Westlake Living Magazine by FIFTH & KING

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A Course, A Club and A Neighborhood

Living The

Vaquero Lifestyle The Lifestyle The Vaquero lifestyle consists of freedom and relaxation in an environment that once you enter, time slows down. There is more time to spend with family and friends, for playing golf, catching a fish, throwing a party, building a sand castle, rowing a boat and making lifelong memories. It is a lifestyle that provides your family with the simple life, the ability to make the most of each day and enjoy every moment. The Community Privacy and safety are ensured with neighborhood entries that are attended 24 hours a day with access granted by permission of the individual homeowners. Miles of sidewalks are encompassed within the gates of Vaquero for resident walking, running, bicycling and private cart use. The community enforces a low vehicle speed throughout the internal streets. The HOA The HOA consists of a Board of Directors as well as individual committees created to oversee specific areas or community aspects with an office and property manager located on site. Vaquero seeks a strong sense of community while creating an environment that is aesthetically superb, featuring premier architectural home design and quality of construction. To complement the open acres of pastoral rolling hills, rustic Post Oaks and lakes, Vaquero has created design guidelines for residential homes that support the rustic landscape. The Clubhouse The Vaquero Clubhouse is designed to be a comfortable yet luxurious setting in which members live, work & play. Clubhouse amenities service every aspect of members’ lives by providing facilities for everyday use. From dining & shopping to exercise & relaxation, the Clubhouse offers it all. The Golf Course At the heart of Vaquero is a spectacular private golf course created by famed designer Tom Fazio. The course features a classic, playable design that makes artful use of the rolling terrain, shady oaks, quiet ponds and unique sand bunkers. “I believe that golfers will be amazed by the spectacular beauty and quality of Vaquero, I know I am. Vaquero will be considered one of my most dramatic golf courses.” – Tom Fazio

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EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Jeffory D. Blackard ARTISTIC & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR JD Lee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxo Debra Goss xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxo JD Lee

PG 2 THE VAQUERO LIFESTYLE

It is a lifestyle that provides your family with the simple life, the ability to make the most of each day and enjoy every moment PG 5 A SHORT HISTORY OF WESTALKE

A brief timeline of the events that have shaped the history of the Town of Westlake PG 6 THE VISION INSIDE OF THE DEVELOPER

Inside the world of Jeffory D. Blackard, an international real estate developer PG 8 A HANDS-ON HIGH-ENERGY CEO

Deal maker Merdhad Moeyadi and his team at Centurian American is leading the way in Texas

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxo PRODUCTION / DESIGN FIFTHKING MEDIA www.fifthking.com ADVERTISING / MARKETING Adriatica Living Magazine www.westlakelivingmag.com © 2013 WESTLAKE LIVING MAGAZINE ALL R IGHTS RESERVED WORLDWIDE The title and all material within are protected by international copyright laws and are reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s permission. Although the greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this magazine at the time of going to press, neither Westlake Living Magazine nor FIFTHKING MEDIA can be held liable for omissions, inexactness or errors.

FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT:

Westlake Living Magazine 401 Adriatica Parkway McKinney, Texas 75070 Ph: 972.540.0304 www.westlakelivingmag.com web: facebook.com/westlakeliving

PG 10 SHE’S THE MAYOR HE’S THE MANAGER

How Mayor Laura Wheat and Town Manager Tom Brymer work together to help make the Town of Westlake a better place PG 16 A SPANISH VILLAGE COMING TO AMERICA

So you’ve always dreamed of visiting Spain? Introducing Grenada Entrada - a real authentic Spanish Village being built in the Town of Westlake PG 20 10 YEARS OLD - WESTLAKE ACADEMY

When excellence is the standard, it’s no surprise when you rank near the top of the class

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ON THE COVER: xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox Photography by xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxo

A Short History on the Town of

Westlake Early History The Town of Westlake was settled by Charles and Matilda Medlin when they arrived in the area with about 20 other families in 1847. They initially settled along Denton Creek but moved south to higher ground after weathering ferocious floods from the creek. Until 1997, the three-story Medlin barn was a local historic landmark. When it had to be removed for safety issues, it was believed to be 130 years old. Legends include those of Sam Bass and Bonnie and Clyde hiding in the barn.

1950s In 1956, Dallas lawyer Glen Turner purchased about 2,000 acres along State Highway 114. The area came to be known as Circle T Ranch. Soon after, ranches and homeowners in the surrounding community incorporated, taking the name Westlake. The area included what is known today as Westlake, plus the area north, to the northern shore of Denton Creek. This northern land was later disannexed from Westlake and formed Trophy Club. By 1952, Denton Creek was dammed and Lake Grapevine was formed. 1970s In the early 1970s, Houston developers Johnson and Loggins and professional golfer Ben Hogan approached Westlake about building a golf course, country club, and a housing development. Residents' interests differed. In 1973, Westlake disannexed that area, clearing the way for the upscale housing development.

In the mid 1970s, the Circle T Ranch was purchased by oil millionaire Nelson Bunker Hunt. The ranch became known for its glamorous parties attended by celebrities from all over the world. By 1989, Hunt had declared bankruptcy and the ranch was up for sale. It was purchased by Ross Perot Jr. in 1993. Recent History In the mid 1980s, IBM built Solana, the multi use office complex. IBM maintained a large presence until the mid 1990's. At that time, several of the office buildings became available for use by other corporations. Eventually, IBM sold its partnership interest. In 1997, to the dismay of residents, there was an attempt to dissolve the Town of Westlake. Many court battles, including appeals to the Texas Supreme Court, were waged as emotions rose.

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effory D. Blackard is an American businessman, real estate developer, world traveler, and visionary. He is the President and CEO of Blackard Global, Inc. as well as the Founding Partner of Building Villages, LLC. Beginning his Real Estate career in Dallas-Fort Worth in 1981, Mr. Blackard has developed over 30 Master Planned Communities with over 15,000 single-family home sites. In addition to an early focus on single-family home site development, Mr. Blackard has covered the gamut of the real estate arena by acquiring and/or developing projects including: commercial centers, office parks, multi-family flats, recreational and amenity centers, condos and villas, patio home communities, row homes, town homes, luxury estates, towers, manufacturing facilities, industrial parks, houses of worship, retail centers, education facilities, hotels and resorts, restaurants, marinas and golf courses. Blackard Entities have also been responsible for tens of millions of dollars in public/private infrastructure projects such as: water and sewer treatment plants, structured parking systems, underpasses and bridges. Mr. Blackard is also a partner in the most anticipated resort development project in Europe, Croatian Dream. Through his years of extensive world travel and research, Mr. Blackard has become an expert on the evolution process of a village. Over time, he developed a sense of awareness on how the Euclidean development patterns, typical in America, had actually segregated society and had torn it apart at the very fabric of communities. After spending several years traveling abroad and managing his interests in a Croatian resort, Mr. Blackard had an epiphany: “Our zoning constructs have taken society away from its natural evolution; the village. Villages have evolved over thousands of years and embody how people were meant to live together.” As a result, Mr. Blackard decided to recreate a true European village.

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This is now being realized in Adriatica, a $350 million vertically integrated, mixed-use development located in the heart of McKinney, Texas. Adriatica takes its inspiration from the Croatian fishing village of Supetar on the island of Brac, where Mr. Blackard owned interests in the resort hotel and village on the island. Through years of work and exquisite planning, Adriatica has become the prototype of the most revolutionary concept in real estate development, Neoretroism; the advancement of the philosophy which advocates the recreation of old world culture in a modern day development environment. Now that Neoretroism is well into the incubation stage, Mr. Blackard’s goal is to revolutionize the design and development world by applying successful historic community characteristics, which contributes to a sustainable and healthier world for future generations. His passion is the foundational cornerstone for his latest real estate venture, Building Villages, LLC. Mr. Blackard’s interests include a lasting commitment to protect the environment, having once been awarded the National Wetland Conservation Award. Mr. Blackard’s projects give meticulous attention to the needs of people with disabilities and physical challenges. He was once awarded the Developer of the Year Award by Accessology Too, LLC. Outside of the world of real estate, Mr. Blackard exhibits a passion for spreading hope throughout the world by giving both resources and time to charitable ventures. He founded Amazon Outreach to take the Gospel to the most remote regions of the Amazon Basin. He then spearheaded the construction of the Linda Esperanza, a 100-foot riverboat equipped with medical and dental facilities. By doing this, he was able to provide aid to the most inaccessible native tribes. Mr. Blackard is also involved with the Christian mission’s organization, E3 Partners, and has traveled to over 20 countries on five continents, ministering to a variety of people from orphaned children to Heads of State. Blackard’s influence extends to the political realm, being regularly called upon by Presidents and Prime Ministers for consultation. With expertise in how communities, economies and people develop, he continues to act in an advisory role for international Heads of State, as well as a variety of State and Local politicians and businessmen in the United States.

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ehrdad Moayedi has more than 25 years of hands-on experience in the development industry. With a background in construction and real estate, Mr. Moayedi clearly brings a well-rounded approach to each Centurion development. Mr. Moayedi has intimate knowledge of the interconnection of all parts of the project giving a unique advantage over other residential developers. By forming JBM Development in 1986, Mr. Moayedi completed several construction and fee development projects on Northeast Tarrant County subdivisions as well as various construction and remodeling projects. JBM Development along with Centurion American Custom Homes formed Centurion American Development Group in 1990. The company has become richly diversified, with residential developments ranging from upscale high-rise residential towers to affordable housing communities for first-time buyers. This high-energy CEO has the skill to effectively and efficiently work with local government agencies and align with the best in the industry to secure prime development opportunities in Texas. And along with the dedication of the Centurion Team, the future looks bright for Mehrdad Moayedi. www.WestlakeLivingMag.com | 9

Town Mayor Laura Wheat and Town Manager Tom Brymer are working together to help make Westlake a better place to live, work and play

estlake is known as the place where the cross timbers meet the prairie and holds tales of settlers from the Peters Colony, Indian treaties signed by Sam Houston, great archaeological treasures, and some of the oldest settlements in North Texas. The region has always been known for its natural bounty, its trade value, and its wonderful people. The Town of Westlake and northeast Tarrant County have maintained these distinctions over the years, becoming one of the most desirable and sought after areas to live in America.

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estlake offers a variety of restaurants. Located off Highway 114, just minutes from your doorstep, Solana houses some of the area's best dining options, including classic French-American, fresh Tex-Mex, traditional Italian, and famous Chicago-style deli.

estlake has multiple venues to satisfy ones entertainment needs. The annual Westlake Community Tree Lighting event has become a standard with over 200 people in attendance this past year. Other events include the town’s annual Decoration Da, which is the community’s tradition of recognizing the brave men and women who serve this great nation, both past and present. It has become one of Westlake’s most memorable events.

estlake is also well surrounded by several excellent retail shopping options. From Grapevine Mills Mall, to North East Mall, to the amazing Southlake Town Square, Westlake has something for every shopper. Some of the best names in manufacturer and retail outlets are housed in the retail disctrict of Westalake, and Southlake Town Square sits as the centerpiece of northeast Tarrant County, serving the Dallas/Metroplex.

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estlake participates in the Master Works Concert Series - spring and fall - featuring the talent of local, regional, and national artists featuring instrumental and vocal music. Concerts are free to the general public. The Arts community is reflective of the pioneering spirit of those who founded the community and today it serves as a proud standard of the quality of life in Westlake.

estlake is home to several communities, all of which share a commitment to excellence but possess unique character and charm. Aspen Lane, Glenwyck Farms, Mahotea Boone, Paigebrook Farms, Stagecoach Hills, Terra Bella, Vaquero, Wyck Hill (formerly the Estates of Westlake) and the soon to be developed Granada Entrada, an authentic Spanish themed village, by the Blackard Group, all offer their own unique styles for Westlake residents to enjoy.

estlake Citizens really treasure local events that give them the opportunity for fellowship with friends and neighbors. One of the main attractions is Glenwyck Park. The park at Glenwyck Farms is 13.5 acres of open space with a variety of 60 foot oak and pecan trees. The park is located at 106 Fair Oaks Drive,and includes a running brook, three rustic bridges, and a paved walking path. Throw in a mix of pro sports to get a sense of the offerings within the region no more than a 30-minute drive from Westlake.

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"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" "At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga. Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio. Nam libero tempore, cum soluta nobis est eligendi optio cumque nihil impedit quo minus id quod maxime placeat facere possimus, omnis voluptas assumenda est, omnis dolor repellendus. Temporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet ut et voluptates repudiandae sint et molestiae non recusandae. Itaque earum rerum hic tenetur a sapiente asperiores repellat."

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ased upon my professional career experience, I have become convinced that those cities and towns with the brightest future are those that are knowledge-based. Specifically, I am referring to communities those communities that treat the acquisition and development of knowledge by their citizens as an asset that must be pursued with passion and rigor in order to advance their community's quality of life. Westlake has an immediate advantage in this arena; it owns its own school! Not only does Westlake own its public charter school, but it has built Westlake Academy on the International Baccalaureate curriculum which stresses inductive learning by encouraging our students to ask "who, what, why, where, and how". If you are considering Westlake Academy for the first time, my hope is that you will seriously consider all it has to offer your child in its holistic curriculum and extra-curricular activities for grades K-12.

If you currently have children in Westlake Academy, please know that as the Academy's Superintendent, I consider it vital to stay in touch with you and hear how you feel we can make a great school even better. More than that, I appreciate the confidence you have shown in the Academy by entrusting your most precious possession, your children, to us as we partner with you in their education. Successful schools require a great team. I am proud of the great team we have at Westlake Academy comprised of our students, parents, faculty, Board of Trustees, and community partners. Westlake Academy is a vital part of the very bright future that Westlake has as a premier knowledge-based community. Welcome and please do not hesitate to let me know how we can serve you and your children in the best manner possible. Tom Brymer Town Manager/Superintendent

Westlake Academy

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