The Hutson Companies Finalizes Land Deal For National Preschool

January 5th, 2006 — Jacksonville-based developer, The Hutson Companies, announced today that OakLeaf Plantation will soon be home to the newest Goddard School, a national preschool franchise. Situated on the border of Duval and Clay Counties, OakLeaf Plantation is a 6,400-acre, master-planned community, which has become one of the fastest-growing, fastest-selling developments in the northeast Florida region.

The purchase agreement includes land at the OakLeaf Village Center, in the heart of OakLeaf Plantation. On this site, The Goddard School plans to erect a main building, in addition to large play areas and outdoor learning environments. This is the second Goddard School location in the Greater Jacksonville area. Goddard made its initial debut in Jacksonville near Julington Creek.

"The Goddard School has an outstanding reputation for quality and we look forward to the realization of their development plans at OakLeaf Plantation. The Goddard School will be a perfect complement to the community, where residents can live, learn, work, play and shop. Goddard's new facility will be a welcome component to further complete the vision of Northeast Florida's New Hometown," said Deanna Cope, Director of Marketing for The Hutson Companies.

Founded in 1988, Goddard has opened more than 225 schools in 28 states. Named the number one childcare franchise numerous times by Entrepreneur Magazine, The Goddard School offers a wide range of enrichment activities, with an emphasis on building a strong, balanced foundation of emotional, social, cognitive and physical skills of each child. Goddard schools are open to children ages six weeks to six years and curriculum is based on the Piaget model of reaching age-appropriate development goals through play.

OakLeaf Plantation features more than 1,400 acres of preservation area; two multimillion dollar amenity centers; five planned schools; two retail village centers; 5.8 million square feet of commercial, office and industrial space and 15 miles of walking and biking paths. OakLeaf has set the standard for master-planned communities and has maintained a strong foundation of family-friendly development practices, creating a unique natural, residential and commercial environment.

For more information, call (904) 406-2200.