June/July 2007
Portrait of a Pioneer
Viscaya Development Group
John Hogan
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| John Hogan |
John Hogan, founder of Viscaya Development Group, talks to Newcomer about his unique approach to real estate development and what contributes to the significance of Viscaya’s projects.
What prompted you to form Viscaya Development Group?
I left the world of high-rise condominium development because I wanted to create a unique brand, characterized by strategic locations, historically inspired architecture and meticulous attention to detail. My experience and research have revealed that this is the key to creating sustainable value for homeowners, which is the cornerstone of Viscaya’s strategy and typically drives the homeowner’s buying decision.
From what or where do you derive inspiration for each of your developments?
Viscaya’s focus is on infill developments of established neighborhoods, and we draw inspiration from them. For example, with our latest development, The Residences at Lullwater Park in Atlanta, we incorporated the period architectural style of the Druid Hills neighborhood and then incorporated the features and finishes of the surrounding multimillion dollar homes. This resulted in a wonderful expression of our development strategy, which includes gourmet kitchens, state-of-the-art audio-visual components, elevators and over 700 square feet of rooftop loggias, decks and terraces.
Why do you develop in pre-existing neighborhoods?
We concentrate on established markets and neighborhoods because that is where our strategy of sustainable value to the home owner starts. The adage goes, “location, location, location.” We’ve all heard this before, but for Viscaya developments, this is a prerequisite, not a preference.
We understand Viscaya focuses on architectural significance. How would you define this?
Architectural significance is something that’s difficult to describe, and it’s both an art and a science. It’s the visual impact of height, scale, mass, color, materials and proportion. It’s where function, form and economics intersect. But perhaps the best way to describe it is, “something that you just love to look at.” At Lullwater Park, we have articulated facades, period covered entryways, oversized Federal-inspired windows and antique tumbled brick.
What are Viscaya’s current projects?
Homes at The Residences at Lullwater Park will begin completion in the summer of 2007. Viscaya also has a similar project in Charlotte, North Carolina, where we will be completing homes in the spring of 2008.
For more information on Viscaya Development Group and their Lullwater Park development,
call 404-923-8070 or visit www.viscayagroup.com.
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