VILLAGE WALK Heralds Smart Growth Experiment In Clemson, SC
A small new traditional neighborhood development (TND) called "VILLAGE WALK" hosts their gala opening at the Clemson University Madren Center this Thursday evening, November 14. Within walkable distance of the new Clemson Elementary School, VILLAGE WALK offers university area families an alternative to the kind of urban sprawl that makes the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson area 5th in the nation in terms of this problem.
Southern Homes of the Upstate, Inc., is proud to be hosting a gala opening for its newest neighborhood, VILLAGE WALK, on Thursday evening at Clemson University's Madren Center. The public is welcome, as well as over 1000 invited dignitaries and guests. Mr. Robby Newton, builder and developer, is implementing this TND (traditional neighborhood development) of 48 homes.
Special zoning within a Planned Development (PD) district made this concept possible. Due to the foresight and creativity of the Clemson City Planning commission and staff, the developers are able to build these homes with zero(0)lot line clearance, (instead of the usually required 30 to 50 feet). Each of the 2000+ sq. ft. two story homes will have a front porch and 10 ft. ceilings and other traditional custom architectural details. Five or six homes in a row will be uninterrupted by driveways, sharing alley access to rear-facing garages and service areas. The streetscape will be exciting, urban in character, and shaped by pedestrian use and sociable walking rather than automobile convenience. Pocket parks, a playground, a pool, and play fields will add to shared green spaces while yards are primarily "courtyard-sized," like one might find in Charleston or Savannah.
TND's attempt to promote development in ways that create communities of balance, consumer choice and lasting value. This TND-style of development is variably called "New Urbanism", "Sustainable Development" or "Smart Growth." As part of these movements, Village Walk can make the following claims:
| | - It is an in-fill project, involving no new annexation or "sprawl" for the existing City of Clemson, thus efficiently using and supporting existing infrastructure;
- It is designed for walkability to schools (only 2/10th's of a mile from the new Clemson Elementary School), shopping and recreational amenities, cutting down on the number of per household car trips needed per day;
- It is a stop on the largest free public transportation system in the country, CAT, Clemson Area Transit, (www.catbus.com), increasing resident lifestyle options;
- It is designed to accommodate diverse multi-income household demographics;
- It discourages exclusivity and social isolation and encourages community;
- It uses less land per household, and removes no land from agricultural or recreational use. (*NOTE: South Carolina is among the top 10 states in the nation for converting rural land to urban uses. The rate of development is predicted to accelerate because the state is also one of the top retirement destinations in the country, with one million new retirees expected to move here in the next 15 years).
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The original design of the community was done by Jack Hensen, The Holloman Group, LLC, and Michael Myers, Realtor for Village Homes d.b.a. He can be reached at 864.654.8585 or toll-free at 877. 658.5538.An abutting 12 acre commercial parcel is slated for mixed use development as a retail area with condos upstairs, plus a separate Bed+Breakfast, Swim Club and 2+ acre park with a pond/skating rink. Interested investors and developers are invited to collaborate.
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