Lakewood Ranch is Florida's premier planned community. In the early 1900s, John Schroeder of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, began to assemble the land known today as the Schroeder-Manatee Ranch (SMR). An owner of furniture, turpentine, milling and lumber businesses, Schroeder selected this land for its abundant natural resources and beauty.
In 1922, the Uihlein family, founders of Schlitz Brewing Company, acquired the land and continued to expand the agricultural operations, which are still active today. Cattle ranching, vegetable and citrus farming, timber, turf and shell mining are but a few of these businesses.
In 1994, after 19 years of planning and approvals, real estate development was added into the mix with the introduction of Lakewood Ranch. The historic presence and careful dedication to the land is a natural comfort for prospective homebuyers. The strength of a great American family, combined with a history of successful land management and a strong financial plan using Community Development Districts make Lakewood Ranch a sound investment and a great place to live. With each new homebuyer, the rich sense of family and place continues to make connections at Lakewood Ranch
