Palm Coast to Foreclose on Matanzas Golf Course – What Happens Next?
I’m not optimistic. Assessed Value $204,615. Code enforcement fines and interest exceeding $97,500 and growing. Where is this problem headed?
PALM COAST, FL – March 17, 2016 – The City of Palm Coast Code Enforcement Board, at its March 9th hearing, instructed the city attorney to foreclose on the Matanzas Woods Golf Course property to enforce a lien for accumulating code enforcement fines and interest. The owner of the former golf course property was there to contest the decision.
The total owed by course owner, Group Golf LLC, at the time of the hearing was $97,500; and growing daily. The 2015 assessed value of the 276 acres making up the former Matanzas tract is only $204,615. The 2008 assessed value of the closed course was $2.35M. The sister Pines and Cypress courses, both open in 2008, were assessed at $4.58M and $3.76M respectively. The course has been closed since 2007.
August 8, 2015 marked the first Code Enforcement Board hearing relevant to the city’s foreclosure move. The owner of the Matanzas Golf Course, Group Golf, was cited for failure to maintain the course in a code-compliant state. Acknowledging that the course was closed, the city relaxed the maintenance standards to allow mowing only. Apparently, details of how this was to be done were not bilaterally understood.
The picture to the right shows the famous Matanzas Golf Course 18th hole island green in its prime days.
Long after the 30-day appeal of the August findings had expired, the city cited Group Golf for continued non-compliance and sent notice of a November 4, 2015 hearing. Group Golf did not attend that hearing, claiming that the hearing notice was improperly delivered (to an old address). The city claims they met all the legal standards for notification.
With the defendant absent, the Code Enforcement Board imposed a lien on the property for the accumulated fines and interest to date ($30,000). The next event was the March 9, 2016 hearing, by which time the aggregate amount due had grown to $97,500.
Group Golf argued the following:
They did not attend the November hearing because they did not receive proper notice of the hearing.
Group Golf cited language in the Palm Coast Unified Land Development Code (LDC), arguing that the level of maintenance required by the August 8th findings did not apply, since the zoning had changed (reverted).
Applicable LDC language:
Duration and extension (of a Development Order): The negotiated Master Plan Development Agreement which results from a master planned development application process shall have a maximum duration of five years or be phased to ensure that development under a Master Plan Development Agreement proceeds in good faith and the development of the master planned development is not abandoned and is not suspended in a manner which is adverse to the public interest. Upon the five-year term being completed or a phase of the master planned development not being developed in accordance with the phasing schedule set forth in the Master Plan Development Agreement, the City Council may, after obtaining a recommendation from the Planning and Land Development Regulation Board, extend the term of the Master Plan Development Agreement or the master planned development phase. In the interim, no development may be continued or permitted relative to the master planned development and absent an extension approval by means of a development order within three months of the date of expiration, the property shall revert to the zoning district which was assigned to the master planned development property prior to the Master Planned Development District rezoning. A property owner may initiate a request for an extension prior to expiration.
Group Golf argued that the Master Planned Development Agreement, issued in 2007, had expired after five years. Further, there was no public record of the prior developer requesting an extension of the Development Order or of the city granting one. Therefore, the property should have reverted back to the zoning in effect prior to the Development Order. Group Golf claims that the prior zoning was Agricultural. Therefore, they argue, the standards of maintenance under which they had been measured, cited and fined were too strict. They should not have been cited.
GoToby.com discovered the August 30, 2007 development Order issued to Grand Woods; an entity of Landmar, who owned the Grand Club at the time. It clearly shows the Development Order effectively changed the property zoning from GCC (Golf Course Community, not Agriculture) to MPD (Master Planned Development). GoToby.com believes that Group Golf’s zoning change argument is negated by the language of the Development Order.
On a final point, the city points out that Group Golf did not appeal the August 8th findings within the allowable 30-day period. During that time, they could have presented their zoning argument, but they did not.
What happens next?
Group Golf’s actions to date have yet to demonstrate a position of positive financial strength. Faced with ongoing maintenance costs, mounting fines, penalties and interest, I cannot project a positive outcome unless the city steps back from, what I believe, is a strong bargaining position.
I think Group Golf would like to see a negotiated solution, but the city holds the stronger hand. A negotiated solution would calm the current problem, but do little to solve the ongoing ones. The current softness in the golf industry, the estimated $5 to $9 million cost to reconstruct the course and clubhouse, and the neighboring residents’ strong resistance to alternative development options does not bode well for a happy ending.
Clearly, Group Golf will be unable to market the property under current conditions. They have vowed to use the courts to battle the city’s actions. This will only delay a solution and likely dig the property owners into a deeper hole.
Absent either a negotiated solution or Group Golf’s total compliance, what are the options open to the city? They could effectively allow a “short sale” in the same sense that banks let delinquent mortgage holders “a way out” where both sides shared the loss.
Another option would be to let the foreclosure run its natural course. In the event of a foreclosure auction, there may be a third party willing to pay enough to make the city whole, or at least happy. But if no such third party emerges, then title would pass to the city. In that event, I would not want to be on the City Council given the current attention being focused on persistent operating losses at the city’s only municipal golf course.
Clearly, bringing the golf course back will not be an option for the city. Instead, the city will be faced with the same neighbors that fought the Jim Cullis development, causing him to back off; the same neighbors that are now complaining about the lack of ongoing maintenance that led to the city’s current code enforcement actions.
Death of a Golf Course
Designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, Matanzas Woods has been described as a "beautiful monster" and was once named one of Golf Digest's "Best New Resort Courses". Here it is in its prime and after brought to you from Google Earth. The views are from the same perspective and show the 11th green (bottom left), clubhouse and practice green and the island 18th green.
March 31, 2005 (Prime time)
December 31, 2007 (Closed)
December 6, 2010
January 19, 2012
January 14, 2015
A moment of silence, please.
Interstant Land Sales Files
( I would post the I.L.S. Files here but they are Gargantuan. For those wanting to read the Palm Coast I.L.S. Files see below:)
Sent: Friday, October 12, 2011 3:15 PM
Subject: RE: A little Question –
The ILS office has moved to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ). I’ am still with HUD but in different department. Mr. William Thomas would be your point of contact for ILS questions. The link below is for information pertaining to ILS files and questions about the ILS office at the CFPB.
Encumberances Federal
F.T.C. Docket C-2854 & Federally ORDERED ‘ 15 Year Compliance Report ‘ with Federal Exhibits A & Exhibits B:
‘…Because you have made a commitment in Palm Coast by establishing your home here, we believe you should be aware of an agreement that we recently reached with the Federal Trade Commission.
ITT Community Development Corporation ( ICDC) has signed a Consent Agreement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) concerning the furture development of Palm Coast. Signing the agreement does not constitute an admission that any law has been violated, as the agreement itself states. We feel the agreement is important in order to attain our primary goal — the development of Palm Coast as a balanced, well-rounded community.
An important part of the Consent Agreement calls for the execution of plans, within six years, which we believe, in the long run, will be good for Palm Coast. In brief, among other things , we have agreed to the following:
1. A shopping center with at least 400,000 square feet of floor space will be provided.We are already in contact with prospective developers of individual stores, including a supermarket.
2. With appropriate governmental agreement, a traffic interchange on Interstate Highway 95 will be constructed to serve Palm Coast according to plans we submitted to the Florida Department of Transportation in August 1972. ICDC will pay for the interchange as originally designed.
3. An office and research park area will be developed with appropriate roads and utilities to serve it and landscaping to make it an attractive part of Palm Coast. Planning for this already is under way.
4. A multi-purpose office building, with at least 5,000 square feet of floor space, will be constructed for tenants in the office and reserch park. This structure, also, is under planning.
5. We will move the headquarters of ICDC to Palm Coast. We plan to be substantial employer contributing much to the economy of Palm Coast and Flagler County.
The agreement also provides for us to restrict our developoment efforts to 42,000 acres for a period of 15 years ( with possible extension for another five years). This will allow appropriate construction in areas set aside for commercial establishments, light industry, recreation, preservation and conservation and other residential uses. Moreover, during this 15- or 20-year period, sales will be limited to 48,000 registered lots of which over 36,000 already have been sold.
The aforementioned are some of the most important points contained in the Consent Agreement as it affect you and the balanced development of Palm Coast. You will also be interested in knonwing of additional projects that we believe further enhance the community.. Here are some examples:
We have donated two acres of land, adjoining the furture Emergency Services Building site, to the Palm Coast branch of the YMCA to be used as the location fo a Community Activities Center. We will bear the cost of constructing this facility for all community residents and for sharing in operational expenses during its first three years — a gift totalling more than $400,000.
We have provided as a gift a site of 57 acres to the Flagler County School Board for a junior-senior high school. The first class of proud seniors was graduated from Flagler-Palm Coast High School last spring.
—->We have designated a number of sites for recreation parks, preservation and conservation, and other public areas.<----- One site, in Section 1-A, now is being developed and a paved bicycle path has been constructed. Another bike path, starting near the Yacht Club, is in use. We are working with the Palm Coast Civic Association so that Palm Coast residents can form a legal entity to which we can donate oa one-acre site and an Emergency Services Building to house fire and security forces, an ambulance, and facilities for community activities. A preliminary blueprint fo the structure has been approved by a committeee from the Community. As you know, we donated a $36,000 pumper fire truck to the Palm Coast Volunteer Fire Department , which will be stationed in the Emergency Services Building.. Palm Coast's first church building, St. Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church, ws dedicated on the morning of July 4. Catholic and Baptist church organizations have purchased sites for their proposed churches. And Temple Beth Shalom is considering building a Synagogue. We at ICDC are very pleased, as we know citizens of Palm Coast are, to witness this growth and progress in the vitally important religioius life of our community. Palm Coast's first financial institution, a branch of the Security First Federal Savings and Loan Association, recently opened for business. We believe others will follow with the growth of the community. These and many other facilitites will be needed to serve Palm Coast's growing population. And it is growing. During the last nine months, construction of over 200 homes began. We now have over 1,000 people living and enjoying the good life at Palm Coast. In closing, let me assure you that the ITT Community Development Corporation believes very strongly in the future of Palm Coast and that we are determined that it will grow and progress in a balanced and healthy manner. Sincerely yours, Alan Smolen President. ********************************************************************** December 1, 1989 Federal Trade Commission Atlanta REgional Offices Room 1000 1718 Peachtree St., N.W. Atlanta, GA 30367 RE: Federal Trade Commission Decision and Order Issued December 10, 1976 (Decision and Order ) - In the matter of International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation, ITT Community Development Corporation and Palm Coast, Inc. Dear Sir: The following is in response to the reporting requirement set forth in the unnumbered paragraph on Page 16 of the Decision and Order. From an historical perspective, in 1969, ITT Community Development Corporation (CDC) began a master plan of a community now known as Palm Coast. As a significant step in that process, in 1974, CDC entered into an Agreement with the Florida's Division of State Planning for the purpose of development a Comprehensive Land Use Plan ( CLUP ) as a logical and effective process to guide and control the orderly development of Palm Coast. The CLUP is a five volumn, 1400 page guide for residential, commercial, Industrial and public service growth for 42,000 acres. The development plans extend to the 21st Century for a community which is capable of supporting 224,000 people. In accordance with the CLUP and consistent with the Decision and Order, of the total available acreage, the 42,000 acres mentionned above are planned for community development, including Federal Trade Commission Page Two of Three December 1, 1989 + 46,000 registered homesites ( + 43,000 of which have been sold), 4 Industrial Parks, shopping centers and various amenities. Since 1980, all homesite infrastructure improvements, i.e. roads ( 533 miles ), drainage, central water ( 529 miles ) and central sewer ( 508 miles ) have been completed by CDC. In addition, CDC has constructed and extensive water management system designed to replenish the area's water table that includes 46 miles of freshwater cnals and another 23 miles of saltwater canals bordering many homes and homesites leading to the Intracoastal Waterway. Water and wastewater plants operated by Palm Coast Utility Corporation have consistently won number state awards for operating excellence. The 4 Industrial Parks mentioned above, currently home to approximately 35 companies, have been developed to balance the economic development of the community and provide employment. Some facilities are in the construction stage and negotiations continue with more than 30 additional industrial prospects. Exhibit A attached to this letter provides a complete listing of present industrial operations in Palm Coast. In the commercial areak, in 1979, the Palm Harbor Shopping Center became a reality. The Shopping Center consiste of 26 merchants and is anchored by a 36,464 square foot Publix Supermarket and Eckerds Drug Store. In 1987, CDC opened St. Joe Plaza, a new CDC Shopping Center which currently has 21 merchants. A new full service Wal-Mart Discount Department Store opened in 1988 in yet another shopping plaza as a major store in a group of 19 stores and restaurants ( total of 85,000 square feet). More recently, in the southern end of the community, another 85,000 square foot shopping center opened this year containing 20 merchants and is anchored by Winn Dixie Supermarket and Rite-Aide Drugstore. See Exhibit a for an extensive reference to the commercial enterprises in Palm Coast. On the governmental leve, a $ 7.5 million Federal Aviation Adminstration ( FAA) facility opened in Palm Coast in 1987. The 133,000 square foot complex of dormitories, classrooms and support facilites train some 3,300 FAA managers yearly having a multi-million dollar impact to the regional economy over 20 years. In addition, the U.S. Postal service has opened a new 21,000 square foot facility in Palm Coast. Within the last 18 months, the County government has expended in excess of $ 900,000 for the construction of a new main fire station and a recreation complex foused on an olympic sized pool. ---->Recreation has always been an important ingredient of Palm Coast lifestyle. CDC has constructed three 18 hole Championship Golf
Federal Trade Commission
Page Three of Three
December 1, 1989
Courses and the fourth Championship golf course is currently under construction. <-----> The Palm Coast Players Club, opened in 1986, is a 18 court tennis complex that is one of the few in the nation with hard court, clay and grass tennis playing surfaces. The Tennis Industry Magazine and the American Society of Landscape ARchitects. The Belle Terre Swim and RAcquet Club is a complete fitness facility with a 25 meter heated pool, four tennis courts and comprehensive Nautilus Room. The Palm Coast Marine, recognized as one of the finest harbors between Hilton Head and Fort Lauderdale, opened in 1979 and serves boaters with 80 slips and comprehensive services, including a ship’s store for supplies and gifts. The Marine is now part of a Resort Setting on the Intracoastal Waterway that included CDC’s 154 room Waterfront Sheraton and the Harbor Club Vacation REsort. —->Exhibit B attached to this letter provides a more in depth descripton of Recreation facilities in Palm Coast.<---- From an education perspective, in 1983, Daytona Beach Community Collect opened a branch campus with an open air Performing Arts Pavilion. Currently, the County government is constructing a new $ 6 million Elementary School and is expending over $ 13 million in renovations/expansion at the Flagler/Palm Coast High School. "Florida Trend" magazine predicted Flagler County would, on a percentage basis, have the state's fastest growth rate over the next five years. This is corroborated by U.S. Census Bureau figures which, based on a percentage basis, identifies Flagler County as the third fastest growing county in the nation during the 1980 - 1987 period with an 89% growth rate. Palm Coast, with 7,552 dwelling units ( 6,784 single family and 768 multifamily) and its population of approximately 15,000 ( 40% of Flagler County's total population ) is the major catalyst behind this explosive growth rate. Very truly yours, Richard Braunstein RB/kh (Federally ORDERED ' 15 Year Compliance Report ' with Exhibits A and Exhibits B. ) ********************************************************************** H.U.D.-I.L.S...#
Shame
The whole situation is a nightmare. Whoever decided the order to refurbish the 3 courses is an idiot. My suspicion is it was political. Matanzas Woods was one of the best in Northern Florida. What a shame!
Incumberances Federal FTC-C2854 ILS 29870
I.L.S. # 29870
Page 8 of 10
PART V
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Every record owner of a fee simple undivided interest in any lot in Sections 34 and 37, Palm Coast, shall automativally be a member of a Homeowner’s Association, a non-profit corporation organized: (a) for the purpose of maintaining and preserving the golf course and appurtenant facilitities by means of general and special assessments levied by the Association against land within the Subdivision, (b) to adopt and enforce rules and regulations for the use of said
golf course and appurtenant facilities and (c) to establish a schedule of use fees and admission charges for such facilities. These rights of the Homeowner’s Association with respect to the golf course shall become effective only if a duly recorded assignment or conveyance of the golf course and appurtenant facilities is made to the Homeowner’s Association by the Company or its successor.
Not a golf course!
Thanks for mentioning Matanzas Woods. Reading the lawsuit, the current owners have no plans for a golf course. There was no money, public or private for a restoration. Consequently, they plan a park of sorts (an agri-tourism park as I recall)and 125 home sites. The home sites were always on the table for the property even if it was to be a course. Regardless, let’s get the ball rolling and do something positive and constructive with this beautiful piece of wooded property.
Not political
Mr. Fischer,
As a former employee of the ownership group that closed Matanzas I can tell you that…The switch in the renovation order had nothing to do with politics! It had everything to do with money. Cypress was renovated first because it was the least busy of the three (not much revenue loss) and was projected to cost the least. Pine was scheduled second because it was the busiest course of the three and the ownership wanted to get it done and reopened. Matanzas got pushed to third because it was the largest and most expensive renovation project. Holes were going to move to the other side of the canal, infrastructure had to be put in for the planned community behind the range, and a new clubhouse/restaurant was to be built. Unfortunately both Cypress and Pine went over budget, something like a million dollars(maybe even more) at each. No one could see all the issues that were underground on the course or in the walls of the structures. After all, Pine was opened in the mid 80’s and Cypress in the early 90’s. Golf courses are not cheap! Especially during renovations! The budget overages from the other two combined with the tanking economy at the time…is why Matanzas sits in its current state. No conspiracy! Just simple economics!
Good For The City & My Funny Neighbors
I was happy to hear that the City made this decision. These owners haven’t lived up to what they say and are exactly the type of owners I was concerned about when the Jim Cullis deal fell through. I am hoping this foreclosure goes through.
I am also chuckling but also ticked that neighbors such as those commenting here are now cheerleaders for a park idea. This was the idea that Jim Cullis brought 2 years ago and he and others strongly opposed and viciously attacked anyone in favor of the idea. This could have been resolved then. Unreal.
Jim Cullis Plan
The leader of the group that fought Cullis plan to build 125 homes and a park sold his home and moved shortly after he pulled out as well as few others.He was protecting his home value. I seriously doubt that if he came up with the plan again he would be shot down.
The residents of this area would love some type of park and have the property maintained.
Encumbered Matanzas Woods Golf Club
For the newer Palm Coasters that may want to see how every acre, every blade of grass, and every grain of said is ‘ encumbered ‘ at the Federally ORDERED Public Recreation Lands a.k.a. ‘ The Matanzas Woods Golf Club ‘ you can do a F.O.I.A. Request. You can do this at the Federal Trade Commission of the United States of America website and do this F.O.I.A. Request for: F.T.C. C-2854 & its’ corresponding Federally ORDERED ‘ 15 Year Compliance Report ‘.
They are from the Official Federal Records and are very large Files, some with Federal Exhibits A and Federal Exhibits B. They are an interesting read and may be informative for the newer arrivals to ‘ The Palm Coast Project ‘.
Resolution
We did our due diligence, we crossed our t’s and dotted our i’s. A lot of residents wanted a golf course (and still do for that matter). A course is not realistic in Palm Coast due to demographics and the economy here. The individual who moved out left the area and the pro golf effort for other reasons that I don’t want to get into here. The situation is now in court. According to the city attorney who I spoke to at the the last code enforcement hearing, no foreclosure has been filed to date but that hearing was to start the process. As of today, the court site does not list an active foreclosure. The owners have filed a civil suit against the city. I urge everyone to read that civil suit. The main document states their plans. I hope the situation is resolved quickly and something constructive and positive can be done with that property. It is interesting to note that I was ready to support a park concept way back when but a certain person came on strong and drove a wedge between some of us and Mr Cullis. At this point, the matter is in litigation due to the civil suit. One thing is finally crystal clear, it won’t be a golf course. Personally, I just want this resolved and quickly. I have nothing against Mr Cullis, the City, the owners or anyone else. Let’s work together and finally get this done.
Historic MARKER for Matanzas Woods Golf Club
Homes for Contemporary Living at Palm Coast.
*’…Palm Coast offers the utlimate in comfort, design, and contemporary Florida living. You will find a variety of homes styles designed to meet the needs of both small and large families. Whichever home you select you will enjoy a better life and a better way at Palm Coast….’
From left to right and top to bottom:
The San Remo, The Santa Rosa, The Boca Rio,
The Del mar, The Andalusia, The San Marcos
The Ponce De Leon, The DeSoto, The DeBary.
MODEL HOME PRICE LIST:
The San Remo…………..$ 15,090.
The Santa Rosa…………$ 18,990.
The Boca Rio…………….$ 21,500.
The Del Mar………………$ 22,990.
The Andalusia……………$ 21,990.
The San Marcos…………$ 14,990.
The Ponce De Leon…….$ 24,990.
The De Soto………………$ 18.990.
The De Bary………………$ 22,500.
All Homes have these features:
Central Aid Conditioning
Wood Cabinets
Stainless Steel Sink in Kitchen.
Ceramic Tile Floors and Walls in Baths
Complete Landscaping
Underground Utilities
Public Water and Sewers
All General Electric Appliances Including:
Built-in Dishwasher
Garbage Disposal
Push-Button Range and Oven
Two-Door Refrigerator Freezer
Automatic Washer and Matching Dryer
Optional Items:
Wood Shingle Roofs Sales Price:
The San Remo……………… $1,200.
The Santa Rosa……………. 2,100.
The Boca Rio………………. 1,800.
The Del Mar………………… 1,800.
The Andalusia……………… 1,800.
The San Marcos…………… 1,500.
The Ponce De Leon………. 1,700.
The De Soto……………….. 1,700.
The De Bary…………………. 2,500.
Stucco Exterior
Standard on all Houses Except:
The San Remo………………. $ 900.
The San Marcos…………….. $ 750.
Enclosed Garage:
on all Models…………………. $1,000.
Big Three Deluxe Appliances
Washer-Dryer-Refrigerator
Extra on all Models…………. $350.
The aforementioned prices do not include the homesite which may vary in price due to location, water-orientation and other factors. Price of lot not included. All prices subject to change without notice
6/71
The DE BARY is one of our larger and more attractive homes. Its forged iron gates open into an attractive courtyard. You enter the house through a central foyer. The house offers central air conditioning, three bedrooms, two baths, living room, dining room, kitchen and breakfast area, plus a convenient service room, carport and large terrace.
Cdear roof shingles are optional, but stucco finish and a full line of General Electric appliances such as, washer, dryer, stove, refrigerator and dishwasher are included in the base price. The De Bary is a home that says its owner has both taste and afflluence. The De Bary willl help you enjoy the Palm Coast way of life.
The plans, landscaping, and room sizes shown are approximate and subject to change without notice. Stucco front is included in the base price. Full stucco, treatment and cedar roof shingles are optional at extra charge
For those wanting to see and read this newest Historic Heritage MARKERfor the Palm Coast Project…on April 10th and therafter – you can park in the Golf Course Clubhouse and / or drive by – it is an easy walk to read and see the MARKER at 29 Casper Drive.
People are beginning to say that our Levitt and Sons & I.T.T. Showcase Golf Course Neighborhood is becoming a ‘ living Museum ‘ for Palm Coast – isn’t that neat !
Historic Matanzas Woods Golf Club
I apologize I errored when cutting and pasting – it should read:
Thank You.
Upcoming, this April 10th from 2:00 o’clock p.m. to 4:00 o’clock p.m. with be another Official ‘ Digging In ‘ Event at the Palm Harbor Golf Club for 29 Casper Drive. There are about 50 persons invitations tho’ I see no reason why interested Palm Coaster can’t stop in the Clubhouse for beverages and / or drive by to View this Wonderful Historic MARKER. If you see/ drive by maybe check out the Historic MARKER at my house – 13 Clark Lane. Mine is a ‘ Santa Rosa ‘ Model – 100% exterior intact and I am restoring the interior in the original ‘ Safari ‘ Design. Once completed I hope to open it for Palm Coasters to see – you can also see our ‘ Villa Elizabeth ‘ , This Old Palm Coast House, Palm Coasts’ First Bible School House, etc. The owner / steward of this historic house at 29 Casper Drive is Dr. Mery Gloria Gutteriez – Gable. It is a Levitt and Sons and I.T.T. ‘ The De Bary ‘ Model.
Tho’ we prepared the *text* for the Historic MARKER for 29 Casper Drive – the Official State of Florida Specialists fine tuned the text. If you want to see how the Historic MARKERS are manufactures – google Sewah Studios – they are the official manufactures of Historic MARKER for the STate of Florida. The final version of the text reads:
LEVITT & ITT ‘ De Bary’ Model
Levitt and International Telephone and Telegraph Corp. (I.T.T. ) developed 22,000 acres in Flagler County as part of the Palm Coast Project. Their goal was to construct the largest planned community in the nation, full of scenic drives, golf courses, and a marina. Levitt & I.T.T. engaged in an international marketing campaign on three continents to generate interest. As part of the “Levitt Showcase Golf Course Neighborhood,” the ‘ De Bary’ model was the showcase of the nine advertised Contemporary houses. Built in 1971, this house features a stucco exterior, wide gable front, and a central, gated courtyard. Casper Drive, named in honor of golf legend William Casper, was the first street laid in the Palm Coast Project and was the only access road to the 18-hole
golf course. Every prospective buyer was offered an official guided tour
of the community’s many amenities. The residents of Casper Drive played an important role
in the growth of Palm Coast, and occupants of the ‘ De Bary were just as involved. The house’s first owners, Walter and Anna Kopecky, who purchased the house in 1972 actively worked to draw potential homeowners to the area.
A Florida Heritage Site
Sponsored by Dr. Mery Gutierrez-Gable, and the Florida Department of State 2016
This ‘ Application ‘ will soon be submitted to ‘ The Smithsonian ‘ reference collection that now exists at ‘ The Smithsonian’ for Palm Coast Project. For those visiting Washington you can see ‘ The Palm Coast Project ‘ in the Levitt – Palm Coast Collection there at ‘ The Smithsonian ‘.
This lead me to offer a possible idea for this Federally ORDERED public Recreation acreage , in this instance, The Matanzas Woods Golf Club.
Perhaps you all may want to start the process for an APPLICATION for a Historic MARKER for the Matanzas Woods Golf Club. If the Specialists APPROVE this Application then that would open the door for Grants and contributions and donations pursuit. Additionally, if the city becomes a certified local government like so many other Leadership Florida Cities already are that will give monies to Palm Coast. Perhaps this all may help and prompt other ideas and solutions for relief and remedy for this situation.
We hope this additional and newest MARKER at 29 Casper Drive also gives you pride and a ‘ Sense of Place ‘ for The Palm Coast Project.
P.S….this is how the Levitt and Sons and I.T.T. ‘ 1969 -1970’2 advertising ‘ read for ‘ The De Bary ‘:
The DE BARY is one of our larger and more attractive homes. Its forged iron gates open into an attractive courtyard. You enter the house through a central foyer. The house offers central air conditioning, three bedrooms, two baths, living room, dining room, kitchen and breakfast area, plus a convenient service room, carport and large terrace.
Cdear roof shingles are optional, but stucco finish and a full line of General Electric appliances such as, washer, dryer, stove, refrigerator and dishwasher are included in the base price. The De Bary is a home that says its owner has both taste and afflluence. The De Bary willl help you enjoy the Palm Coast way of life.
The plans, landscaping, and room sizes shown are approximate and subject to change without notice. Stucco front is included in the base price. Full stucco, treatment and cedar roof shingles are optional at extra charge
( in merys’ restoration – tho’ overwhelming but doable….in restoring the ‘ BEAMS ‘ – she paid $ 900.00 ust for that restoration. This massive Timber had to be shipped in from Jacksonville – )
Palm Coast and The Smithsonian
For those travelling to see the Cherry Blossoms, or travelling north, or planning a visit to ‘ The Smithsonian ‘ – here are where the materials are located:
Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2016 11:28 AM
Subject: RE: Levittown – ( Palm Coast Project)
Hi,
The materials are at the Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American History, Division of Home and Community Life, Room 4127.
Bill
William H. Yeingst
Chair, Division of Home and Community Life
National Museum of American History
MRC 615, P.O. Box 37012
Washington, D.C. 20013-7012
**********************************************************************
For newer Palm Coasters – for many months, several of us go to Staples and xerox and xerox and xerox about every two weeks time and finances permitting. Then we sent that packet to ‘ The Smithsonian ‘.
We hope this gives you a ‘ sense of place ‘ for The Palm Coast Project.
We hope you have a great visit to ‘ The Smithsonian ‘.