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LAKEWOOD LAND DEVELOPMENT, LLC ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR LAKEWOOD,
AN INNOVATIVE 206-ACRE NEW URBAN COMMUNITY
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ATHENS, GA, June 1, 2005 — Lakewood Land Development, LLC has announced plans for the largest master planned, mixed-use community of its kind in Athens. Situated on 206-acres of pristine farmland surrounding a 21-acre lake, Lakewood is an example of new urbanism, which seeks to build true neighborhoods as an alternative to conventional, post-war suburban development. Lakewood is centrally located off of the 10-29 Loop on Lexington Road and Barnett Shoals Road, and is just minutes from the University of Georgia.
Supporters of the “new urbanism" hope to replace suburban sprawl with Traditional Neighborhood Developments (TNDs). TNDs are mixed-use communities that offer a blend of various homes sizes and styles as well as parks, shops, restaurants and offices – allowing residents to live, work and play within close proximity. TND’s combine modern amenities with all the advantages of historic downtown walking neighborhoods.
According to Lakewood Land Development, LLC, the complete build out of the Lakewood community will span approximately ten years. Once complete, Lakewood will offer a unique mix of different uses and home types and will eventually include 875 residential units including generous single-family detached homes, townhouses, condominiums, apartments and residential flats built above commercial space. Residents will also enjoy resort-style features and amenities including acres of parks and green space, walking trails, a swim club and a 9,200 square foot old-fashioned town hall, which will host community events. Lakewood’s Phase One will include 125 single-family detached homes that reflect the classic Southern architectural styles found in historic towns such as Charleston and Savannah.
The Lakewood Village Shops, Lakewood’s commercial component, plans to include a unique niche of shops and businesses. Possible tenants will include a town market, bakery, fine and casual dining, home accessories, fine gifts, interior design, art gallery, salon & spa, children’s clothing and accessories, personal services, business services, men’s and women’s fashions and accessories. The Lakewood Village Shops will provide a charming setting featuring wide sidewalks for strolling and window-shopping, restaurants with patio-style dining, open-air farmer’s markets and city festivals throughout the year for residents and Athenians alike to enjoy.
Lakewood will be an ideal environment for pedestrians and bicyclists. Street dimensions and geometries are designed with the intent to keep automotive speeds slow. On-street parking will be encouraged on nearly all streets. Alleys will serve buildings, and garages will be kept to the rear, minimizing driveways and curb cuts, and enhancing the beauty of streetscapes.
The architecture and town plan at Lakewood may be a reflection of days gone by, but the smart technology features incorporated into each home are the wave of the future. “Lakewood is changing the way people live in their homes by incorporating innovative home networking solutions,” said Shane Dekle, Lakewood Land Development, LLC. Lakewood residents will enjoy the added conveniences that come from integrating and managing entertainment, communications and comfort solutions in their homes. Dekle also cited the option of structured wire solutions that can provide traditional connections or allow residents to surf the web wirelessly from anywhere in their living space.
Additionally, Lakewood residents will stay connected online through the Lakewood Community Intranet, which offers such features as a community bulletin board, club updates, community calendar, rolodex-style resident directory, topical calendars, newsletter, and a user interface that allows residents to check rules, regulations, and bylaws of the community. “More and more people are searching for a neighborhood where they can get to know their neighbors, and a community network is an excellent vehicle for keeping neighbors in touch,” said Dekle.
Lakewood Land Development, LLC will act as community managers of Lakewood. The future site of Lakewood has been in the Dekle family for generations. “After many years of dreaming and planning, our family is excited to see Lakewood transition from family farmland into a community that Athens will enjoy for many years to come,” said Dekle. “Our family is committed to new urbanism, and Lakewood is a tremendous legacy to leave the Athens community.”
The Lakewood Development Team is comprised of founders, Lakewood Land Development, LLC, Maryland-based master planner and town architect, Medick Architects and Athens-based landscape architecture and civil engineering firm, Williams & Associates, Land Planners P.C as well as a mortgage lender and realty group.
Pre-construction reservations are available on residential properties at Lakewood. Contact Lakewood Land Development, LLC at (706) 548-0564 for more information. Coming soon, visit Lakewood online at www.lakewoodathens.com.
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