an additional 578 acres of residential land that wraps the primary
ReVenture site. This brings the total project size to 1, 245 acres
that will include a proposed mix of residential, retail, office and
industrial spaces. The vision for the new housing component is a
community where sustainability is ingrained into people's lifestyles
and is woven through the fabric of the community.
Forsite has engaged UNC Charlotte's Urban Design program to help mold
the initial vision and design principles that will be incorporated
throughout the project. "This is a unique and interesting project,"
said Professor David Walters, Director of UNC-Charlotte's Urban Design
program, who is working on the project with his colleague, Dr. Jose
Gamez. "It has great potential for creating a national model for a
sustainable community in the face of future uncertainties about
climate change and energy supplies. The graduate Urban Design Program
and its research arm, the Design+Society Research Center, are ideally
placed to explore community design solutions that go beyond current
thinking yet are financially feasible in a recovering property market".
Key planning principles will include renewable energy, energy
efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, natural area protection,
community gardens, extensive trail connections, water conservation,
and recycling. Tom McKittrick of Forsite Development says, "It's rare
to have a property this large with so many diverse attributes. We have
a truly unique opportunity to rethink traditional models and create
the next level of sustainable development."
There will be a heavy focus on open space that ensures the homes are
connected to the protected natural environment. Forsite plans to
significantly expand the conservation easement and greenway areas that
will be connected with trails. The site's proximity to the US National
White Water Center will also offer great appeal to outdoor-minded
homebuyers.
About ReVenture Park™
ReVenture Park™ is an ambitious plan to transform a former 667 acre
Superfund Site along the Catawba River in Charlotte, NC into the
region's first Eco-Industrial Park. This project will create one of
the most dynamic and multi-faceted renewable energy developments in
the United States. Featuring multiple clean-energy projects, ReVenture
Park will advance the Charlotte, NC region's environmental goals and
economic growth by attracting a myriad of renewable energy and
alternative fuel projects. For more information: http://www.reventurepark.com
