The Sovana at Stuart multifamily complex received a 2023 CoStar Impact Award, as judged by a panel of local industry professionals, after hitting 73% leased less than a year after receiving its certificate of occupancy. The impressive lease-up was the result of effective marketing campaigns, collaborative leasing efforts and the increased demand for luxury lifestyle amenities in the 55-and-over housing market locally.
At the center of the 185-unit multifamily complex are an expansive clubhouse, swimming pool and water feature. Amenities include a community game room, public kitchen, theater, full-service salon, well-appointed fitness room, pet play area, hot tub, pickleball and bocce courts, as well as an outdoor kitchen and fire pit.
Residents in the age-restricted, active-adult complex can choose from a variety of one- and two-bedroom floor plans ranging from 800 square feet to 1,134 square feet. Each apartment is appointed with top-of-the-line appliances, in-unit washers and dryers, ceiling fans, crown molding, generous closets and storage space.
About the project: The United Group of Companies in New York worked with Atlanta-based architect Geheber Lewis Associates on the four-story, 218,400-square-foot multifamily development at 1900-1940 NW Federal Parkway.
What the judges said: Jeffery Chamberlin, president of SLC Commercial, said it was a nice-looking project where the developer "took a subpar site and developed something really attractive on it."
"The impressive initial occupancy rate of 73% is evidence of the demand for quality 55+ housing in Stuart," said Elijah Wooten, economic development administrator for the city of Port St. Lucie. "The amenities and inviting common areas provide a place of connection and socializing for the residents."
Conor Mackin, sales and leasing agent at Jeremiah Baron & Co. Commercial Real Estate, said the development will provide quality housing with convenient access to US-1 and downtown Stuart for the growing senior population in Martin and St. Lucie counties.
"I'm personally aware of the project as they transitioned through the development process in the city of Stuart at a time where multifamily development was being welcomed into the community," said Joan K. Goodrich, economic development director with the Business Development Board of Martin County.
They made it happen: Tim Haskins, senior director of project development with the United Group of Companies; Michael Uccellini, CEO of United; Jeff Arnold, COO of United; Ashley Wysocarski, field marketing manager at United; Julie Bohl, property manager with United; and Tara O’Sullivan, regional property manager for United.