First Impressions

First Impressions

A Florida Landscape Architecture Team Has Used Intricate Designs To Draw In New residents To A Large Orlando Developement

Palm Line View at the Visitor Center Park

Project Details:

Build time: Project design started 2017; construction began in 2019. Phase One construction (main entrance and sales center) was completed spring 2020 | Size of project: 700 acres

A Vista by the Model Center Office

The south is booming with new residents who want to enjoy warmer weather and southern hospitality. The residential market grows more competitive with each new wave of people, especially in larger cities. So, developers must make a strong first impression to attract renters and buyers and to stand out among their competition. Arguably, nothing does that better than an impressive outdoor space.

A new living community is under construction on the southeast side of Orlando, called Del Webb Sunbridge. The residential community, for “active seniors” aged 55 and older, will have roughly 1,300 single family homes on 700 acres. The property is just west of the St. Johns River basin, and homes back up to wetland conservation areas.

Construction on the project launched in 2017, and crews completed Phase 1 in spring 2020. The developer, PulteGroup, invested in the community’s outdoor aesthetics early in the project, hoping to draw in new buyers as the community grows. It asked landscape architects from Foster Conant & Associates, Inc. to create a powerful statement that visitors will see as soon as they arrive. Partners Richard Conant and Matthew Allen led the team to design a multi-level waterfall feature that greets guests at the property entrance.

“The residential growth that we are experiencing in Florida right now is phenomenal, and home builders have stepped up their projects to keep up with the market,” said Rick Conant. “On this project, developers spent a lot of money to create an impressive entrance and sales center. This is the first thing a prospective buyer will see when they visit the new community.”

The waterfall feature flows north, a tribute to the St, Johns River which is the only river in North America to flow in this direction. The design team replicated and protected the natural environment throughout the property. They kept as many trees as possible that were

This is the first thing a prospective buyer will see when they visit the new community

growing before construction began, and even saved one of the largest sand live oaks Rick has seen in years.

“To save trees in this area of Florida is a tremendous challenge on most projects,” said Rick. “As a landscape architect, we see acres of beautiful trees go down for developments all the time.

The Guardhouse Lighting at Night Time

“Usually, new property contains some wetlands, so engineers have to elevate the land for drainage by two to three feet for buildings and all the trees have to come down. Remarkably, we were able to save a large patch of existing trees at the main entrance.”

The team planted hundreds of palms, supplied by Fish Branch Tree Farm and Griffin Tree Farm in Florida. Live oak trees line the main boulevard that goes through the center of the property. “It feels nice and full, already looking better than when it was just a big cleared site.”

Del Webb BLVD, Walkway with Seating

Foster Conant & Associates, Inc. has worked on many large residential developments during its 50 years in business.

To save trees in this area of Florida is a tremendous challenge on most projects

The team has a wide portfolio, though, serving public, private and even federal groups in the United States and the Caribbean. The team of seven professionals say their goal is to inspire people, provide function, and create memorable places.

Waterfall Area During Construction

The Del Webb Sunbridge will certainly be a place to make memories. When construction wraps up, the property will feature a number of amenities, including a large community center with a restaurant and bar, an outdoor amphitheater, tennis and pickleball courts, and even an resistance pool. The water will push against the swimmers, giving a little resistance to give a lot of exercise. There will also be medical staff on site to assist older residents when necessary.

Aerial View of Entrance During Construction

Partners & Suppliers

Landscape architect (landscape, hardscape, irrigation fountain, lighting design)

Foster Conant & Associates

www.fosterconant.com

Architect (Guardhouse)

STG Design

www.stgdesign.com

General contractor

JK2 Construction

jk2.com/construction/

Fountain design

Freeport Fountains

www.freeportfountains.com

Precast for vertical walls and wall caps

D.C. Kerckhoff

www.kerckhoffstone.com

Landscape Installation

CherryLake

www.cherrylake.com

Palm supplier

Griffin Tree Farms

www.griffintrees.com

Palm Supplier

Fish Branch Tree Farm

www.fishbranchtreefarm.com

Pavers

Belgard

www.belgard.com

Lighting

Street Lighting

Evolve Epic by GE Palm

Tree Uplights

Eaton Lighting Specimen

Tree Uplights

RAB Lighting

Irrigation

Rainbird controlled by ESP-LXD Control System

Rainbird heads