Fall 2011 Issue
Orlando New Homes and Communities Magazine and Guide
Central Florida is the tourism capital of the world, but it is also a family-friendly place with cozy neighborhoods, excellent schools and an emerging high-tech employment base. Lakes and parks abound and there are an array of cultural venues to enjoy. Orlando also boasts the state's newest medical school as well as a burgeoning medical research complex. Sports fans cheer for the Orlando Magic.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Over the years I've seen many trends and fads in new home design. But one element has remained constant; the kitchen must be designed for functionality. In this issue we will look at three kitchens that are well - quite simply where chefs can only dream about having in their homes. We will also explore what baby-boomers and first timer homebuyers are looking for in their new homes. In this issue we take our annual look at the Lake Nona region and how it is shaping Central Florida's future.
PROFILE
Executive pastry chef Yigit (pronounced "Yeet") Pura is mixing, whipping, sifting and drizzling his way to new heights. The 30-year-old, Turkish-born culinary celeb is riding a tasty wave of success following his win last year on the premiere season of Bravo's Top Chef Just Desserts, a spin-off of the popular Emmy-nominated and James Beard Award-winning series, Top Chef.
TRENDS
They're tough, they're demanding, and they account for 25 percent of the population. When you consider the impact that baby boomers had on politics and pop culture, it comes as no surprise that they’re now helping to shape the future of homebuilding.
MEDICAL CITY
You may never have heard of Joe Lewis. And that's probably okay with him. Lewis, a British billionaire, is the principal in the Tavistock Group, a private investment company with interests in more than 175 firms worldwide. Lewis keeps a low profile locally, but when the history of Orlando is rewritten decades from now, he will undoubtedly rank alongside Walt Disney as the most important businessperson ever to turn a shovel of Central Florida sand.
In 1964, unknown buyers began quietly assembling thousands of acres of swamps, groves and pastures south and west of Orlando. The sophisticated stealth of the operation, combined with the apparent willingness of the local daily newspaper to keep secrets, allowed the Walt Disney Company to lay the groundwork for an entertainment complex that would thrust Orlando onto the world stage and define its image for decades to come.
One of the most intriguing collaborations involving the Medical City anchors is an effort to develop an equestrian therapy program that will benefit wounded veterans being treated at the neighboring VA Hospital.
As Medical City's facilities are taking shape, surrounding housing and retail projects are also beginning to blossom.
Valencia College isn't a medical facility, but it's still a perfect fit for Medical City. Students at Valencia's Lake Nona Campus will be able to choose from among a variety of courses such as microbiology and chemistry, which are mandatory for careers in health and medicine.
DESIGNER LIVING
The kitchen is the heart of every home - and more so now than ever, as open floorplans increasingly bring kitchens, dining areas and family rooms together. In addition, many of today's kitchens are designed to accommodate multiple cooks while high-tech appliances enhance beauty and functionality. Here are some kitchens from local designers that successfully combine aesthetics, technology and practicality.
ROUNDUP
Why do first-time buyers find the Orlando market so hospitable? Mainly because Central Florida is one of the most desirable, family friendly places in the world to live. And, after several years of economic upheaval, it's one of the most affordable places as well.