A GuideTo Luxury A GuideTo Luxury Living ISSUE 1
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SPRING 2017
New CEO Gregg Carlson Revs Up The Lee Wetherington Homes’ Team
Home Shopping Network Films at the Windsong Model – Page 11
UPFRONT
NEW CEO IS
THRILLED TO BE
BACK
HOME
Gregg Carlson
GREGG CARLSON RESPECTS THE LEGACY AND DIRECTS THE FUTURE OF LEE WETHERINGTON HOMES.
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regg Carlson, the new CEO of Lee Wetherington Homes, is an Arcadia native who worked his way up to top executive positions with major national homebuilders. Now, he says, he’s back where he belongs at the helm of one of Sarasota’s most respected luxury home builders.
Carlson calls Lee Wetherington a mentor — and a major influence on his life and career. “I’ve always admired what Lee has done,” Carlson says. “He’s been an industry leader. I love being back at this company. I trust that my experience and talents will pay dividends for everyone on our team.” It hasn’t taken long for Carlson to put his signature on the future of Lee Wetherington Homes: n A new Windsong model recently opened at The Concession, the area’s premier private country club community (see pages 14-15). n A new model is underway at The Islands on the Manatee River, an exclusive riverfront community of luxury homes. A new bridge over the Manatee River will open later this year, providing easy access from the south and Lakewood Ranch. n Lee Wetherington Homes is also building a model in The Lake Club, the premier community in Lakewood Ranch. The new model will open this fall in the Tuscan-inspired neighborhood (see pages 22-23). 2 LW MAGAZINE | S P R I N G
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late fall model opening is expected at Lakehouse Cove in Waterside, a new community in south Lakewood Ranch featuring large lakes and upscale amenities. n A new neighborhood in River Wilderness is scheduled to begin in late 2017, offering a new collection of homes priced from the $400s. “We’re very excited about our strategic growth plans,” Carlson says. “In the next five years we will add six to eight communities. We’re already in the design phase, and Lee is heavily involved with each new home layout. Having Lee’s fingerprint on all of our new floorplans ensures the consistency and quality that are synonymous with the Lee Wetherington brand.” Carlson says he’s always admired Wetherington’s philosophy of giving back to the community, as well as his ability to attract some of the finest professionals in the homebuilding industry. “Lee has always had talented and dedicated employees who understand we’re building something very special for each homeowner – a home where they’ll raise their families or retire after many years of hard work.
WHO: Gregg Carlson TITLE: CEO, Lee Wetherington Homes HOMETOWN: Arcadia FAMILY: Wife, Kari Carlson; son, Cody, a construction superintendant with a national builder; and daughter, Cassidy, a high school senior.
Lee Wetherington Homes is now building in The Islands on the Manatee River, and The Lake Club in Lakewood Ranch (the clubhouse interior is pictured below).
“Our team is driven at every level to build homes with superior fit and finish, and deliver unprecedented customer service and satisfaction. It’s the 43-year tradition of Lee Wetherington Homes that we work hard every day to continue.” Carlson’s first stint at Lee Wetherington Homes began in 1993. He joined the company as an estimator and worked his way up to vice president of construction, helping to grow the company from 33 homes a year to well over 200. In 2002, he left to join Maronda Homes, where he became regional president. He later became division president of K. Hovnanian Homes in Tampa. But over the years Carlson and Wetherington remained friends. And, after more than 14 years, Carlson jumped at the opportunity to rejoin a family-owned company that does well by doing good. “I feel like I’m where I belong,” Carlson says. “It’s an honor and a privilege to direct this company. All of us look forward to continuing the legacy of Lee Wetherington Homes.” n
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LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD
WE ALWAYS DO THE
RIGHT THING FOR OUR BUYERS
LEE WETHERINGTON REFLECTS ON A 43-YEAR CAREER OF BUILDING LUXURY HOMES AND GIVING BACK.
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pending just a few minutes with Lee Wetherington is both fascinating and educational. His 43 years of experience building top-end homes in Sarasota and Manatee counties gives him a unique perspective on the region’s history and his place in its evolution.
Q: You’ve been involved in the homebuilding industry for more than 40 years. How active are you in the operation at Lee Wetherington Homes today? A: I’m involved in the design of all our homes, which is really where my passion is. I’m always accessible if my team needs me. I have a tremendous team of professionals leading our company. They understand the philosophy and the reputation of Lee Wetherington Homes, because they contributed to our success over the years. Q: Lee Wetherington Homes has participated in many of the finest communities in the Sarasota area. What do you look for when choosing a community in which to build? A: We work only with developers whose vision for their communities matches the vision of the people who are spending $700,000 to millions of dollars for our homes. We make sure developers have the financial strength to complete their communities as promised — with no compromises along the way. Of course, we also look for communities close to top-ranked schools with amenities that our homeowners want — including privacy and a quiet environment. 4 LW MAGAZINE | S P R I N G
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Lee Wetherington
Q: What’s the biggest mistake people make when buying a new home? A: Signing a contract without knowing everything that’s going into the home is without doubt the biggest mistake. You must know the bottom line to eliminate the chance of any surprises later. We give our homebuyers the Lee Wetherington Homes Complete Price, which includes just about everything you can imagine. It gives our buyers peace of mind that they can take our bottom line to the bank and not worry about a long list of additional charges. Q: What’s new and exciting in 2017? Are there any communities you’re looking at for the future? A: We’re very excited about Waterside at Lakewood Ranch, The Islands on the Manatee River and our new neighborhood in River Wilderness. We are projecting the models will be open at Waterside and The Islands in the fall of 2017.
Lee Wetherington (third from left) says supporting community organizations such as Harvest House has been a priority since starting his company in 1974.
The grand entrance into The Islands on the Manatee River, where Lee Wetherington Homes is now offering riverfront homes with boat docks. S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 | LW MAGAZINE
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“
BEING PART OF THIS COMMUNITY’S GROWTH AND MATURATION HAS BEEN EXTREMELY GRATIFYING.” — lee wetherington
Q: It seems many people are buying older homes in Sarasota, knocking them down and rebuilding. Does Lee Wetherington Homes offer on-your-lot homebuilding? A: We love doing on-your-lot homes because we have an architect and drafting department that makes customizing a home very easy and affordable. Our design team is top-notch, and they really get excited about working one-on-one with a homebuyer to create a unique home. Taking one of our designs and customizing it to maximize a homesite is something we specialize in. Any owner considering a knockdown should sit down with us. We can simplify the process and expedite the timeline. Q: You’ve enjoyed a long career. What gives you the most satisfaction from all those years in the business? A: After all these years, it’s still seeing a satisfied customers enjoying their new home. I also love hearing from homebuyers 30 and 40 years later about how much they’ve enjoyed living and raising their families in one of our homes. Our tradition of community service is also very important to me. In the past 10 years the Lee Wetherington Foundation has donated more than $1.5 million to various community organizations, such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, Harvest House and many others. Being part of this community’s growth and maturation has been extremely gratifying. n
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THE LEE WETHERINGTON TEAM The new leadership team at Lee Wetherington Homes includes (clockwise from bottom left): Jocelyn Thompson, administrative supervisor; Jae Cho, vice president of purchasing and estimating; Gregg Carlson, chief executive officer; Todd Hubbard, vice president of operations; and Cecelia Davie, chief financial officer.
Lee Wetherington Homes carefully chooses only the finest communities in which to build, including Country Club East in Lakewood Ranch (entrance shown), a golf community where homes are priced from the $700s. At The Concession, Sarasota’s premier country club community, the new Windsong model (below) features a huge covered lanai and a bonus room with sliding glass doors that disappear to open the home to the outdoors.
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COMMUNITY
SPOTLIGHT
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COUNTRY CLUB EAST CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF, LUXURY HOMES, PRIVACY AND SOCIAL AMENITIES MAKE LIVING HERE SPECIAL.
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The Saviano model at Country Club East
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rom the moment you drive through the manned gatehouses at Country Club East in Lakewood Ranch, you can feel the excitement. The private community of luxury homes situated amidst lakes, nature preserves, fairways and greens features an 18-hole golf course and top-tier amenities, making it an extraordinary place to live and play.
Country Club East offers: n Breathtaking
estate homes priced from the low $700s. Lee Wetherington Homes offers residences with expansive spaces for entertaining, both indoors and outdoors.
n Many
homes boasting lakefront or golf course views.
n Royal
Lakes, a par 72, 7,339-yard Rick Robbins-designed championship golf course with five sets of tees. Because every hole can be played as a par 3, it’s a great way to introduce golf to novice players.
n The
Lodge at Royal Lakes, a warm and welcoming, rustic-themed clubhouse perched on a ridge overlooking the 9th and 18th fairways. It features a restaurant and bar with seating for 250, indoors and outdoors. The 30,000-square-foot getaway is a great place to meet
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friends, old and new. It also includes a pro shop and a private wine room. n The
Retreat, which features a huge resort-style pool with an expansive deck, a fitness center, a community room that’s great for events, and a well-equipped outdoor kitchen.
n Two
additional neighborhood recreational facilities, which include heated, resort-style pools.
n Top-rated
schools nearby, including Willis Elementary School, which is located just outside the gates of Country Club East.
n The
option to join Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. Its award-winning amenities include an aquatic center, 18 tennis courts, two more championship golf courses and an incredible clubhouse. n
The amenities at Country Club East are first class. The Resident Retreat (inset) includes a huge resort-style pool and clubhouse with a fitness center and community room. The Lodge encompasses a welcoming, rustic-themed restaurant and bar overlooking the fairways.
HOME SHOPPING NETWORK FILMS AT LEE WETHERINGTON MODEL The bright lights of television spotlighted Lee Wetherington’s Windsong model at The Concession recently. The Home Shopping Network (HSN) filmed for two days at the home, where on-air personalities Cheryl Boyle and Lynn Thompson demonstrated a variety of home products. A spokesperson for HSN said, “The Windsong model, especially the huge closets, is amazing.” The show aired in April.
Lynn Thompson (top), one of HSN’s on-air talents, was part of a segment filmed recently at Lee Wetherington Homes’ Windsong model at The Concession. Cheryl Boyle (bottom) was also part of the program, which used the stunning home as a setting in which to demonstrate new home products.
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LUXURY LIVING, FLORIDA STYLE The new Windsong model at The Concession epitomizes Florida living. The great room features disappearing sliding glass doors that open to an expansive covered lanai and pool area, with serene views of a lake and conservation areas. Homes at The Concession start in the $800s. S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 | LW MAGAZINE
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THE CONCESSION A WORLD-CLASS GOLF COMMUNITY FEATURING A JACK NICKLAUS SIGNATURE COURSE.
The 35,000-square-foot clubhouse at The Concession is the focal point of this world-class country club community with a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.
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COMMUNITY
SPOTLIGHT
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egacy and history permeate The Concession, an exclusive community with manned, gated entrances set among 1,200 acres of pristine protected wetlands, century-old oaks and towering pine trees. It is one of the Sarasota market’s most prestigious addresses. The Concession offers:
n Only
236 homes, highlighted by Lee Wetherington Homes’ classic estate residences, which offer expansive views of lakes and preserves, and are priced from the $800s to the millions.
n Minimum
half-acre homesites, ensuring privacy and beautiful views in neighborhoods with names like Nicklaus Manor, Birkdale, Lindrick and Parkstone Estates.
n The
Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, named “Best New Private Course of 2006” by Golf Digest. The course was designed in honor of the 1969 Ryder Cup, during which Jack Nicklaus conceded a putt to Tony Jacklin. That gesture, known as “the concession,” rendered the two teams in a tie — the first in Ryder Cup history — and became known as one of the greatest acts of sportsmanship ever. Notably, there are no homes flanking this one-of-a-kind golf course.
n Immaculate
landscaping and pristine preserves to capture Florida’s natural beauty and to ensure that the community will remain just as stunning generations from now as it is today.
n The
spectacular 35,000-square-foot clubhouse, in which golfing memorabilia is artfully displayed. Also included are casual and formal dining areas, card rooms, a pro shop, men’s and women’s locker rooms and the Concession Bistro.
n Exclusive
use of a 53-foot Selene motor yacht, ideal for special events or private excursions with friends and family along Sarasota Bay or the Gulf of Mexico. The luxurious yacht is manned by a professional crew.
For anyone seeking a truly unique and private environment for an estate residence, The Concession is The Answer. n S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 | LW MAGAZINE
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GIVING BACK
DOING
WELL,
DOING
GOOD L E E W E T H E R I N G T O N H O M E S ’ P H I L O S O P H Y: A LW AY S G I V E B A C K T O Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y.
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hilanthropy is in Lee Wetherington’s DNA. Lee Wetherington Companies and the Lee Wetherington Foundation are known as among the most generous givers in the region, providing millions of dollars in donations, labor and assistance. And that generosity extends to a wide array of organizations and causes. Wetherington says giving back to the community will always be an important part of Lee Wetherington Homes. “When we support an organization it’s not a handout, but a hand up.”
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HERE ARE SOME OF THE ORGANIZATIONS HELPED BY LEE WETHERINGTON, HIS COMPANIES AND HIS FOUNDATION: BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS Wetherington has been particularly drawn to programs that help young people get the best possible start in life. He has served on the boards of the Boys & Girls Clubs in both Sarasota and Manatee counties for more than 25 years — and was president of the Sarasota County club in 2001. As chair of the Sarasota County club’s building committee, he was responsible for funding new clubs in Fruitville and North Port. For the Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club, located in a federal housing project, Lee Wetherington Homes remodeled the facility and added two schoolrooms while refurbishing the gym and kitchen — all at no cost. Manatee County’s clubs have also been beneficiaries. Lee Wetherington Homes refurbished the Bayshore Club’s teen center, rebuilding the facility and outfitting it with new furniture, televisions, games and computers along with a dance floor and a study area. The company and its trade partners updated and remodeled the Bradenton Unit, built in 1925. Along with the construction came a technology grant that facilitated purchase of new hardware and software for the facility. Both projects were completed at no cost to the clubs. But Wetherington hasn’t stopped there. Lee Wetherington Companies has given more than $600,000 to the Kids in College Scholarship Fund — which he founded — and the Boys & Girls Clubs Capital Endowment. In addition, Wetherington’s personal donations of time and talent are incalculable.
Lee Wetherington Homes has been a major supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the years. Lee Wetherington has served on the boards of both the Sarasota and Manatee County clubs for more than 25 years.
UNITED WAY OF SARASOTA COUNTY Wetherington’s involvement in the United Way of Sarasota County dates back to the ‘90s, when he co-chaired the organization’s first Day of Sharing. He also raised more than $400,000 in labor and materials, and supervised more than 400 volunteers who revamped a group home for developmentally disabled young women. Later, he spent nine months organizing a massive project that encompassed 800 volunteers and more than $750,000 in donated labor and materials to refurbish 10 buildings for five different charitable organizations.
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA In 2002, Wetherington made an initial gift of $1 million to establish the Lee Wetherington Foundation, administered by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. The $1 million gift was repeated in 2004 and 2005. The purpose of the foundation is to award grants — primarily to those whose needs are not addressed by governmental or other charitable entities — with a focus on the less fortunate, and especially disadvantaged youth. The foundation recently bequested $1 million to the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communication to support studies in investigative journalism. “This supports something that is very central to both our profession and our country,” says Diane McFarlin, dean of the college. “Investigative reporting is crucial to an informed public.”
OSCAR SCHERER STATE PARK Beginning in 2002, Lee Wetherington Companies has provided support for the annual Scrub Jay 5K Run and One-Mile Fun Run/Walk, and donated $250 from the sale of every home in Willowbend, a Lee Wetherington Homes community adjacent to Oscar Scherer State Park. In 2008, Lee Wetherington Companies donated 16.31 acres valued at more than $800,000 to the park, which will use the land as a buffer from surrounding urbanization.
HARVEST HOUSE Harvest House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the premise that all people deserve safe, stable housing and the opportunity to renew their hopes and to dream again. The Lee Wetherington Family Village assists veterans and families with transitional housing. The Lee Wetherington Foundation, along with the Community Foundation of Sarasota, purchased and completely rebuilt nine foreclosed duplexes and bought furnishings for each home. The Family Village now has 64 beds that are in high demand.
Cutting the ribbon to open The Lee Wetherington Family Village.
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The Reading Garden
FRUITVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY In 2002, Wetherington met with representatives from the new Fruitville Public Library and its not-forprofit support group, Friends of the Fruitville Public Library, to develop a use for the empty space just outside the facility’s back doors. Wetherington suggested a unique Reading Garden. He spearheaded a campaign to secure donations of labor and materials for the garden, which has a Storybook Cottage and stage as well as a waterfall, butterfly garden, herb garden, scented garden, birdhouse, bat house and many other special features. Since it opened in 2002, the Reading Garden, valued at more than $250,000, has become a cherished asset for the community and for patrons of the library, which is part of the Sarasota County Library System.
A S M A RT C H O I C E
THE LEE WETHERINGTON
DIFFERENCE F I V E TA N G I B L E R E A S O N S W H Y A L E E W E T H E R I N G T O N H O M E D E L I V E R S “ A H I G H E R S TA N D A R D O F L I V I N G . ”
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any homebuyers assume that homes with price tags of $800,000, $900,000 or more than $1 million are pretty much created equal. But that’s not true. Lee Wetherington Homes has refined its construction practices, design specifications and in-house services over its 43-year history to clearly offer a superior home and a higher level of service.
The Stillwater is one of many homes that can be built on an owner’s lot.
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LeeSure Pools is a division of Lee Wetherington Homes, offering seamless design-and-build services to homeowners who want to include a pool, spa or water feature.
There are many factors that separate Lee Wetherington Homes from others. Below are some of the most important. BETTER CONSTRUCTION, BEST STANDARD FEATURES When purchasing a luxury home, you expect top-of-the-line standard features — but not all builders deliver. At Lee Wetherington Homes, the standard features are among the finest in the market. In fact, they encourage homebuyers to “shop and compare” their features against any other builder’s features. Likewise with home construction. There are many differences in the materials and techniques used by Lee Wetherington Homes to deliver a stronger, tighter and longer-lasting home. Those include: n Stem walls rather than a monolithic slab to minimize cracks in the foundation. n Form-and-pour tie beams rather than lintels around the home for structural integrity. The tie beam is 8 by 16 20 LW MAGAZINE | S P R I N G
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inches of poured concrete with reinforcing steel inside. steel, higher grade steel and larger steel in the foundation to provide the structural integrity that Lee Wetherington Homes demands.
n More
IN-HOUSE DESIGN TEAM Lee Wetherington has a staff architect and a drafting department, so customizing your home is easy. You sit down with the architect and explain what you want in your home. There are no delays and no one between you and the designer — assuring that the home you want will be the home that is built. DESIGN CENTER AND SWIMMING POOLS Lee Wetherington Homes has an incredible Design Center and a talented, experienced designer to assist in choosing everything that goes into creating a one-of-a-kind home that matches your budget. If you want to enhance your home with a pool, spa or water
Lee Wetherington Homes’ in-house design team and spectacular Design Center (below) help homeowners create a unique residence that matches their dreams and their budget.
feature, LeeSure Pools is a division of Lee Wetherington Homes. It’s easy to create a unique lifestyle experience, and you’re assured of Lee Wetherington Homes quality and a guaranteed price. TALENTED SUBCONTRACTORS After 43 years building homes in Sarasota and Manatee counties, Lee Wetherington Homes works with the best subcontractors in the area. They understand the level of quality, the attention to detail and the importance of staying on schedule that Lee Wetherington Homes demands. THE COMPLETE PRICE The Lee Wetherington Homes’ Complete Price gives homebuyers the comfort of knowing they won’t be surprised by options and add-ons — the bottom line is the bottom line. The homebuyer chooses options prior to signing a contract. So the contract price is the “complete price,” unless the homebuyer changes the specifications during the construction phase. Looking for more reasons why Lee Wetherington Homes is the best choice to build your dream home? Go to www. LWHomes.com to find out more about Lee Wetherington Homes’ “Higher Standard of Living.” n S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 | LW MAGAZINE
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THE LAKE CLUB TUSCAN ELEGANCE INTERMINGLED WITH LAKES AND A SPECTACULAR CLUBHOUSE.
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COMMUNITY
SPOTLIGHT
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he beauty of Tuscany is reflected inside the gates of The Lake Club, an exclusive sanctuary set among 1,600 acres of scenic lakes, bridges and winding cobblestone streets. The premier village in Lakewood Ranch, this nationally acclaimed master-planned community boasts the latest in green technology. The Lake Club offers: n A
20,000-square-foot Tuscan-style clubhouse with a beverage bar, fitness center and day spa.
n Two
resort-style pools that offer spectacular lake views and dramatic waterfall features. There’s also a separate children’s pool.
n A
fulltime activities director, who creates and oversees the array of culinary, wellness and enrichment events that are the hallmark of The Lake Club lifestyle.
n Vineyards
that produce The Lake Club-label wines, and a private bar and wine room to relax and unwind with family and friends.
n Gorgeous
parks and sparkling lakes.
n Several
premier golf courses nearby, including Royal Lakes at Country Club East, and King’s Dunes and Cypress Links at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.
n The
Sarasota Polo Club and Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street, which are just minutes away. n
The 20,000-square-foot Tuscanstyle clubhouse at The Lake Club. S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 | LW MAGAZINE
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A Higher Standard Of Living
LWHOMES.COM
Now building in 6 communities from the $600s to the Millions