Otto ‘Buz’ DiVosta, owning over 4,000 acres west of I-95 in south Martin County, has long sought governmental approvals for a project that was stalled amid bureaucratic processes, even as similar developments advanced. This expansive tract, currently underutilized cattle land, holds potential for transformation into parks, public services, and housing. However, realizing Buz DiVosta’s vision requires innovative thinking and a refined strategic plan. Drawing inspiration from the New Urbanism movement, which champions community and environmental stewardship, Storie aims to be a self-sustaining destination where residents can live, work, and play. Beyond the living experience for residents, Storie’s plan offers sports fields, playgrounds, dog parks, and a splash park for broader public enjoyment. Unique to this project is a strong commitment to environmental conservation, with 64% of the area preserved as natural habitats and a significant initiative to clean up to 500 million gallons of water annually. This will not only protect the local wetlands but also prevent pollution from Lake Okeechobee from reaching the St. Lucie River, benefiting the entire county.
Otto ‘Buz’ DiVosta, owning over 4,000 acres west of I-95 in south Martin County, has long sought governmental approvals for a project that was stalled amid bureaucratic processes, even as similar developments advanced. This expansive tract, currently underutilized cattle land, holds potential for transformation into parks, public services, and housing. However, realizing Buz DiVosta’s vision requires innovative thinking and a refined strategic plan. Drawing inspiration from the New Urbanism movement, which champions community and environmental stewardship, Storie aims to be a self-sustaining destination where residents can live, work, and play. Beyond the living experience for residents, Storie’s plan offers sports fields, playgrounds, dog parks, and a splash park for broader public enjoyment. Unique to this project is a strong commitment to environmental conservation, with 64% of the area preserved as natural habitats and a significant initiative to clean up to 500 million gallons of water annually. This will not only protect the local wetlands but also prevent pollution from Lake Okeechobee from reaching the St. Lucie River, benefiting the entire county.
With the county commission historically opposed to new development, the team needed to find a way to achieve a ‘yes’ from county officials. Working in concert with the development team, Cotton was tapped to help refine the master plan to overcome the previous obstacles and create a brand for the community that would resonate with its eventual residents. The goal was to capture the positive energy of those citizens who recognized the needs of the community and the benefits the community could provide. A focus on clean water, environmental stewardship, public parks and recreation, charter schools, and a vibrant downtown were integrated into the plan. With the plan in place, Cotton & Company brought Storie, Florida to life to help the general public understand how responsible development could solve important issues and align with their deeply imbedded local community priorities.
With the county commission historically opposed to new development, the team needed to find a way to achieve a ‘yes’ from county officials. Working in concert with the development team, Cotton was tapped to help refine the master plan to overcome the previous obstacles and create a brand for the community that would resonate with its eventual residents. The goal was to capture the positive energy of those citizens who recognized the needs of the community and the benefits the community could provide. A focus on clean water, environmental stewardship, public parks and recreation, charter schools, and a vibrant downtown were integrated into the plan. With the plan in place, Cotton & Company brought Storie, Florida to life to help the general public understand how responsible development could solve important issues and align with their deeply imbedded local community priorities.
Cotton & Company created the brand for Storie to appeal to a diverse mix of families from every generation. Utilizing virtual imaging and digital initiatives, a glimpse into the future was delivered showcasing the attributes that will benefit every resident of Martin County. A teaser campaign was utilized to capture contact information from interested citizens, and the details were released via a detailed email campaign. Storie Magazine was created to showcase the developer’s appreciation for the unique aspects of life in Martin County, while also illustrating how Storie would complement and enhance the lifestyle that drew so many people to the region.
Cotton & Company created the brand for Storie to appeal to a diverse mix of families from every generation. Utilizing virtual imaging and digital initiatives, a glimpse into the future was delivered showcasing the attributes that will benefit every resident of Martin County. A teaser campaign was utilized to capture contact information from interested citizens, and the details were released via a detailed email campaign. Storie Magazine was created to showcase the developer’s appreciation for the unique aspects of life in Martin County, while also illustrating how Storie would complement and enhance the lifestyle that drew so many people to the region.
