Here They Grow Again

By Tim Hoskins, HHJ Student Staff Writer

Perry Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman Mike Jackson, Councilman Billy Jerles and other community leaders break ground.

PERRY – Houston Springs breaks ground on next phase Retirement community to add three holes of golf, clubhouse

Houston Springs broke ground on its next phase of development Wednesday at a rainy-day ceremony attended by Houston Springs residents and Perry community leaders.

“We are honored to be here today to be a part of the development of Houston Springs,” said Perry Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman Mike Jackson.

Houston Springs is a retirement community off of Sam Nunn Boulevard near Perry and is open to those 55 and older. Currently, the community contains 174 homes and a nine-hole golf course. The master plan calls for around 2,000 homes and a full 18-hole course with clubhouse and pro shop facilities.

“This is just one more thing that makes Perry a wonderful and unique place to live,” said Perry City Councilman Billy Jerles. “We look forward to its growth.”

Houston Springs developers hope to complete a swimming pool and tennis court by the end of the summer, and other projects including the clubhouse, golf pro shop, and community garden plots by the fall. The project also includes construction of an entrance road from Sam Nunn Boulevard.

Jeffrey Moredock, managing director of Houston Springs, stressed not only the benefits the community has to offer seniors, but also what Perry might derive from Houston Springs.

“We are about bringing national attention to Perry,” said Moredock, who said that many resident moved there from outside Middle Georgia. “We are currently the only people promoting Perry as a retirement destination. That’s one of the things that make us unique.”

An influx of seniors – who have a higher percentage of discretionary income – to Houston County brings revenue to everything from restaurants and RV sales, to veterinary and medical services.

The existing homes make up only one of 10 planned “villages” which will have homes ranging from condos and villas to freestanding single-family homes. Also planned is a town center with retail shops and restaurants.

“This place is going to be busting loose,” said Moredock.

View original article posted on the Houston Home Journal web site

Last updated 7/14/2005