Master-Planned Communities

Master-Planned Communities, or MPC's, are a relatively new form of private-sector sector real estate development. Inspired by the U.S. government "greenbelt" communities such as Greendale (Wisconsin), master-planned communities are characterized by their careful zoning, development patterns, and homeowner associations.

Master-Planned Communities most typically have a mixed-use, or more properly, multi-use character - in addition to housing, planned locations for retail centers, office buildings, lodging, churches, and industrial facilities are included in the master plan. The program for housing development will many times include both for-sale and rental residential, and pricing and amenities that will appeal to various buyer and renter market segments.

Master-Planned Communities generally include a well conceived and integrated program of recreational amenities - such as lakes, local community swimming pools, golf courses, and parks, with bike paths and walking / jogging trails.

Beyond the mixed-use nature and amenity program of Master-Planned Communities, this type of development is also characterized by master "backbone" infrastructure programs, master development agreements with local communities, and business plans calling for a unique business relationship between the master developer and residential builders. The relationship is generally guided by a master phasing plan and "takedown" schedule. The overall project is as difficult to implement as any other complicated business, given the number of "critical succes factors" that must be managed and executed effectively.

In response to some admittedly clumsy human planning, many new MPC's are based on a New Urbanism approach. New Urbanism refers to architecture and urban design that promotes a return to pre-automobile precepts of community building, including neighborhoods with a generous network of streets and sidewalks; homes with front doors and porches; a mix of housing types and prices; and connections to shops, parks and other amenities. In essence, master-planning with careful attention to how humans may prefer to interact in their built environment.

Our experience with master-planned communities includes management of approved large-scale P.U.D.'s, the acquisition of entitled master-planned community properties, and all manner of due diligence, feasibility, and design support work for client planned communities.

Master planned communities are a useful planning structurer for creating unique places that foster a sense of community, as well as belonging and gathering. The large size of most master planned communities requires a level of commitment, attention to schedules and budgetary concerns, and developer experience.

Capitalizing on the natural and cultural attributes of a site, Stonecreek LLC applies appropriate town planning practices, practical engineering solutions, and local community knowledge to create signature communities that knit with the surrounding region, offer a superior and secure lifestyle for residents, and ensure an optimized financial return to the land developer.

Our extensive experience working with local governments and regional agencies enables Stonecreek LLC to guide clients through local and regional zoning issues, review processes, codes, and ordinances.