‘New Urbanism’ developments

by Otesa Middleton Miles
for Virginia Business
October 2006

The “New Urbanism” trend continues to take hold in Virginia. The concept promotes communities in which residences, workplaces and shopping all are within walking distance.

Main Street @ Preston Lake to feature flats, upscale shopping
The Long Island-based Hine Group is developing Main Street @ Preston Lake in Harrisonburg, a project that will combine residential, retail, office and recreational facilities on several levels.

Main Street officials say the project’s lifestyle center will offer upscale retail and dining destinations in addition to everyday conveniences such as dry cleaners and coffee shops.

The second story of Main Street will feature office spaces, while the third story of the development will include 46 flats.

The Hine Group is a residential design, construction and development company. Richard J. Hine, its president, has built more than 1,600 luxury homes, many of which encompass 20,000 square feet.

Midlothian Town Center to include two residential communities
Midlothian Town Center is a mixed-use development planned on 60 acres just south of Richmond in Chesterfield County.

The Town Center is being developed by Charleston, S.C.-based James Doran Co. The project is the company’s first development in Virginia.

The initial community will consist of 251 multifamily homes built near retailers, restaurants and other businesses. The master plan also calls for a major hotel.

In a second contiguous area in 25 of the 60-acre total, the plans call for The Village at Midlothian Town Center. The Village will offer 26 single-family homes and 122 town homes. In addition, 8,000 square feet of five-foot-wide sidewalks will connect both sections and will wind throughout the development. Colonial-style architecture featuring brick, slate and stone materials will be used throughout.

The Town Center is located at Winterfield Road and Midlothian Turnpike near the interchange of Route 288.