In her recent webinar, “Top-Selling New-Home Projects and Design Trends,” Zonda principal Mollie Carmichael explored the data and trends behind the country’s current most-popular communities.
Competing with leading public companies, such as D.R. Horton and Lennar, GL Homes’ RiverCreek development in Estero, Florida, ranked No. 1 for highest average sales in the last 12 months, according to Zonda data.
“What I think GL Homes does really well is they're just a little bit more modern, more glass, slightly more volume,” Carmichael noted during the presentation. “It's very clean lines. The floor plans are simple. They just do something a little bit more special.”
To find out more about the family-owned company and what sets RiverCreek apart, BUILDER spoke with Misha Ezratti, president of GL Homes—No. 43 on the 2024 Builder 100.
What’s your GL Homes elevator pitch?
GL Homes specializes in building new luxury homes, 55-plus communities, and family-oriented communities in the most sought-after locations on Florida’s east and west coasts. For 50 years, we’ve been leaders in creating the world-renowned Florida lifestyle that attracts both in-state and out-of-state home buyers. That lifestyle is as much about high-quality residences as it is about access to world-class amenities like resort-style pools, spa and wellness experiences, restaurants, arts and culture centers, entertainment, and social programming throughout the day and night. We’re a family-owned business founded in 1976 with a long history and a large footprint across Palm Beach County and communities in Naples, Estero, Tampa, and Port St. Lucie.
What sets GL Homes apart from other home builders in the Florida market?
No one caters to the Florida lifestyle quite like GL Homes in terms of amenities, rich programming, on-trend home designs, and jaw-dropping entry features. Our Valencia brand of active-adult communities, for example, is nationally recognized and, in many ways, has become synonymous with Florida luxury retirement. Our non-age-restricted neighborhoods also boast outstanding amenities and clubhouses.
Another differentiator is brand loyalty. Many of our home buyers are repeat customers who have purchased two or three homes in one of our communities.
Being a privately owned company focused exclusively on Florida also gives us an advantage, I believe. We have been in these markets for a long time; we purchased land early in markets that are now in high demand, and we have a lot of freedom to be creative to better cater to our customers.
What’s the history of RiverCreek?
RiverCreek is located on the Corkscrew Corridor, one of the major development paths in Lee County. When GL Homes had the opportunity to buy this property, we jumped at it. We knew it was the last big piece that could be a master-planned development close to Interstate 75, which connects southwest and southeast Florida. Ongoing future development eastward will make RiverCreek even more centrally located over time.
What is the current status of the RiverCreek project in terms of construction and sales?
RiverCreek offers 554 new homes, and, with more than 75% of the homes already sold, our residents are eagerly looking forward to enjoying the great lifestyle as the clubhouse and amenities near completion.
Who is the target demographic for the RiverCreek community?
Families, primarily, but also some retirees/snowbirds who are not quite ready for an active-adult community. When we build family communities, the schools surrounding the community are always important, and RiverCreek is surrounded by A-rated schools. It’s also close to an international airport and plenty of shopping and dining opportunities, which is generally important to the active-adult buyer.
What amenities and community features are included in RiverCreek to attract potential homeowners?
RiverCreek’s clubhouse, currently under construction, sits at the heart of the community and houses a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor sports center, multipurpose exercise studio, card room, catering kitchen, and large event space with stage and sports lounge. Outside, there’s an expansive resort-style pool and splash park for the kids. The community also has four tennis courts, six pickleball courts, and two bocce courts, all with shade pavilions and lighted for nighttime play. The entrance features lush greenery and captivating water elements.
Can you describe the architectural style and key design features of the homes in RiverCreek?
Contemporary best describes the architectural style at RiverCreek. We offer seven different floor plan designs, including both one- and two-story homes, priced from the $600s to $800s and ranging from 1,900 square feet for a two-bedroom, two-bath, and den, to over 4,300 square feet for a five-bedroom, seven-bath with formal dining room, family room, and loft. All homes also come with a stunning array of luxury features as standard, such as striking exterior finishes, elegant tile flooring in main areas, brick pavers, impact-resistant windows and doors, tile roofs, gourmet kitchens with stainless steel and gas appliances and quartz or granite countertops, upscale bathrooms, recessed lighting and screened and covered patios, and two- or three-car garages.
Why do you believe RiverCreek has landed at the top of Zonda’s current top 10 national projects list?
Exceptional design, a broad range of floor plans, and value contribute to this community’s popularity, along with a great location. Southwest Florida is diversifying. It’s no longer solely a retirement hot spot. We’re seeing a lot more demand these days here and elsewhere in Florida from 55-plus retirees, empty nesters, families who are able to work remotely, and young families relocating for good schools and a strong, more diverse job market.
What has the company learned from RiverCreek?
When we were planning and developing RiverCreek, we debated whether we should continue to offer products/elevations that were common in the area. Many other communities in the RiverCreek market still offer Mediterranean-style homes. We decided to pull ourselves away from the outdated trend and change our elevations to a more modern/transitional architectural design. This made our homes stand apart and look more upscale than many of our competitors in the region. Learning from this, we did something similar in our newest community in Tampa, Valencia Ridge.
