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COMMUNITY VISION
COMMUNITY VISION RESTORING LIFE Every day, throughout Florida, suburban sprawl not only degrades the human environment, but ignores the issues facing the sensitive ecology of the area. The entire wetland network is often compromised because of the lack of systematic planning in many conventional subdivision developments. We recognize the importance of the ecological systems and the native species that lie within the wetlands network. But appreciating the true value of the environment means more than merely protecting it it also entails restoring it when appropriate. At Restoration, restoring the integrity of the major wetland and natural habitat systems is a priority. Restoration approaches environmentalism on many levels, from the preservation of sensitive environments to the restoration of diminished ones, and by providing residents with multiple opportunities for interaction with conservation areas, in both education and recreation. The master plan for Restoration utilizes an environmentally sensitive, compact development pattern that restores the natural connections of the significant wetlands and creates new natural areas that act as buffers between the built and natural environments. Restoration is a restorative human habitat as well. Not only is the balance between environmental and human habitats restored; in the built environment, the idea of a traditional neighborhood, with gracious neighbors, welcoming open spaces and inviting neighborhood streets is a key design theme. The neighborhoods within Restoration are more than just the physical structures and public facilities. Neighborhoods consist of people, who share a strong sense of collective appreciation and who are able to build deep roots within the community based on the friendships created and the sense of place fostered within the land-uses, open spaces and amenities provided. Filled with truly loved places, Restoration allows for reflection, meaningful relationships with other people and an appreciation of the surrounding natural environment. Restoration presents a form of development that is environmentally conscious and in support of our human nature as social beings, where residents are able to make meaningful connections within both the natural and social environments finding in these places sources of livelihood, energy, sustenance, healing, recreation and merriment 3
COMMUNITY VISION KEY DESIGN PRINCIPLES The Master Plan for Restoration contains neighborhoods and amenities that appeal to a broad spectrum of people who place a high value on social interaction, natural beauty, recreational activities and purposeful architecture. Restoration is an authentic place, with a variety of densities, land-use types and open spaces that fit into the natural landscape while enhancing the quality of life for residents. Residential, commercial, recreational and civic uses not only exist in harmony, but create meaningful places for social interaction and connection. The focus of development has been on creating a place that fits into the landscape while enhancing the quality of life for residents and improving the future of the natural environment. The urban transect is rooted in environmental studies, originally providing a tool for analyzing and categorizing different habitats, ecologies and species. The New Urbanist transect invites human settlement patterns into the model, allowing us to think of human and natural environments not in conflict with each other, but as systems that are able to harmoniously interact through mutual sustainability. One of the key concepts of Restoration is to create an authentic community that is true to the local character. The transect helps to further this goal by determining the main qualities of the environment and identifying development patterns that fit with the natural characteristics already present. Following this process ensures that rural and urban elements exist in a proper balance with environmental systems. The result is a development where high-quality places exist at every point in the continuum from rural to urban, putting an end to sprawl conditions and enhancing the human relationship with the natural world. AUTHENTICITY Restoration is designed to be an extension of the two cities it is a part of. It is been carefully designed with authenticity and urbanisim in mind and with the goal of creating a dynamic integration of the existing and new communities in an attractive and urban setting. Using the concept of the urban transect, Restoration provides a natural settlement pattern to new development, giving the entire community the sense that the neighborhoods, village center, commercial district and open spaces have naturally evolved over time to the current configuration. Similar to the urban areas that have evolved over time, every aspect of the Restoration community provides a functional use. Streets are pedestrian-friendly, providing connections between residential neighborhoods, commercial areas and open spaces. Waterways provide beautiful vistas, water management and sports venues. Natural areas are focused preservation as well as opportunities for recreation and education, through restorative environmentalism, nature trails, and an environmentally-focused educational center. In this way, authenticity occurs not only in the development pattern, but in the reality of the place. DIVERSITY Within Restoration, residents are provided with choices that affect every aspect of life, from housing preferences, to varying methods of social interaction and a plethora of leisure-time activities. People from all stages of life, with a variety of incomes and a number of interests can build roots within the community because of the housing choices and amenities that are organized throughout the Master Plan. From apartments, townhomes and condominiums to single-family and duplex homes situated on a variety of lot sizes, residents are able to choose the housing type and architectural style that best suits their needs and aesthetic taste. The Key Addresses provided throughout the community give residents the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of amenities, natural features and programmed open spaces close to home. Overall, the choices afforded residents provide connections to the community, allowing residents to feel rooted in the place of the neighborhood. 4
COMMUNITY VISION KEY DESIGN PRINCIPLES SENSE OF PLACE Throughout Restoration, residents are able to build deep roots within the community based on the land-uses, open spaces and amenities provided to them. Walkable streets, livable neighborhood and village centers and usable open spaces give residents the opportunity to build community-wide connections. Residents of Restoration share a sense of identity and togetherness, and a deep connection with the existing cities, their residential neighborhoods and their neighbors. WELLNESS OF SPIRIT AND BEING Neighborhoods and communities should nourish the soul. Truly loved places allow for reflection, meaningful relationships with other people and an appreciation of the tranquility found through living in oneness with people and nature. Restoration presents a form of development that is desirable, healthful and in support of our human nature as social beings, by providing occasions for social interaction and connection. SMART GROWTH When a development is labeled as Smart Growth it implies that the concepts of environmental conservation, sustainable economics, a decrease in transportation demand, civic responsibility and creating a sense of place are all considered as an integral part of the development process. Smart Growth initiatives are proactive in that impending growth is planned for in an intelligent way before it occurs, creating positive solutions to a broad range of community issues that can enhance and optimize the quality of life for both current and future residents. Restoration will be an economically sustainable addition to the existing cities, through the implementation of a balanced mix of land-uses, including residential units, employment centers, retail shopping and civic uses. Current and future residents will be afforded the opportunity to live, work and play within the community, decreasing the transportation demand beyond the project boundaries as well as the overall vehicular miles driven on a daily basis. Pressure will be taken off of existing roadways, and both air pollution and energy consumption will be successfully managed through many initiatives including the use of traffic-calming devices such as roundabouts. Restoration is a development that embodies the best practices of land-use, community development, preservation, transportation and economic sustainability, making Restoration, a highly regarded model of Smart Growth and community planning for the state and the nation. PRESERVATION OF AND ACCESS TO NATURAL HABITATS At the heart of sustaining significant plant and wildlife is the management of preserved wetlands, uplands and buffer zones. Nearly half of the site remains preserved as natural, yet managed, open space. The result of the master planning process is to retain the integrity of the land and embrace its natural beauty. Restoration not only preserves these significant natural areas, but restores conservation areas that are visually pleasing and emotionally rewarding. Buffer zones have been created to protect adjacent natural areas and critical habitats from the impact of development, to provide open space connections between wetlands, preserve areas and developed areas, and to provide natural vegetation as a habitat for a diversity of wildlife. Devoted open space and recreational lands further extend the natural environment into the built environment. Dedicated green spaces and waterways serve dual roles within the community, as both environmental tools and community building blocks. At their core, green spaces and waterways provide the resources necessary to meet fundamental environmental requirements, yet they are much more than this. The open space network provides a connection between buildings, people and the natural environment. Green spaces and waterways will provide experiences that not only enhance people s lives, but that create a real sense of value and place. 5
LOT CONDITIONS
LOT CONDITIONS SITE PLANNING PRINCIPLES Principles for Siting the Lot: The way buildings are placed on a lot greatly affects the design of the community pattern. Within each lot, zones have been identified for the main body of house, the architecture of the façade and the landscaping elements. The distances between the structures, the streets and the alleys have all been considered to create an authentic and appealing neighborhood. Building Coverage: For each lot, an appropriate building coverage figure has been identified. Building coverage, or the percentage of the lot that can be occupied by an enclosed structure, is important to the overall feel and functionality of the residential district. The allowable building coverage varies by Transect, adding to the transitional nature of the Restoration development. Facade Zone: The extends from the rear boundary of the toward the face of the main structure. The is to contain the primary façade(s) of the building and main entrances must open directly into the. A primary façade is defined as any and all exterior walls, external elements and architectural features that either face a frontage line or are within the, including stoops, porches, bay windows, balconies, cornices and other signifying architectural elements. Rear and Interior s: Principal and ancillary buildings are to be set off the rear and interior side property lines according to the Rear and Interior s described on the lot type pages. No buildings are to be located within the Rear and Interior s. : The is the area between the frontage line(s) and the, to be the width specified for each lot type. All property lines that are adjacent to public rights-of-way or open spaces are to be considered frontage lines. On lots with both a front and side frontage line, the width of the Front Yard Setback is measured from both the frontage lines. The is to contain only plantings, walkways and other landscaping features, as defined in the Landscape and Site Design section of this pattern book. No architecture is to be located within the Front Yard Setback. Ancillary Buildings: Ancillary buildings are separate, enclosed structures that contain secondary uses. Ancillary buildings are to be subsidiary to the primary structure. Parking: Each dwelling unit must be provided 1.5 parking spaces. Both on-street and off-street parking shall count towards the fulfillment of the parking requirement. Any on-street parking shall be provided along the frontages of the corresponding lot unless otherwise noted. Specific Plan Ancillary Building Building Coverage Frontage Line Interior Primary Façade Rear Setback DEFINITIONS AT A GLANCE Typical Lot Diagram Separate, enclosed structures that contain secondary uses. The percentage of the total square footage of the lot that is occupied by the footprint of an enclosed building. Property lines that are adjacent to public rights-of-way or open spaces. The area between the frontage line(s) and the ; contains plantings, walkways and other landscaping features. Extends from the Front Yard building setback toward the face of the main structure. The distance that all structures must be from the interior side property line. Any and all exterior walls, external elements and architectural features that street the. The distance that all structures must be from the rear property line. 7
LOT CONDITIONS 24 LOT CONDITIONS 50 LOT CONDITIONS Ancillary Building Zone Ancillary Building Zone 25 Lot Conditions 25 Lot Building Placement 50 Lot Conditions 50 Lot Building Placement Rear-Loaded 50 Lot Building Placement Front-Loaded 8
LOT CONDITIONS 60 LOT CONDITIONS 70 LOT CONDITIONS Ancillary Building Zone Ancillary Building Zone 60 Lot Conditions 60 Lot Building Placement Rear-Loaded 60 Lot Building Placement Front-Loaded 70 Lot Conditions 70 Lot Building Placement 9
LOT CONDITIONS 90 LOT CONDITIONS COACH HOME LOT CONDITIONS Ancillary Building Zone 90 Lot Conditions 90 Lot Building Placement Coach Lot Conditions Coach Lot Building Placement 10
KEY ADDRESSES
KEY ADDRESSES KEY ADDRESSES The Master Plan for Restoration creates a rich and meaningful place that is expansive in its natural wilderness, open spaces, commercial uses, civic areas and housing offerings. It is, in reality, a contemporary extension of the existing cities of Edgewater and New Smyrna Beach where residents can live, work and play. In keeping with the vision, Restoration contains a variety of venues providing unique and valuable experiences to both residents and visitors, known as Key Addresses. The Key Addresses range from beautiful natural habitats, conservation areas and active neighborhood parks, to quaint residential streets and lively village and neighborhood centers. Restoration hosts a number of amenities and public places with enjoyable features that meet the needs of residents and the people within the surrounding communities. These amenities include athletic fields, a school site, town squares with retail and entertainment options, and an active bike path and trail. MASTER PLAN TO BE INSERTED HERE New Smyrna Beach Edgewater The public spaces, commercial districts, conservation areas and natural features exist in harmony with the residential addresses. Development has been sculpted to minimize negative environmental impacts while highlighting the opportunities that lie in the interplay between the natural and built environments. The result is a community made of exceptional key addresses that utilize the best features of the Master Plan. The amazing natural features, the valuable public spaces and the multitude of programmatic elements encourage residents to interact with each other and the environment. It is the key addresses of the Master Plan that give the neighborhoods an identity and a sense of place, provide a range of opportunities for a variety of interests and allow residents to build roots within the community. N 12
KEY ADDRESSES MEW ADDRESS The term mew originally applied to the service streets of London, lined with stables and servant quarters. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, these addresses contained stables and carriage houses on the ground floors and servants living accommodations above. Over time, these service buildings were converted into flats and private homes, still overlooking the grassy, horse-oriented lanes. The popularity of these homes was brought to North America during the early twentieth century, and can be found in historic cities across the United States. Part of the open space network, the Mew Address contains houses that front on small, quiet open spaces an alternative to frontage on residential streets. In the Restoration Master Plan, the Mew Address serves the purpose of easily connecting residents to the community and the environment. This particular type of housing to open space interplay is celebrated in several locations throughout Restoration. Private houses and townhomes face onto public open space, which includes sidewalks and various park amenities. The entrances to these homes face the mew, while the garages are placed in the rear of the lot on a service way. The green streets of the mew address replace automobile pavement with usable open space, encouraging pedestrian connectivity to open spaces and the community s natural features. Mew Address Detail Plan Lots on the mew address face unique lot requirements. All houses must have primary entrances and facades facing the green space. Front yard setbacks and façade zones are primarily oriented toward the mew. Mews must always be a practical length, allowing all front entries to be visible from the abutting streets. Measuring mews in this way both allows visitors and deliveries easy access to the residential units and provides security to the most interior units. The mew itself contains a stabilized base that can support emergency vehicles if necessary. If onstreet parking is utilized, it can be located anywhere along the block. Mew Address Section Mew 13
KEY ADDRESSES NEIGHBORHOOD PARK ADDRESS Restoration has been designed to maximize the spaces between the buildings, making them feel as if they are an extension of the living space. Neighborhood parks are located throughout Restoration, as part of the larger open space network. The neighborhood parks act as important public gathering spaces, where families and individuals connect to each other and build roots within the community. Most residential units will be within a 1/4 of a mile from a park, turning the parks into active spaces as well as community building blocks. The neighborhood parks are valuable spaces, providing a range of activities and amenities for both active and passive recreation. In a traditional neighborhood setting, external public gathering spaces are critical to the welfare of the community. These spaces will be continually alive with activity, as people will choose to live close to the parks that provide amenities which they enjoy. Community gardens, picnic areas, tot lots, pavilions, dog parks, community pools and meeting halls will all be programmatic elements provided within the neighborhood park system. Neighborhood Park Address Detail Plan Neighborhood Park Address Section Street Amenity Center Street 14
KEY ADDRESSES WATERWAY ADDRESS Within Restoration s neighborhoods, waterways are valuable public amenities that provide pristine vistas, active recreational opportunities and connections to the natural environmental areas. Throughout the Master Plan, a variety of housing types and public spaces face onto the natural amenity provided by canals and lakes, allowing full access by both residents and visitors. Truly a unique and beautiful feature of the Restoration Master Plan, the waterways are also functional, providing opportunities for natural wildlife habitat found in the conservation areas. The waterway address offers experiences that not only enhance the lives of residents, but create an authentic sense of place. Waterway Address Detail Plan 15
KEY ADDRESSES NATURAL HABITATS & CONSERVATION AREAS One of the main themes of Restoration is providing a balance between the natural and human habitats. Restoring the integrity of the wetlands, plant life and wildlife are a top priority and the importance of the ecological systems that support life must be recognized. Part of fulfilling this goal is through the implementation of conservation easements and preservation areas. These natural areas will not only remain pristine and untouched, but will also be supported through the dedication of land towards conservation easements. Protected conservation areas and natural habitats are public amenities for the entire community. This address provides residents with the opportunity to enjoy natural vistas of the wetlands while safeguarding these sensitive areas from future development. The residential units that look onto conservation areas are the embodiment of the urban transect, where development patterns exist in harmony with environmental concerns and human beings are able to meaningfully interact with nature. Conservation easements are one of the most powerful and effective tools available for the permanent conservation of Florida s natural resources. As a legally binding agreement that prevents development from occurring in sensitive areas, the conservation easement serves to protect the beautiful, natural habitats that exist throughout Restoration. Many of the conservation easements occur at the rear setbacks of private lots. Great care should be taken in siting and landscaping homes along the conservation easements. The homes are pulled close to the street, with garages located near the main body of the house, allowing the natural vegetation to extend past the property boundary. The selection of landscaping and plant materials must coincide with the natural species, so that the transition from the rear yard to the easement is gradual. Homes should appear to rest thoughtfully within the landscape, as if the natural environment grew around the structure over a long period of time. Conservation Area Detail Plan Conservation Area Section Street Conservation 16
COMMUNITY AMENITY CENTER The following illustrates planning principles that guide the fevelopment of a community amenity center. Built with the most active families in mind, residents of Restoration will enjoy master planned recreational facilities, filled with outdoor activities as well as clubhouses with ample space for indulging a healthy and relaxing lifestyle. The amenity center will be a signature feature of the community, and residents will enjoy a fitness center, bathrooms, lockers, a multi-purpose room, business center and conference room. Surrounding the amenity center is a large park green, continuing the open space network that runs throughout the community. A variety of housing scales and types face onto the green, allowing direct access to the amenity center and the open space. The houses are served by a rear alley, providing access and parking. Community Amenity Center Detail Plan Amenity Center Section Street Amenity Center Street 17
KEY ADDRESSES TRAIL ADDRESS What would it take for all Americans to be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes be on trails that winds through their cities, towns, or villages and brings them back without retracing steps? Along the way they could pass shops and restaurants, go to work, school or a park, visit an historic site or a zoo, and experience the great outdoors without car or bus. -Nation Park Service, 1990 At Restoration, the preservation of wildlife and the restoration and preservation, is the foremost theme for the entire development. 60 percent of the site will be dedicated to this vision. A hierarchy of trails, each with its own character and experience will provide people convenient access to these habitats with the opportunity for recreation, exercise, transportation, learning, relaxation, and communion with nature. Three types of trails will be available to serve the needs of the people with different interests and who enjoy different types of outdoor activity: Exercise and Travel Trails, Nature Trails, and Destination Trails. communities will have several Nature Trails to ensure easy access for all residents. The trails also provide an opportunity for light exercise and for outdoor education programs. This trail system will allow people to walk out their front doors and in minutes be enjoying the restored natural ecosystems and native wildlife that give Restoration its name. Destination Trails The Destination Trails will provide people the opportunity to visit some of the unique natural features of the Restoration project site. These trails may take visitors to see an ancient specimen tree. When visitors arrive at their destination, an informational kiosk will provide them with biologically and historically interesting facts about the natural phenomenon they are observing. While enroute to the destination, visitors will enjoy a relaxing stroll along a nature trail winding through the restored natural systems of Restoration. These Destination Trails will provide an excellent opportunity for environmental educational and highlight some interesting aspects of the conservation areas. Exercise and Travel Trails Exercise and travel trails in the Restoration community will be designed for bikers, roller-bladers, joggers or anyone who needs a level, consistent path. As their name implies, these trails will serve two primary purposes; exercise opportunities in a safe and park-like setting and the opportunity to travel on foot or bike throughout the area while enjoying nature. The system will form a loop connecting all five development areas and running alongside the main roads. The exercise and travel trails system will allow people to enjoy exercising outdoors while traveling within or between communities and amenities without ever having to start the engine of an automobile. Nature Trails The Nature Trails will give people the opportunity to stroll through the restored natural ecosystems of Restoration and to enjoy observing the native wildlife and plants found in these conservation areas. The primary purpose of these unimproved trails is to offer walks that give people the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Florida from trail heads located within a short walk of their front door. Many of the five Trail Address Detail Plan 18