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Smith & Associates Real Estate invited author Peter Kageyama to speak at the company’s Tampa office about the elements that emotionally connect Tampa Bay residents to their city and the role that the real estate industry can play in fostering those connections.

Kageyama looks at what makes cities lovable, what motivates citizens to do extraordinary things for their places and how some cities use that energy to fill in the gaps that “official” city makers have left when resources disappear.  Peter touched on the role of technology, particularly social media in our relationship with our city and each other – and how it actually builds social capital, which cities are considered “Most Lovable” and how we can learn from them, and how even a small number of people who are “in love” with their city can have a major impact in the community.

Kageyama is a community and economic development consultant based in St. Petersburg. He is the co-founder and producer of the Creative Cities Summit, an interdisciplinary event that brings together citizens and practitioners around the big idea of the city. Peter is the former President of Creative Tampa Bay, a grassroots community change organization. He has spoken all over the world about bottom up community development and the amazing people that are making change happen.

To attend an upcoming speaking engagement or to schedule Peter to come to your organization, please visit For The Love of Cities for more information.

 
 
 
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Grayl’s Hotel: Where the 1920′s meet 2011 June 24, 2011
By Kortney Gentry
 

Grayl's HotelBuilt in the early 1920′s by a female developer, the Lantern Lane was a rarity for St. Petersburg Real Estate- fabulous waterfront apartment living with a bit of feminism on the side.  In 1994, the building was purchased by Dale Grayls with an array of plans and renovations to get the once leased out rooms ready for out of town visitors and a Prohibition-style lounge.  After a name change, the conversion to a hotel and addition of Gatsby’s restaurant, the downtown St. Petersburg hotel hasn’t see many more updates…until now.

Grayl’s Hotel was recently purchased by local developer, Chuck Prather.  After speaking with him,  he proved to be very down to Earth and ready to bring something great to downtown St. Petersburg.  Typically developing government buildings, Prather is  extremely excited about this new & much more personal endeavor.  And to be honest, after hearing the future plans and additions coming to the historic building, I am pretty excited myself!

Grayl's HotelGrayl’s, being known for its vintage appeal, brings an amazing historical aspect to Beach Drive, offsetting the modern feel given by the vast amount of high rises lining the street.  Prather and his development team plan to preserve this historic feel while converting the building to be more environmentally friendly, meeting all LEED standards; all the while, attempting to keep the hotel and restaurant open and completely functional.

The ground floor will be renovated in several different sections in order to keep the restaurant up and running.  The entire back 1/3 of the building will be a new, fully renovated kitchen while the front portion will feature a completely up-dated floor plan and seating area with an Old World feel.   With the drive to keep the building “green”, we will also see some menu changes to feature healthier pedigree ingredients that can be found locally.

The hotel rooms, currently giving off more of a studio apartment vibe, will take on some changes as well.  Decorated with vintage-esq gadgets and apparatuses, the rooms will have more of a boutique feel with open floor plans and antique bathroom fixtures.  A nice change from the corporate world of carbon copy comforters and details.

Grayl's HotelThe renovations will also include a period specific rooftop lounge spanning across the entirety of the building with a perfect bird’s-eye view, over Straub Park, of the marina and Tampa Bay.  The lounge will be open to the public with a separate entrance to the hotel and will be a perfect place for a nice downtown afternoon happy hour.

Whether or not the employees dress for the Prohibition period is still up in the air but it seems Chuck Prather has all of his ducks in a line to get Grayl’s Hotel back on the grid while maintaining the 1920’s feel.  I am anxious to see the progress and I am sure all of you who call St. Petersburg home are as well.

The hotel will be open for business and offering discounts throughout the renovations.  For more information or to make reservations please visit www.GraylsHotel.com.

 
 
 
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Featured Property: 331 Cleveland Street #1901 June 20, 2011
By Kortney Gentry
 

331 Cleveland Street, #1901 Clearwater, FLLocated in one of Clearwater‘s most prestigious waterfront high rises, Water’s Edge, today’s featured property at 331 Cleveland St #1901 is filled with magnificent details.  Wake up to views of Clearwater Harbor through your floor to ceiling windows, walk barefoot from the beach on your fabulous glazed porcelain tile and prepare dinner in the perfectly modern kitchen with European style cabinetry and high end stainless appliances.  Some of our St. Pete Realtors on site at Water’s Edge filled us in on the details of this dream condo:

Q: What are the advantages of the location & neighborhood?

A: When you live at Water’s Edge, you have access to many forms of recreation and several different cuisines right at the doorstep of your Clearwater Home.  Across the street, Ruth Eckerd Hall’s recently acquired extension, the Capitol Theatre has new entertainment weekly; in your front lawn, the new marina offers a place to dock your boat; the beach is just across the causeway and Cleveland Street & Fort Harrison offer such delectable dining as La Cachette, Olive Tree, Casanova, Hispania, Café 421, and more!

Q: What amazing views will the new homeowner be able to enjoy?
331 Cleveland Street #1901

A: Residence 1901 enjoys Southwest panoramic views of South Clearwater Beach and Sandkey.  Not only will you bask in the glow of the sunset and it’s reflection on the vast expanse of shimmering waters but you will also be mesmerized by twinkling city lights along the beach once the sun has completed its daily descent.

Q: What makes the price of this home so great?

A: Water’s Edge is currently priced below the builder’s original construction cost.  The average sale price per square foot is far less than the replacement cost of $341/sq. ft.

Q: Can you tell us a fun fact about the home?

A: Water’s Edge has seen plenty of press lately as the proud recipient of this year’s Grand Award in its category during the 2011 Tampa Bay Parade of Homes awarded in May.  It also graced the cover of a recent issue of the Florida Homebuyer Magazine as the featured residence!

Contact our Water’s Edge sales team for a tour of 331 Cleveland Street, #1901, Clearwater, FL 33755.  Soon you will be watching the Sunset over Clearwater Beach and Sand Key from the comfort of your own home.

About the Water’s Edge Sales Team:

Realtor, Dave TraynorAfter graduating from the University of Connecticut with both a Bachelor’s & Master’s in Education, Dave Traynor relocated to the Bay Area where he began to design and manage healthclubs.  He has since come on as the Director of Developer Services and is a main player for the Smith & Associates Management team.

Spending over 30 years as Realtor in the Bay Area, Janice Ayala is known for her knowledge and success.  The Tampa native has been ranked as a Top Dollar Volume Producer and is a member of several Real Estate, Marketing and Development Associations and Organizations including the National Association of Home Builders.

With success derived from listening to client needs and going the extra mile, St. Pete Realtor, Mike Felice, is a great asset to both the Water’s Edge Sales Team and Smith & Associates as a whole.  Having lived in Pinellas County for over 25 years, Mike has gained both the credibility and knowledge needed to educate clients and provide the expertise they deserve.

 
 
 

Smith & Associates Real Estate hosted a cocktail party to showcase the spectacular work of famed photographer Ansel Adams at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in Downtown Tampa.
Over one hundred and fifty of the company’s friends and family attended the lavish affair, which included live music and catering by Mise En Place.  Fifty-four photographs, all taken between the 1920s-70s, were selected to be a part of the exhibit.

Adams, with more than half a century of photographic masterpieces under his belt, is considered one of the greatest and well-known landscape photographers in U.S. history.  A lifelong conservationist who encouraged the respect for the natural environment, Adams’ work mostly consisted of elegant and beautifully composed black-and-white landscapes of the American West.

It is safe to say that no other contemporary photographer could compare to the lifetime contributions of Adams when it comes to public recognition of the art of photography, especially in the black-and-white form.  His strength as an artist is largely attributed to his tireless investigation of the methods of photography, developing a careful darkroom technique of exposure and development he called the Zone System.

The Ansel Adams exhibit is on display until Wednesday, July 6th.  For more information, please visit The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts’ website.

 
 
 
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Featured Property: 3111 Bayshore Boulevard NE June 15, 2011
By Kortney Gentry
 

3111 Bayshore Blvd NE St. Petersburg, FL 33703To call today’s featured property a “dream home” would be an understatement.  Located on the edge of Shore Acres Overlook, this estate at 3111 Bayshore Blvd NE sits along the water right off of Snell Isle.  Enjoy the benefits of living a short bike ride or drive to the excitement of downtown St. Pete while maintaining a quiet but luxurious lifestyle in all 5,000 square feet of your fabulous 5 bedroom 5.5 bath mansion.  St. Pete Realtors and Top Producers, Debbie Newman and Scott Allen shared a few more intricate details on this St. Pete Home:

Q: What are the advantages of the location & neighborhood?

A: This home is located on Snell Isle which is one of St. Petesburg’s most well known and respected neighborhoods. Its location is perfect as you are only a short boat or car ride away from downtown St. Petersburg where you can enjoy the many restaurants, shops, museums, and art galleries. The home is also a short drive to Tampa International airport which services most major air ways around the globe!

Q: What amazing views will the new homeowner be able to enjoy?3111 Bayshore Boulevard Northeast

A: The new homeowner will be able to enjoy panoramic views of Tampa Bay from almost anywhere in this luxurious St. Pete home.  One of which is the homes exquisite great room, where both owners and guests alike will enjoy the dramatic sunrises that this home has to offer. Not to mention the multiple terraces and balconies that provide the perfect oasis for unwinding at the end of a long day!

Q: Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?

3111 Bayshore Blvd NEA: The home  was built in 2008 and comes complete with almost every amenity and upgrade that you could possibly imagine. From the massive first floor great room, to the gourmet kitchen featuring Thermador appliances, pool and spa, boat dock, and a 2,400 square foot garage to house all of your toys!  Please click here for a full list of the homes features.

Q: Can you describe the architectural style of the home?

A: The home’s Mediterranean architecture is the perfect complement to the waterfront back drop in beautiful Shore Acres Overlook. Coming home will never be so easy as this residence was designed as a place for relaxation and solitude from the world around!  The home also exemplifies luxury by showcasing a well thought out and detailed floor plan for all to enjoy.

3111 Bayshore Blvd NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33703 is said to be “the perfect blend of modern indulgence, uncompromising quality and timeless design.”  That statement is undeniable.  Contact Debbie & Scott for a private tour of this impressively architected St. Petersburg home.

About The Newman/Allen Team:

St. Pete Realtor, Debbie NewmanWorking with all sides of the industry from investors and developers to maintaining relationships with past clients and local residents, St. Pete Realtor, Debbie Newman‘s experience is not limited to the purchasing or promoting of a home.  Real Estate may have been her life for the past 20 years but surpassing client expectations is what she loves.

St. Pete Realtor, Scott AllenJoining forces with St. Pete Realtor, Scott Allen in 2003, the two were responsible for the complete sellout of every luxury unit in one of downtown St. Petersburg‘s most pristine highrises, Signature Place, which lead to over $100 million in closed sales.  The two still remain close to residents of the condominium for whom they host monthly gatherings and social events at various downtown locations.  It goes without saying that whether you are looking to buy, sell or just get more involved in the community, the Newman/Allen team are who you want on your side.

 
 
 
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Featured Property: 9118 Silverthorn Road June 14, 2011
By Judy Olinger
 

Today’s featured home for sale in Largo is located in the Bayou Club9118 Silverthorn Road is a custom built   4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath, 3334 SqFt home with incredible views of the spectacular golf course.  Belleair Realtor Ted Anderson sat down with me to tell us a little more about this Largo residence:

1)What are the advantages of the location and the neighbor hood? The Bayou Club offers a wonderful country like setting yet it is close to all major highways and airports.  You are surrounded by     beautiful homes all around you in addition to the outstanding Bayou Club golf course.

2)What makes the price of this home so great? At $699 this home is one of the lowest priced homes in the entire Bayou Club community. This home screams out ‘Quality” and includes a gourmet kitchen, complete Surround sound speaker system, a glorious master suite with sitting room,  and an outstanding pool/spa deck area designed for entertaining.

3) what distinctive features set the home apart?- This home has a complete Surround sound system throughout the house and pool patio area. An added feature is an in wall pest control defense system.

4)What amazing views will the homeowner be able to enjoy?- From the rear of the home enjoy a terrific view of the 12th fairway and green of the beautiful Bayou Club Golf Course. Out front look across the street or up and down the street and see all the wonderful perfectly maintained homes.

This special Largo home for sale has it all. Simply said this home is a “GEM”! Call Ted Anderson today to schedule a tour of 9118 Silverthorn Road, Largo, FL 33777 while it is still available.

About Ted:

Smith and Associates and Ted Anderson are the perfect fit. Ted Anderson services Belleair, Clearwater, Largo, and up and down the beaches from Clearwater Beach to St. Pete Beach.  Please be sure to contact Ted with any of your real estate needs.

 
 
 
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Featured Property: 2610 S Dundee Street June 13, 2011
By Alexis Bentivegna
 

Today’s featured home for sale is a beautiful 3 bedroom, 3 bath waterfront gated home in Tampa.  With a 72′ wide lot featuring its own boat ramp, boat lift, seawall and 2 story boat house, 2610 S Dundee Street is a boat lovers dream!  I sat down with Tampa Realtors Rick Scherer and Kevin Reder to learn more about this fabulous home:

Q: What makes the price of this home so great?

A: The newly reduced price of $799,900 truly reflects the motivation of the Sellers to price this home well under both market and newly appraised value. Since this significant price reduction, activity on the home has significantly increased with several 2nd showings of the property. This home is the lowest priced home in Sunset Park Isles at this square footage, level of amenities, and over sized lot dimensions and is a fantastic waterfront value in this market.

Q: Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?

A: This 1950′s Tampa home for sale has been meticulously maintained and has had numerous upgrades since the owners purchased this property. The owners replaced the windows with expensive Pella windows, that are not only beautiful, but both energy efficient and boast high ratings for hurricane codes. The barrel tile roof has also recently been replaced providing both peace of mind and a very expensive and attractive finish to the exterior of the home. The kitchen has been completely renovated with dark wooden cabinets, Thermodor commercial grade appliances, rare granites and travertine flooring, wine storage and cooler, and many other high end amenities. the lagoon pool has been refinished in a gorgeous dark pebble tech finish that will last for many years. All of the expensive maintenance items, roof, windows, kitchen have all been upgraded with the very best finishes, adding the the phenomenal value of this home.

Q: What amazing views will the new homeowner be able to enjoy?

A: This home is situated on a beautiful tree lined street surrounded by multimillion dollar homes. The obvious appeal, of course, is the stunning views of the water, changing throughout the day. The property offers a covered boat lift with a deck on the second story. From this roof deck, shaded by the grand oak canopy, the views of the canal leading out to Tampa Bay are extraordinary.

Q: What are the advantages of the location and the neighborhood?

A: The exact waterfront location of this property leads directly to Tampa Bay, this canal has a nice depth and there are no bridges along the way to prohibit boating to the bay. Sunset Park Isles is one of the most popular waterfront neighborhoods in South Tampa, boasting restaurants and shopping in walking distance, very bike friendly, and one of the best school systems in Tampa.

With a great price, an abundance of upgrades and spectacular views, this Tampa home for sale is truly incredible! Call Rick Scherer and Kevin Reder to schedule a personal tour of 2610 S Dundee Street, Tampa, FL 33629 before it’s off the market!

About Rick and Kevin:

With over 15 years of experience in real estate, Rick Scherer and Kevin Reder specialize in waterfront properties, Tampa luxury homes, vacation homes, second homes, new construction, and residential lots in Tampa Bay.

 
 
 
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There’s No Party Like a Signature Party! June 3, 2011
By Kortney Gentry
 

Signature Place Block PartyOn a May 25th, two of Smith & Associates Real Estate‘s top producing agents, Debbie Newman & Scott Allen, organized a block party for the residents of Signature Place, one of downtown St. Pete‘s luxury condominiums.  The party kicked off at the newly opened Community Bank where residents mingled over drinks and appetizers provided by downtown American Brasserie, Cassis while chatting with both old and new friends alike. Later, the party migrated to Bernie’s & Son where residents shopped for their next jewelry piece. All in all, the night was an absolute success!

Scott and Debbie’s long standing relationship with the Signature Place owners has been cultivated over many years.  The duo was responsible for the complete sell out of all 244 luxury units in the high rise, turning the once empty rooms into St. Pete homes.   This is just one of many parties that the Newman & Allen team plan on organizing for both Signature Place residents and local businesses. Their goal is to continue building the fabric of downtown St. Petersburg one relationship at a time. The two know and understand that a community is what both businesses and residents want to invest in!

A word from St. Pete Realtors Debbie Newman and Scott Allen (pictured far right with Signature Place resident, Paul Lanz):  “We would like to thank everyone for coming out to the Signature Place Block Party event on May 25th!  We really enjoyed ourselves and hope everyone who attended enjoyed themselves as well.  It is always nice to get everyone together; we look forward to doing it again sometime soon. A special thanks to Community Bank, Bernie’s & Son and Cassis American Brasserie for sponsoring this special evening.”

There you have it- it looks like the St. Petersburg community will be seeing a lot of these two in the future.  We are looking forward to seeing what they do next!