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Savannah Magazine Jan/Feb
BR & J, Vol 10 Issue 11
BR & J, Vol 10 Issue 12

 

 
Developers Crafting Herb River Bend To Appeal to Families
By Mary Beth Spence
TBR Staff

 

  
Thirty acres of prime real estate on LaRoche Avenue are being developed into Herb River Bend, an upscale gated community where developers intend to showcase Southern traditional architecture. They're also capitalizing on the redevelopment of a popular private elementary school under construction adjacent to the development.
The group of area investors behind the new residential area are focused on developing a family-friendly neighborhood with sidewalks, fenced yards, a clubhouse and a children's park.
Herb River Bend, located between Majestic Oaks and Windfield subdivisions, overlooks a magnificent marsh view and contains 64 lots in the first two phases of the community. "The response has been more than we could have asked for," said Carey Shore, one of the principal investors and owner of Shore, Bell & Seyle Realty.
The neighborhood doesn't include your typical cookie-cutter cluster of homes. Instead, the residences all project their own unique design, ranging from cottage-type facades to Georgian two-story homes. "We have a nice blend of homes - not a hodge-podge," said Harry Shore. "There is a great mixture that is reminiscent of Ardsley Park and the islands. For example, we have a traditional Lowcountry residence, and another with a Victorian flavor."
Carey Shore concurred. "These are 'city' lots - like Ardsley Park, but larger. The larger homes are taking on the character of Isle of Hope and Ardsley Park," he said.
While there are community covenants in place, Shore maintains that they are drawn to the benefit of all residents. "The covenants and design standards are set to ensure the integrity of construction and to make it a friendly atmosphere and a neighborhood for children," he said.
One specific covenant details that homes must be constructed at a minimum of 2,000-square feet. "Most homes will be much larger than that," said Shore.
The $6 million dollar project has been in development for nearly two years, and, in addition to Shore and his wife Ginger, other investors include Harry Shore, Ed C. Johns, Jr. and David Gilpin. "We have the potential of developing 17 additional acres. The lots are priced from the low $100,000s to the mid-$200,000-dollar range," said Carey Shore.
"The homes range from $450,000 to $900,000," he said, "and there are currently 15 homes under construction."
Local Savannah builders constructing homes in the community include Shore's son, Harry, with Shore & Blanton Construction, his son-in-law, E. C. Johns, with E.C. Johns Custom Homes, Hallmark Homes and Gilpin Construction.
Amenities will include a community clubhouse equipped with an exercise room. A large children's playground and two swimming pools encompass the recreational area.
Additionally, the investors also purchased a small tract of land across the street from the main entrance on LaRoche Avenue. The .54-acre site has been cleared, and Shore said that plans include fencing the area and adding benches for a private ,marshside "adult park."
Besides the main entrance on LaRoche Avenue, Herb River Bend's second gate, located on Howard Foss Drive, backs up to Hancock Day School's new campus, currently under construction and scheduled to open in January 2008.
"We are excited to have Hancock behind us. This will be so convenient for our families in the neighborhood, and they will be able to walk their children to school," Shore noted.