Tidewater Preserve to add high-rise residences

Tidewater Preserve to add high-rise residences

real estate by Bill Rosenberger | Contributing Writer

Most of east Manatee County's residential development boom thus far has featured widespread communities over thousands of acres. The growth pushed outward - not upward.

Until now.

WCI Communities last week released its first lot of homes in its Tidewater Preserve project. Located on 374 acres along the Manatee River, the project will bring the first high-rise residential towers to the area known as East County by 2008. And the developers hope their presence near Interstate 75 will serve as the gateway to Bradenton.

Project Manager Judson Griggs said the amount of growth in East County was a major factor in the decision to build vertically.

"There's only so far you go east," Griggs said. "Eventually, you have to look to other alternatives.

"I think the county understands that when you talk about density and urban sprawl, those things can be good," he said. "Density, well planned, is a very good concept."

Four towers will spring from two lots on the western shores of the Manatee River at about $40 million each. Each set of towers, called Floridian Isles I and II, will be connected by an amenity center that will feature a fitness center, grand salon, theater, locker rooms and a pool.

Inside the four 10-story towers will be 279 residential units, including penthouses on the top floors. Each residence also holds a view of the river to the west, which adds to the uniqueness of the towers.

Furthermore, Isles I and II will be highly visible throughout the eastern part of the county and even from downtown at a distance. However, when travelers drive across the interstate, north or south near Ellenton, it will be those towers that catch their attention.

"Bradenton can really look at this community as a gateway to the south," Griggs said. "It's going to be beautiful as you come over the bridge. It will be a great gateway to the city."

Although Manatee County Commissioner Donna Hayes doesn't think East County is ready for high rises, she said the location of WCI's project adds variety and can be a positive attribute for the city and county.

"I think it puts a positive light on (growth)," she said. "It will certainly add to the atmosphere in the area."

Adam Fritz, intern architect for the Tampa-based Curts, Gains, Hall & Jones firm, said the towers were designed to offer a new view of Bradenton for drivers along on the interstate.

"The masses are broken up nicely, keeping it a very signature building for Bradenton," he said.

Fritz said Bob Hall, head designer on the project, worked with WCI Communities to create towers that were more than just oversized, vertical rectangles. Instead, they crafted specific looks that will not only give the residences a sense of pride, but also give the city and county something to enjoy as well.

Heading east of the interstate, Tidewater Preserve also will introduce a series of six-story mid-rises, which will graze along the shoreline. The final piece of the community will include 276 single-family homes in seven separate living areas.

Barber said the highlight of Tidewater Preserve is the water, not only with the riverside towers and mid-rises, but also with the 10 manmade lakes.

"The overall theme is meant to be casual riverfront living," Barber said. "It's planned for water, and that's a business decision. The water adds value."

The final touch to the project will be a two-mile boardwalk, running from the towers and continuing along the Manatee River and ending near the single-family homes.