A great deal of the thought went into the planning of Habersham. Led by the planning firm of Duany Plater-Zyberk & Co. and skilled architectural firms of Steven Fuller Design Traditions, Moser Design Group, and Historical Concepts, the plan for Habersham was a collaborative venture based on the planning principals inherent to small southern towns throughout the region. Prior to developing the plan, the design team toured many small southern towns and studied the details that make up the aesthetic and functional character of these great places. Setbacks, street widths, curb radii, sidewalk widths, spatial relationships etc. were all studied and used in the planning of Habersham.

The marriage of the design concept to the site was another challenge to the team. Prior to the first conceptual layout, an extensive tree survey of more that 3500 trees, topography map, an aerial map, and archeological map were developed. The Habersham plan was intricately laid among the delicate natural landscape. Areas of environmental sensitivity were designated as parks and greenways.

When walking through the neighborhood, one can truly appreciate the work involved in developing the best possible plan for the site. Our goal was to create a series of neighborhoods with discernable centers and gathering places along with a town center that functions as the commercial entity for the entire development. Neighborhood centers were defined as small commercial pockets adjacent to a civic site or park area. The parks function as social gathering spaces and are policed by the homes that define its edges.

Another goal of the design is to create wonderful public spaces all around the homes. This "public realm" as the planning profession defines it, is a critical element in pulling residents out of their homes and on to the porches. By creating streets that are safe and pleasant, one is naturally drawn out of the home to spend more time walking and getting to know neighbors throughout the community. This community interaction is vital to the success of any neighborhood. As a result of neighbors knowing and caring for one another, there evolves an inherent sense of security.

♦ Download the full Habersham Town Plan .PDF

♦ View the Habersham Mission Statement

♦ Meet the Habersham Development Team