WCI Communities purchases land for new gated community in East Manatee

WCI Communities, LLC completed the purchase of just over 64 acres of land east of Upper Manatee River Road, according to Manatee County property records.

According to Laura Johnston, the vice president of marketing and public relations for WCI Communities, the land will be used for a new gated community called Copperlefe. It will have 159 single-family homes that will range from 2,000 square feet to nearly 3,700 square feet and offer anywhere from three to six bedrooms.

“Plans are to begin construction on the first homes, including a model and sales center, in the fourth quarter of this year,” Johnston said in an e-mail to the Herald. “Permits are in place and land development has begun.”

The homes will be designed from WCI Communities’ Executive and Estate Homes series, which include one- and two-story models. The community will also include a resort-style community pool with a cabana and grilling area.

The purchase price for the land was listed in property records as $5.6 million and comprises four parcels, including property at 615 Upper Manatee River Road, 11643 Eighth Ave. Circle E., 802 117th St. E. and 812 117th St. E.

Johnston said that purchase is sufficient to complete the project.

“But, of course, we are always looking for new opportunities to grow the business,” Johnston said.

Copperlefe will fill one of the last undeveloped parcels along the north-south route of Upper Manatee River Road. It is one of many subdivisions in different stages of development in the area. In May, the Manatee County Commission approved changes to add commercial, retail and multifamily units to an undeveloped area west of Upper Manatee River Road.

WCI Communities, based out of Bonita Springs, has three other housing developments in Manatee County -- Tidewater Preserve, located just east of Interstate-75 on the south bank of the Manatee River; The Links at Rosedale, located off Lakewood Ranch Blvd.; and the Country Club East at Lakewood Ranch.

This story was originally published July 28, 2016 at 5:43 PM with the headline "WCI Communities purchases land for new gated community in East Manatee."