The Fort Pierce City Commission unanimously approved, with conditions, an application by Pulte Homes on May 18 to construct a 239-unit single family home development on about 50 acres off Jenkins Road.
Pulte Homes closed on the parcel on May 20 and plans to begin site work during the next quarter. It will be their first development in Fort Pierce, but not in St. Lucie County. There is a Pulte Del Webb community in Tradition.
“The location of this property is very unique from the perspective of what we’re trying to create up on Kings Highway,” said Commissioner Michael Broderick. “This Pulte project supports everything we want to do.”
“This is a great site for attainable housing,” said Leslie Olson of District Planning Group, who presented the project as a representative of Pulte.
The development at 2721 South Jenkins Road is close to both I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike.
Both single- and two-story Florida Mediterranean and coast styles will be featured on two lot types, one 48 feet wide and 110 feet deep, and the other 38 feet wide and 110 feet deep.
The three-to-five-bedroom floorplans will include two bathrooms and two-car garages with homes ranging from about 1,256 to 1,850 square feet, according to a press release issued by Pulte Homes about the project. Home prices on the Pulte press release are described as “anticipated to begin in the low $400,000s.”
Community amenities include a pool, cabana, playground, mail kiosks and a school bus stop. Open space on the property is expected to be 28 percent, exceeding the 20 percent minimum.
Two lakes, bioswales and rain gardens will be part of the landscape, as will a linear park with a one third of a mile walking trail and a “pocket park with art/identity feature” – a subject of much discussion.
The item refers to a required art gateway piece that would announce not only the neighborhood but, more importantly, entry to the City of Fort Pierce.
In his presentation to the board, Vennis Gilmore, senior planner/historic preservation officer, showed some examples of possible gateway piece types, but commissioners were dissatisfied. Developers then produced two samples of their own, one of which earned the commission’s support: a tower feature with a marlin sculpture and blue and gold waves evoking the city’s waterfront and sunrise, and saying “Welcome to Fort Pierce, the Sunrise City.”
“To me it’s Fort Pierce is up and coming,” said Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky in favor gateway identity piece that was chosen.
That condition satisfied, the other conditions include:
• Compliance with City Code unless exceptions approved.
• Gopher tortoise survey within 90 days of clearing.
• Detailed stormwater and drainage plan at the building permit stage.
• Unified control and ownership of entire site.
• Subdivision plat approval required for lot splits.
• Sound study and noise abatement measures if needed.
• Easement agreement with adjacent property owner.
Home sales are expected to start in early 2027.