Old Values in New Urbanism

Old Values in New Urbanism

by Leslie McKerns

BOCA RATON,FL/(OCTOBER, 2006)—With architecture-as-cash-register plummeting, developers are paying attention to what end-users really want – quality of life. Self contained communities are being mandated by the public and the officials they elect. Garcia Stromberg Architects sees old values in New Urbanism, and is making these concepts desirable for public and planners alike.

New Urbanism and Smart Growth are quickly morphing into the next generation of development. Although Disney’s Town of Celebration was one of its first proponents, New Urbanism is based upon principles of authentic old town life,not merely a replica of it.

In the manner of you got chocolate on my peanut butter – you got peanut butter on my chocolate – the principles of New Urbanism are smacking squarely into the tenets of Smart Growth. Development with heart-centered design principles at its core is what commuter weary people want – a meaningful sense of place, concentrated in one place.

Hundreds of thousands of acres are opening up in a way that many had not anticipated, having been lulled into a false sense that developable land was so over in Florida. Massive ranching tracts, huge citrus farms, family-generational land holdings and partly abandoned or no longer needed golf courses are being cracked open to development. The State and its inhabitants are demanding this time, we get it right. With environmentally sensitive land as the new frontier, Garcia Stromberg Architects is seeing old values in New Urbanism.

Garcia Stromberg has a history in creating authentic architectural neighborhoods and destinations appropriate to use and place. The 70 person firm, with offices in Boca Raton and Stuart, FL, began using New Urban and Smart Growth Sustainable design principles in an early ground-breaking concept in New Urbanism.

The 2,055-acre New Urbanist community of Abacoa in Jupiter, FL, had its planning beginning in the early 1990s and the official ground-breaking in April 1996. Abacoa, built to the live–work-play self sustainable concept, is a living entity in transition, striving to live up to its potential by continuing its evolution. The Town Center design provides all of the principles of New Urbanism, walkability, connectivity, mixed use and diversity, mixed housing, quality architecture and urban design, traditional neighborhood structure, increased density, smart transportation, sustainability and quality of life.

Garcia Stromberg’s contribution extends far beyond the architecture of the buildings, often with involvement in the master planning of entire sustainable and ecologically sound communities on thousands of acres. In Nicaragua, in conjunction with EDSA land/site planners in Ft. Lauderdale, Garcia Stromberg is designing an ecologically sound residential, resort and commercial project in Rancho Santana, Nicaragua's premier beachfront resort community. About 50 miles north of Costa Rica on the Pacific Ocean, Garcia Stromberg and EDSA’s work is focusing on land use, master planning, building and architecture on the initial 5,000 acres, which may grow into many more thousands of acres. Garcia Stromberg has also done insightful work in Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, Dubai and the Bahamas.

Garcia Stromberg Architects, led by Jorge Garcia, CEO, and Peter Stromberg, President, designs New Urban, Indigenous, Smart Growth and Ecologically Sustainable Design Projects throughout the east and west coasts of Florida, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua.

The firm, certified as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) professionals, uses the principles of New Urbanism and Smart Growth in planning human-scale, communities that are a mix of housing, schooling, retail, entertainment and office space; and ecologically site sensitive design in luxury resorts around the world.

At times, the firm “rescues” properties, as it did with its project, The Esplanade.

The Esplanade at Smokehouse Bay put effective private and community use together on prime Marco Island, FL waterfront that had been abused and then abandoned for years by an unsuccessful developer. Now, the vibrant Italian-themed waterfront community includes gathering and destination spots, residences, waterfront dining and promenades, retail shops, offices and a thriving marina.

Styling influenced by regional, indigenous, and classical architecture helps create authentic neighborhoods. Based upon sustainability and reduced environmental impact, these are places where you walk or bike ride to where you want to go.

Internal commerce, entertainment and gathering spots create self sustaining communities with natural places to meet and greet neighbors and visitors. Shopping and errands within the community means less trips, and therefore less impact on surrounding roads and neighborhoods.

Consumers and elected officials alike are demanding that new communities include most if not all of the amenities needed within the community, including places for shopping, entertainment, schooling and work. Good for the community and good for the developer.

A 1999 study by the George Washington University Department of Finance concluded that buyers are willing to pay an average of 11 percent more ($20,000 in 1999) for homes in communities with New Urban design.

The variety of housing types and the mixed use in New Urban neighborhoods means that more people will have central access to the housing, the work and the amenities within. Replacing urban sprawl with Smart Growth design means that the community and its surrounding areas will pay less of an impact to the environment.

About Garcia Stromberg: Garcia Stromberg Architects, established in 1987, is a leading international architecture and interior design firm with more than 20 years of proven experience in planning, architecture and interior design. With offices in Boca Raton and Stuart, FL, the firm’s unique collaborative expertise produces inspired designs. Garcia Stromberg is well known for excellence in the design of world class resorts, mixed-use facilities, medical office, high-rise and custom single family residential, and commercial/industrial office parks. Garcia Stromberg offers feasibility and design services to the retail, hospitality and leisure markets and is widely recognized for its ground-breaking architectural and graphic design work. In 2006, Garcia Stromberg was honored with the prestigious South Florida Business Journal - Up & Comers Award; South Florida Business Journal’s Heavy Hitters in Architecture; and was additionally awarded the SFBJ – Best places to Work Award. Additional information on Garcia Stromberg can be found at www.garciastromberg.com

Press Contact: Leslie McKerns – Ms. McKerns writes press for the architectural, design and development industry.
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