers elegance and the town council insists on a proper sense of conservation to the area to maintain its unique flavor
