Eastport Design

[Altavia]

https://youtu.be/MJvtxa1V2v0?si=km__L5s-xPESBnmT

Tracy Morse and Devon Wiechens share the design inspiration behind Eastport, our newest town center in The Villages, FL. Get a first look at renderings and peek into how the design team's imagination is creating an Eastport experience that Villagers, their family and friends will enjoy.

[Michael 61]

Eastport is going to be gorgeous! Very well could end up being my favorite “town square” or whatever they end up calling it. So exciting watching all this development unfold!

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

Eastport looks amazing!

[VApeople]

Lake Sumter Landing is a beautiful town center, partly because there are nice areas to escape the entertainment and commercial stores and just sit quietly and enjoy the beauty of the whole place.

In contrast, Brownwood is claustrophobic. It is hard to escape the music find a nice place to sit comfortably.

Sawgrass is even worse. Everything is packed into a small area and there is no place to sit and relax. I suspect that Eastport will be the same way.

[Randall55]

I heard they were going with a European theme. It appears they have changed their minds and are going with mid century modern? A throwback to the 1950's (Madmen) Style? I did not see A THING that looked European.

[Altavia]

I heard they were going with a European theme. It appears they have changed their minds and are going with mid century modern? A throwback to the 1950's (Madmen) Style? I did not see A THING that looked European.

Sounds correct, along with making the area pedestrian friendly in the evening and making it less like the Disney feel of the first three squares.

"The International Style was coined in 1932 by curators Philip Johnson and Henry-Russell Hitchcock at the Modern Architecture International Exhibition. An evolution of early Modernist principles in Europe, the International Style describes the era where European Modernism spread throughout the world, notably the United States. Characterized by simple geometry and a lack of ornamentation, the style was appropriated in the United States characterized by monolithic skyscrapers with curtain walling, flat roofs, and ubiquitous glazing."

[Lottoguy]

This new area by far will also be the most crowded. The Villages is also putting in a large recreation area at this site too. Which includes four baseball fields, 9 hole golf course, driving range, healthcare facility plus the hotel. I sure hope they have enough parking since you will not be able to park a golf cart in the street along the water front.

[MightyDog]

I heard they were going with a European theme. It appears they have changed their minds and are going with mid century modern? A throwback to the 1950's (Madmen) Style? I did not see A THING that looked European.

No, listen to the narrative in the video, they describe the European influences they'll be using.

[Kelevision]

I heard they were going with a European theme. It appears they have changed their minds and are going with mid century modern? A throwback to the 1950's (Madmen) Style? I did not see A THING that looked European.

What exactly is a “European theme”? Is it French, Italian, Danish, German, Swiss, Austrian, Portuguese?……… because those places all look different.

[Altavia]

What exactly is a “European theme”? Is it French, Italian, Danish, German, Swiss, Austrian, Portuguese?……… because those places all look different.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/2318820-post6.html

[billethkid]

Lake Sumter Landing = Disney-like!?!?

My personal opinion it is the best organized, overall town square/shop/relax area of them all.

Back in the day of the original senior Morse family members, Lake Sumter Landing was to be the hub of TV........that is of course past as is the concept of TV.....now it is go-go-expand-expand-buy some more-expand some more....repeat!

[Randall55]

What exactly is a “European theme”? Is it French, Italian, Danish, German, Swiss, Austrian, Portuguese?……… because those places all look different.Outdoor markets, buildings with unique architecture, cobblestone roads, cafes. Most European countries have that in common. Yes, It appears Eastport will have all these. I assumed the square was going to have ancient style architecture (Roman, Greek) since the name of the rec center is Olympia. However, it looks like it will be chic and modern. Surprised me.

[Laker14]

Lake Sumter Landing is a beautiful town center, partly because there are nice areas to escape the entertainment and commercial stores and just sit quietly and enjoy the beauty of the whole place.

In contrast, Brownwood is claustrophobic. It is hard to escape the music find a nice place to sit comfortably.

Sawgrass is even worse. Everything is packed into a small area and there is no place to sit and relax. I suspect that Eastport will be the same way.

I have seen airports and mall food courts with as much charm as Sawgrass Grove. But the food was cheaper at the airport.

[Shipping up to Boston]

I heard they were going with a European theme. It appears they have changed their minds and are going with mid century modern? A throwback to the 1950's (Madmen) Style? I did not see A THING that looked European.

The Euro will be flowing there....does that count?! Europeans love FL

[ElDiabloJoe]

I think it is going to be fantastic - as long as parking shortage issues aren't a problem. The whole shopping center / alleyway thing reminds me exactly of The Spectrum in Irvine, CA (Orange County). Feel free to fast-forward to the 4:00 minute mark in the linked video, the first four minutes are useless. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFUyNdeVrUY

[margaretmattson]

I think it is going to be fantastic - as long as parking shortage issues aren't a problem. The whole shopping center / alleyway thing reminds me exactly of The Spectrum in Irvine, CA (Orange County). Feel free to fast-forward to the 4:00 minute mark in the linked video, the first four minutes are useless. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFUyNdeVrUYThe spectrum looks very similar to the open shops in Wesley Chapel about one hour from here. Will never happen in the Villages because our population is elderly. Stores that open in Eastport will cater to those needs. It takes MANY YEARS to get all the commercial fronts occupied in each town square. Brownwood is STILL not 100% occupied. The amenities will open on day one just like any rec center.

[Pballer]

Outdoor markets, buildings with unique architecture, cobblestone roads, cafes. Most European countries have that in common. Yes, It appears Eastport will have all these. I assumed the square was going to have ancient style architecture (Roman, Greek) since the name of the rec center is Olympia. However, it looks like it will be chic and modern. Surprised me.
Will it resemble Epcot?

[JMintzer]

Outdoor markets, buildings with unique architecture, cobblestone roads, cafes. Most European countries have that in common. Yes, It appears Eastport will have all these. I assumed the square was going to have ancient style architecture (Roman, Greek) since the name of the rec center is Olympia. However, it looks like it will be chic and modern. Surprised me.

Cobblestone roads?

Are the local orthopedists sponsoring those roads?

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

Cobblestone roads?

Are the local orthopedists sponsoring those roads?

Bah humbug.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Cobblestone roads?

Are the local orthopedists sponsoring those roads?

No....I believe Morgan and Morgan

[Altavia]

The spectrum looks very similar to the open shops in Wesley Chapel about one hour from here. Will never happen in the Villages because our population is elderly. Stores that open in Eastport will cater to those needs. It takes MANY YEARS to get all the commercial fronts occupied in each town square. Brownwood is STILL not 100% occupied. The amenities will open on day one just like any rec center.

Wesley Chapel is one off our destinations outside there bubbler.

I wouldn't understatement the impact of Middleton. We allready see it at Magnolia Plaza. More than 1,000 homes sold already.

But agree filling the commercial space at Middleton, Eastport and Brownwood will not happen soon. But will be outquicker with Families colonizing Middleton.

[Altavia]

I have seen airports and mall food courts with as much charm as Sawgrass Grove. But the food was cheaper at the airport.

Really?

It's so busy no body goes they're anymore....

Maybe cranky old dark clouds are not the target market.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Wesley Chapel is one off our destinations outside there bubbler.

I wouldn't understatement the impact of Middleton. We allready see it at Magnolia Plaza. More than 1,000 homes sold already.

But agree filling the commercial space at Middleton, Eastport and Brownwood will not happen soon. But will be outquicker with Families colonizing Middleton.

High Schools will have that impact...

[MrChip72]

Golf cart parking is going to be a serious issue. Like at Sawgrass but times 10. Sawgrass has almost no retail in comparison to what Eastport will have and it's parking lot is still completely full on a regular basis to the point where you're driving around in circles for several minutes trying to snag a spot when there's a decent band playing.

[Mrmean58]

https://youtu.be/MJvtxa1V2v0?si=km__L5s-xPESBnmT

Tracy Morse and Devon Wiechens share the design inspiration behind Eastport, our newest town center in The Villages, FL. Get a first look at renderings and peek into how the design team's imagination is creating an Eastport experience that Villagers, their family and friends will enjoy.
Very similar design to the main shopping area in Lakewood Ranch in Bradenton which just happens to be one of the reasons many retirees select that community to relocate to.

[mcloud]

Lake Sumter Landing is a beautiful town center, partly because there are nice areas to escape the entertainment and commercial stores and just sit quietly and enjoy the beauty of the whole place.

In contrast, Brownwood is claustrophobic. It is hard to escape the music find a nice place to sit comfortably.

Sawgrass is even worse. Everything is packed into a small area and there is no place to sit and relax. I suspect that Eastport will be the same way.

How do you feel about Spanish Springs??

[Moderator]

I heard they were going with a European theme. It appears they have changed their minds and are going with mid century modern? A throwback to the 1950's (Madmen) Style? I did not see A THING that looked European.

Vmail from Tracy and Deven both say The streets will have the feel of European market with alley side streets for that intimate dining or a stroll. Closing off the Main Street in the evening.

If not mistaken both said Eastport is designed after old water towns that were dedicated to ship building.

[Papa_lecki]

Golf cart parking is going to be a serious issue. Like at Sawgrass but times 10. Sawgrass has almost no retail in comparison to what Eastport will have and it's parking lot is still completely full on a regular basis to the point where you're driving around in circles for several minutes trying to snag a spot when there's a decent band playing.

I thought they were making golf cart only parking - they can fit more spots into the area

[ElDiabloJoe]

I thought they were making golf cart only parking - they can fit more spots into the area Ya know what would be unique, pioneering, and kinda cool is a small golf-cart sized two-story parking structure. Lots and lots of small individual parking spaces with a max clearance and narrow entry and row lanes that accommodate a max of 5-foot wide golf carts. Make the rows like the lanes on the golf cart bridges and paths. You could fit a bazillion-gazillion golf carts in there. Make the entire first level handicap only spaces so they don't have to take the single-story staircase down to all the Eastport fun.

... just an idea.

[RRGuyNJ]

Bah humbug.

Try getting around with a cane where gravity is not your friend. I cringe when I see a cobblestone road. I'm hopefull they will do the cobblestone look with flat pavers more than a true cobblestone. Either way, it should be nice.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Try getting around with a cane where gravity is not your friend. I cringe when I see a cobblestone road. I'm hopefull they will do the cobblestone look with flat pavers more than a true cobblestone. Either way, it should be nice.

I’m pretty sure the developer has taken that concern into account and probably will use an ergonomically (Drs, correct me) friendly application

[Michael 61]

Lots of negative posts about a square that isn’t even built yet. I guess those folks won’t be patronizing the area. I have a strong feeling this square is going to be wildly popular with the south of 44 crowd.

Isn’t retirement and living in The Villages the best!

[Velvet]

Lake Sumter Landing = Disney-like!?!?

My personal opinion it is the best organized, overall town square/shop/relax area of them all.

Back in the day of the original senior Morse family members, Lake Sumter Landing was to be the hub of TV........that is of course past as is the concept of TV.....now it is go-go-expand-expand-buy some more-expand some more....repeat!

Good! I prefer Lake Sumter not be the hub. Too many people, too much crowding, too much traffic … let it be somewhere else. I’m very happy to hear people have somewhere else to congregate.

[Altavia]

Vmail from Tracy and Deven both say The streets will have the feel of European market with alley side streets for that intimate dining or a stroll. Closing off the Main Street in the evening.

If not mistaken both said Eastport is designed after old water towns that were dedicated to ship building.

The design work and theme's those two women with their teams have innovated, inspired and lead is truly impressive.

I don't think you could count all the buildings, squares, rec centers and restaurants developed under their influence.

[JP]

Wow looks great. Great design and ideas.

[VApeople]

Lots of negative posts about a square that isn’t even built yet. I guess those folks won’t be patronizing the area.

You are correct. We will probably visit Eastport after it is built, but I doubt we will patronize it.


I have a strong feeling this square is going to be wildly popular with the south of 44 crowd.

I think you are correct again. We think Sawgrass is a wretched, noisy, and overcrowded venue. Yesterday we parked near the Ezell pool and went for a great walk around the lakes in St. Catherine and had a great time. At the end of our walk we stopped at Sawgrass for a few minutes and it was as horrible as we remembered, but it appeared to be wildly popular.


Isn’t retirement and living in The Villages the best!

Yes, it really is!!!

[kkingston57]

I have seen airports and mall food courts with as much charm as Sawgrass Grove. But the food was cheaper at the airport.

and cheaper than Vegas. $70 for a pizza

[Velvet]

Cobblestone roads?

Are the local orthopedists sponsoring those roads?

I can’t imagine them being stupid enough to put in cobblestone roads, they don’t work well in Europe either.

[KAM+6]

When is Eastport opening?

[MrChip72]

I thought they were making golf cart only parking - they can fit more spots into the area

The said in the video that during entertainment that they will close off the cobblestone streets to golf carts, so basically taking away the golf cart parking during the busiest times.

[MightyDog]

Try getting around with a cane where gravity is not your friend. I cringe when I see a cobblestone road. I'm hopefull they will do the cobblestone look with flat pavers more than a true cobblestone. Either way, it should be nice.
Recommendation: Use the sidewalks rather than walk in the road. Erp...

[Shipping up to Boston]

I can’t imagine them being stupid enough to put in cobblestone roads, they don’t work well in Europe either.

Again, think Disney ....a faux or composite application. They’re not gonna put in a 1930’s era cobblestone like the ones that have survived in major cities on East Coast. With ADA mandates and conceptual knowledge of the demo it will serve....the developer is not blind to this.

[Marathon Man]

I think you are correct again. We think Sawgrass is a wretched, noisy, and overcrowded venue. Yesterday we parked near the Ezell pool and went for a great walk around the lakes in St. Catherine and had a great time. At the end of our walk we stopped at Sawgrass for a few minutes and it was as horrible as we remembered, but it appeared to be wildly popular.



Too funny.

[Altavia]

The said in the video that during entertainment that they will close off the cobblestone streets to golf carts, so basically taking away the golf cart parking during the busiest times.

They close off entry to the squares now major events.

Looks like no parking on the lake side road but a block of golf cart only parking along the central entry street.

[Velvet]

Again, think Disney ....a faux or composite application. They’re not gonna put in a 1930’s era cobblestone like the ones that have survived in major cities on East Coast. With ADA mandates and conceptual knowledge of the demo it will serve....the developer is not blind to this.

Ok, that might work. I give the developer (s) more respect than to put in old European style cobblestones - it’s like having to put ice in your icebox to keep things cool like long ago because there were no fridges.

[ByebyeMichigan]

Lake Sumter Landing is a beautiful town center, partly because there are nice areas to escape the entertainment and commercial stores and just sit quietly and enjoy the beauty of the whole place.

In contrast, Brownwood is claustrophobic. It is hard to escape the music find a nice place to sit comfortably.

Sawgrass is even worse. Everything is packed into a small area and there is no place to sit and relax. I suspect that Eastport will be the same way.

Sunset Island ………

[ByebyeMichigan]

Golf cart parking is going to be a serious issue. Like at Sawgrass but times 10. Sawgrass has almost no retail in comparison to what Eastport will have and it's parking lot is still completely full on a regular basis to the point where you're driving around in circles for several minutes trying to snag a spot when there's a decent band playing.tonsthere’s going to be plenty of parking at Eastport ……

[margaretmattson]

there’s going to be plenty of parking at Eastport ……Thousands of residents have been counting down the days their area gets a town square. Not to mention those living in Middleton, apartments, and surrounding area. Expect it to be CROWDED! No matter how many parking spaces they provide, it will never be enough.

[justjim]

Interesting design Eastport. Lots of walking for the elderly and the handicapped to traverse. No close parking in the “downtown” for residents of The Villages. Design and overall concept of Eastgate has a lot to like and fits well with the youth in Middleton and in general with the walkers south of 44. Hopefully some thought will be given how to get the handicap and elderly into the “downtown” area that in the evening is just a walking area.

[roguesearcher]

$70 for a pizza pie??

[Maker]

Recommendation: Use the sidewalks rather than walk in the road. Erp...

Great plan, except trying to cross the cobblestone to get to the other side.
Ever see how horrible it is for anyone with a walker? With a cane? Wheelchair? It's a huge tripping hazard too.
Falling onto a ragged uneven surface puts the impact into a tiny area, causing deep injuries.

Why are so many people against that? It's cheaper to not build it like that than to rip it out and replace it later.

[Moderator]

Great plan, except trying to cross the cobblestone to get to the other side.
Ever see how horrible it is for anyone with a walker? With a cane? Wheelchair? It's a huge tripping hazard too.
Falling onto a ragged uneven surface puts the impact into a tiny area, causing deep injuries.

Why are so many people against that? It's cheaper to not build it like that than to rip it out and replace it later.

Ok, that might work. I give the developer (s) more respect than to put in old European style cobblestones - it’s like having to put ice in your icebox to keep things cool like long ago because there were no fridges.

Again, think Disney ....a faux or composite application. They’re not gonna put in a 1930’s era cobblestone like the ones that have survived in major cities on East Coast. With ADA mandates and conceptual knowledge of the demo it will serve....the developer is not blind to this.

Watching the VMail I didn’t see any renderings in the drawings of Eastport with cobblestone.
The hand drawings look more like brick in the streets and stamped concrete along the retail.

I didn’t hear any mention of cobblestone, on the Vmail. Maybe I missed something in the design team discussion

[Velvet]

Watching the VMail I didn’t see any renderings in the drawings of Eastport with cobblestone.
The hand drawings look more like brick in the streets and stamped concrete along the retail.

I didn’t hear any mention of cobblestone, on the Vmail. Maybe I missed something in the design team discussion

Yep! I believe that. With all the great designs for retired people done in the past, I couldn’t imagine the developer suddenly going “funky”.

[Altavia]

Watching the VMail I didn’t see any renderings in the drawings of Eastport with cobblestone.
The hand drawings look more like brick in the streets and stamped concrete along the retail.

I didn’t hear any mention of cobblestone, on the Vmail. Maybe I missed something in the design team discussion

They described brick pavers in other communication.

The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Active Adult 55+ Retirement Community (https://www.thevillages.com/whatsnew/continuing-the-dream/welcome-to-eastport)

Eastport Downtown

Eastport’s inspiration has a hint of European influence with quaint shops and buildings scaled down to create intimate settings.

Stroll through a brick-paved alley or muse lined with boutiques and unique experiences. Here you’ll explore a variety of entertainment, shopping and dining options along the waterfront.

[Velvet]

They described brick pavers in other communication.

The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Active Adult 55+ Retirement Community (https://www.thevillages.com/whatsnew/continuing-the-dream/welcome-to-eastport)

Eastport Downtown

Eastport’s inspiration has a hint of European influence with quaint shops and buildings scaled down to create intimate settings.

Stroll through a brick-paved alley or muse lined with boutiques and unique experiences. Here you’ll explore a variety of entertainment, shopping and dining options along the waterfront.

Yes, as I said before, that’ll do. I had visions of the European cobblestone streets of Paris for example, where even scooters/mopeds have some challenges. In London, UK the cobblestone streets are a nightmare in stilettos etc.

The design is lovely, by the way.

[Chi-Town]

Eastport will be a shot into arm for the southern area. A long time coming, and I look forward to its completion. It will be a 25 minute drive using the Turnpike or 31 minutes using Morse Blvd. So a golf cart ride won't be in the cards, but it looks to be worth the drive for a fun evening.

[VApeople]

Lots of walking for the elderly and the handicapped to traverse. No close parking in the “downtown” for residents of The Villages.


That sounds very good to me. Brownwood is not a good place to walk because there are the stupid golf carts whizzing around everywhere. It would be nice if Eastport keeps the golf carts away from the "downtown" area.

[BubblesandPat]

Golf cart parking is going to be a serious issue. Like at Sawgrass but times 10. Sawgrass has almost no retail in comparison to what Eastport will have and it's parking lot is still completely full on a regular basis to the point where you're driving around in circles for several minutes trying to snag a spot when there's a decent band playing.

I wonder if parking will be less of a problem when Eastport opens and the south area has more choices. With barely anything there compared to Brownwood, the parking at SawGrass shouldn't be so difficult..especially on a weekend

[Laker14]

Really?

It's so busy no body goes they're anymore....

Maybe cranky old dark clouds are not the target market.

Sawgrass Grove is a very small space. It doesn't take a lot of bodies to fill it up. I don't think the fact that I'm not impressed with a mall food court makes me a cranky old dark cloud.

Hey, if you like it, more power to you. I am monumentally unimpressed by the venue. Fortunately for me, I live closer to LSL than I do to SG, so I have no need to go to SG for a chicken sandwich and soda pop that costs $30.