Why Local Matters in Housing Design

Miralon in Palm Springs

Local is the key to a successful housing community. Adapting the design and amenity options to the local community and surrounding culture can make or break a project, and in master plan developments, it is crucial to pay close attention to the surrounding market.

“A successful masterplan is a reflection of its surroundings,” Suzanne M. Maddalon VP of marketing at masterplan developer Freehold Communities, tells GlobeSt.com. “At our South Florida and Palm Springs communities, for example, it’s essential that the amenities are resort-style. Shearwater, near St Augustine, is like a beach club, with a lazy river and other pools, and a clubhouse programmed year-round with activities. Miralon, opening this year in Palm Springs, includes a Mid-Century Modern-style lounge complete with a bar, because the Mid-Century style has historic roots in the region, and our research pointed to the cool bars of downtown Palm Springs, along with yoga studios, pet parks and gardens. Headwaters is near Texas’ wine country, so we make wine tasting from local vineyards part of the experience.”