Exploring the Abandoned River Preserve in Wabasso, Florida: A Forgotten Development on the Indian River
Take a 360-degree virtual walk-through of the River Preserve, an abandoned condominium project in East Central Florida. Below are forty-eight (48) 360-degree panoramic images where you can have a look around the property. There is even an amazing aerial 360-degree panoramic overview of the property so you can see the scope of the project that was abandoned. Use the hamburger menu in the virtual tour to reveal the different areas of the location you can explore. Use the arrows to move forward and backward from panoramic image to panoramic image.
Click here to view it in fullscreen.
Nestled along the serene shores of the Indian River in Wabasso, Florida, lies the River Preserve—a testament to ambitious development dreams halted by unforeseen economic downturns. This abandoned condominium project has become a magnet for urban explorers, history enthusiasts, and those intrigued by the remnants of modern ruins.
A Vision Takes Shape: The Birth of River Preserve
In the early 2000s, the 31-acre site in Wabasso was earmarked for a substantial residential development. In 2001, the Indian River County Commission rezoned the area to permit six condominiums per acre, approving a subdivision plan named “Island View,” which proposed 23 homes and 78 condominiums. However, these plans lapsed before construction commenced. Subsequently, in 2003, Indian River Preserve LLC, based in Short Hills, New Jersey, secured approval for a similar project, maintaining the vision of 23 homes and 78 condominiums. The development was to feature nine condominium buildings complemented by amenities such as a clubhouse, swimming pool, and tennis courts.
Construction and the Unraveling of Ambitions
Construction began in 2006, with the developer obtaining permits from the St. Johns River Water Management District to excavate three acres of the site’s 12-acre wetlands. In exchange, there was a commitment to restore 12 acres of the nearby Lost Tree Island to its native vegetation. Despite these environmental considerations, the project faced insurmountable challenges. The housing market crash of the late 2000s dealt a severe blow to the real estate sector, and the River Preserve was no exception. Of the nine planned condominium buildings, only three were partially constructed, with the foundations of two others laid before the project was abruptly halted. Infrastructure elements, including internal roads, utilities, water-retention ponds, and a northbound turning lane into the development from U.S. Route 1, were also established but left incomplete.
Altered Plans and Continued Stagnation
In 2013, a revised plan emerged, proposing the replacement of the 23 single-family homes with 96 apartments. Although this modification received county approval, it failed to materialize into renewed construction activity. The site remained dormant, its skeletal structures standing as silent witnesses to the halted development.
The Allure of Abandonment: A Haven for Urban Explorers
Over the years, the abandoned River Preserve has attracted a diverse array of visitors. Vandals, vagrants, and curious youths have frequented the site, leaving behind graffiti and signs of habitation. For urban explorers, the location offers a unique glimpse into a modern ruin, with its unfinished buildings and overgrown landscapes providing a compelling backdrop for photography and exploration. However, it’s important to note that the property is under surveillance by local law enforcement, and trespassers may face legal consequences, including fines or arrest.
Historical Significance and Reflections
The River Preserve stands as a poignant reminder of the volatility inherent in real estate development, particularly in the face of economic instability. Its history encapsulates the optimism of early 21st-century housing booms and the subsequent despair brought on by market crashes. For urban explorers and historians alike, the site offers a tangible connection to this turbulent period in Florida’s real estate saga.
Visiting Wabasso: Beyond the River Preserve
While the River Preserve itself is off-limits due to safety and legal concerns, Wabasso and its surrounding areas boast a variety of attractions for visitors. The nearby Wabasso Beach Park provides pristine beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for relaxation and recreation. Additionally, the Indian River offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Florida’s Treasure Coast.
Conclusion
The abandoned River Preserve in Wabasso, Florida, serves as a compelling case study of halted ambitions and the impermanence of human endeavors. For urban explorers, it represents both a cautionary tale and an irresistible draw—a place where history, architecture, and nature converge in silent testimony to dreams deferred.
Did you find this post interesting? You might also like viewing the abandoned tree nursery in Central Florida or the abandoned Glass Bank of Cocoa Beach. You can also check out our top abandoned places in Florida page.
Virtual tour and photos provided by Jason Perrone.
360-degree image captured at the River Preserve, an abandoned Florida condo project.
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Equipment used to capture the 360-degree panoramic images:
- Canon DSLR camera
- Canon 8-15mm fisheye
- Manfrotto tripod
- Custom rotating tripod head
Do you have 360-degree panoramic images captured in an abandoned location? Send your images to Abandonedin360@gmail.com. If you choose to go out and do some urban exploring in your town, here are some safety tips before you head out on your Urbex adventure. If you want to start shooting 360-degree panoramic images, you might want to look onto one-click 360-degree action cameras.
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