New enclave of million-dollar homes in the works for Avila Golf & Country Club
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Mar 10, 2015

A small development of new luxury homes is under development in Avila Golf and Country Club.

Alvarez New Concepts, the sole builder in the community, is planning to build 12 new homes on lots with golf course frontage, starting at $1.3 million and averaging 3,500 square feet of living space. The community will feature Spanish eclectic architecture.

President Bobby Alvarez said Monday that the streets in the new development have been paved, and that the final plat is under review. He anticipates breaking ground in May on one presold model house and two speculative houses. Each house will have a guest house, a golf cart garage and views of the Avila golf course.

Alvarez said it is the first new development in Avila since 2007.

Newly built luxury homes are in high demand in Tampa Bay, given a dearth of new construction during the recession and pent-up demand for higher-end properties. One developer is pursuing speculative mansions on the Tampa waterfront, one of which could be priced at more than $6 million.

The overall luxury market has been on an upswing for more than a year.

Ashley Gurbal Kritzer is a reporter for the Tampa Bay Business Journal.