Wild Heron/Rivercamps

[Buckhead Rick]

We were told this past weekend that Rivercamp is moving the sales center to the Wild Heron building, and the sales folks will be selling both properties. The major diference is WH lots have no build out while RC still does, which I assume may put them at a disadvantage in todays market. Not that anyone has a great advantage.
It was nice to see some building at Natureswalk this weekend. Now lets see some SALES.

 

[fisher]

We were told this past weekend that Rivercamp is moving the sales center to the Wild Heron building, and the sales folks will be selling both properties. The major diference is WH lots have no build out while RC still does, which I assume may put them at a disadvantage in todays market. Not that anyone has a great advantage.
It was nice to see some building at Natureswalk this weekend. Now lets see some SALES.

At the asking prices for lots and homes in Naturewalk, it may be a good while before any significant sales occur. They will have the same problem Alys is having--too late to the party and asking prices that are well above comparable properties in Rosemary, Watersound and Watercolor.

 

[pete23]

You should take a look at the homes under construction in Grande Pointe at Inlet Beach.

 

[Miss Kitty]

Is it too silly to think that no building at Naturewalk might mean no Hammock on 30A?

 

[grace]

Is it too silly to think that no building at Naturewalk might mean no Hammock on 30A?

As in Hammock Bay??? Do tell

 

[Miss Kitty]

As in Hammock Bay??? Do tell

No no...I am sorry...I mean the beach club they plan on building on the Seagrove Villa site...I think it is called "Rick's Hammock" or something like that.

 

[Indigo Jill]

At the asking prices for lots and homes in Naturewalk, it may be a good while before any significant sales occur. They will have the same problem Alys is having--too late to the party and asking prices that are well above comparable properties in Rosemary, Watersound and Watercolor.

IMO, Alys Beach can't be compared to any other community along 30A - the community is totally unique and far superior as far as building practices go. This attention to detail and dedication to creating a superior end product will allow them to keep their price points set above other 30A communities - there really is no competition for them. Brilliant strategy IMO.

From alysbeach.com:

"Sustainable practices at Alys Beach include: Most homesites are oriented to allow passive heating and cooling from the sun and Gulf breezes, with a geothermal system that uses the natural temperature of the earth to regulate the home's internal climate. White exterior walls and roofs reflect sunlight, keeping homes and neighborhoods cooler; masonry construction ensures a durable, long-lasting and energy-efficient home.

Construction waste at Alys Beach will be reduced by up to 75 percent through increased efficiency and an on-site reuse/recycling program. The energy- efficient design, high-quality construction and environmentally-friendly materials used in the homes will make them the first in northwest Florida certified as green homes by the Florida green building coalition."

 

[iqueequeg]

IMO, Alys Beach can't be compared to any other community along 30A - the community is totally unique and far superior as far as building practices go. This attention to detail and dedication to creating a superior end product will allow them to keep their price points set above other 30A communities - there really is no competition for them. Brilliant strategy IMO.

From alysbeach.com:

"Sustainable practices at Alys Beach include: Most homesites are oriented to allow passive heating and cooling from the sun and Gulf breezes, with a geothermal system that uses the natural temperature of the earth to regulate the home's internal climate. White exterior walls and roofs reflect sunlight, keeping homes and neighborhoods cooler; masonry construction ensures a durable, long-lasting and energy-efficient home.

Construction waste at Alys Beach will be reduced by up to 75 percent through increased efficiency and an on-site reuse/recycling program. The energy- efficient design, high-quality construction and environmentally-friendly materials used in the homes will make them the first in northwest Florida certified as green homes by the Florida green building coalition."

Except for "Prominence"

From prominencefl.com

"Geothermal heating and air conditioning is required in all homes and commercial businesses within Prominence. Hydro-Temp Earth Coupled Heat Pumps pull heat from the earth to warm the home during the winter. During the summer months, the same system pulls heat from your home and transfers it to the earth. Additionally, waste heat from the system can be used to heat water. This system redirects energy to the earth saving you on monthly expenses, eliminates the need for outside condenser units and is better for the environment."

and

"All residential and commercial buildings within Prominence will bear the ?Fortified?for safer living?? distinction as identified by the Institute for Business & Home Safety for its comprehensive construction standards and techniques. A home built to this standard has incorporated certain disaster-resistant features during construction which are more comprehensive than the current building code requirements. This increased structural strength enhances a home?s capability to withstand severe weather events."

Just kidding though, Alys is really very nice and in a different category than Prominence.

 

[scooterbug44]

Geothermal is great, but they're not using it just because of its environmental benefits - that's the marketing spin - in reality, values go down fast when you put a bunch of noisy AC compressors next to concrete walls!

 

[fisher]

IMO, Alys Beach can't be compared to any other community along 30A - the community is totally unique and far superior as far as building practices go. This attention to detail and dedication to creating a superior end product will allow them to keep their price points set above other 30A communities - there really is no competition for them. Brilliant strategy IMO.

Maybe, maybe not. The brilliant strategy hasn't paid off yet in terms of robust sales, and sales will tell you how the market perceives the story in terms of pricing, quality, design, etc. In Alys, sales have been virtually non-existent over the past year or two. The only significant sales activity occurred during the initial offering of properties a couple of years ago during the end of the boom.

Sales activity in the planned communities continues to be led by Watercolor, followed by Watersound, Rosemary, and Seaside. Sales activity in the other planned communities along 30A such as Alys, Naturewalk, Cypress Dunes, The Preserve, Draper Lake, etc. is barely detectable. While I am not a fan of St Joe, they did a great job in developing marketable product with broad consumer appeal in Watersound and Watercolor. That's why property continues to sell in these developments. The other problem with Alys (and Naturewalk and Watersound West Beach and Draper Lake) is the fact that it will be decades before these places are built out--that means ongoing construction traffic, noise, messes, etc. Watercolor, Rosemary and Watersound Beach (obviously Seaside) are way down the path in terms of buildout.

Things might change, but so far, the market has not been overly receptive to the Alys concept.

I personally love the fortified and "green" building features in Alys, but so far, the market hasn't responded. Maybe the market will respond if/when prices are dropped by EBSCO.