The concept:

*  All homes will be in the Plant High School district but will vary in elementary schools, giving families more options for younger children
*  Homes will be located in various areas of central South Tampa
*  The average price point varies from the high $400s to $600K
*  4 Bedroom minimum in each home
*  Lot size will vary but will range from 50′ x 80′ to 80′ x 130′
*  All are built following several consumer expectations: hardwood, granite, beautiful cabinetry, stainless steel appliances & double paned windows for energy efficiency.  Many of the homes also feature tankless gas water heaters & gas stoves to reduce the use of electricity.
*  While the homes all lean towards more of a traditional/mission style combination with a square shape & clean lines, there will be 5-6 different floor plans

The past two years….

BG Holmberg led Ryan to his first lot purchase in September of 2009 and the duo have since collaborated on 17 more lot purchases, 13 home completions (12 of which have already sold) and 3 homes are currently under construction.  Since these are all built to specifications to remain in the realm of the original concept, very few changes are made by the buyers and the homes are not typically listed until near completion.  That doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute if you are looking to purchase one of these beauties; 10 out of the 12 that have sold were under contract before the home was even move-in ready.

What should you be looking for in the future?

Since Ryan oversees all of his projects on his own, he works on a maximum of 5 homes at a time, all of which are exclusively marketed by BG Holmberg via Smith & Associates Real Estate.  The two plan on knocking out (or rather, building up) 8-10 homes per year with an undecided end point or until South Tampa meets all of their specifications.

If you are interested in one of these South Tampa homes, contact BG Holmberg to arrange a meeting.

What do you look for when it comes to purchasing a new home?  Do their specs meet your requirements?

Grand Central at Kennedy is one of Smith & Associates‘ premier high rises in downtown Tampa located on Kennedy Boulevard between Meridian Avenue and Channelside Drive.  Homeowners can enjoy prime urban living (without the out of this world price tag that normally accompanies) while still feeling right at home.

Some of the luxury amenities Grand Central has to offer are people-friendly pools and expansive sundecks, private cabanas, social greens and outdoor grills, clubhouses, fitness centers, jogging paths, pet walks, 24/7 security, concierge service, and covered parking.   But the great thing about this downtown Tampa location is that internal amenities are not all they have to offer.  Hop on the elevator and within moments, you can enjoy fabulous dining, the Powerhouse Gym, a locally owned dry cleaner, and various professional offices.  According to their blog, Grand Central is always “actively pursuing additional retailers and specialty stores slated for future occupancy, including a large-scale grocer.”  So there is more excitement to come!

Amenities and material greatness is not all you will find ant Grand Central at Kennedy.  They are fully equipped with an amazingly knowledgeable team ready to assist you in finding your next Tampa home.  Let’s meet the Grand Central Sales Team:

Dominique Despointes – After spending five years as the National Sales Manager for Opus Imports, Dominique needed a change. In 2003 he began his career working for The Condo Store selling luxury condos from downtown to the beaches. While working for them, he was the Sales Manager for Several Tarragon Corporation properties all around the Tampa area.  His most recent project Majestic Point Condominiums on Island Estates sold out in four months.

David B. Moyer – David graduated from Saint John Fisher College with Honors.  He joined Smith & Associates Real Estate over 7 years ago, and has closed over 500 homes, including but not limited to, Towers of Channelside, Box Factory, Victory Lofts, Meridian, One Bayshore, Art Center and Christainsted. He explores and constantly broadens his services and experiences through education. He is extremely active in the Downtown Tampa community.

The Grand Central Sales Team is available 7 days a week at 813.226.8735.  These units are selling quickly and have some AMAZING last minute deals going on!  Give them a call or visit http://grandcentralatkennedy.com to see one of these fabulous condos today!

Smith & Associates Property Management provides professional services to assist absentee owners in maintaining their home.  In working with them, you will receive the following perks:

- Lease execution and collection of rent/late fees according to the terms of the lease
- Coordination of documents and approval with any required associations
- Annual & monthly property financial reports
- Routine maintenance coordination/emergency repairs with process billing included
- Digital record of the rental property before move-in (furnished residences will be inventoried)
- Prompt responses to tenant requests
- Assist in enforcing the terms of the lease

Property Management Coordinator David Christ is currently spearheading this project, managing several units in notable Bay Area high-rises and neighborhoods including: Downtown Tampa‘s Skypoint, Downtown St. Pete‘s Luxury Condominium Signature Place, a Signature Collection listing in Avila and units in Tampa’s Victory Lofts (not pictured).

If you are looking for top quality assistance in the management of your home, The Smith & Associates Property Management Team is currently accepting new applicants from Bradenton all the way to North Tampa and can assist you in all of your leasing needs.  Please contact David Christ (pictured Left) today to guarantee your spot!

We would love your feedback: Have you worked with a Property Management company before?  How was the experience and what would you like to see from Smith’s new team?

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, 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.

The 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.

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?

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:

After 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.

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!

These families have seized their opportunity of a lifetime and have chosen Water’s Edge. As the real estate market turns around, Water’s Edge is on the cutting edge of that market activity. A testament to that are the new businesses, restaurants and community events that are beginning to blossom within walking distance from the community.

Water’s Edge welcomes you to a waterfront luxury lifestyle unlike any on Florida’s Gulf Coast. This spectacular waterfront location grants immediate access to Clearwater Beach, your boat, emerald waters and sophisticated pleasures of Tampa Bay. A marina, tennis courts, and bridge to Clearwater Beach are at the foot of the building; the excitement, culture and conveniences of Tampa Bay at your doorstep.

Other Clearwater Beach homes for sale can’t compare to this boutique waterfront high-rise, with floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive balconies that are graced by breathtaking views in every direction. Water’s Edge innovative floorplans, high-profile appointments and resort-style amenities complete a picture perfect expression of panoramic living.

Smith & Associates Real Estate is proud to represent this amazing community. Our Sales Director at Water’s Edge, Dave Traynor, has extensive management experience with some of Tampa Bay’s most renowned developments including Aqualea Resort, Water’s Edge, 400 Beach Drive and Signature place. Through Dave’s leadership, Smith & Associates Real Estate continues to be the leader in Tampa Bay’s high-end residential development market. Dave, a licensed Florida realtor, and certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager is also a graduate of the University of Connecticut with both a bachelors and master’s degree.

Click here for more information on Water’s Edge!

If you would like more information on Smith & Associates Real Estate or other Clearwater beach homes for sale please visit. www.smithandaosscoaites.com

Q: What distinctive features set this home apart?

A: The condo is in Parkshore Plaza, one of downtown St. Pete’s premier luxury high rise residences.

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

A: This home for sale in St. Pete is located in the heart of downtown on swanky Beach Drive NE.  Residents of Parkshore Plaza enjoy the luxury of living right upstairs from some of the city’s hottest restaurants and clubs and first class shopping.

Q: Does the community have any amenities we should know about?

A: Parkshore Plaza offers first class amenities such as 24 hour concierge & security, resort style pool & spa, expansive recreational facilities, a library, business offices, and a state-of-the-art fitness center – all of which are available to residents 24 hours a day.

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

A: The condo offers expansive views of Tampa Bay, downtown St. Pete and downtown Tampa in the distance.

If you are looking for luxurious downtown living while staying close to the beach, 300 Beach Dr. NE #2601, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 in Parkshore Plaza is for you.  Contact The Malowany Group today to see this magnificent condo for yourself!

About The Malowany Group:

With specialization in the sale and purchase of waterfront estates as well as luxury homes and condos, St. Pete realtors from The Malowany Group are extremely well versed when it comes to the Bay area real estate market.  No matter what a client is looking for or where the home is located, The Malowany Group can get you there.

We proudly announce our newest development listing for South Tampa real estate.  La Maddalena, a beautiful community conveniently located in Beach Park. These “Old World” Italian style townhomes are an escape from everyday living. Secluded in its own brick-paved gated paradise, La Maddalena offers tranquility to residents with a beautiful open courtyard, ponds, lavish landscaping and mature oaks.

New ownership has made these amazing townhomes available to purchase at one-of-a-kind pricing. Starting at $370,000, the homes are very spacious.  Ranging in size from 2,000 – 3,700 square feet, the residences offer 2, 3, or 4 bedrooms. La Maddalena offers various floor plan options, but all include top-of-the-line finishes. Whether it be granite countertops, wood floors, beautiful tile, stainless steel appliances, or extensive crown molding, the seller has left no detail untouched. Balconies and patios allow residents to enjoy outdoor spaces for reading a book or enjoying the oak lined scenery. To top it off, the homes have 2-car attached garages and fireplaces.

Smith & Associates will be hosting an Opening Event on August 7th & 8th from 11am – 4 pm. This will be the first chance to view the new homes being offered by the current seller, with unbelievable reduced pricing.  Don’t miss out of this opportunity to view an amazing piece of South Tampa real estate!

To learn more about La Maddalena contact us info@smithandassociates.com

As time passed during construction, so did the hot market. Price values fell, economy woes continued, and buyers lost interest.  Whether units were being purchased as a primary residence, a real estate investment, or a second home, many could no longer financially afford the new condo.  Buyers still excited to move in to the building found it difficult to obtain financing since the banking industry was hit so hard. The condominium market encountered new rules and regulations in order for banks to offer loans.  Since the project was no longer affordable to hold on to, Opus exited the development.  Their beautiful vision for Water’s Edge, however, remains.

Now, 5 years after the project began, a new buyer has acquired Water’s Edge at a discount price.  The building is now ready to be sold back to the public on the open market at today’s values, which are 50% less than original prices. Doors will open at the new Sales Office on property starting July 30th.

Smith & Associates Real Estate is proud to have been brought back into the fold as the on-site brokerage.  Having been involved in the project since the beginning, we look forward to offering our vast amount of product knowledge to the sales center and prospective Clearwater buyers. “We are enthusiastically suprised with the large amount of interest we’ve had thus far” says Dave Traynor, Director of Developer Services for Smith.  “We haven’t seen this many prospects interested in a new building in several years.”