The Peters Township Source

"Community” is a word that conjures up powerful images, emotions and feelings.The idea of community has long been an integral part of how we define ourselves. Communities both large and small are a vital element of the human experience, providing an underlying social structure that contributes to our comfort, convenience, security and social connections.

In the hectic, fast-paced hustle and bustle of today’s world, however, the best elements of a community lifestyle are all too often minimized, or even abandoned, in favor of design considerations, development conveniences or financial concerns. Homebuilders and developers looking to squeeze in a few more square feet into an apartment complex, or save a few dollars on the front end, have at times been guilty of failing to prioritize the inclusion of those key elements that can transform a place into a vibrant, energized and inclusive community.

In recent years, however, we have begun to see a reemergence of the community ethos.More and more designers, developers and community managers are beginning to exhibit a growing appreciation for the power of community living to comfort, inspire and provide a place that residents can truly call home.More and more homebuyers, from active adults looking to find a convenient and welcoming new space, to young families and professionals in search of a great home in a community setting, are reemphasizing a sense of community as an important home-buying priority.

One of the foremost design and development factors driving this community renaissance is the growing number of high quality maintenance-free condominium-style communities that are beginning to carve out an important presence in the residential marketplace.

These communities, which embody so many of the characteristics that define community living, are designed to not only readily provide the comfort, security and functional conveniences that are so important to homeowners of all ages and demographic profiles, but also the facilities and programs that promote and enhance social networks and community connections. In many ways, they are the template for the new American community.

The return to community living actually represents less of a design and architectural trend and more of a cultural trend.These new communities not only offer a return to a simpler time, but also convey a definitive and appealing sense of permanence and authenticity.

Unlike the cardboard-cutout visual of high-rise condos or an endless expanse of seemingly soulless suburban row homes, maintenance-free condominium-style communities provide a setting for something enduring: something real.

Along with that sense of permanence and cohesion comes another important element: safety.The sense of safety provided by secure and cohesive community surroundings, combined with the relaxing conveniences of landscaping maintenance and general community upkeep found in so many of these new developments, adds another attractive aspect to maintenance-free condominium-style communities.

The social impact of a well-designed community space can be profound. By providing a place that presents multi-generational appeal and promotes a vibrant mix of ages, social groups and demographic segments, these new residential developments offer a unique mechanism to foster social interaction and strengthen community bonds. High quality maintenance-free condominium-style communities frequently offer the kind of superb community facilities that help enhance those social connections.Whether it is a neighbor who takes a class at the community fitness and recreation center, a friend you met on a nightly walk, or a couple you got to know at a community poolside cookout, strong social potential is an important part of the appeal of these developments.These are communities where relationships happen naturally.

By creating true neighborhood gathering places with a powerful and defining sense of place, by providing an appealing residential environment that requires minimal upkeep and lowers the frustrating stresses of everyday life, and by offering a wide range of high quality fitness and social community facilities, maintenance-free condominium-style communities are able to create a true community way of life. As a reinvigorated American public continues to embrace the compelling benefits of a community lifestyle, these exciting new developments are leading the way.

Hawthorne Partners, Inc. (724) 745-4250