It’s a start: First two models open in Lakewood Ranch Waterside, which will have 5,000-plus homes

In the scheme of things, two new model homes in the nation’s third-largest selling new home market might not sound like much.

That is, until you realize the two new model homes are in Lakewood Ranch’s Waterside development under construction in Schroeder-Manatee Ranch’s Sarasota County property.

Waterside is destined to have 5,144 homes on 1,425 acres.

Pulte Homes opened its first two models July 1 in its slice of Waterside, called Shoreview at Lakewood Ranch.

“We were exceedingly busy the first two weekends,” Pulte sales consultant Andrew Basco said this week.

Shoreview, so named because it sits on West Teal Lake and Middle Teal Lake, will have 246 homes, ranging from a base price of $484,990 to $625,990.

Amenities planned include a heated resort-style pool and spa, clubhouse, catering kitchen, kayak launch, fitness center, tennis court, pickle ball, outdoor barefoot bar and more.

Among those checking out the model homes – the Pinnacle and the Camelot – were an equal number of buyers and real estate agents. Among them was Mary Mastro of Keller William Realty Select.

“We want to be knowledgeable,” Mastro said of her visit to Waterside, located off Deer Drive. “It’s going to be great. These are beautiful homes to choose from.”

Shoreview is located about one half-mile from the planned village center, Waterside Place, which will be home to retail shops, apartments, restaurants, offices and the Players Centre for Performing Arts.

In addition to the two models, Pulte is building its first spec house in Shoreview, Basco said. The spec house, a three-bedroom, 3.5-bath model measuring 2,923 square feet, will be offered for $826,617.

Other models are under construction by Homes by Towne, Arthur Rutenberg and Lee Wetherington in Waterside, said Lisa Barnott, spokeswoman for developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch.

For more information, visit Lakewood Ranch Waterside.

This story was originally published July 12, 2017 at 1:57 PM with the headline "It’s a start: First two models open in Lakewood Ranch Waterside, which will have 5,000-plus homes."