June 2011 has been one of the most active months for real estate sales and home closings the World Golf Village area of Northeast Florida has seen in quite awhile.  Several new construction projects in World Golf Village are also encouraging and the May 2011 home sales inventory was down over 25% from May 2010. “June has been our strongest sales month in nearly five years, with the most closings we’ve seen in any month since 2007,” says Sherry Davidson, president of Davidson Realty, the leading real estate company serving the Neighborhoods of World Golf Village and nearby St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach and Jacksonville.

New construction is also ramping up in the St. Augustine, Florida master-planned golf community. More upscale coach home units are being built in Laterra Links and more units are also underway in The Cascades, an active adult retirement community.  Developers recently acquired the previously stalled Isle of the Worlds neighborhood and units there are being completed.  Additionally, two estate home lots sold recently in Waterbury and Heritage Cove, new custom homes in Windmill Estates and The Crest are nearing completion and another custom home will break ground soon in Waterbury.

For the first time, The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Convention Center has received the American Automobile Association’s highly coveted AAA Four Diamond rating for 2011. The honor is achieved by less than 4% of properties. “We are truly pleased to be recognized with this very prestigious distinction,” said Jeffrey Oliasami, general manager of the resort. “The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort is now part of a very elite group of hotels to have earned this rating, and we’re very proud of our team for accomplishing this great feat.”

To receive the AAA Four Diamond rating, a lodging establishment must consistently reflect upscale and extraordinary characteristics in both physical attributes and level of guest services. To achieve the distinction, the AAA inspector determines that the property meets Four Diamond guidelines, and then the property is evaluated by an anonymous inspector who reviews the property in 12 critical service areas, which includes measurement of over 300 guest interaction points.

The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Convention Center was also recently honored with the Medical Meetings M&D Award. Did you know that the property is the largest hotel and convention facility between Orlando and Atlanta? There’s over 86,000 square feet of function space conveniently situated along the village walk next to the World Golf Hall of Fame and the IMAX Entertainment Complex.

But with all the good things that are happening at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village, the resort refuses to rest on its laurels.  According to General Manager Jeffrey Oliasami, the Renaissance will continue to make guest-friendly changes and introduce new amenities that enhance the property and guest experience. Some of the latest changes and near future enhancements include:

NEW!  The resort now offers complimentary airport transportation to/from the Jacksonville International Airport on group’s peak arrival and departure dates – for new group business booked after April 2011
 
NEW!  Complimentary shuttle to/from historic St. Augustine is offered for individual guests – seating is limited and based on availability
 
COMING SOON!  A total patio renovation with extensive, state-of-the-art – and over-the-top! – upgrades will bring an additional 15,000+ square feet of outdoor function space.  The project is expected to be completed by September 2011. 

NEW!  The resort pool has been resurfaced and now connects via new walkways to our the new patio
 
NEW!  “The Masters” Board Room is the newest additional meeting room with approximately 450 square feet
 
NEW!  Caffeina’s Marketplace “Proudly serving Starbuck’s Coffee” and Gift Shop (completion early July).  Caffeina’s Marketplace is a coffee house serving grab-and-go foods along with gifts indigenous to St. Augustine.
 
NEW!  On-site Destination Services Department offers group guests a customized and uniquely memorable experience!! 
 
NEW!  Elite and comprehensive in-house Audio-Visual expertise delivers outstanding service, ground-breaking technology and creative solutions for dazzling presentations and winning meetings
 
NEW!  A UPS Store conveniently situated inside the Convention Center will open July 1, 2011

Native Floridian Craig Hartwig knows a thing or two about Florida landscaping. His company North Florida Landscape has been in business since 1962 and he opened The Grounds Guys franchise in March of this year.  To appreciate Hartwig’s handiwork, check out some of the common areas in World Golf Village and The King & Bear.  Hartwig’s team worked with Davidson Development’s Rick Pariani to implement a rustic pastoral design featuring columns of trees and foliage placement to create natural corridors and framed views in the award winning Jacksonville golf course community. He’s also the “go to” guy for many of the best yards in The Neighborhoods of World Golf Village and neighboring golf course communities.

Here’s what we learned recently when we talked with Craig Hartwig.

Your businesses include North Florida Landscape & The Grounds Guys.  What kinds of services does each offer?
North Florida Landscape offers landscape design and installation of new construction, renovations and existing landscapes in Jacksonville, St. Augustine and throughout North Florida. The Grounds Guys, a national franchise, provides landscape management and maintenance, and we service the World Golf Village and northwest St. Johns County areas exclusively.
 
How long have you been in business?
North Florida Landscape has been in business since 1962. My whole family was born and raised in Florida and we’ve been in the Jacksonville area since the late 50’s.  I worked on the landscape and irrigation infrastructure for World Golf Village back when it all began and I fell in love with the area.  My family and I decided to make the area our home and we still love it here.

We opened The Grounds Guys franchise in March 2011 and we’re excited about this new concept in grounds maintenance – providing top-notch professional service with quality controls and state-of-the-art technology.
 
What trends are you seeing in landscaping in our area?
Both nationally and here in Jacksonville and St. Augustine, there is a movement toward more native types of material and less water use. Along these same lines, we’re also seeing a trend towards larger planting areas and less lawn. 

Environmentally friendly pest control is not a new trend but it’s a technology that has vast improved recently and is a very effective option for Jacksonville and St. Augustine homes.  We’re using some products that are organic ground up plant materials which are natural bug repellents – they are a lot safer for the homeowner and the community.

Photo Courtesy of Kirk Chamberlain Studio

A high-functioning office space is equal parts science and style.  Whether it’s 8,000 square feet or 80,000 square feet, commercial space should help employees work efficiently and comfortably, be inviting to clients, reflect the corporate image and be flexible for future growth or business changes. To learn more, we talked with Connie Turner, a leading commercial interior designer based in Jacksonville who recently completed major corporate projects for Adecco and Rayonier and has worked as a consultant on more than 10 airport design projects around the country.

What’s the scope of commercial interior design?
In my practice, it can mean a soup-to-nuts build out where I create the space plan, present CAD drafted floor plans and elevations, develop construction documents and get city approvals, create the furniture plan, present color palette selections, supervise the build-out and deliver a move-in space.  Or, I often work as a consultant alongside building managers, architects, construction managers and other professionals to provide space planning and design.

Do only large corporations need professional design services?
Actually, I work with both medium and large companies – any business that’s looking to maximize its space and ensure it’s going to work well for their specific needs.  I’ve done spaces as small as 1,500 square feet and as large as 150,000 square feet.

When should a company seek your help?
Occasionally I help companies rethink their existing space and rework it to better meet their needs and update the design.  More and more, companies come to me very early in the process – when they are outgrowing space or they are thinking about moving for better lease rates.  I help them determine their “shopping number” – the amount of square footage they need to meet their current requirements and ensure they have room to grow. 

In the case of Davidson Realty, I worked with them very early on which was a unique opportunity because we actually developed a space plan that the building was then designed around.  Jim and Sherry Davidson wanted to rethink typical work cubicles and create a space where both clients and employees would feel “at home”. The result was this residential inspired U-shaped space with several small “living rooms” where clients could meet with agents or builders in a relaxed, inviting environment.  The courtyard at Davidson was Rick Pariani’s inspiration and is a real standout – it extends the building’s public space, reflects the residential feel, marries the outdoors with the interior space and epitomizes the quality lifestyle inherent in The Neighborhoods of World Golf Village where Davidson Realty makes its home.

Our A-rated St. Johns County school system is one of the biggest draws for young families moving to the World Golf Village and north St. Johns County area. Even with decreasing budgets and continued threats of more budget cuts, our schools remain some of the best in Florida and even the country. With that excellent reputation for quality education comes lots of families and increased demand on our schools. An expansion at Mill Creek Elementary School and a new elementary school in Palencia will help ease the influx and keep up with growth.

The new two-story expansion at Mill Creek Elementary School is nearly complete and will welcome new students at the start of the 2011/2012 school year. Sixteen new classrooms are housed in the state-of-the-art facility which features the latest technology and a flexible design plan that allows for functional breakout spaces.

Recently, the St. Johns County School Board unveiled its plans for a new $16 million elementary school in Palencia. Plans call for the school to be ready for the 2013/2014 school year. Approximately 700 students are expected to attend to the K-5 school. The new school will also help alleviate stress on Mill Creek Elementary which currently serves more than 1,000 students. “There’s been quite a bit of growth in the area. Probably the greatest amount of stress is on Mill Creek Elementary and some other schools in the area,” said Tim Forson, associate superintendent for operational services. The school will be situated next to Palencia Park on about 8 acres.

I’ve taken my eagle vision for granted for far too long.  Goading my kid sister about having to wear glasses in second grade (I’ve matured since then).  Bragging to my own children that they are blessed with perfect vision thanks to great genes from yours truly.  So I guess it was just a matter of time before my obnoxiousness caught up with me. Blame it on good ole fashioned aging but my eyesight is starting to falter.  Small type gets blurry, especially towards the end of the day or when I’m trying to play Scrabble on my iPhone or, in fact, as I’m writing this blog in 11 point font.  For now my drugstore readers are fine but a proper eye exam is in my near future.  So, I asked around among my contact and eyeglass wearing friends about an eye doctor.  The hands-down recommendation was the Eye Center of St. Augustine.

Located at our very own West Town Place at World Golf Village, the Eye Center of St. Augustine is a full-service facility offering optometry and ophthalmology care.  The physicians of Eye Center specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disease such as cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and retinal disease. Physicians in the practice include Paul W. Hund, III, M.D.; Todd P. Thompson, M.D.; Patrick Hale, M.D.; Elizabeth K. McLeod, M.D.; Michael A. Dagostino, O.D., and Todd Hockett, O.D., FAAO.

Renowned worldwide for our courses – the King & Bear and Slammer & Squire – our World Golf Village community is one infused with golf. Davidson Development’s Vice President Rick Pariani who was instrumental in the design of World Golf Village, and Cathy Harbin, Director of Golf 20/20 World Golf Foundation, discuss the creation of golf in the “village.” This fascinating webinar provides a behind-the-scenes look at how World Golf Village’s esteemed courses were designed and built, including insights into the one-time-only collaboration of Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

Click to view part 2 of this video

I think all of us who live in the World Golf Village area are already a little spoiled having more than 80 outlet stores less than 10 minutes away!  But who doesn’t want to spoil loved ones at least a little bit on the sweetest day of the year?  Between the “mall shops” at St. Augustine Premium Outlets on the west side of I-95 and the higher end designer Prime Outlets on the east side, there are countless ways you can show the love this Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank.  Here are a few of our favorite gift ideas for all your sweethearts from the St. Augustine Premium and Prime Outlets:

For your man: A comfy pair of cotton boxer shorts from J. Crew, in an amusing print (red with white polar bears, for example) or conservative plaid is an affordable choice.  Or, if you’re ready to splurge, a pair of high-quality headphones from Bose will make his heart (and ears) sing.

For your lady: Bling of course! Saks OFF 5th has choices for every budget, from fine designer jewelry, such as David Yurman, to beautiful faux selections and sparkly crystal accessories by Swarovoski.  Or you could surprise her with a stunning diamond pendant or diamond tennis bracelet from Ultra Diamonds and watch her jaw drop.

For your young man: For the little guys, check out Book Warehouse for books or Calendar Club & Go Games for sure-to-please toys like a magic kit, board games, rockets and airplanes. You’ll find on trend baseball caps at Aeropostale and skater tees at Vans for the older boys.

For your little princess: Young girls will love pj’s from the Disney Store or a Valentine’s Webkinz from Justice.  For older girls, check out the accessories at Claire’s or grab a cute scarf or bag at Guess Factory or Gap.

One of the perks of my job is that I get to do “research” at places I write about and this time it is the awesome neighborhood shopping destination: PGA TOUR Stop at World Golf Village.  I’m not a golfer but the TOUR Stop is like having a boutique department store around the corner, complete with men’s women’s and kid’s departments.  In other words, there’s a variety of stuff here whether you golf or not. The Tour Stop is located just a few steps down from the Renaissance Resort and Caddyshack Restaurant in World Golf Village.  And it’s huge. According to Vice President, General Manager Tom Carberry, “PGA TOUR Stop is the biggest golf store in Florida.”

For golfers, the TOUR Stop is nothing short of a mecca.  There’s a huge equipment department featuring the latest and greatest golf clubs.  Knowledgeable staff help golfers find the perfect club to improve their game. In fact, golfers will want to mark their calendars for the TOUR Stop’s Spring Demo Day on March 26th at the Slammer & Squire golf range.  Golfers can try out a variety of clubs – more than 15 vendors will be on site to answer questions and special pricing will be offered.  Customers who pre-register either on the website or in person at the store will be eligible to win one of the 50 $50 gift cards to the TOUR Stop!