Mixed Use Development

Franklinville, North Carolina.

Health/Wellness

Community is organized to encourage people to be outside and active. Regional Greenway/Railtrail on property connects to adjacent towns and beyond. The healing sound of water, and the natural beauty of the place encourage connection to nature. Community gardens, edible landscaping, and focus on natural foods is a priority.

Sustainability

All buildings will be built “Green” and with alternative energy incorporated. Rainwater is captured and stored for use in houses and gardens. The river and creek areas are buffered to preserve natural areas. Alternative transportation will be used instead of reliance on petroleum fuels and cars. On-site recycling programs. This is also a reclamation of disturbed site that includes recycling of older/historic buildings.

Mixed-use

Traditional neighborhood design with mixed uses on the property. Conference Center, mixed commercial/residential lots, commercial/institutional lots, and residential lots. Residential options include mixed-use lots, townhouses, patio homes, rental units, and single family units. International Conference Center to further promote priorities of the whole project.

Alternative Energy and Transportation

Use of solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, water, and alternative fuels incorporated into project. Car pooling, car sharing, and shuttle service part of project. Electric vehicles, waste material biodiesel and other alternative fuel options explored. Community designed to encourage biking and walking.

Community Economic Development and Empowerment

Project is a stimulus to the extended community. Regional greenway encourages walking/biking and leads to recreational and tourist monies flowing into extended community. Mixed-use businesses stimulate local economy. Conference Center provides visitors. Building done with local materials and tradespeople. Businesses and new energy attracted to the area.

Preservation of Historical, Cultural, and Natural Resources

Historic McIver-Faulk House built in 1855 part of Conference Center. Prehistoric/Native Indian fish weir on Deep River adjoins property. Franklinville has Prehistoric, Native Indian, Revolutionary War, Civil War, and Mill Town history. The textile mills in Franklinville started as an economic alternative to slavery for that region of the south. Was a stop on the underground railroad. Deep River and Sandy Creek, the rock outcroppings, the deep soils, and the mountainlike terrain provide a diverse and beautiful natural landscape.

Music and the Arts

Outdoor common spaces set up to encourage creativity and community activites that include music and art. Mixed Use lots welcome studio spaces, galleries, music business, and artists. Conference Center promotes concerts, classes, films, and artistic expression.

Spirtual Growth

Connecting to history, to natural beauty, to art and music, to physical activity, and to healthy lifestyles also connects one to the spiritual dimension of life. Places throughout the neighborhoods and natural areas are set aside as sacred spaces, as spaces one can go to for meditation, time alone, or time to be connected with things greater than ourselves. Activities at the Conference Center and within the community further encourage spiritual growth and discernment.

Diversity of Cultures and People

Just as a diversity of cultures have already graced this landscape, from prehistoric peoples, to Native Indians, to White Settlers, to Black Slaves travelling the Underground Railroad, the Living Well Community embraces cultural diversity and appreciation. In nature the more diverse the ecosystem the more stable is that ecosystem, and so it is with people.

Community

All parts of the Living Well Community work towards creating “Community,” a understanding of the values we hold in common while allowing people space to be individuals. The design encourages interaction with neighbors. The Conference Center keeps the focus from only turning inward. The River, Creek, Woods, Rocks, Plants, and Animals connect us to the Natural World. We see our connections to each other and to the world, to our creator, while welcoming and celebrating our unique gifts, insights, and backgrounds.