Award winning river home model showcased at 1616 River Road

May 1st, 2008 — C. Atkerson, Inc. has unveiled their very first model home at 1616 River Road and recently won first place in the prestigious 2008 Parade of Homes.

The developer, Charles Atkerson, called for a Mediterranean Revival-style setting, which is right in line with what the area’s first families created in the San Marco area in the 1920s.

Keeping in tune with its surrounding neighborhood, the two, spectacular riverfront buildings are effectively designed to seamlessly blend with the already established aesthetics and feel of historic San Marco.

Close to a re-energized downtown, yet a world apart in terms of peace and privacy, 1616 River Road is San Marco’s only new riverfront community. Offering 13 residences in two riverfront buildings overlooking the St. Johns River, ranging from 2,009 to 3,874 square feet, the first phase includes two Penthouses, two Townhomes and two Riverhomes.

1616 River Road offers one of the last prime riverfront living opportunities in one of Jacksonville’s most eminent neighborhoods. Prices begin at $990,000.

Planned to reflect the historic nature of this distinguished setting, these exclusive residences feature generous floor plans, screened lanais with waterfront vistas, intricate architectural details, extensive ironwork, rounded corners, niches and alcoves, impact resistant doors and windows and an extensive array of features only found in extreme high end, luxurious, custom homes.

Peggy Martin, the senior design consultant with The Vintage Group’s Interior Design division, along with colleague Crystal Mabe, were charged with designing the interior of the Riverhome—a three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom riverfront condominium.
Martin has over 26 years of experience in creating interiors for many of Jacksonville’s finest homes.

The Vintage Group has earned the reputation as a leader among custom home builders for their distinct brand of creativity, flexibility and unique designs in new home construction. Martin calls the model a sophisticated collection of transitional styles, a true testament to plush comfort with a definite purpose.

“There is a cozy appeal to the Riverhome, where you feel like you can run in and jump on the bed, while still experiencing a high level of sophistication,” Martin said.

Kevin Gray of Gray Design and Consulting was selected to design 1616 River Road.

“We wanted these to feel like million dollar plus homes—every element that we would typically put in one of the homes you would find on the ocean or the finer communities, Charles wanted that and more,” Gray said.

A scenic backdrop of the majestic St. Johns River served as the inspiration for Martin’s interior design. She has worked with Atkerson since the inception so she has put a lot of thought and preparation into the elegant space. The result is a marvelous home that sets the sumptuous tone for living at 1616 River Road.

“This design was fun because the quality was there,” Martin said. “Charles didn’t sacrifice anything and it really shows. Starting with standard accoutrements that would be upgrades in most luxury homes such as granite countertops, stainless steel Subzero, Wolf and Bosch appliances, monorail lighting, solid doors and brass hardware, solid wood cabinetry, natural stone flooring and much more are what provides the solid base for my design and elevates 1616 River Road to be truly one of a kind.”

Art deco is prominent in the dining area where Martin used a round table and chairs to accent soft curves. Grass cloth gives dimension and texture to a beautiful bay window overlooking the St. Johns River.

“The cloth has a dark chocolate background with bamboo accents and it really flows with the espresso finishes and distressed accents in the room.

The entertainment cabinet and chest features a warm, rustic and timeworn look that perfectly accentuates the home. Amy Donaldson’s original artwork hangs in the foyer, master suite and gallery, which is accentuated by a barrel-vaulted ceiling.

Amy is a local artist whose work and reputation is gaining significance within the art community.

The well-appointed master suite is a serene retreat. Draw a warm bath in the Jacuzzi tub or rinse off in a separate shower with dual showerheads encased by glass. Also you will enjoy his and hers granite top vanity, Kohler plumbing fixtures and solid brass faucets, as well as custom designed closets by Ponte Vedra Closets.

One of the main focal points in the master suite is a tall-upholstered headboard.

“It’s very stately but it’s also very relaxing,” Martin said. “You can prop a pillow up and sit and look at the river.”

Martin opted for a hideaway Davenport desk over a traditional nightstand because you can never have enough little spaces to store things. One of two guest suites takes on a whimsical feel with water, seashells and beach accents. Turquoise and coral hues afford a cheerful, relaxing, yet elegant space.

“Furnishings are a mix of pieces from various manufacturers. Debbie Dunlap of Furniture Mart and Ronda Thomson of Silk Bloomers were an integral part of my team,” said Martin.

“I enjoy what I do and especially love to do it for people who have the passion that Charles has,” Martin said. “It was an honor working on 1616 River Road and being able to furnish it and see it all the way through.”

Judges from the Northeast Florida Builders Association recognized the home for its design, construction and style by honoring 1616 River Road with first place in the annual 2008 Parade of Homes.

Charles F. Atkerson Jr., president of C. Atkerson, Inc., the developer and managing member of 1616 River Road, LLC, envisioned what the area’s first families created in the 1920s, which also included Mission-style and Spanish Colonial. 1616 River Road is located off of San Marco Boulevard. From downtown, turn right on to LaSalle Street and then take a left on to River Road.

For more information, to schedule a tour or to get on the registration list for 1616 River Road, call Colleen Riley at 904.399-1772 or 904.200.5741 or visit www.1616RiverRoad.com.

The model home is open Monday, 1-5pm, Tuesday – Thursday and Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday noon to 5pm and Friday by appointment.