NEWS

Posted: Sep 12, 2016 5:47 PM EDTUpdated: Sep 12, 2016 5:47 PM EDT

By Tim Wronka, Charlotte County Reporter

CHARLOTTE COUNTY –

Florida’s city of the future is another step closer to reality.

By early next year, some of the first residents will be living in Babcock Ranch, a solar powered town being built in Charlotte County.

“This isn’t something you’ve traditionally seen in Charlotte or Lee county. It’s something I think is superior and exciting,” said President Rich Severance.

For the first time, you can see what the homes will look like.

Several builders are working with the developers to blend the style of old Florida ranch homes with cutting-edge technology.

The concepts even include something as simple as a front porch.

“We’re encouraging people to be out front, on their front porches, enjoying their neighbors, watching the kids and being social,” said Syd Kitson, CEO of Kitson and Partners, developer of the project.

There will be many different homes and buildings in Babcock Ranch, but they all have to be certified “green” by the state of Florida.

In development for more than 10 years, Babcock Ranch will open early next year.  It will be a sustainable town powered by the sun, putting sustainability and an active lifestyle in the forefront.

“Everything we’re doing is steep, with sustainability, and we’re really trying to do the right thing,” said Kitson.

Homes are starting in the $200,000 range, and the builders say they already have a lot of interest.

Model homes should be open at the beginning of 2017.