Architectural Appeal is Vital Part of Developer’s Vision for 1616 River Road

Press Contact:
Contact: Kerry Sullivan, (904) 332-6536, ext. 221
Renaissance Creative Public Relations
[email protected]

Jacksonville, Fla. (August 27, 2007) — As construction continues along at the exclusive new riverfront community of 1616 River Road in historic San Marco, exquisite architectural details are starting to come to light.

1616 River Road is in the midst of one of Jacksonville’s most charming and historic neighborhoods, a truly distinctive area that has retained a vibrant sense of community and casually elegant style.

“This property could have been developed as one larger structure along the river, but we thought it would best be served by two buildings that were more in keeping with the scale of San Marco,” said 1616 River Road developer Charles Atkerson.

Atkerson’s vision for Mediterranean Revival-style riverfront condominiums is right in line with what the area’s first families created in the 1920s, which also included Mission-style and Spanish Colonial.

Kevin Gray of Gray and Byram Architects was selected to design 1616 River Road. While Kevin Gray has designed multi-family communities, he specializes in designing high end, single family homes. Atkerson is very pleased with Kevin Gray’s design and attention to detail.

“We wanted this to feel like multi-million dollar homes—every element that we would typically put in one of the homes you would find on the ocean or the finer communities, Charles wanted that and more,” Gray said.

Offering six residences in two riverfront buildings—two flats, two town homes and two 3,800 -plus square-foot penthouses, 1616 River Road is designed to reflect the historic nature of San Marco while bringing a new dynamic feel to this exclusive area.

Architectural details stay true with other San Marco landmarks, such as the famed Swisher Estate, one of the first homes to be built in the area after the Fire of 1901.

Future 1616 River Road residents can expect a stucco exterior, tiled roofing, intricately detailed overhangs, quaint window details, extensive ironwork, decorative cartouches, subdued and earthy tones and brick pavers, to name a few of the extraordinary architectural details planned for this community.

The only deviation from the Mediterranean themed community can be found on the spacious screened lanais.

“We looked at several types of railing but as we were sitting inside the building looking out, we realized we would lose our view with certain railings,” said Gray. “Instead we implemented stainless steel cable railings—it’s almost transparent to the eye.”

1616 River Road also offers impact resistant windows and sliding glass doors, as well as exterior walls constructed of reinforced masonry. Four-inch thick concrete-poured floors add to the safety of the two buildings.

“What isn’t concrete in this building is steel,” Atkerson added.

The maintenance-free community caters to the sophisticated buyer according to Atkerson. “Buyers are not wanting to tend to the yard or have a live-in housekeeper, but they wanted all of the luxury. We took what we felt the prudent, upscale buyer would want in their home and we made it standard.”

Interior accoutrements include foyers with stepped tray ceilings, monorail lighting, gallery-inspired hallways, varied niches and alcoves throughout, as well as wood, stone and other high-end countertops and flooring finishes. Additionally, raised panel cabinetry in maple and cherry are also standard. The kitchen is a gourmet’s dream with Wolf wall oven, microwave and gas cook top. The refrigerator is a 42” Subzero. The kitchen is rounded out with a warming drawer and wine chiller.

A 165-foot curvilinear river walk will serve as a magnificent gathering space near the planned boat slips. Pricing for the opportunity to be among the dozen people to call this unique community home start in the upper $900s.

Atkerson, president of C. Atkerson, Inc. has been creating beautiful homes and communities across Northeast Florida for 30 years. Through various partnerships and affiliations, Atkerson, together with Serena Wakefield, have been instrumental in developing intimate seaside communities such as the Grove and South Beach, providing affordable homes at Brandywine Lakes and Old Town Villages, upscale condominiums within Deerwood and San Marco and master-planned communities such as WhiteLock Farms and Palm Lakes.

When you choose a C. Atkerson community, you’re choosing a neighborhood shaped by thoughtful concern for the surrounding environment and an enduring commitment to making your home purchase an enjoyable experience.

To schedule a tour or to get on the registration list for 1616 River Road, call Colleen Riley at (904) 564-1774 or visit www.1616riverroad.com.