CASEY KEY PAGODA GARDEN WINS SECOND STATE AWARD
The Casey Key Pagoda Garden has won another state design award for Sarasota-based landscape architecture studio Michael A. Gilkey Inc.
The project, completed in 2013 in collaboration with Synergy Building Corp., won an award of excellence from the Florida Nursery and Landscape Growers Association (FNGLA).
In July, the Florida chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects chose the garden as its only Residential Award of Excellence recipient for 2013.
The FNGLA landscape awards program was established in 1970. This year’s selections will be showcased at The Landscape Show in Orlando in September.
Four higher-level “special recognition” awards will be given, including the Roy Rood Award for the most outstanding entry in all categories. Gilkey received this honor in 2008 for the Casa del Carnivale residence on St. Armands Circle.
“Our firm continues to maintain a strong design-build philosophy,” said company president Michael A. Gilkey Jr. “Despite its inherent challenges, this business model allows us to insist on using the finest plant material the state has to offer, and install it using the highest industry standards. Horticultural professionals . . . recognize both the quality of design and the materials used.”
JOHN CANNON HOMES BUILDING NEW MODEL
John Cannon Homes is building a new model home, The Baylee at The Islands of River Wilderness. At 3,442 square feet, the house will feature three bedrooms, three baths, a great room, dining room, kitchen, study, bonus room and a three-car garage.
The exterior has Mediterranean and Tuscan influences with stone detailing and is a blend of “Old World” charm and modern amenities, said John Cannon.
The model is slated to open early 2015.
“The Baylee’s floor plan embodies a relaxed way of living — not flashy or pretentious,” said Cannon.
Colors have earthen accents. Solid-wood flooring adds a feeling of tradition. “Wood, earth, stone and water are a common theme of Mediterranean and Tuscan exteriors and interiors,” said Cannon.
The Islands of River Wilderness is on a 225-acre secluded island in Parrish. The private, gated new-home community has estate-sized lots with views of nature preserves and the Manatee River.
