Golf course living without the fees

The view of nearby Eastwood Golf Course. The course is public and memberships are available to city residents. COURTESY PHOTO

Greens Edge at Province Park - the name says it all.

A view of Eastwood Golf Course in Fort Myers has been the selling point for Greens Edge, an emerging community of luxury condos within Province Park. As the final of three phases in Province Park, the Harp Development project off Winkler Avenue Extension will feature 11 six-story buildings bordering the golf course.

"This was a newer concept as far as going to mid-rises," said Howard Krass, director of sales and marketing for Harp Development.

Groundbreaking was in February 2007, and Krass said CORE Construction Florida has started nine of the 11 mid-rises in the low-density community. One of two Augusta buildings, the first to be built, is nearing completion.

"We expect all the buildings to be completed by the end of the year," he said. "Closings will be between May and June for the first building."

Krass said units are being released on demand and that a little more than 50 percent of the 330 units have been sold as of late March.

An artist's rending of the view from the front of Greens Edge at Province Park. COURTESY RENDERING

Buyers primarily have been secondhomeowners, seasonal residents and those 55 and older, said Jessica Barton, director of public relations at Spiro & Associates in Fort Myers.

Young professionals also have been buying, Krass said, adding their preference for a residence whose property they do not have to maintain.

Krass said buyers have been drawn to the gorgeous views of Eastwood.

"You don't have to buy a membership," he said. "You don't have the high annual fees. You can get golf course living without membership and the high maintenance fees.

"It's like shopping at Dillard's at Wal- Mart prices. It's really an excellent value.

Units in the Oakmont, Pinehurst and Somersett buildings have the best views of the four nearby lakes, and one of the Muirfield buildings offers a view as well. Three Oakmont buildings, nearest to the amenity center, are included. The site has two each of the other buildings.

Models of the three floor plans, which range from mid-$200,000 to $259,900, are expected to be completed by May, Krass said.

Each floor of the mid-rises features two corner Aberdeen units, the popular choice among buyers because they have the most windows. They offer 1,875 square feet of living space with three bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms plus a den.

Two interior Broadmoor plans on each floor have 1,735 square feet of living area. A master suite, two additional suites and a den are included.

The center Carlsbad unit, with 2,001 square feet of living space, also is top choice, Krass said, because of its two master suites and an additional bedroom. A 372 square-foot veranda is along the corner master suites and grand room between.

Interior features include tile in the main living space and verandah and granite countertops. Units come with a detached one-car garage spacious enough to accommodate a golf cart.

Amenities include a clubhouse - the second within Province Park - with a media room, fitness facility, saunas, tropical free-form pool and tiki bar. Greens Edge residents will have access to the older clubhouse as well.

"The new clubhouse is a little more leisurely, not quite as formal," Krass said.

With the golf course so close, residents can walk or ride a golf cart there to play. Greens Edge provides golf carts on a first-come, first-serve basis for those who don't have their own.

A concierge service will assist residents with moving arrangements, personal errands and house and pet sitting, Barton said.