Dramatic landscape plan transforms One Thousand Ocean into tropical oasis

Having developed the site and landscape architectural plans for the Resort’s Beach Club (including the dune restoration along its beach front as well as at neighboring One Thousand Ocean), one of the world’s leading site planners and landscape architectural firms – EDSA – is currently focusing its attention on the landscaping of the new condominium building.

"Since 1960, EDSA has been providing expert designs and creating unique and successful projects worldwide," said Jamie Telchin, LXR Luxury Resort’s president of development. "The company carefully blends imagination with innovation. This is evident at both of these exceptional properties." Telchin also pointed out that EDSA has been involved with the softscapes and hardscapes at the main resort for years.

Representative of other EDSA projects are the Grand Cypress Resort in Florida, Las Casitas village at El Conquistador Resort & Country Club in Puerto Rico, the Punta Pacifica mixed-use development in Panama, Port Ghalib Lagoon in Egypt, Pont Royal resort community in France, and Nine Dragons Resort & Gold Club in China, to name a few.

Though One Thousand Ocean and the Beach Club are indeed separate, during the site planning and landscape design stages, EDSA viewed both sites as a single piece of property, according to Scott Lamont, an EDSA principal.

The arrival experience begins at the entry on A1A. Then, once beyond the
gatehouse, the entry drive to One Thousand is lined with mature Live oaks and Royal palms. "That’s because a strong, inviting sense of arrival is key to the success of any project of this stature," he explained. "Owners and visitors will experience this at One Thousand Ocean."

Closer to the Boca Raton Inlet, to the south, EDSA chose Coconut and Sabal palms, as they withstand the natural elements.

"What’s truly unique about One Thousand Ocean are the exposures. The views from the site are magnificent and we certainly took those views into consideration when coming up with our plan," he continued. "And, boaters passing by this building will be greeted by a strong landscape statement that reinforces the beauty and prestige of this seven-story structure."

At One Thousand Ocean’s main arrival court, stately Date palms with a large canopy will flank a central water feature.

On the beach side, a simple, clean landscape design will be in keeping with the contemporary architecture of the building. The pool area will have a mix of softscapes and hardscapes. "There is a native grass transition from the sand dunes to the pool deck in order to create a tranquil environment that allows for private settings with terraces in the cabana areas. We also are creating a series of intimate spaces overlooking the ocean and inlet that will include a spa and viewing terrace," Lamont added.

The dune restoration replaced various plant species in the existing dune to improve the appearance. EDSA specified re-vegetating the area with Spider Lily, Dune Sunflower, Saw Palmetto, Salt Meadow Cordgrass, Sea Oats and other native species that grow well together and are better for the environment.

To create a cohesive site and landscape plan, the company worked hand in hand with LXR Luxury Resorts, the City of Boca Raton, Florida’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Department of Environmental Protection, as turtle-nesting conservation was an important factor as well.

"Upon completion, there’ll be no doubt that our significant investment in the landscaping of One Thousand Ocean will be a dramatic visual enhancement of an already spectacular building," Telchin said.

One Thousand Ocean features a combination of Residences, Penthouses and one- and two-story Beach Villas on a private peninsula surrounded by water on three sides.
Prices are from $2.75 million to over $15 million. More than half of the residences are sold and residents will enjoy access to the amenities and services of the Resort. Completion is expected by the end of 2009.

Visit the off-site sales & design center at 725 South Ocean Boulevard or call (561) 869-5000 to schedule a private tour. Or, for more information, visit www.OneThousandOcean.com.