May 26, 2023
Let’s talk about the blossoming of Agrihoods across America.
Agrihoods — ecofriendly master-planned residential neighborhoods centered around a working farm or community gardens — have been a quietly growing trend across the country. From Pine Dove Farm in Tallahassee, to Serenbe in Atlanta, to North River Farms in Oceanside, these communities fill a deep, ancient human need for connection to the earth and to our neighbors that modern life is taking away from us.
Indigo, an incredible new project just outside of Houston, broke ground two weeks ago. Developers and Founders of Meristem Scott Snodgrass and Clayton Garrett, two farmers and self-proclaimed urbanists at heart, took a fresh look at their agricultural land after a hurricane wiped out their crops in 2017. In addition to 750 new missing middle homes, they’re investing handsomely in a drainage facility in order to make a wildlife habitat for birds and fish, a 42-acre production farm, and biodiversity in planting, among many other elements.
The Real Estate Take // Agrihoods rely on conservation development, where city planners start at the center (a main street or a community square) and build out from there, designing around the facilities people will need as the neighborhood grows. An inherently 15-minute city.
The Creative Take // The brave new world of remote work makes this concept more relevant—and viable—than ever. Developers of Agrihoods will have to keep this digital nomad psychographic in mind in their positioning.
Also — looks like we’re all going to need a subscription to Modern Farmer.
Would you live in an Agrihood? Feel free to hit respond — would love to hear your thoughts!
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MUST-READS
Lessons From a Renter’s Utopia // New York Times
Companies Are Finally Designing Offices for the New Work Reality // Time
The School of Architecture Adapts to Uncertain Futures // Metropolis
Hilton Expands Portfolio with Apartment‑Style Extended‑Stay Brand // Hilton
Overcoming Barriers: Social Justice in Latin American Architecture // ArchDaily
Office Transformation Case Study: 1633 Broadway // SOM
Built-to-rent housing is on the rise — and could help solve America’s home shortage // AXIOS
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IDEA SPOTLIGHT
The Urban Mobility Scorecard
The Urban Mobility Scorecard, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, seeks to bridge the gap between real-world challenges facing private-sector mobility players and the policy agenda set out by cities. Buenos Aires, Curridabat and Singapore helped to trial and test the mobility tool, and showcased innovative solutions to advance action on urban mobility. The Global New Mobility Coalition is now pursuing new cities to use the mobility tool.
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