Ground Broken on Large Retirement Community in Perry

By Stephen Elkins, Macon Telegraph Staff Writer

PERRY – Work is scheduled to begin today on the first lots of Houston Springs, which promises to be a massive Florida-style community for seniors.

Plans call for 2,124 homes, a golf course and a number of other amenities to be built in a gated community on almost 500 acres located off Airport Road just south of U.S. 341.

About 100 local business, government and community leaders were on hand for Wednesday's formal ground-breaking.

"For a number of years we have known that this type of development was needed for the Perry-Fort Valley-Warner Robins area," Perry Mayor Jim Worrall said.

Similar retirement communities are popular in Florida, and Jeff Moredock, managing director of the development, thinks the idea will work in Middle Georgia. The close proximity to Interstate 75 should be major drawing cards for the community.

"People ask why you would put this in Georgia," Moredock said. "The question is, why wouldn't you put it in Georgia?"

Local business leaders said they hope there will be a large economic spinoff from the community being developed by Woodland Property Partners Inc. of Florida.

"It's a monumental project. It's going to take a lot of work," said Moredock. "The economic impact will be substantial."

Moredock said that 44 lots already have been sold. The first home is scheduled to be completed in April. The entire project should take four to seven years.

Plans call for an 18-hole golf course, nature trails, a sandy beach adn a clubhouse with a heated swimming pool.

Last updated 4/28/2005