The Plaza Launches First Condo Tour With Party That Raises Money For Local Charity

May 25, 2005 -- It was only fitting that Jacksonville's first downtown high-rise luxury condominium community host the launch party for the city's first condo tour.

In conjunction with Jacksonville Magazine, The Plaza Condominium at Berkman Plaza and Marina recently welcomed about 400 to a poolside reception complete with music, food and raffle prizes that benefited Ronald McDonald House.

"The island themed party was a huge success and gave many an opportunity to see what The Plaza is all about, at the same time raising money for a great cause. The success of The Plaza, being 80 percent sold out, is an indicator that downtown is undergoing a revitalization as a place not just to work, but live and enjoy everything it has to offer,"' said developer Alan McRae of McRae and Stolz.

The launch party gave the invitees a preview of The Jacksonville Condo and Loft Tour to be held the following weekend with model home tours, showcasing the luxurious, sophisticated, urban lifestyle that The Plaza represents.

"We have come a long way in this city. This was my first chance to really see what kind of luxury homes are being offered downtown and I was quite impressed," noted Carl Portland who visited several models.

The two-bedroom, two baths, Duval, three bedrooms, two and a half baths San Marco, the two bedrooms, and two baths Forsyth and the magnificent penthouse model were all open during the launch party and condo tour. Overlooking the beautiful St. Johns River and a burgeoning downtown Jacksonville, The Plaza truly offers a combination of deluxe resort living in an ideal setting.

"It was a beautiful night in a perfect setting. The reaction to the models and amenities has been tremendous," said Joe White, publisher of Jacksonville Magazine.

The launch party and condo tour were highlighted by several artists exhibiting their work at the 22-story tower that truly captures the unique spirit and energy that McRae and Stolz brought to Jacksonville in these riverfront condominium homes.

In the first floor rotunda Steve Forrester's graphite on cotton rag studies were on display along with selected works from Forrester's nightscape oil painting series that garner the walls of nearby Eclate, a popular downtown jazz club.

For the past seven years Forrester has been honing his artistic skills through a wide range of educational and creative outlets. With deft brushstrokes he renders photo-real depictions of both imaginary vistas and everyday objects. Forrester is currently studying abroad in Florence, Italy.

During the launch party, artist S. McRae Moore, also known as Sylvia M. Moore, and Aurora Ave` Artwork displayed their work to rave reviews.

The Plaza offers 11 distinct floor plans ranging in size from 770 square feet to 1,800 square feet. The Plaza also offers exclusive penthouse homes, where more than 2,980 square feet of living space spans two floors. Residents at The Plaza are able to choose from an incredible selection of both standard and upgrade finishes to customize their homes.

The Plaza Condominium at Berkman Plaza and Marina offers residents a wealth of amenities, reminiscent of a five-star resort hotel. A 24-hour concierge, 52 slip marina, lobby level retail and specialty shops, dry cleaning service, a spa and salon, pool, tennis and squash courts, meeting facilities and wine-tasting room with private lockers are just a few of the world-class amenities.

Sponsors of the launch party included Morton's, Southend Brewery, Endo Exo, Tom Bush BMW, who provided a $1,000 aluminum framed BMW mountain bike, and JM Salon de' Art and Taylor Lane Day Spa, who donated gift certificates. All for a worthy cause, raising close to $2,000.

Ronald McDonald House offers families of critically ill or injured children lodging and support services during their treatment at area medical facilities. Open since 1988, over 19,000 families have been involved in the program. In 2001, they completed a new 42,000 home that now serves up to thirty families each night.

Prices at The Plaza range from the $200's for a one-bedroom to the $800's and up for a penthouse suite.

The Plaza is located at 400 East Bay Street on the north bank of the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville. For more information call (904) 634-0022 or visit the website at www.theplazacondos.net.