Media Coverage

Seminole Chronicle
January 04, 2007
Isis to offer everything residents will need
By Kyle Teal

WINTER SPRINGS -- Imagine waking up to the smell of coffee brewing in a Barnie's right downstairs, or walking out onto the balcony to the bustle of Publix customers, restaurant patrons and all that completes the idyllic image of city living.

Residents of the new Isis Condominiums, under construction in Winter Springs' Town Center, will take in these unusual views, sights and sounds, as they begin to move into their new homes in the fall of 2007; they'll be the first residents in the central district of the Town Center, a 63-acre Mediterranean-style urban development.

The 41 homes that make up Phase I of this long-term project, at the corner of Tuskawilla and Hickory Grove roads, will all be situated near shops, restaurants and business offices, including a dentist and a doctor's office.

Some of the planned tenants for the business area include Hollywood Bistro, Great Clips, UPS, Washington Mutual, Merle Norman Cosmetics, Wireless Zone and Mt. Fuji Sushi.

Mayor John Bush said the community will be self-sustaining, with residents of the condos in walking distance to pretty much anything they need, while the Town Center businesses will flourish, based on the built-in customer base.

The condos are in high demand, Bush said.

"It appeals to younger people and empty nesters," he said. "It's interesting to note the one-bedrooms sold out the quickest."

The pre-sales of an additional 312 Isis units have begun, and it's expected those homes will also sell out before construction completes. The South Building, near the Cross Seminole Trail, will house 193 units, and the North building will house the remaining 119 homes.

By 2010, when it's expected construction of the Town Center will complete, there will be 1,000 homes and 600,000 square feet of retail space.

City Manager Ron McLemore echoed Bush's sentiment that there's appeal for this type of urban living.

"You can expect young professional couples with no children, singles without children, retirees without children and a minimal number of couples and singles with children," he said.

The fact that all of Phase 1's condos have sold is a pretty good indication of Isis' projected success.

"We believe that approximately 4,000 residents are necessary to make the Town Center a success," McLemore said. "We will easily meet this goal."

The condos boast luxuries and amenities, including master bathrooms, hardwood floors, high-end appliances, a fitness center, a community room complete with a catering kitchen, a courtyard grilling area, a media room, two pools, a bocce ball court and a putting green.

The most popular choices for tenants thus far - the one-bedroom studios - offer 704 square feet. Isis two-bedroom units offer 1,083 square feet and three-bedroom units, 1,413 square feet. Condo prices range anywhere from the low $200,000s to $300,000.

Each condo includes crown molding in its formal areas, ceramic tile in the kitchen, bath, and laundry rooms. Kitchens have wood cabinetry with lighting, granite counter tops and all the necessary appliances from GE Stainless Steel.

City Commissioner Joanne Krebs said she is grateful for the benefits Isis will bring to its residents and to the people of Winter Springs - particularly the tax-base increase. She hopes that the increase, along with the impact fees for the Town Center, will help Winter Springs pay for things like police cars, fire trucks, pools or sports facilities

"With an increased tax base we may be able to offer more services to residents," Krebs said. "Increasing the tax base may also help to lower taxes as well as help sustain our city."

Isis will do more to protect our natural areas by building taller structures on small plots of land, Krebs said.

She also said Isis holds advantages over other complexes. Other than amenities within the community, the location itself will make life easier for its residents.

"You would have a shorter commute-time," she said, "Which will leave more time to spend with family."

The project's developer, the James Doran Company, founded in 1882, has an expanding portfolio including high-end projects all over the Southeast, some of which can be found in Northshore Town Center in Knoxville, Tenn., Downtown Daniel Island in Charleston, S.C. and Midlothian Town Center in Richmond, Va.