Neal Communities project hits princely milestone

ENGLEWOOD — Neal Communities hit a milestone in its redevelopment of Boca Royale Golf & Country Club in south Sarasota County in 2014: It surpassed $10 million in sales of new homes.

Lakewood Ranch-based Neal Communities, one of the most prolific new homebuilders on the Gulf Coast, bought a portion of Boca Royale in 2012 for $1.23 million. The firm saw a surge of interest last year in the community, according to a release, due mostly to new neighborhoods, floor plans and a renovated information center. Neal Communities invested more than $1 million to renovate the club, fitness center, golf course and infrastructure, the release adds.

“We attribute our highly successful year to several factors including the mature look of the community, the fun and welcoming country club environment, tremendous value and home choices, and an excellent location, which is close to beaches, trails and boating facilities,” Neal Communities vice president of special projects Mark Sochar says in the statement.

Boca Royale, in Englewood, currently has four neighborhoods and four decorated models, with a fifth and sixth coming this year. Prices start at around $200,000 and go over $1 million. The community has an 18-hole, par-72 golf course.