Avatar plans Tuscan-style amenities center at Solivita

April 19, 2006

Avatar Properties Inc. has announced plans for the future development of The Palms, a $6.5 million, Tuscan-style amenities center in Solivita, the company’s award-winning active-adult community in Poinciana.

Construction is expected to begin this July on the 4.66-acre, world-class complex featuring resort-like amenities in an elegant, Old World setting accented by stately palms, lush landscaping and decorative water features.

The focal point will be a 19,000 sq. ft., Tuscan-style building featuring a state-of-the-art fitness studio, aerobics studio, residents’ business center, catering/staging kitchen, members’ club room, and large multi-purpose room.

“In terms of first-class amenities and overall ambience, we think The Palms will rival some of the finest five-star resorts, and will complement the outstanding recreational amenities already available to residents in and around our Village Center,” said Avatar’s John Corners, vice president administration/lifestyles at Solivita.

Planned and designed by The Evans Group of Orlando, the Tuscan-style building is planned to include:
  * a fitness studio with 38 pieces of cardiovascular and strength equipment by TechnoGym;
  * a 3,200 sq. ft. aerobics studio with tongue and groove wood floor on sleepers;
  * a residents’ business center with high-speed internet access, copy and fax services;
  * a members’ club room with large screen plasma TV, baby grand piano, and social gathering areas;
  * a 1,600 sq. ft. multi-purpose room that can be divided to host multiple events; and
  * a gourmet-style, commercial catering/staging kitchen.

Outdoor amenities planned for swimmers, sunbathers and residents who simply enjoy relaxing and socializing, include a 4,000 sq. ft. heated lap and splash pool, two heated whirlpool spas, a large pavered pool deck illuminated for nighttime use and events, a fireplace piazza, and social gathering deck.

Also planned are two lighted DecoTurf II tennis courts with 9-layer cushioned surfaces, two lighted boccie courts, and four lighted pickleball courts.

The Palms, which is expected to open for resident use in summer 2007, “will enhance Solivita’s extensive list of existing amenities” located in and around the community’s Mediterranean-style Village Center, Corners said.

Those amenities are highlighted by two 18-hole championship golf courses at the Stonegate Golf Club, and the award-winning 32,000 sq. ft. Riviera Spa & Fitness Center which includes a heated, indoor Olympic-size swimming pool, resort-style outdoor pool, indoor running track, aerobic studio, and world-class fitness center.

Other amenities include Mosaics restaurant, the Starlight Ballroom, an arts and crafts studio, the Gateway Café, the Grille at Stonegate, eight lighted tennis and pickleball courts, a championship-caliber softball diamond, and a host of other social and recreational amenities designed for individual and group activities.

For more information about The Palms, contact Avatar’s John Corners at (863) 427-7120, or log onto Solivita’s web site at http://www.solivita.com.

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