Journal

May 12, 2011

AN ADDRESS FOR THE TAKING

Posted by Rick Pariani in News

DVR_Commercial_RealestateAt the gateway to our St. Augustine golf course community there is a remarkable property – amazingly, still available. The parcel, #8.1, is 4.31 acres in size, located at the terminus of Town Center Court. Featuring three sides interfaced with forested, high-quality Conservation Lands, the parcel offers a beautifully serene environment for most any office use.

I encourage you to imagine what it would be like to have this premier location for your business. The arrival to your building starts with the tailored and manicured entranceway to World Golf Village, just off of the very-safe-and-easy-to-negotiate World Golf Village I95 Interchange (Exit 323).  At the intersection of International Golf Parkway and WGV Boulevard your arrival sequence unfolds with magnificent vistas over the #3 Fairway of the Slammer & Squire Golf Course. Turning into the Village, you proceed over the signature, stone-clad and illuminated arrival bridge. You then immediately encounter the graceful, shady canopies of the street tree Live Oaks framing WGV Boulevard. You follow the ingenious, unified signage designs that help direct and clarify your path. In a moment, you arrive at the first right turn into East Town Center. Continuing between the Double Eagle Building and the landmark, arts and crafts inspired, Davidson Realty Building, you turn onto Town Center Court, which leads you directly into your private realm. (more…)

April 18, 2011

WORTH THE TRIP – Thomasville, Georgia

cfiles17809I find that well within the comfortable 3-hour-driving-radius of our community you can gain great experiences at a variety of memorable places. One such place is Thomasville, Georgia – an easy and direct trip, due west of Jacksonville and a beautiful drive north from Tallahassee.

Historic Thomasville is known as the City of Roses. You will experience it as the place where history and heritage is infused with grace and charm. Thomasville was established on December 22, 1826 as the new county seat of Thomas County. The railroad reached Thomasville in 1861 and shortly after the War Between The States the town became known as the “Winter Resort of the South”. The Thomasville experience provided a healthy and lavish resort lifestyle, wrapped up and delivered with the best Southern hospitality.  The town’s brand-new, luxurious, electrified and plumbed, resort hotels regularly hosted America’s wealthiest industrialists, their families and their guests. They came to enjoy and actively socialize over hunting, fishing, horse racing, bicycling, golf and auto excursions on the first circumferential perimeter road in the country. As tales of the town’s prominence and allure spread, many of the annually-returning guests began to build their own in-town “cottages”, designed and decorated by celebrated New York and Chicago architects. The most wealthy and ambitious ones built their own out-lying “plantations” – which were much more “sporting estate” than farm. The discerning lifestyles of both the year-rounders and the winter snow-birds combined to create an enduring sense of place that still characterizes the town. (more…)

February 10, 2011

Winter – On My Own Terms

Posted by Rick Pariani in Nature

Aerial 2 with Hall of FameIt is true, December 2010 went down as the coldest December on record in many parts of Florida – at least according to some of the weather experts and as reported by a host of weather-celebrities vying to be the next Wolf Blitzer or Anderson Cooper. Evidence abounds in everyone’s garden – massive amounts of winter-burn and die-back has occurred in both ornamental and foundation plantings. Folks have had to pour hot water over their windshields a few early mornings for de-icing and actually wear their coats to work, in their cars, no less. But – if truth be told – the episodes are very short lived and interspersed with beautiful blue sky days with the freshest air anyone could breathe – perfect for enjoying the out-of-doors.

I actually like winter – but definitely on my own terms – not on a daily basis. My daughter works in Manhattan and has had to experience severe ice, snow and winter-wind events – some of the worst on record in New York City. In fact, the New York / New England winter of ‘10/’11 may yet go down as the most fierce on record. Allison wrote the other day to say that when she stepped outside in the morning to walk her 5 blocks to the subway station it was 5 degrees outside. She says that one of the most difficult things to traverse is each street intersection and pedestrian crossing – because it is sometimes impossible to tell how deep or liquid the standing slush is up against the curb (you want it to be more solid to support your steps and to stay dry). The occurrence of black ice is another worrisome hazard. Dressing for the day requires many layers – which have to be adjusted each time she ventures out or returns inside. Using the subway system, as most folks do in Manhattan, means bundling up for the walk – then sitting damp and wet (from the snow, ice and sludge) inside of over-heated train-cars. Once everyone piles in – the cars get all fogged up. People leave all of their coats, layers, gloves and hats on since they have to depart back out into the cold for the next walk to their destination. When you re-enter a heated building you have to immediately take off all the winter gear – only to discover that your internal layers are damp with sweat and now you are cold again. It is almost impossible to regulate your body temperature and ward off colds and the flu. Yes, on a daily basis, winter can be a real drag. (more…)

January 7, 2011

Commercial Hindsight = Future Success

Posted by Rick Pariani in News

Aerial 2 with Hall of FameIn the initial programming of land use at World Golf Village, we planned for and secured 5,540,000 square feet of mixed use development rights. Those rights include 583,000 square feet of commercial use, 2,493,000 square feet of office use and 2,464,000 square feet of industrial use. In addition to the mixed-use rights, there are 1,225 hotel rooms available for construction at World Golf Village. As is the case with most planned communities, services, businesses and commercial development “follows the rooftops”.

The St. Augustine golf course community commenced construction in 1996 with the privately-funded, privately-built I-95 Interchange (now “Exit 323”). Over the past 14 years of development, many stores, offices, hotel rooms and mixed-use establishments have been built in the community – offering great service and convenience for both residents and guests. At the start of a new decade, the residential components of the community have reached the mid-way, build-out threshold. Along with approximately 3,650 more residential units yet to build, we have tremendous office, industrial and mixed-use development opportunities (“commercial”) to follow on.

The World Golf Village commercial opportunities are on advantageously located lands that have been complimented with beautifully designed and implemented infrastructure. The commercial sites are easily accessible and some are highly-visible from the passing interstate traffic. All of the commercial properties are secured through controlled adjacencies with high-quality development standards and are graced with the continuity of a comprehensively-designed unified sign program. From an “addressing” and “association” stand-point, the commercial opportunities are superb; second to none in the region. (more…)

December 27, 2010

FORGET YOUR MOJO – GET THE “WANT-TO”

Posted by Rick Pariani in News

rickThe other evening I was listening to the end-of-season wrap-up analysis about the records of my favorite SEC college football teams. You know the kind; how games were determined by controlling the line or running the ball or time of possession or the big play or the trick play or ball-control or by minimizing penalties or playing to the end and being in the game until the last second. Usually, one of the commentators will mention that the best teams won by scoring more points, really. Sometimes they will acknowledge that the players were “coached-up”. Rarely, does the twelfth man get any of the credit – since all big-time college teams almost always sell-out their stadiums anyway.

Yet, there is still room for novel insight in the prognosticating arena. Witness this sage comment by an analyst who was using multi-syllabic words to convey his sports acumen when he stuttered out that his winning team had the “want-to” more than its opponent. Yes, the “want-to”.

I got to thinking how the want-to would be a great thing to cultivate during the Holidays and apply into the New Year.

I got the want-to to pay off all my 2010 bills before 2011. I got the want-to to start the New Year with great, ambitious goals – attainable with the right amount of want-to. I got the want-to to be healthy, wealthy and wise next year – but will settle for losing weight and exercising by using my want-to to succeed. I got the want-to to be more than I can be if I can just keep up my want-to. I want all my friends and family to get the want-to to want to help one another, since 2011 will no doubt challenge our collective want-to. I got the want-to to get comfortable with not wanting anything (material) and to continue wanting peace and prosperity for all.

I hope you get the want-to too and that your want-to will work for you.

December 20, 2010

Holidays in World Golf Village

WGV EntranceThis Holiday Season marks my 14th in North Florida. The best advantage of being able to host the Holidays here is that everyone wants to come. The weather is usually superb – the air is dry – the sky is blue and the good cheer flows.
 
While raising a family on the Holiday trail has its own joy – nothing beats being able to sit tight – and let the party come to you. No long pat-down lines – or surcharges on extra luggage and Christmas packages means that you can actually give a loved one something other than a gift card. No tail-gating at 80 mph – or extra sanitizing after frequenting public restrooms means that you can actually prepare and enjoy the cocktail hour when guests arrive. I remember when the Holidays were “work” – shuttling the children between the grandparents, making sure that everyone had equal face time. Now, the beauty and allure of where we live is what brings everyone here – and the memories get better and better.
 
Start with the typical Holiday weather – cool and dry with the French doors open wide and a fire on the hearth. Entertaining on the lanai, in the garden or on the pool deck is a wonderful way to capitalize on our local attributes. You can even try letting the children “camp-out” in the yard around the fire tray while the adults get some relief. You will also find this to be an excellent opportunity to show off the “summer” kitchen – since the Holiday season is perfect for outdoor cooking and dining. (more…)

October 13, 2010

The Home Landscape Hobby

Posted by Rick Pariani in Nature

woman-gardening-186A hobby-approach to your home landscape can be very rewarding. It can be stimulating from the perspective of design-exploration; providing you with the opportunity to research and consider myriad potentials for enhancement. It can be the very best method of boosting the entertainment value and market desirability of your home. It is always an aerobic work-out and as such, a very healthy way to invest a little sweat-equity. The very act of implementing change and making visible and tangible improvements is also good for the soul – blessing you with the feeling of getting something accomplished through your own efforts.

cal1jpgI recommend that you first take a global approach – prepare a rough, conceptual plan for all areas of your yard – including the hardscape elements, such as the driveway, pathway, terraces, pool features, fencing and other embellishments. Dream big and don’t be constrained by this year’s budget. Try to look at all of the things that you and your family would like to achieve and sketch them out in the best arrangement. Create a “big-picture” that can inspire you to action. Walk around your grounds and imagine what they could be – drawing from the memory of those places you have visited and how they made you feel. Tour your neighborhood with a keen eye – looking for things that “work”; for compositions that seem pleasing to your eye; for plants and plant groupings that are flourishing in their place. Conduct your tour on foot or on bicycle – and make sure to do it in the morning light – the mid-day light and the evening light – taking note of the changes. Take photographs – but make sure your neighbors don’t mind or think you a bit strange. (more…)

September 2, 2010

Quality Makes Place

Posted by Rick Pariani in Nature

WGV AerialFrom inception, World Golf Village was developed with a commitment to quality. Quality is the hallmark that distinguishes every aspect of life at World Golf Village, from the beautiful panoramas over undisturbed and protected preservation lands to the greeting of guests and level of care and service from any WGV establishment. WGV Entrance
 
The design plan for the communities of World Golf Village in the balance between the built environments and the natural environments. Every aspect of the design plan enhances the existing, natural attributes of the World Golf Village properties. The Neighborhoods of the World Golf Village exhibit a unifying, architectural theme of quality portrayed through the comfortable blend of different styles and preferences of its residents and business owners. The portals to the community are distinctly designed to establish a high-quality, unique image – to set the tone and character of the community upon arrival. World Golf Village employs a Unified Sign Plan, purposefully designed to create continuity of messaging throughout the various neighborhoods and commercial areas. The consistent design expression of quality helps to unite the destination points and clarify wayfinding for both visitors, owners, employees and residents. The infrastructure of World Golf Village was installed with much care and quality so that utilities are safely coursed underground.
 
King & Bear 2004 photos 001 smallA major feature of the community – the one that shapes the place-making of World Golf Village – is the landscape and streetscape design quality. Thousands of trees were planted to blend with and compliment the natural setting and Live Oaks were planted on major boulevards and parkways to shelter and shade the roadways and pedestrian pathways. First impressions of World Golf Village are often described as like being in a park – one where the open spaces are shaped and protected by the adjoining forests. (more…)

August 4, 2010

2011 World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Hall of Fame exterior 2The World Golf Foundation recently announced that the next World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held at the World Golf Village on Monday, May 9, 2011.  The ceremony’s date is very fortunate and strategic, as it is targeted to kick off the week of festivities and competition of The Players Championship on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass.  The direct tie-in between the world-famous, globally-broadcast Players Championship and the sport’s Hall of Fame and Shrine induction should be of great benefit for all aspects of the game, the region and our community.
 
The announcement was made on July 22 by Jack Peter, World Golf Foundation COO and Tim Finchem, PGA TOUR Commissioner. Jack Peter said, “Staging the annual Induction Ceremony in the heart of the golf season, just before one of golf’s most thrilling events, is a great opportunity for the Hall of Fame.” The World Golf Foundation is also keen about developing and scheduling other related events and activities, wrapped around that timeframe, that can extend the appeal and relevance of the induction
 
A few years ago, the PGA TOUR was successful in moving the famed Players Championship from March to May. Doing so, created a stand-alone platform for the event and eliminated any interpretation that it was a warm-up to the Masters. Now, the golf season features a 5 month series of showcase, major tournaments, from April to August, comprised of; The Masters in April, The Players Championship in May, The US Open Championship in June, The Open Championship in July and The PGA Championship in August. (more…)

June 10, 2010

World Golf Village’s Other Side

Posted by Rick Pariani in Nature

SKMBT_C35210061013500When you look at a map of the greater World Golf Village area, ever wonder what all those curvaceous creeks are like?  Well, it is simple to channel that wonder into an easy exploration, for most of the larger creeks in our area are beautifully serene and old-Florida wild.
 
Two of the best creeks for a paddle excursion are right at the doorstep to the World Golf Village.  One of them, Six Mile Creek, forms the western boundary of the King & Bear and Heritage Landing neighborhoods.  Six Mile Creek, along with its sister, Trout Creek, flow into the St. Johns River at their confluence with Palmo Cove.  In the 1800’s both creeks enabled loggers to gain access to harvest prime timber and raft it out to the broad St. Johns River, eventually delivering it to the mills in Jacksonville.  Today, the creeks offer a pristine glimpse into the flora and fauna that so intrigued the Bartram’s during their discoveries in the late 1700’s.
 
For starters, I suggest a half-day of boating that will reveal the unique character and quality of both Six Mile Creek and Trout Creek, while providing a window to the St. Johns River’s majesty.
 
There are two ways to do my suggested trip.  For an out-and-back trip, try putting in at the St. Johns County Trout Creek boat ramp on SR 16 / SR 13 – paddling out from there and returning to the same location.  Optionally, you can set up a shuttle with one car at the Outback Crab Shack on CR 13 – that way you can put in at Trout Creek and take out at the Crab Shack (after your lunch or dinner – just tell Ms. Margaret, Joe or David that you are leaving your car, before you depart). (more…)

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