| LakeWatch Plantation trying to
preserve green space
by Deborah
Nason
for Virginia Business
June 2006 Developer Trey Park is trying to bring a little of Lake
Tahoe, Calif., to Smith Mountain Lake. Inspired by the
atmosphere of the California resort, Park will emphasize
green space at his mixed-use development LakeWatch Plantation.
The 479-acre development will include
220 acres of green space. The LakeWatch Web site describes
the project as “a
self-contained, rural village center,” which
will seek to preserve the scenic views and rustic character
of the area.
The plans for LakeWatch received the
endorsement of the Smith Mountain Lake Association, a
residents’ group
that has approved only two other commercial projects.
LakeWatch’s proposed uses are
extensive. They include 228 homes and condos, a medical
complex, a recreation
park, restaurants, stores, financial services offices,
a bowling alley, a funeral home, a hotel and conference
center, a church, a day care center, an auto service
center and a fire station.
“My different approach,” Park says, “is
putting in my own sewer treatment plant, which will
enable different
types of use, such as hotels....”
Rounding out the mix for LakeWatch is an office/technology
park. “Not an office park per se,” says Park, “but
an office in a park. I want it to be like a think tank,
for engineers, architects, biotech — an atmosphere
where you can think.”
The entire LakeWatch project is expected to take 15 years
to complete.
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