:quality(70)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-tronc.s3.amazonaws.com/public/NXNMBYW2FFGGRHKQQV5AGG3OYI.png)
The highly successful Tavares developer of Shanti niketan, a condominium retirement community for 55-plus people of Indian descent, is launching a new section on 101 acres on the other side of town with the potential to build 1,000 more condominiums.
The City of Tavares is on the verge of approving the first phase of the new development south of Slim Haywood Ave, north of Camp Road, and west of State Road 19 on the west side of Tavares. The site plan is close to approval, said Jacques Skut, the city's community development director. That phase is permitted for 320 condo units and a clubhouse.
The land in was rezoned last February from single-family planned unit development to residential, multi-family zoning.
The initial gated development on both sides of David Walker Road south of U.S. 441, was successful throughout the recession, even as other developments stalled. Residents are offered community dining with vegetarian dining as well as meals with meat.
Guests of any age can visit and stay with the residents however, there is a maximum limit of 30 days stay per year for children below 18 years, according to information available on the resort's website.
Similar to The Villages retirement community, which is also in Lake County, as well as Sumter and Marion Counties, guests of any age may visit and stay with the residents, but are limited to 30 days per year for children under 18.
The development is the brainchild of Indian-American businessman Iggy Ignatius, who could not be reached for comment on Thursday.
The new section of Shanti Niketan is a few miles away from the original development in a more rural setting, but it is planned to look similar with distinctive architecture and intensive clustering of units. The first phase in the new location will be Phase 3. Phase 1 and 2 are at the David Walker location.
Ignatius is planning more of the Indian-targeted retirement communities in other cities, according to the website.
"He is advertising all over the world," said Skut.
Teresa Burney is a correspondent for GrowthSpotter.com and can be reached at 352-455-1955 or at teresaburney4@gmail.com.