A New Signature Space

A New SignatureSpace

The distinctive A-frame building that sits at 1709 Frederica Road is a familiar sight to those who live on St. Simons Island. Some recognize it from its years in use as a bank, but many island natives remember its origins as The Clapper Rail. From 1969 through the mid-1980s, Emmy Miner operated this wonderful and unique gift shop

THIS PAGE: The distinctive A-frame building that Signature Properties Group now calls home.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Mr. Miner’s love for natural wood was respected and lovingly preserved from ceiling to floor and in special accent pieces, like this table made from a piece of salvaged cypress estimated to be 600-800 years old.

named for one of the shorebirds she adores. Zaida Clay Harris, Associate Broker/Owner of Signature Properties Group, is one of those with fond memories. “I was friends with the Miners since I was 8-years-old,” she shares. So when Signature transformed the building into their new office space, it was particularly important to them to preserve the Miners’ legacy and “get it right.” To say they succeeded is an understatement.

The first thing you notice as you step through the doors, aside from Office Manager Charlene James’ bright smile, is the warm wood interior and art that depicts the marsh and natural beauty of the island. As you enter the spacious common area, there are sitting areas, conference and meeting rooms with big flat screen TVs, and a cozy counter where agents gather to chat. Rooms are separated by glass partitions marked with the names and silhouettes of various shorebirds like the blue heron and great egret. Hanging lights add a cozy glow. Everything about this space is welcoming.

Charlene and Owner/Managing Broker Mary Jo Prater point out various details as they move through the completely redesigned space. Mr. Miner was passionate about the natural beauty of wood and that love was carefully preserved and carried throughout, from the cedar beams of the frame to the custom stained floor below. Accents include showpieces like an old barn beam mantel, a table made from a salvaged piece of 600–800-year-old cypress and another from gorgeous reclaimed cedar. Orchid arrangements by Gay Connelly add elegant floral touches. Interior Designer Emmy Temples of Posed worked tirelessly with Signature to achieve the ambiance they desired. She is positively gleeful when she discusses the reclaimed wood used in the design, giving credit to Jim Redden of Wood Warehouse for some truly miraculous finds, and how naturally everything evolved as they embraced the architectural design and structure. The results are truly stunning.

OPPOSITE PAGE: This cozy seating area has a fireplace mantel made from a reclaimed barn beam and table of natural cedar that was sourced locally. LEFT: Owner/Associate Broker Zaida Clay Harris (right) enjoys a moment in the sunny kitchen/break room with Realtor Katy Harris. RIGHT: Owner/Managing Broker Mary Jo Prater proudly shows off her personal office space.

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The move to the new space and the rebranding of this locally owned and operated real estate group was planned during the pandemic, which gave them some time to make the transition. Signature Properties Group opened their doors in March 2003, and they have been a leader in residential real estate listings and sales in the Golden Isles since the very beginning. Over those years, they added approximately 20 additional agents plus a residential property management division that handles both long and short-term rentals. Now, nearly two decades later, it was time for this growing group to refresh! New logo, fresh colors, and new office.

Just as Signature’s agents take the needs of their clients into consideration in real estate transactions, the owners reached out to the agents to find out what they wanted in an office space. Mary Jo says they discovered that the agents wanted indoor and outdoor areas where they could work or relax and more common areas where they could get together. So, now you’ll find an outdoor patio with comfy seating and internet access where the teller window used to be, a kitchen, and plenty of work areas and welcoming spots in which to sit. While the space is designed to be productive, nothing looks stark and utilitarian. Even the former bank vault has been used to their advantage, offering an extra safe storage area for supplies, files and important documents. And according to the owners, their efforts in creating an inviting office paid off. Agents come in more often. They meet clients here, they hang around longer, they network with other agents. Charlene notes, “They’re happy to be here. You can see it.”

Since Signature’s rebranding took place simultaneously with the move to the new office, the décor also reflects their trademark blue and green colors. You’ll see it in the wallpaper, with a fun and colorful design in the kitchen, and lush tropical prints in the bathrooms. The lobby wall that proudly displays the company’s “Love Where You Live” motto and agents of the month was created by Fendig Signs; Premier Printing provides the inserts. This project truly was a community effort, reflecting the company’s own dedication to the Golden Isles and their pride in representing the area. Signature’s new space emphasizes that they truly do embrace their motto in every facet of their lives.

Signature Properties Group offers clients a full-service real estate team that can help them with all their property needs. Their outstanding agents are among the best in the area, with proven results. They are dedicated to providing both buyers and sellers the best possible experience in every aspect of the property transaction process. The company maintains a continuously updated list of residential, commercial, and specialty properties available for buyers. Sellers can be assured that their listings will be prominently featured in the company’s database and will be promoted extensively until a buyer is found. For Signature, customer service is their focus, and it shows.

Everyone is invited to attend Signature’s Open House at 1709 Frederica Road on Monday, September 24 from 4:00-6:00 p.m., A Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony with the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce will take place during the event at 4:30 p.m. Come celebrate with them! To learn more about the company or real estate in the Golden Isles, drop by the new office or visit Signature Properties Group, Inc. at signaturepropertiesgroup.com

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TOP: The faces of Signature Properties Group. ABOVE LEFT: Interior Designer Emmy Temples of Posed played a major part in creating the warm ambiance of the new office. ABOVE MIDDLE: Accomplishments are displayed on this welcome wall created by Fendig Signs and inserts provided by Premier Printing. ABOVE RIGHT: Office Manager Charlene James has been cheerfully welcoming visitors to Signature Properties Group almost since the beginning. OPPOSITE PAGE: Conference/meeting rooms are named for shorebirds in honor of Emily Miner, the building’s owner who originally used the space for her beloved gift shop, The Clapper Rail.