The SEASIDE Institute™ hosts University of Florida student tours

By Christy Milliken, 

Executive Director, SEASIDE Institute™

In an inspiring celebration of education and community planning, the SEASIDE Institute™ welcomed students from the University of Florida Master of Science in Real Estate program to partake in an immersive experience across the scenic locations of SEASIDE®, Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach on April 4. The program, led by esteemed faculty member Dr. Steve Martin, Clinical Assistant Professor of Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate Development at Warrington College of Business, provided a unique opportunity to explore the history and innovations of the DPZ CoDesign master-planned communities.

Spanning two days in the picturesque region of South Walton, students delved into the intricacies of real estate development, architectural brilliance, retail strategies, sustainability efforts, and the success stories of mixed-use neighborhood planning. Through this holistic approach, the tours emphasized the importance of community resilience and intentional design in fostering thriving urban environments.

The Alys Beach Experience

The first stop of the enlightening tour was Alys Beach, where Diana Lane, Director of Public Relations, set the stage with an extensive overview of the town’s intentional design elements. From its striking architectural forms to its commitment to sustainability, Alys Beach served as a prime example of forward-thinking urban planning. Students were encouraged to examine how meticulous design can enhance both aesthetic appeal and functional utility, creating a harmonious balance between natural beauty, the arts, and human development.

Rosemary Beach: Architecture and Community

In Rosemary Beach, the exploration continued with a guided tour led by Larry Davis of Seaside Community Realty and Bret Azzarelli, the Town Architect for Rosemary Beach. This segment of the tour highlighted the seamless integration of architecture and community, showcasing how thoughtful planning contributes to the vibrancy and cohesion of a neighborhood. Students gained valuable insights into the design principles that make Rosemary Beach a standout example of new urbanism and mixed-use development.

Seaside: The Birthplace of New Urbanism

The culmination of the tour took place in SEASIDE®, where Robert Davis, the visionary Co-Founder of Seaside, provided an in-depth look at the origins of new urbanism. Founded in 1981, SEASIDE® was designed to challenge conventional suburban sprawl and promote walkable, sustainable communities. Davis shared the town’s journey from concept to reality, providing students with a firsthand glimpse into the transformative power of intentional community planning.

Reflections on Holistic Development

Throughout the tours, the students explored the practical application of mixed-use neighborhood planning — a cornerstone of DPZ CoDesign’s philosophy. By integrating residential, commercial and recreational spaces, these master-planned communities demonstrate how thoughtful design enhances the quality of life for residents while fostering economic and environmental sustainability.

Students were inspired by the stories of success and resilience embedded in the histories of these towns, as they reflected on how the lessons learned could be applied to future real estate and urban development projects. The tours also underscored the importance of collaboration among developers, architects, and planners to achieve visionary goals.

A Lasting Impact

The SEASIDE Institute’s efforts to host these tours highlight its commitment to education and innovation. By bringing together the next generation of real estate professionals with luminaries in the field, the Institute continues to serve as a beacon for thoughtful community planning and sustainable development.

As the students returned to the University of Florida – Warrington College of Business, they carried with them not only a wealth of knowledge but also a deep appreciation for the power of intentional design and holistic planning. It is initiatives like these that pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future in urban development.

The SEASIDE Institute™ once again proves that education, collaboration, and visionary planning are the cornerstones of building resilient and thriving communities. The Seaside Institute is planning to work together with the UF Warrington college program this Fall on a symposium discussion that focuses on the story of Daryl Davis, Co-Founder of Seaside.