Cultivating Community: The Rebirth and Evolution of the Village
By Amy Malloy
Throughout American history, societal shifts have significantly influenced residential preferences and living arrangements. From post-World War II suburban sprawl to the urban migration of the 2000s, each era reflects a unique response to the prevailing economic, technological, and social currents. However, the recent pandemic has introduced a nuanced change, not just in where people choose to live, but more profoundly, in how they choose to live.
Changing Needs
The transformation in living preferences, particularly in the suburbs, has been dramatic. Previously, the daily grind for many high-income earners involved a long commute to the city, with homes in the suburbs serving almost exclusively as places to sleep. Today, the rise of remote work has anchored life much more in these residential neighborhoods, sparking a demand for a richer community fabric. This shift calls for amenities that support a work-from-home lifestyle, blending shopping, dining, employment, and essential services like post offices and libraries into the suburban landscape.
This desire for a community-centric way of life isn't a new concept – this is how many European villages were built. The health and social benefits of such environments are well documented and have recently been highlighted by Dan Buettner’s Blue Zones research. This research underscores the importance of access to healthy food, supportive community structures, and a sense of belonging in fostering longevity and well-being.
Design that Cultivates Community
In response to this evolving demand, the suburban blueprint is undergoing a radical transformation. The once prevalent model of residential-only suburbs, devoid of significant retail or mixed-use development due to lack of interest from residents, is changing rapidly. Today's suburban communities are experiencing a surge in demand for high-quality development, including upscale dining, retail, and grocery options.
Developers and investors are seizing this opportunity to revitalize neighborhoods into vibrant communities. For example, the master-planned community of Vistancia in Peoria, AZ, is structured into distinct villages, each offering specific amenities. Its latest addition, Five North, aims to be a dynamic hub of employment, education, residential, and commercial activities, all centered around a communal park and trail system. This approach is creating more than a lifestyle center – it is providing a place for the community to gather and break bread with their neighbors.
Similarly, Estrella in Goodyear, AZ, is transforming from a bedroom community into a dynamic area rich in walkable retail and dining spaces, alongside higher-density residential options. This shift is being driven in large part by a younger demographic's newfound preference for suburban living.
Our Role
At Evolve, we are honored to play a part in community development – not just commercial development. On projects such as Vistancia and Estrella, we craft a strategy to attract the types of employment and retail tenants that the community wants. Then we assist throughout the process to ensure the correct entitlements and permits are in place to enable tenants to build out their spaces and thrive in serving these communities.
Parting Words
The evolution towards community-centric suburban developments represents an encouraging alignment between consumer preferences and our own values as leaders in the built environment. This is a movement that is about prioritizing human connection, health, and a shared sense of belonging. Witnessing and contributing to this transformation is not only refreshing; it also aligns with our goal to build sustainable, thriving communities for generations to come.