February 5, 2008 (JACKSONVILLE, FL) – Excitement is building as The Jacksonville Symphony Guild begins the 2008 count-down to its best Showhouse and Gardens ever. The event, a yearly extravaganza of style, luxury and elegance, will be held this year in the beautiful community of Pablo Creek Reserve and will be presented by Bank of America. The centerpiece of the Showhouse will be a 6,000 square-foot estate and its surrounding gardens. The Showhouse was designed and built specifically for an unveiling as a Symphony Showhouse and the result is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece like none other in the history of the event.

Also this year, event organizers have lined up an exciting schedule of special guest presenters who will offer classes, seminars and demonstrations on topics ranging from landscape design and horticulture to interior gardening and gourmet cooking. Special guests include Louise Johnson of Skinner Nurseries; Elisa Waysenson of Francois & Co., Orlando; Liz Stewart of Liz Stewart Floral Designs; David Bearl, Certified Chef de Cuisine, First Coast Technical College; Mimi Kersun, of Mimi’s Antiques, San Marco; and Mike Kohli of Drapery Ever After.

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 home 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. This year’s Showhouse features intricate gardens surrounding the home to further expand the appeal of the public showing.
The 2008 Showhouse is being built by Collier Classic Homes in the English Country style, and thus will contain many rooms with views of the outdoor gardens. The two-story home 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 home is located on a choice lot in the stunning Intracoastal community of Pablo Creek Reserve. The sunset balcony at the front of the home overlooks the community’s crown jewel, Central Park, and the sunrise balcony at the back of the home offers a dramatic view of the lake. Central Park will be used to stage symphony events and lectures to promote the Showhouse.

“This year’s Symphony Guild Showhouse is going to be the best ever. We can hardly wait to open the doors and welcome the public, but we’re also very busy right now making sure every detail will be absolutely perfect. The Showhouse is a favorite destination for thousands of people 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 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. The much-anticipated Showhouse is the key fundraiser each year for the Symphony Guild, and proceeds from the showing of the home go back to the Symphony Guild to help fund the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra for future years.

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. For more information, visit www.waters-edge.com/showhouse.