Cisterna, a working windmill constructed by internationally
recognized artist Brad Goldberg, provides a landmark for the neighborhood, also signifying its
environmental commitment.
west side at Bethany Drive and Alma Rd. Here, maintenance facilities for the Gardens of Connemara are also housed. Large stone cisterns powered by wind turbines retain natural water runoff to provide irrigation for the vineyards and ongoing management of the community greenways and gardens as well as the community Tree Farm. Housing some 4,000 trees waiting to be replanted throughout the community, rescued trees at the Tree Farm include those harvested during the development of Montgomery Farm itself as well as others; a number of them were rescued during recent new construction at North Park Shopping Center. Adjacent to the new development on the west end, the 72- acre Conservancy will continue to play its role as host to international sculpture exhibitions, musical concerts and day to day enjoyment.
“Most neighborhoods of value were built before the advent of the automobile,” explained Lee Hall, President of Sustainable Structures of Texas and the Construction/Development Manager for Emerson Partners. “Today, streets in a typical neighborhood are often designed to accommodate the automatic side loader trash trucks! We are going for something completely opposite from mass conformity here.”
With its master plan mixing residential, commercial, and live-work land uses, Montgomery Farm offers more than 250 acres of permanent private green space that will lend itself to courtyards, parks and gardens scattered among its buildings and streets. Quoting from a recent article, Hall insists that “Agriculture is the New Golf,” explaining that studies reveal that only 17 percent of people who live in golf course communities actually play golf. “It makes more sense for everyone in a community to use the available green space. Every day that they live here, every Montgomery Farm resident will be able to enjoy the precious natural setting we have carefully preserved here,” Hall says.
On the eastern side, along US 75 Central Expressway, a luxurious wellness center, urban village and garden offices are planned as a destination activity center. A vineyard, community meeting place and retail shops are planned on the
Montgomery Farm defines 10 smaller scale residential neighborhoods offering a wide range of housing types and sizes to support a diverse population. Rewarded in the LEED-ND program, this mix reinforces neighborhood stability by allowing people to stay in the same community throughout different stages of their lives. It can also add a sense of texture and character to a place, encouraging social and economic diversity, along with multiple levels of affordability. Living choices range from single family homes starting at $290,000 to million dollar estate homes set on home sites over an acre in size. The Lofts at Watters Creek offers 233 upscale apartment homes within the town center. Like the public buildings constructed within Montgomery Farm, homes will be encouraged to meet or exceed green building standards.
The first LEED Gold home in Collin County is fittingly located at Montgomery Farm. TERRAcourt Home, built by Lee Hall, of Sustainable Structures of Texas (who is also the Construction/Development Manager for Emerson Partners) represents an energy model currently 22% more efficient than Energy Star and features advanced framing technology and ultimate indoor air quality. (Read more about the features of this home on
buildingsavvy.com)
Vol 4 2011 GREATER DFW METROPLEX BUILDING SAVVY MAGAZINE 21
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