"Slices of 30A"

The St. Joe Company Unveils Longleaf Art Park at Watersound Origins Community

The St. Joe Company (NYSE: JOE) ("St. Joe") is excited to announce the development of the Longleaf Art Park at the Watersound Origins community. This initiative is brought to life through a collaboration with the Berkowitz Contemporary Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the arts. The park, currently under construction off Origins Parkway, will span 15.5 acres and will be accessible to the public upon completion. The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County will oversee day-to-day operations.

A Landmark Art Installation

At the heart of Longleaf Art Park will be the Passage of Time Pavilion, showcasing the renowned work of the late artist Richard Serra. The Pavilion will house Serra's monumental sculpture, Passage of Time, an impressive 217-foot-long piece composed of eight 13.5-foot-tall weathering steel plates. Reflecting Serra's signature style, the massive 540,000 pounds sculpture features eight two-inch-thick steel plates measuring 13.5 feet in height and arranged in a mesmerizing, meandering formation.

Thoughtful Design and Natural Harmony

OLI Architecture and Richard Serra collaborated on the design of Longleaf Art Park and the Passage of Time Pavilion. A key priority was ensuring the park blended seamlessly with its natural surroundings, minimizing construction disturbances to preserve the site's integrity.

A Cultural Haven

Beyond the Passage of Time Pavilion, Longleaf Art Park will offer a variety of amenities, including an outdoor event space for future programming. Visitors can explore the park via meandering paths and boardwalks that guide them through native landscapes, past carefully contoured berms and a serene pond, leading to the Pavilion. The entrance to the Pavilion will feature glass vestibules, inviting visitors into an intimate encounter with Serra's sculpture.

A New Era for Walton County

"The creation of Longleaf Art Park marks the beginning of a new cultural era for Walton County and establishes the Northwest Florida region as a home and destination for artistic excellence," said Jennifer Steele, Executive Director of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. "The importance of access to a piece of work as significant as Richard Serra's Passage of Time cannot be overstated, and the impact it will have on our local artists, residents, students, and visitors will be limitless and lasting for generations."

Looking Ahead

Plans are set for Longleaf Art Park to open in 2026. This new cultural hub promises to enrich the community and establish Northwest Florida as a premier destination for art enthusiasts and visitors alike. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project progresses.