In the early 1900s, John Schroeder of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, began to assemble the land known today as the Schroeder-Manatee Ranch (SMR). An owner of furniture, turpentine, milling and lumber businesses, Schroeder selected this land for its abundant natural resources and beauty.

In 1922, the Uihlein family, founders of Schlitz Brewing Company, acquired the land and continued to expand the agricultural operations, which are still active today. Cattle ranching, vegetable and citrus farming, timber, turf and shell mining are but a few of these businesses.

In 1994, after 19 years of planning and approvals, real estate development was added into the mix with the introduction of Lakewood Ranch. The historic presence and careful dedication to the land is a natural comfort for prospective homebuyers. The strength of a great American family, combined with a history of successful land management and a strong financial plan using Community Development Districts make Lakewood Ranch a sound investment and a great place to live. With each new homebuyer, the rich sense of family and place continues to make connections at Lakewood Ranch. For more information, check below:

It's What Makes a Master Planned Development a Community!

Have questions for the Community Services Team at Lakewood Ranch. They work with our residents to ensure a smooth, enjoyable transition to your new hometown.

The Community Services Team is responsible for all the residential homeowner's associations. We also implement and coordinate all Lakewood Ranch clubs, committees and activities for adults, youth and children.

To learn more, check out the ever-growing list of Community Clubs. Our office is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Please feel free to call us at 941-727-7770 with any questions.

VILLAGE OF EDGEWATER
Edgewater Village, an exclusive gated community, features neighborhoods with homes built around a wonderful 160-acre lake. The location allows close access to the Lakewood Ranch Town Center. The Wharf Park includes places to fish, launch a boat or enjoy the brilliant sunsets and expansive views on the lake. A nature trail provides a beautiful walk to the nearby Athletic Club. Custom single-family home sizes range from 1,100 to over 3,000 square feet. A maintenance-free lawn service neighborhood is available, as well.

VILLAGE OF SUMMERFIELD
Summerfield Village is designed with families in mind. Located next to the Braden River, Summerfield is surrounded by many large lakes and two community Parks. Summerfield features single-family homes, some with maintenance-free lawn service. Home sizes range from 1,100 to 2,400 square feet and up and are available in a wide range of prices. Great schools are within walking distance.

VILLAGE OF RIVERWALK
Riverwalk Village provides a natural setting for hometown living in the heart of the master plan. The Braden River Nature Trail forms a community park connecting two large lakes with the110-acre Herons Nest Nature Park. Riverwalk features a variety of distinctly unique single-family neighborhoods with homes by some of the most notable builders at Lakewood Ranch. Home sizes range from 1,350 to over 2,500 square feet. The new park, sidewalks and trails promote an atmosphere of relaxed connectivity to all of Lakewood Ranch.

THE COUNTRY CLUB
The Country Club is a private gated community offering select neighborhoods built around the Arnold Palmer-designed Legacy Golf Course. Single-family homes range from full-maintenance condos to detached villas with maintenance-free lawn service to grand scale estate residences. Home sizes range from 1,350 to over 3,500 square feet. Miles of sidewalks and trails offer easy access to the Legacy Clubhouse, the Athletic Club and all of Lakewood Ranch.

VILLAGE OF GREENBROOK
Greenbrook is a perfect place for families of all ages. Neighborhoods meander around many lakes and the Village is wrapped by a beautifully preserved natural Florida habitat. In the heart of the Village is an Adventure Park that offers active play areas for residents from age three to 93. An obstacle course, in-line skate/hockey rink and dog park are among the most unique features. As the fifth and final Lakewood Ranch Village, Greenbrook's pedestrian trails connect across the Braden River Preserve to Summerfield's Herons Nest Nature Park and Riverwalk's Braden River Nature Trail to create a pathway system similar to those found in state parks. Home sizes range from 1,050 to over 2,500 square feet.

LAKEWOOD RANCH SHOPPING & GENERAL INFORMATION

Shopping and services also set Lakewood Ranch apart. The plan conveniently provides everything needed to live from day to day and a new Town Center is at the heart of this master-planned community.

Market Square is the start of the retail goods and services that have been planned to serve this growing community. A Publix supermarket is the anchor for approximately 20 smaller retail shops and service providers. Everything from groceries to flowers, to dining and beauty needs are waiting for you.

Luxuries, as well as all the necessities, will excite the most sophisticated buyers as they browse the many shops along the main thoroughfare planned along a lakefront Main Street. Smaller boutique-style stores will supply temptations galore as visitors and residents enjoy a relaxing stroll through the latest retail enticements.

The Financial Center already features banks, as well as insurance companies and other offices.

A 32-acre medical campus includes a 120-bed hospital that will be managed by Manatee Memorial Hospital. The medical campus began construction in summer of 2001 with 60,000 square feet of emergency care, medical offices and diagnostic center. The hospital will begin in 2002 with an expected open date of 2003.

As Lakewood Ranch continues to grow, so will its Town Center to meet the needs of Florida's best new town.