Brookfield Ignites Life And Community Into The ‘Kissing Tree’ Legend

by, Chauntel Seminerio

Thursday, February 25th, Brookfield Residential Properties ceremoniously broke ground on the 1,332-acre development of 3,200 homes, designed for the flourishing 55-and better baby boomer generation.

The unique community initiated its vision, when brought to San Marcos City Council and Hays County officials, back in 2005. A first of its kind, Kissing Tree will be the original age-restricted development in San Marcos, sure to make those of us still “underage” envious of its offerings.

Mayor Daniel Guerrero spoke at the ceremony stating “Brookfield will not only change the landscape of our community, but our creative vision, and the way we see our community.”

The one of a kind development, was charmingly named Kissing Tree, as an homage to Sam Houston’s gubernatorial speech in 1857 by an oak tree in San Marcos, previously known as String Town, where Governor Houston famously kissed several women who presented him with a Texas flag. The ground breaking ceremony began with a Houston character entertainingly relaying the historical origin of the Kissing Tree legend.

The exclusive community will be located off of Hunter and Centerpoint roads, across Interstate 35 from the San Marcos outlet malls.

Brookfield Senior Vice President Shaun Cranston said “San Marcos is in the middle; we are the center of everything great that is happening in Central Texas; not the middle of nowhere, the center of everywhere.”

The vision that sets this community apart from all others, is the realization of the Brookfield Partners, that todays 55 and older generation are not the formerly stereotyped grandmas and grandpas of yesterday. Baby boomers are unique in their active and adventurous nature.

The community will feature a collection of indoor and outdoor amenities at the communities’ social focal point, fittingly named The mix, as well as an 18-hole golf course, 18-hole putting course and state of the art golf clubhouse.

The Mix, is meant to be the “social hub” for residents, featuring a biergarten, billiard tables, indoor/outdoor bar, community tables for games and entertaining, surrounded by 15 miles of scenic hiking trails. Each Kissing Tree home will be strategically placed with a unique site, making the most of each lot and gorgeous Texas Hill Country views.

Kissing Tree’s distinctive community is predominantly targeted at an audience that currently lives outside the area, such as Snowbirds. Snowbirds are typically retirees who wish to move from the higher latitudes and colder climates of the northern USA and Canada and migrate southward due to harsh winters, seeking warmer locales such as Florida, California, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, or elsewhere along the Sun Belt of the southern United States.

Judge Bert Cobb spoke welcoming words to those looking to relocate to Texas stating, “The motto of Texas has always been hospitality and friendship. Hays County has a rich history. Welcome to Hays County and Welcome to Texas.”

Brookfield Residential Properties (BRP) is a leading North American land developer and homebuilder. With a proven track record of executing successful projects, BRP selected San Marcos for its close proximity to Austin and San Antonio, as well as ease of access to I-35 and all of its conveniences.

The project will be built in phases over the next 10 years. Approximately 248 homes are to be built in the first phase with model homes to be opened to the public this summer.

“We hope to have our first residents close on their new home by the end of the year,” said Edjuan Bailey, vice president of sales and marketing for Brookfield Residential.

Homes are expected range in price from, $250,000 to $500,000. Kissing Tree individual floorplans include a number of architectural designs that have been adapted to the vast and diverse style of Southwest Texas living.

Cranston said he expects construction on model homes to begin in the next 45-60 days.

“This is truly an exciting day for all of us in San Marcos to see such a tremendous project underway,” Mayor Daniel Guerrero said. “This 3,200-home community will have a significant impact on our local economy and will add jobs to the city.”

To find out more about Kissing Tree Homes in San Marcos, Texas visit KissingTree.com