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Development
Cleared for Takeoff
Sterling Chairman Buddy Runneis |
Developers, taking notice, have begun to launch major projects in the 2,000-population town or its outskirts. The latest may be the most ambitious: The Plantation at Freeport by Sterling Cos. of Destin will provide retail, modest-priced homes and medical facilities.
'In essence, we have the commercial venue for growth for Freeport," says Buddy Runnels, chairman of Sterling Cos.
Sterling has sketched conceptual plans for three parcels on its 3,600 acres in the 10- to 20-year project: A 240-acre neighborhood called Ashton Park, where infrastructure work has begun; a 320-acre community with medical facilities, a bank, stores, apartments, town homes and assisted living residences; and a 160-acre business and technology park.
Freeport needs the business growth that the Plantation plan promises, says Henninger. 'This will allow people to stay off the roads and earn their livelihoods right here."