Traditional Neighborhood Design (TND) has been reviving the timeless appeal of close-knit communities and sustainable urban planning for decades. At its heart, TND is about creating neighborhoods that foster a deep sense of belonging, where everything you need is just a short walk away, and where streets and public spaces encourage people to come together.
For small-scale developers, TNDs present a golden opportunity to tap into a growing market of homebuyers seeking a community-focused lifestyle. The mixed-use nature of TNDs, blending residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, not only opens up diverse revenue streams but also enhances the residents’ quality of life by providing convenient access to daily amenities.
Let’s examine one of the most celebrated Traditional Neighborhood Design communities and how forward-thinking developers can use this approach to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
The Secret to Successful TND: Lessons from Habersham
Habersham stands out as one of the premier Traditional Neighborhood Design (TND) communities in the United States, with its planning and architecture crafted by renowned firms DPZ and Dover Kohl and Partners.
Allison Ramsey Architects has played a pivotal role in the success of the residential components of Habersham. We have built over 100 single-family homes using our modified stock plans and custom projects. Our architectural plans extend beyond primary residences to include garages, guest houses, sheds, and other structures that enhance the community’s cohesive aesthetic. Notable among our contributions are the infill developments in Fort Lyttleton Village, featuring a charming ensemble of 10 Charleston-inspired side-yard houses overlooking a quaint park, as well as the homes in Canton Row and Hamlet Row cottages.
4 Ways Developers Can Use Traditional Neighborhood Designs to Stand Out
1. Enhanced Community Feel
One of the core principles of Traditional Neighborhood Designs is fostering a strong sense of community. TNDs are designed to promote a vibrant community atmosphere where neighbors can easily connect and engage with each other through strategically placed public areas.
Habersham’s community spaces do just that. The layout promotes walking, with wide sidewalks and tree-lined streets leading to local shops and schools, making everyday errands enjoyable and convenient. This accessibility reduces the reliance on vehicles and increases opportunities for neighbors to meet and interact, strengthening community bonds.
How This Benefits Developers: Community-centric layouts make TND developments more appealing than typical suburban projects, attracting potential buyers looking for more than just a home — they’re looking for a lifestyle.
2. Unified Design for Better Communities
Despite the diverse types of housing available, Traditional Neighborhood Designs consistently feature a unified architectural style that reflects the region’s character. Habersham is renowned for its cohesive architectural style, which reflects South Carolina’s historical influences. Each home is unique and complementary to the overall aesthetic, which contributes to a sense of continuity and thoughtful development throughout the neighborhood.
How This Benefits Developers: Honoring a region’s character while providing various housing options and mixed-use areas contributes to higher property values. TND projects tend to maintain their value better than traditional suburban developments.
3. Residential Economic Benefits
Building TND communities benefits residents in many ways, including significant economic advantages. The emphasis on mixed-use developments means residents often have shorter commutes, and many can work within the community itself. This proximity to workplaces and essential services saves money on transportation costs and helps create a thriving local economy where businesses support each other.
How This Benefits Developers: TNDs enhance the quality of life by situating homes within walking distance of necessary amenities and green spaces. This accessibility makes TNDs highly attractive to a wide range of people.
4. Diverse Housing Options for All
Traditional Neighborhood Designs include various housing options, catering to the diverse needs of residents at different stages of their lives. Habersham offers everything from single-family homes to townhouses and apartments, all integrated into the same community. This thoughtful approach ensures that young professionals, members of a growing family, or retirees can find a home that aligns with their lifestyle and requirements.
How This Benefits Developers: Including different housing types in one community helps create a sense of unity and belonging among residents, making the development more appealing. When a community feels cohesive and connected, it can enhance a developer’s reputation and set the stage for future project successes.
Build Neighborhoods That Last Generations
Building communities with Traditional Neighborhood Designs in mind, like Habersham, means investing in creating an environment that values community, sustainability, and beauty. TNDs offer small-scale developers a way to differentiate themselves in the housing market through community-focused designs.
