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Swift Creek offers amenities
March 14, 1999 Northwest Florida Daily News
By KELLY HUMPHREY, Daily News Contributing Writer
For two years, Walt Ruckel has concentrated the vast majority of his waking hours on one goal: the successful development of Swift Creek, a master plan community located near the intersection of Partin Drive and College Boulevard in Niceville.
Every detail - from the carefully planned family park in the heart of the community to the stunning entranceway and uniform mailboxes accenting each home -- has come under the scrutiny of Ruckel's watchful eye.
Last Saturday, Ruckel's dedication was rewarded with the grand opening of Swift Creek's sales center near the entrance to the community.
"For so long, I've done nothing but eat, sleep and drink Swift Creek,"
he said with a laugh. "We've worked so hard to make this a wonderful place to live. We've gone the extra mile and spent a lot of money to make it very special, and we've staked our reputation on it."
That reputation is considerable.
For nearly 50 years, Ruckel Properties Inc. has developed some of the best-known subdivisions in Niceville, including several different sections of Rocky Bayou.
And while all of their developments have been important to the
Ruckels, Walt admits that Swift Creek is something special.
"This community is very dear to my heart, because we've put so much time and effort into it,"
he said. "It's so exciting to finally see it all coming together!"
The community's first phase features 63 spacious lots, while the entire neighborhood will eventually be home to approximately 400 families.
Nestled in a heavily wooded area that backs to a nature preserve, the community projects a sense of country living while enjoying a close proximity to schools, shopping, the Okaloosa-Walton Community College Fine Arts Center and Eglin Air Force Base.
"We have a wonderful location here," Ruckel said. "It's convenient to everything, while still enjoying a sense of privacy."
Four local contractors have been selected to serve as preferred builders.
Each will soon begin construction on a furnished model home.
"We selected Robert Fisher, Greg Goodwin, Randy Wise and Gary Miller as our preferred builders, because all four of them are top-of-the-line custom home builders and award winners who build the highest quality homes," Ruckel said. "We will have a strong architectural review committee in place that will insure that the homes built in Swift Creek are compatible with the design of the neighborhood.
"Although there are definite benefits to building with one of our preferred builders, prospective homeowners may also apply for approval to use a different builder if they desire."
Designed with families in mind, the community will eventually feature sidewalks, streetlights, specially designed street signs and coordinating mailboxes, a swimming pool and tennis area, a nature trail and a carefully planned family park.
The park will include picnic tables and barbecue grills, as well as a Victorian style gazebo and a variety of children's play areas.
"One of the more unique aspects of our park is the water play area," Ruckel said. "While I was on a visit to Europe, I discovered a park where the children could play with a series of water troughs that allowed them to redirect the flow of water. As soon as I saw it, I knew we had to have something like it here."
Another hallmark of the community will be the entrance structure designed by landscape specialist Linda
MacBeth.
The structure features the words "Swift Creek" spelled out in aged copper set in a curved brick wall. A majestic fountain will provide a sparkling backdrop to the entrance sign.
"We paid a great deal of attention to detail, especially with the entrance way and the landscaping," Ruckel said.
The remaining lots in the community's first phase range in price from $56,000 to $60,000.
"We've been amazed at the wonderful response we've received," Ruckel said. "We've only been officially open for one day, and we've already sold over 65 percent of the lots. People are really excited about what we have to offer."
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