Dec. 13, 2007
Builder asking buyers for ideas
What extras are sought near whitewater park?

DOUG SMITH

In an unusual step for a developer, Crosland LLC is seeking advice from the public on a nearly 800-acre "green" community it plans near the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

The northwest Charlotte development's theme, "explore living," is based on the range of outdoor activities -- rafting to biking -- anticipated there.

But realizing that words mean different things to different people, Crosland is turning to consumers for their interpretations and suggestions on dwellings, activities and amenities.

A teaser ad campaign starting today will reach out through a Web site (www.liveatwhitewater.com) and a video clip to be shown on the site and at selected movie theaters during the holiday season.

Construction of the first houses in the estimated 2,800 home community -- Whitewater -- is to start in about a year, allowing time for the developer to incorporate consumer ideas, said Crosland's Rich Reichle.

The feedback could influence everything from what kind of trails will come first -- walking, hiking or mountain biking -- to the price range and mix of single-family houses and townhomes.

Crosland expects homes in the community along N.C. 27 and the Catawba River near Interstate 485 to sell from the high $100,000s to the $700,000s.

Bill Daleure, president of Crosland's land development division, said the developer bought the initial land for the project in late 2003, before the U.S. National Whitewater Center had become its neighbor.

But once the center located there, he said, the planning shifted to linking with it, preserving green space, emphasizing outdoor living and developing an environmentally sensitive community.

Residents of Whitewater will experience trails, parks and green space connected to 300 acres of public park land and 11 miles of trails. They will have access to the Catawba River via the center.

The community will have its own amenities complex and full-time "exploration" director.

Crosland said it has started grading for 1.3-mile Whitewater Parkway which is expected to open in late April connecting the community and the center.

The center has been using a temporary road while it awaits the connector, for which Crosland is paying most of the cost.

Work also is under way in Whitewater for a public elementary school expected to open in August, Crosland said.

The master plan for Whitewater includes about 450,000 square feet of commercial space. Roughly a third of Whitewater's acreage will be devoted to green space.

Daleure believes Crosland will spend about 10 years completing the development.

Consumers -- Crosland sees them as potential home owners -- who respond to the ad campaign might be asked to participate in future surveys on Whitewater, but they will get a bonus.

Crosland said they will be the first invited to tour the property and will have the first opportunity to buy in the community.