First Phase of Development on The Central Apartments Begins

People Places LLC hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, January 28 at the building site for phase one of The Central, located on the corner of Circle Boulevard and Central Avenue. Project partners Frank Starkey and Jim Goodchild were joined by City Council members Mayor Rob Marlowe, Deputy Mayor Jeff Starkey, and Councilmen Matthew Murphy, Peter Altman, and Chopper Davis. City Manager Debbie Manns, Economic Development Director Mario Iezzoni, and other Department Directors were also in attendance along with contractors, bankers, and many area residents.

Nestled next to Orange Lake and only one block North of Main Street in the historic downtown district of New Port Richey, this series of apartments will provide over 80 new residences for those seeking a more urban lifestyle.

Rather than building a standard “apartment complex” of large buildings surrounded by surface parking, People Places is creating a series of three story free-standing buildings that fit in with the scale of the neighborhood. Each building will contain 6 individual apartments accessed by a gated entry and stair hall. The spaces between the buildings are designed as outdoor “rooms” containing amenities for residents and beauty for the whole town to enjoy.

Improvements to the City included

Central Avenue, which bisects the site, will get wider sidewalks, street trees and a tree-lined median, all framed with beautiful new buildings that will enhance the view and improve walkability.

Architect Eric Brown is designing the buildings with a nod to classic Southern architecture, spacious floor plans, high-ceilings, and high quality interior finishes. The apartments will be built in two phases, with the first phase located along Central Avenue. Phase one will include 42 1- and 2-bedroom apartments in seven buildings, each named after prominent historic personalities. Residents will enjoy a pavilion and outdoor grill in a beautiful Live Oak-canopied courtyard overlooking Orange Lake.

The location is a short walk from downtown nightlife, restaurants and shopping. Leisure activities and events at Sims Park, kayaking and boating, an award winning public library and a $15 million recreation and aquatic center are also within a short walking distance.

People Places is crafting this new place for people who are seeking a more spirited and modern small-town urban lifestyle.

Image by Andrea Ragan: Forrest Eleazer, Park & Eleazer Construction, Jim Goodchild, Central Orange Partners, Mario Iezzoni, City of NPR , Rob Marlowe, Mayor, Frank Starkey, Central Orange Partners, Kurt Beste, Patriot Bank. 

About People Places, LLC

People Places is a Real Estate development company that was founded by Frank Starkey with the goal to create vibrant, people-oriented residential and retail places in walkable settings.