UCF senior Adam Venckauskas, 21, received an early graduation gift when he learned that he won the 2010 HGTV Urban Oasis, a luxury residence in the heart of New York City’s financial district.
The fully-furnished residence, with sweeping vistas of the city’s skyline, was custom-designed by HGTV’s Vern Yip and is part of a grand prize package that includes a new Acura ZDX. Venckausas’ stunned reaction to winning the prize package, valued at approximately $1.5 million, was broadcast around the country during the HGTV Urban Oasis Giveaway 2010 special on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
“No way, no way,” said Venckauskas upon hearing the news. “I’m speechless!”
A native of Boca Raton, Florida, Venckauskas, a civil engineering major, was studying for an exam when Yip knocked on the door of his student apartment to surprise him with the news. Venckauskas, whose name was randomly drawn from more than 15.5 million entries, entered the first HGTV Urban Oasis Giveaway once at the urging of his mother, Genevieve, who said she entered the sweepstakes each day of the entry period and encouraged her two sons, both UCF students, to enter as well. “I think I’m off the hook for Adam’s graduation present,” she said with a laugh.
The HGTV Urban Oasis is located in The Residences at W New York-Downtown, 123 Washington Street. Yip, a judge for HGTV Design Star, designed the home with a clean-lined, eclectic look, highlighted by antiques and architectural artifacts uniquely tied to New York City. At just under 900 square feet, the residence includes one bedroom, a luxurious bath, a living room with lots of natural light, spectacular views of the city and a gourmet kitchen. It also features state-of-the-art appliances and hardwood floors.
“What a thrill to watch Adam’s reaction when he learned that he had won the HGTV Urban Oasis,” said HGTV President Jim Samples. “Millions of HGTV fans who are fascinated by city-living watched and participated in this year’s giveaway. We believe the home highlights the best in urban design and showcases the appeal of living in a downtown location that offers a variety of dynamic activities including theater, shopping, museums and restaurants.”
Online users can continue to visit HGTV.com/urbanoasis for a blog with exclusive videos of the downtown NY neighborhood and urban design ideas. A virtual tour and slide show tours of the residence also are available online.
Source: Emily Yarborough, HGTV, 865-560-4643 / eyarborough@hgtv.com; Eileen Campion, Dera, Roslan & Campion Public Relations, 212-966-4600 / eileen@drcpublicrelations.com