Category: News

Why Sarasota’s Most Exciting New Address Is Taking Shape Behind a Canopy Road

Something remarkable is happening in Sarasota.

Over the last few years, the city has quietly entered a new chapter. Major investments in arts, culture, recreation, dining, travel, and lifestyle are transforming the region while reinforcing what residents have known for decades: Sarasota is one of the most desirable places to live in Florida.

And perhaps nowhere is that more evident than along the Fruitville Road corridor.

Just east of downtown, this area has become home to some of the region’s most exciting developments. A world-class aquarium. Expanding recreation and entertainment destinations. New shopping, dining, and lifestyle offerings. One of the largest cultural investments in Florida history.

The challenge?

Finding a private place to live in the middle of it all.

That opportunity is becoming increasingly rare.

Yet tucked beneath a canopy of mature oaks just off Fruitville Road, a new community is quietly taking shape.

Welcome to Arbour Lakes Preserve.

Sarasota’s Future Is Being Built Just Minutes Away

For decades, Sarasota has attracted those seeking beautiful beaches, vibrant arts, exceptional healthcare, and an unmatched quality of life.

Today, that momentum is accelerating.

The Sarasota Orchestra’s Transformational New Music Center

Just minutes from Arbour Lakes Preserve, the Sarasota Orchestra is moving forward with its new 32-acre Music Center along Fruitville Road.

The project will feature Florida’s first concert hall purpose-built for acoustic music and is expected to become one of the most significant cultural destinations on Florida’s Gulf Coast. With nearly $87 million already raised, including a historic $60 million gift, the future campus will serve as a landmark destination for performances, education, and community events.

A New Aquarium Has Changed the Landscape

The new Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) has quickly become one of Sarasota’s most exciting attractions.

Located at Nathan Benderson Park, the 146,000-square-foot facility represents a $130 million investment in marine science, education, and public engagement. Home to hundreds of species and immersive educational experiences, Mote SEA further elevates Sarasota’s reputation as a destination for families, science, and innovation.

Nathan Benderson Park Continues to Expand

Already recognized as one of the premier rowing and recreational venues in the country, Nathan Benderson Park continues to grow with new facilities, expanded programming, and future investments that will strengthen its role as a regional destination.

Whether it’s morning walks along the water, international sporting events, cycling, fitness activities, or community gatherings, the park has become one of Sarasota’s greatest lifestyle assets.

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport Continues to Expand

As Sarasota’s popularity grows, so does its airport. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport has added new routes, expanded service, and welcomed record passenger traffic in recent years, strengthening the region’s connectivity and making travel easier than ever.

For residents of Arbour Lakes Preserve, it’s another example of the momentum shaping Sarasota’s future.

The Fruitville Corridor Continues to Evolve

One of Sarasota’s most exciting growth stories is unfolding along Fruitville Road.

From the continued expansion of Fruitville Farms and Fruitville Commons to new entertainment destinations like Urban Air Adventure Park, the corridor is rapidly becoming a hub for shopping, dining, recreation, and everyday conveniences. Significant retail, residential, and public investments continue to reshape the area while enhancing the lifestyle of nearby residents.

University Town Center Keeps Raising the Bar

One of the greatest advantages of Arbour Lakes Preserve is its proximity to University Town Center.

New retailers, restaurants, wellness concepts, and lifestyle destinations continue to expand the area’s already impressive offerings. The result is a lifestyle that combines convenience with luxury, allowing residents to enjoy world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, and services just minutes from home.

The Luxury Buyers Want Most

As Sarasota grows, one thing has become increasingly difficult to find:

Space.

Not simply a larger home.

A true estate homesite.

The kind of property that offers privacy, separation, and room to breathe.

While many new communities are being built on increasingly smaller lots, Arbour Lakes Preserve was designed around a different philosophy.

Just 37 lakefront homesites.

Gated.

Private.

Intentionally intimate.

Every homesite enjoys a connection to water, while community lakes and fountain features create a sense of arrival that feels distinctly Sarasota.

This isn’t a master-planned community with hundreds of homes.

It’s a boutique collection of estate homesites in Sarasota itself.

And opportunities like that are becoming increasingly rare.

A Sarasota Address That Cannot Be Recreated

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Arbour Lakes Preserve isn’t what is being built.

It’s where it is being built.

Hidden beneath Sarasota’s iconic oak canopies just off Fruitville Road, Arbour Lakes Preserve feels worlds away from the pace of everyday life.

Yet residents remain minutes from:

• Downtown Sarasota

• University Town Center

• The Celery Fields

• Premier golf courses

• Myakka River State Park

• World-class dining and shopping

• Top-rated schools

• Sarasota’s renowned arts and cultural district

• The Gulf Coast’s award-winning beaches

That balance is extraordinarily difficult to achieve.

Close to everything.

Hidden from it all.

A Rare Opportunity for Just 37 Families

Beautiful homes can be built anywhere.

A location like this cannot.

Arbour Lakes Preserve represents one of the last opportunities to own an estate-sized lakefront homesite in a private Sarasota setting while remaining connected to everything that makes this city extraordinary.

As Sarasota enters one of the most exciting periods in its history, Arbour Lakes Preserve offers something increasingly valuable: the opportunity to enjoy it all from a place that feels like a world of its own.

Close to everything that’s new.

Surrounded by everything that’s timeless.

And it all begins beneath the canopy trees.

Over 55 Years of Excellence – Details Matter. Single family homes from the $800s, ranging from 2,222 – 3,127 sq. ft.

Gran Place at Wellen Park features just 42 exclusive homes in an intimate, park-like setting. Brought to you by Sam Rodgers Homes, a noted builder and developer that has been helping families build their dream homes for over 50 years. A hands-on approach to making memories that will last a lifetime.

Category 22 – Single Family Homes

OVERALL: Edgewater at Gran Place by Sam Rodgers Homes

BEST CURB APPEAL: Edgewater at Gran Place by Sam Rodgers Homes

BEST MASTER SUITE: Edgewater at Gran Place by Sam Rodgers Homes

BEST ARCHITECTURAL DETAIL: Edgewater at Gran Place by Sam Rodgers Homes

Sam Rodgers Homes, one of Southwest Florida’s most respected family-owned homebuilding companies, announced it has broken ground on three spectacular models in its newest single-family community of Gran Place, located in the master-planned community of Wellen Park.

Of Gran Place’s 63 acres, only 21 acres will be developed. The balance of the property will consist of picturesque nature preserves, lakes and wildlife habitats.

“Our research indicates now is the perfect time to launch Gran Place and begin construction on the three single-family home models,” remarked Sam Rodgers, the founder and president of Sam Rodgers Homes. “Recently we sold our last home in both Gran Paradiso and GreyHawk Landing. The demand for beautifully designed single-family homes in the Venice area remains very strong – especially the size of homes, price range and locations we specialize in.”

The three models in Gran Place, which will consist of a total of 42 homes, includes Sam Rodgers Homes’ Acadia, Destin and Edgewater floor plans, with the Edgewater also doubling as the community’s future onsite sales office.

The Acadia, with a lake view, is a three-bedroom plus bonus room/two-and-a-half bath plan with 2,501 square feet under air and 3,682 total square feet. The home features an abundance of natural light and affords the owner the option of converting the bonus room into a fourth bedroom and third bath.

The Destin, with a preserve view, is a three-bedroom plus den, two-bath plan with 2,697 square feet under air and 4,240 total square feet. From dawn to dusk incredible views are appreciated from the home’s 675-square-foot lanai. This incredibly flexible plan also allows owners to add a bonus room or even an in-law suite.

The Edgewater, with a lake and preserve view, is a three-bedroom plus bonus room, three-bath plan with 2,872 square feet under air. This home has the coveted “hat trick” of threes! That’s three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a three-car garage, allowing owners to live a spacious and open lifestyle.

Gran Place offers a total of six floor plans. Sam Rodgers Homes allows owners to customize their homes, making it a total reflection of their taste and lifestyle. The outdoor living areas of each home can also be customized. Popular additions include cabanas or a casita – among others.  

Residents also have access to a picturesque lakeside pavilion positioned near Gran Place’s entrance. It offers a view across the community’s largest lake to the nature preserve on the other side.

The starting price for a home in Gran Place is in the $700’s, plus the homesite premium.

Gran Place is a golf-cart friendly community, and for good reason. The residents of Gran Place will have access to the Wellen Park Golf and Country Club, which is located nearby.

“Whether it’s a recently retired couple, a single individual or a young couple with children, our homes will certainly fulfill all their needs and wants,” stated Rodgers. “Add to that our incredible location and we truly have a magical combination.”

Richard Rodgers, Vice President of Sam Rodgers Homes, advised those looking for a great home in an outstanding location, to learn more about Gran Place immediately.

“The high level of interest we’re already experiencing at Gran Place does not come as a surprise to us,” noted Rodgers. “Recent statistics indicate Wellen Park is one of the top-selling communities in the United States. Should potential buyers be interested in living in such a popular community, I would encourage them to join our VIP list by visiting our website.”

Gran Place at Wellen Park is located in the new Playmore District at the southwest corner of Tamiami Trail and West Villages Parkway. For more details call 602-531-2274 or visit SamRodgersHomes.com and click on the “WHERE WE BUILD” icon.

On behalf of our entire Sam Rodgers family, we are thrilled to wish you and yours a happy holiday season. At Sam Rodgers Homes, the overarching sentiment behind every blueprint and build is the importance of living in the moment. There’s no denying that, this past year, living in the moment has meant something different for us all. In the midst of lifestyle changes, unforeseen struggles, and a number of difficult circumstances, we have been reminded to value what really matters: the moments that make us who we are, the friends and family who shape us, and the homes where we make the memories that we carry with us forever. This season, we’re looking back at the lessons of the past year and reflecting on the gratitude we’ll bring with us into the year ahead.

Home is in the Moments – Live in Them

2020 was the year of staying home. More importantly, it was the year when many of us defined what home means to us. For some, the four walls around them were simply a place to stay; home was found in the Zoom calls and late-night FaceTime with loved ones across the country. For others, home was the quality time spent playing board games, bickering over puzzles, or bringing old family recipes to life for the first time in years. For each of us, the definition of home was a little bit different, but for all of us, it wasn’t nearly as much about the physical location as it was about the moments shared and memories made. At Sam Rodgers Homes, that’s been our belief for a long time; it’s why each of homes is thoughtfully designed to set the stage for your family’s memories to be made. Whether it’s laughing over baking fails in your state-of-the-art kitchen or having heartfelt conversations over themed dinners with the family, we believe that your house is the foundation, but your family makes it a home.

The Most Wonderful Time

The holidays are always a time of reflection and gratitude – an opportunity to take stock of the blessings in our lives and look forward to the new ones to come. Though this holiday season may look a little bit different for some of us, its spirit of thankfulness and joy is more palpable than ever. If this year has made us realize anything, it’s that the most special gifts in our lives are the people who are with us through it all – even if they can’t physically be there. Whether you’re exchanging gifts with your extended family or participating in a virtual reunion to remember, you deserve to celebrate the things – and people – that truly matter this season. At Sam Rodgers Homes, we believe that the best holidays are the ones spent celebrating what makes your family unique. From spacious outdoor seating areas used for your signature family game nights to open floor plans so that no one has to be excluded from the conversation while preparing a beautiful holiday feast, your home’s features should make it easy to make memories that last with the people that matter.

Look to the Possibilities Ahead

The magic of the holidays comes in the shape of electric anticipation for what’s to come. This isn’t the time to leave behind the struggles and victories of the past year; it’s the time to carry the lessons we have learned through it all closely with us as we move forward into the future. One of the biggest lessons that this past year has brought us is that none of us can anticipate what’s to come. With that said, there’s one thing we can remain sure of: no matter what that might be, we can always count on home – whatever it looks like to each of us – to be there to welcome us.

As our eventful year comes to a close, we are more grateful than ever for the families who call Sam Rodgers Homes home. We look forward to the countless special memories that are sure to come, and we hope that you and your loved ones will make many of them this holiday season. Happy holidays!

For limited opportunities in Gran Paradiso,
please View Our Homes Now or Call Nancy Jorges at 941.303.8411

For interest in GreyHawk Landing,
please Click Here and call Vivian Militello at 941.304.0765 or Connor Duffus at 703.675.1188

Less construction, completed amenities and move-in ready homes. Check out reasons why you might prefer moving into a new home community near closeout!

Little to no construction
Some buyers love watching a community come to life around them. The anticipation of new neighbors’ homes taking shape around the block and the satisfaction of choosing a homesite in the early stages of the neighborhood. But other buyers would rather skip all the construction activity. For them, a closeout community could be the perfect option, and may still offer plenty of desirable homesites. Checking out who your neighbors are before you moving in can be a big plus too!

Amenities completed or close to completion
Amenities like clubhouses, swimming pools, parks, lakes, sidewalks, playgrounds and tennis courts are most likely done or will be done very shortly. If neighborhood amenities are important to you and your family, buying in a closeout community may be the most attractive option for you. Another bonus is that the surrounding areas are often developed, unlike many other new construction communities that may be out in the middle of nowhere.

Model and spec homes for sale
Some buyers having the opportunity to craft their home with their personalized selections of fixtures and finishes during the process of their home being built. Others would rather move into a new home that has been professionally selected. In a closeout community, there will most likely be models or spec homes available with many of the details already carefully selected for you. No stress about, will this paint match that floor, or does this White quartz look cream against this white sink? You are able to purchase a quality new construction home, without the stress, or more importantly the wait.

Closeout opportunities with Sam Rodgers Homes
At Sam Rodgers Homes, we currently have two very popular neighborhoods that are on their closeout journey. With just a few homes left in Gran Paradiso, time is running out for you to be able to personalize them. This Venice, Florida community boasts a gorgeous, upscale Tuscany-style private clubhouse, luxury amenities and tropical landscaping. Nothing Says Elegance and Charm Like Gran Paradiso.

Our other closeout community in Bradenton, Florida is GreyHawk Landing. Currently we have less than 30 available locations in this resort-style, gated community including luxury amenities, preserved woodlands, and pristine lakes. If you hurry there are still vacant lots for a custom build or newly built spec homes that you can still customize to suit your own style. GreyHawk Landing is centrally located to the top Florida schools, shopping centers, restaurants and top Florida beaches.

Don’t miss your chance to live in one of these extremely popular neighborhoods! If you are interested in seeing what a Sam Rodgers closeout community has to offer, check out our site maps and available homes on our website, then call one of our communities to schedule a tour today.

REMAINING SITES

It’s true! The fast-growing master-planned community in south Sarasota County has a new name and lots of plans for future development. It’s not only the fast growing in the area, it is the fourth fastest-selling master-planned community in the entire U.S., with an average 1,300 sales per year. Keep reading to find out why.

The West Villages is now a district within Wellen Park which has gained an additional 7,000 acres and includes two more districts: Playmore, which encompasses CoolToday Park, spring training home of the Atlanta Braves; and Downtown Wellen, an adjacent shopping and entertainment district scheduled for completion in early 2022. Downtown Wellen’s 175 lakefront acres will include waterfront dining, a town hall, children’s playground and splash pad, food truck kiosk area, plus e-bike, paddle board, and kayak rentals.

Wellen Park is a next-generation community designed to deliver an approachable, fun-loving experience focused on living well at every stage of life. It includes Florida’s most beautiful beaches — Just 15 minutes away, highly ranked arts & culture, 18-hole golf courses & country clubs, and a network of parks & trails connecting it’s neighborhoods. It also has A-rated schools & renowned continuing education with the best healthcare right around the corner including numerous hospitals and health centers. There’s something for everyone – and everything for you.

From boutique shops to live music, all-day eateries to stunning sunsets, there’s always something fun happening and Cool Today Park is a big part of the action. Baseball fans have plenty to cheer about at the new Spring Training Facility for the Atlanta Braves. And when it isn’t hosting games, CoolToday Park is the perfect place for concerts, movie nights, happy hours, and other fun events for the community.

Just down the road from Cool Today park is GranPark, the best location to live that ballpark life. It’s the newest exceptional community from Sam Rodgers Homes, known for superior craftsmanship, fresh designs, and customized luxury! If you are familiar with nearby Gran Paradiso in Venice or GreyHawk Landing in Bradenton, then you know Sam Rodgers Homes.

Sam Rodgers Homes’ 50+ years of experience as Florida’s preferred luxury custom home builder has given them the unmatched ability to build the best quality homes with personalized floorplans. By combining a Sam Rodgers Home with all that Wellen Park has to offer, you can be sure to meet and exceed your expectations. Come visit the area, then contact a GranPark neighborhood specialist to guide you through every step of planning for your new lifestyle within beautiful Wellen Park.

Click here to join our VIP interest list now.

We’re excited to announce that Sam Rodgers Homes will soon be breaking ground in our brand new, upscale neighborhood of GranPark within the master-planned community of Wellen Park! This September we will begin the construction of 42 homes in the $500,000 to $1 million range in the new Playmore District at the southwest corner of Tamiami Trail and West Villages Parkway. It will be a 63-acre gated community, of which 21 acres will get developed. The balance of the property is nature preserves and wildlife habitats. This new Sam Rodgers Homes location is on the same larger block of space in which the Atlanta Braves spring training complex sits and will also have common boundaries with Island Walk.

Rebranded back in April, Wellen Park was formerly known as the West Villages and began along Tamiami Trail and River Road at the former Taylor Ranch. North Port annexed parts of it in 2000 and now consists of several gated neighborhoods including a commercial district. At build­out, Wellen Park will contain some 20,000 homes and 50,000 residents, or about two ­thirds of North Port’s current population. It’s compared to other master-planned or contained communities such as Lakewood Ranch in northern Sarasota County and Manatee County, The Villages near Ocala, or Babcock Ranch in Charlotte County.

Wellen Park is a special place, full of good vibes and fun times that only slow down when you decide it’s time. You’ll begin each day with a smile, surrounded by everything you need to be your best and happiest self. Thriving connections. Friendly neighborhoods. A downtown with shops, restaurants, and sunsets galore. There are hundreds of ways to brighten your days, enlivened by the natural wonderland of Florida’s always amazing West Coast. Imagine your best day ever… every day with the same quality construction, customized design and personalized floor plans you’ve come to know from Sam Rodgers Homes in nearby Gran Paradiso.

Interested? Good!

Just let our professional team guide you through every step of planning, financing, construction and closing for a smooth homebuilding experience. To get started call your GranPark neighborhood specialist, Nancy Jorges, at 941.303.8411 or click here to join our VIP interest list.

To say that this summer has been a little different is to put it lightly, but that doesn’t mean that we’re all out of options for Suncoast fun. Sam Rodgers Homes builds in areas that have no shortage of exciting activities. These areas, including Bradenton, Sarasota, and Venice, are full of attractions, entertainment, restaurants, beaches, and much more for you and your family to enjoy. Despite Covid-19, many of these fun and family-friendly attractions are still open or have reopened with safety precautions in place. While this is not one of the higher-risk areas, it’s good to know that there are safety precautions in place (even in low-risk spaces) to keep you and your loved ones happy and healthy! So, if you’d prefer to stay away from others as much as possible, but are looking for a change of scenery beyond your living room, this information may be just what you need. Check out our list of fun, safe summertime activities in the area.

Get a (Socially Distant!) View of the Sunset at the Beach
If you’re trying to avoid heavily trafficked beaches, you should definitely check out all the beaches between Bradenton and Venice. Bradenton Beach, Long Boat Key, Siesta Key, Nakomis Beach, and Venice Beach are just some of the beautiful, idyllic beaches within 30 minutes of our communities. By the late afternoon, most beachgoers have already packed up and called it a day, making it the perfect time for a socially distant picnic while you stay to watch the sunset. Grab some snacks, your favorite beverage, and a blanket and enjoy the beautiful West Florida Coast sunset while resting assured that you’re safe!

Take a Stroll Down the Riverwalk
The Bradenton Riverwalk overlooks the Manatee River and is a 1.5-mile, ADA-accessible park spanning downtown with many features. It is a beautiful option for residents of the greater Sarasota area who are looking to take in stunning views while remaining socially distant. The riverwalk is a popular destination for Bradenton residents, but it’s also a place that makes it super easy to socially distance while you stroll, run, bike, picnic, or fish on the pier. Set your own pace and take in the beautiful sights, but be sure to bring a mask just in case you decide to venture off to the more public options nearby.

Restaurants Too Crowded? Have a Picnic in the Park
With restaurants reopening, it can be tempting to make a reservation at your favorite spot. Restaurants do have social distancing precautions in place to help make for a safer dining experience. However, if you’re not comfortable diving back into the in-person dining scene, you still have plenty of delicious options! Get takeout from your favorite local spot and have a picnic outside. From the beaches to Bayfront Park, there are plenty of beautiful outdoor spaces where you can have dinner. Pro tip? Check out one of the incredible food trucks that call Sarasota home. Big Top Brewing’s food truck rally is a great opportunity to find awesome local food trucks like Smokin’ Momma Lora’s BBQ!

Embrace the Outdoors
A little-known fact about the Venice area is that it’s home to the Myakka River State Park, an area where you can bike, hike, kayak, or go on a fun guided boat tour. This is one of the hidden gems of the area, but it’s definitely not to be missed. Though the Myakka State Park is definitely the largest of its kind in the greater Sarasota area, there are plenty of other beautiful parks where you can get some exercise or simply get out in the sun, including Lake Manatee State Park, Rothenbach Park, and Oscar Scherer State Park.

Fishing and Boating
There are few areas better for fishing and boating than the greater Sarasota region. The best part? Whether you’re enjoying a casual day on the water or are bringing your trusty fishing rod for a little more action, it’s one of the safest family-friendly things you can do! If you don’t have your own boat, you can rent one at one of the many marinas in the area, fish off one of the piers, or find your own exclusive spot along the beach or in the parks. Kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, and jet skiing are also great options if you’re looking to get active. These activities can be done alone with your significant other, kids, or the entire family. One of our favorite marinas is Marina Jack’s, and we also love Sharky’s Pier in Venice, but there are so many other options to explore until you find the perfect one for you!

Do You Golf? If Not, Now May be the Time to Start.
Across the country, many Americans remain deeply divided about leaving the house for work and leisure activities – except, apparently, when it comes to golf. Golf has experienced a bit of a renaissance during COVID-19, with more new players flocking to the courses than they have in a long time. With safety precautions — no ball washers, no rakes in the sand traps, a foam pool-noodle ring for touchless ball retrieval from the hole, and a closed clubhouse — in place, you can have a blast while remaining socially distant. Take your pick from golf courses in the area, such as: Waterford Golf Club, Capri Isles Golf Club, Lake Venice Golf Club, Pelican Pointe Golf & Country Club, Venice Golf & Country Club, Jacaranda West Country Club, and the Myakka Pines Golf Club. There are also public courses available. If you’re not too familiar with golf or it’s just not your thing, try out miniature golf at Evie’s Golf & Family Fun Center or Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf.

Redefining What It Means to Live in the Moment
Though this pandemic has brought its challenges, it has also been a fantastic opportunity for taking a breath, re-engaging with nature, spending time with family, and evaluating what matters most to us. It’s been a reminder to make the most of every minute and not take a moment for granted. Luckily, the Bradenton, Sarasota, and Venice areas are full of manmade and natural wonders that are perfect for helping us do just that! With Sam Rodgers, each home is designed to take full advantage of the natural features that surround us – and each home is customizable to include the features that matter most to you and your family.

As a special summertime offer, Sam Rodgers Homes is offering $15k off Design Center Options to help customize your home. Start taking full advantage of the best of the Suncoast from the comfort of your own home and enjoy all the area has to offer. Click here to get started.