Starwood planning next phase of Harmony West expansion

Starwood Land has filed a preliminary subdivision plan (PSP) for another 962 residential units in Harmony West, an 11,000-acre master-planned community in Osceola County.

The filing by VHB represents the second phase of the community's western expansion. Starwood has already begun prepping Phase 1, which includes 432 single family homes and 104 townhomes on the west side of Buck Lake.

Starwood and VHB incorporated an existing canal system into the design, providing lake access to dozens of homeowners. The plan also includes a community park and boat launch on the canal.

Bob Glantz, senior vice president of Starwood Land, told GrowthSpotter the developer will start construction on Phase 1 in the first quarter. "We developed what we refer to internally as Harmony Main, and we're going to be running out of lots - other than in the active adult community - sometime by the end of 2017."

The first lots in Harmony West will be delivered in early 2018. Glantz said Starwood expects to make builder announcements mid year.

The PSP for Phase 2 spans 781 acres and includes 145 townhomes and roughly 800 single family homes to be constructed over six sub-phases.  The detached homes would include both front-loaded and rear-loaded lots ranging from 40 feet wide to 60 feet.

"The reason to do that is to lock in your various entitlements," Glantz said.

The plan also includes a number of trail connections, a large new community clubhouse on the north shore of Buck Lake and a canoe/boat launch. Motorized boats are prohibited on the private lake.

"We haven't designed the amenities yet," Glantz said. "It's kind of the next thing for us to do. We know it will have things in addition to your standard swimming pool and tot lot. We're working with a couple of different builders. We want to be current. By the time you're coming to market in 2018-19-20, you don't want to have outdated stuff."

Tramell Webb will represent the developer at the Jan. 4 Development Review Committee, but the item is currently on the consent agenda.

The plan also includes a new entrance from Old Melbourne Hwy.

Harmony was originally approved as a DRI in 1992 and was entitled for up to 7,200 single-family and multi-family homes, as well as a mix of commercial, office and light industrial uses. Located on U.S. 192 southeast of St. Cloud, Harmony is a green-certified development featuring its own golf course and town center.

Starwood Land rescinded the DRI earlier this year.

Glantz said Harmony West also includes a 45-acre parcel fronting on U.S. 192 that's slated for a 300-unit apartment complex and some retail. He said the master plan also includes Harmony Central, which is adjacent to Harmony Main, and has 283 lots. Following that, the developer will launch Harmony East, which is entitled for more than 3,000 units.

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