Bradenton officials approve 160-lot Mirabella at Village Green development
BRADENTON -- Considering LAGOinvest has already spent about $800,000 on infrastructure projects at 1401 Village Green Blvd., site of the former Village Green golf course, passing final plat approval to begin home construction was expected.
Bradenton City Council unanimously moved the project forward at its Wednesday evening meeting.
LAGOinvest derives its name from combining the first two initials of the last names of co-founders Florian Lanz and Marshall Gobuty with the company business. Part of the company focus now is investing in Florida properties.
The Mirabella at Village Green development will feature 160 residential lots and is being marketed as an "active adult lifestyle" community with many amenities for adults can participate in without having to leave the community. The subdivision will contain a fitness center, clubhouse, pool, dog park and onsite activities director who will plan special events, parties and outings.
The development was first approved in 2006, two years after LAGOinvest purchased the 42.12-acre golf course for $5 million from a real estate investor who bought the course in 2004 for $4 million. The course had been in operation for almost a quarter century before closing more than a decade ago.
According to Gobuty, the economic downturn in 2006 was the reason for the long project delay.
"We were just a product of the environment at the time," said Gobuty, who oversees LAGOinvest business in America, Asia and Africa while Lanz oversees European operations. "We are excited about the opportunity to move this project forward."
Final plat approval could not be granted before infrastructure such as sewer and water had been completed, which Gobuty said has been done. Utilities will be maintained by the city of Bradenton, but roads and common areas will be maintained by residents through a homeowner association fee.
Company spokeswoman Linda Gross said permits have been pulled for construction of two model homes, which should be completed by early June in time for a grand opening. Potential buyers can be placed on an interest list at MirabellaFlorida.com where they can learn more about the community.
The website indicates homes are energy efficient, two to three bedrooms, averaging between 1,500 and 1,800 square feet.
Gross said pricing has not yet been calculated.
"It's still a little early for that," said Gross. "We'll have that information soon, but it takes time to figure that out on these communities."
There are more than 1,000 homes in the neighboring Village Green community along the defunct golf course. Residents have largely supported this development because the golf course was overgrown with weeds. Some residents even complained of coyote activity.
Gross said the new development "will complement the existing (Village Green community) very nicely. Everyone involved in this team has been pushing so hard to bring this to market. We think it's an exciting product and one of the only active adult lifestyle communities in the area."
Mark Young, Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041 or follow him on Twitter @urbanmark2014.
This story was originally published March 25, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Bradenton officials approve 160-lot Mirabella at Village Green development ."