September 12, 2007 (JACKSONVILLE, FL) – The Jacksonville Symphony Guild held its first ever kick-off press conference for the Symphony Guild’s Showhouse and Gardens on September 11th in Pablo Creek Reserve. The press conference offered the first official viewing of the 6,000 square-foot house that will function as the 2008 Showhouse and Gardens.

“This year’s Symphony Guild’s Showhouse is an amazing opportunity to see classic architectural design paired with world-class decorating. The Showhouse is a favorite destination for thousands of visitors each year, and we are pleased that Bank of America is once again our presenting sponsor,” said Laura Mathewson, President of the Symphony Guild.

The work on this year’s Symphony Showhouse is 35 years in the making. In 1972 the Jacksonville Symphony Guild held its first Designer Showhouse in a beautiful historic house located in Avondale on the St. Johns River. Today, the Showhouse builds on the momentum of years past and includes an entirely new stylistic element: gardens. The 2008 Showhouse will feature intricate English style gardens surrounding the house. These gardens will further expand the appeal of the public showing.

The 2008 Showhouse is being built by Collier Classic Homes in the English Country Manor style, and thus will contain many rooms with views of the outdoor gardens. The two-story house will have multiple kitchens, fireplaces and a guest house that is designed to make guests feel as though they are staying in a spa retreat. The house is located on a choice lot in the award-winning community of Pablo Creek Reserve. A sunset balcony at the front of the house overlooks the community’s crown jewel, Central Park, while the sunrise balcony at the rear of the house offers a dramatic view of the lake and fountain. Central Park will be used to stage symphony events and lectures to promote the Showhouse.

“The Symphony Showhouse is a wonderful complement to the magnificent existing houses in Pablo Creek Reserve, and we are so honored to be selected. The neighborhood was a clear choice for this year’s Showhouse because of its ideal location, lovely gated entrance and one-of-a-kind Central Park. It is as if it was always meant to be,” said Jed Davis, Community Director for Pablo Creek Reserve.

The much-anticipated Showhouse is the key fundraiser each year for the Symphony Guild, and proceeds from the showing of the house go back to the Symphony Guild to help fund the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra for future years. The 2008 Showhouse will be completed in time for the public opening, which will run from April 19th 2008 through Mother’s Day on May 11, 2008.

For over 50 years the Guild of the Jacksonville Symphony Association (JSA) has worked to further an awareness of music and to create strong community support of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra through fundraising projects. The centerpiece of the Guild’s benefit fundraisers is the Symphony Showhouse. The 2008 Symphony Guild’s Showhouse and Gardens is located within the award-winning gated community of Pablo Creek Reserve located just west of the Intracoastal Waterway and south of J. Turner Butler Boulevard.