Master developer Kitson & Partners has announced that Sarasota-based Homes by Towne has started construction of the first residences at Babcock Ranch, a new 18,000-acre eco-centric, solar powered town being developed by Kitson east of Fort Myers off State Road 31 in Charlotte County.

Homes by Towne is building four furnished model homes in Lake Timber, the first neighborhood to be built at Babcock Ranch. Fox Premier Builders, Stock Development, and Florida Lifestyle Homes of Fort Myers are scheduled to begin construction of 12 additional Lake Timber models between now and mid-October. Completed furnished models are expected to be open for viewing in early 2017. Each home at Babcock Ranch is being built to Florida Green Building Coalition Certification standards.

Situated on the banks of its namesake, the Lake Timber neighborhood epitomizes the Town and Country lifestyle Kitson has fashioned at Babcock Ranch. Lake Timber’s choice of custom lakefront, porch home, cottage, town home, and condominium residences with diverse price points will line streetscapes dotted with parks. Lakefront green spaces and pathways, trail head facilities, a dog park, a lakeside fishing dock, an observation deck, and Babcock Ranch’s first town garden will provide opportunities for connecting with nature. Lake Timber’s Lake House neighborhood center includes a lakefront pool, barbecue area and playground.

At the same time, Lake Timber will be close to Babcock’s Downtown District. Phase I of the Downtown District is under construction and expected to be completed by the end of February 2017. Phase I will include completion of Founder’s Square, a lakefront green space, and the town’s first dining, retail, and lifelong learning venues. The Table and Tap Restaurant will offer indoor and outdoor lakefront dining. Curry Creek Outfitters will provide hiking gear and apparel, while Slater’s Goods & Provisions will feature a coffee shop, grab and go items, and an ice cream shop. Woodlea Hall will be Babcock Ranch’s first civic building and home to Kitson & Partners’ development offices and information center. The Babcock Neighborhood School will open in the fall of 2017 and a comprehensive Wellness Center is scheduled for completion in spring 2018.

Babcock Ranch will be a perfect opportunity for the blossoming build to rent market in SWFL.  To learn more about build to rent investment opportunities in Babcock Ranch, contact an expert member of the 9 Core Realty team.