PRESS RELEASES

Palencia Has Become New 'Park Place'

6/13/2005

(ST. AUGUSTINE, FL) – Don’t tell Milton-Bradley, the makers of the popular board game Monopoly, there’s a new “Park Place.”

With the addition of parks in the Tree House and North River, Palencia has truly become the new “Park Place” of Northeast Florida offering residents in the master-planned community 33 acres of parks and plenty of recreational opportunities.

Bordering Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway off historic US Highway 1, Palencia is located between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. The abundance of parks and open spaces matches a unique variety of home styles including single-family, town homes, condominiums and unique live/work units as well as estate lots and million-dollar homes, all in a beautiful coastal setting.

Hines, the international real estate firm developing Palencia, was recently recognized with a Best In American Living Award (BALA) for Smart Growth Community for achieving their goal of protecting the ecological integrity of Palencia’s unique natural landscape.

“People who live in master-planned communities like Palencia regard access to parks and recreational areas as among the most important factors in their well-being and the vitality of their neighborhoods,” noted Hines Vice President Walt O’Shea.

Palencia incorporates winding boardwalks that keep children off main roads and allow them to experience natural landscape through the community’s network of hiking and bike trails as well as parks located in each neighborhood. An original “loop lane” concept was introduced, versus the traditional cul-de-sac, resulting in green areas and parks in the midst of streets.

“Palencia is planned around the existing landscape, not the other way around. The trail system winds throughout oak hammocks and over streambeds, then travels out to the Intracoastal Waterway, providing a very serene feeling,” said Naomi Lumley, sales and marketing director for Hines at Palencia. “Parks are an integral part of the lifestyle offered in this community.

Palencia’s master plan creates a thriving community with a seamless blend of residences, recreation, shops and offices. Because of the area's unique topography and extensive tree cover with distinctive neighborhood parks and nature trails, residents have access to the marsh front and other amenities such as the swim and fitness facility, championship golf course with clubhouse and tennis center.

Additional neighborhood recreational choices include green spaces and nature trails, athletic parks with ball fields, pocket parks and playgrounds woven throughout the community and even a pirate ship playground. These natural, common spaces provide great locations for family gatherings, neighborhood social events and exercise.

Being known as the new “Park Place” is just one more reason why this growing community has gained the attention of astute and savvy buyers from across the nation.

From Jacksonville, take U.S. Highway 1 south to Palencia Village Drive, located east of International Golf Parkway in St. Johns County. The Palencia Information Center is located approximately one mile inside the entrance.

For more information about Palencia, call (904) 810-0500, or visit Palencia online at www.VivaPalencia.com. The Sales and Information Center, as well as all model homes, are open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.