Contact:
Jeff Zipper, Vice President of Communications
407/438-1400, ext. 2314
JeffZ@far.org
Marla Martin, Communications Manager
407/438-1400, ext. 2326
MarlaM@far.org
Be the ENVY of All: Win Florida Association of Realtors® Environmental (ENVY) Award
ORLANDO, Fla., April 2005 -- Don’t wait to enter the Florida Association of Realtors®’ (FAR) 20th Annual Environmental Award program, or you may be green with ENVY when the winner is chosen. Popularly known as the “ENVY” award, the honor goes to a development that demonstrates it best preserves Florida’s natural quality of life. The award may be given in two categories: one for residential development and one for commercial development.
By entering the competition, residential and commercial developers may be recognized for making the most significant contribution toward building in harmony with Florida’s sensitive environment.
Last year’s ENVY winner for residential development was Wild Heron, a conservation community located on the Emerald Coast between Panama City and Destin. Judges praised the development for the care it has taken to preserve natural elements, such as keeping 55 percent of its acreage as open space and incorporating natural features into the design of the community.
Some of the other environmentally-concerned developments named as past ENVY Award winners include: Harmony, World Golf Village, Solivita, Amelia Island Plantation, Rosemary Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Viera and Grand Harbor.
The winner in each category will receive a hand-crafted Lucite trophy, recognition at FAR’s annual Convention and Trade Show, Aug. 24-28, 2005, and statewide news coverage as Florida’s top environmentally-conscious builder. The competition is judged by three distinguished environmental and planning professionals. The entry deadline is Thursday, July 7, 2005.
ELIGIBILITY: All Florida commercial developments are eligible. Also, all planned residential developments with a minimum of 30 residential units in Florida qualify. Residential developments must be currently available for marketing and must include a model home.
JUDGING CRITERIA: Commercial: (1) Preservation of natural flora and fauna; (2) architectural compatibility; (3) design in scale and context with surrounding environment; (4) open space and access/usability of surrounding environment; (5) common area access and usefulness; (6) streets, pedestrian and bicycle access; (7) drainage as a design feature; and (8) marketability.
JUDGING CRITERIA: Residential: (1) Preservation of natural flora and fauna; (2) landscaping/compatibility with surrounding environment; (3) design in scale and context with surrounding environment; (4) open space and access/usability of open space; (5) family recreation and common areas (playgrounds, nature trails, etc.); (6) streets and safety features; (7) drainage; and (8) marketability.
SUBMISSION: There is no entry limit and no cost to enter. Simply organize a three-ring notebook with the following material in this order: (1) a written overview of the development (maximum of four pages, typed, double spaced, on 8.5" by 11" paper); (2) supporting material and photographs that address the judging criteria in order as listed above — no videotapes or slides; and (3) a complete set of land development plans and other supporting data. All entry materials will be returned after judging.
DEADLINE: All entries must be received at FAR’s headquarters by Thursday, July 7, 2005. Send submissions to ENVY Award, Florida Association of Realtors, 7025 Augusta National Drive, Orlando, FL 32822-5017.
For more information about the ENVY award, call 407-438-1400, ext. 2326. To obtain this release or for additional media releases from FAR, go to the Florida Association of Realtors' Media Center Web site at http://media.living.net.
The Florida Association of Realtors, the voice for real estate in Florida, provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its more than 125,000 members in 70 boards/associations.
© 2005 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
