The Herman Trend Alert
May 5, 2021
Town of the Future
On April 22, I virtually attended the Edison Awards, a group for which I used to serve on the Steering Committee. One of the Gold Award winners was a city about 20 miles away from the Ft. Myers (named #2 Best Place to Retire by US News) conference venue called Babcock Ranch. Built with sustainability in mind, the town offers one gigabyte broadband free to all residents, is 100 percent solar, and every home is pre-wired for electric vehicle charging.
The Vision of Syd Kitson
Babcock Ranch is the brainchild of visionary developer Sidney Kitson, Chairman and CEO of Kitson & Partners, who wanted to find a way to nurture business success in ways that empower entire enterprises through sustainability and innovation.
The United States' First Solar Town
Utilizing an on-site 150-megawatt utility-scale solar generation facility to produce more clean, renewable energy than it can consume, Babcock Ranch is the country's first 100 percent solar town. With a truly expansive solar farm run by Florida Power and Light (FPL), Babcock Ranch is the first town to be certified Platinum "Florida Green" by the Florida Green Building Coalition. These green-building standards translate to lower costs from FPL. However, the commitment to solar is only the beginning of Babcock Ranch's demonstrated commitment to sustainability.
Green Spaces Promote an Active Lifestyle
If you're like me, you probably believe that sustainability makes a community inaccessible to ordinary homebuyers. However, Babcock Ranch disproves that myth. With parks, lakes, and 50 miles of trails, half the town footprint is green, encouraging an active, healthy lifestyle for its residents. In keeping with the community's attitude toward sustainability, the vehicles of choice are golfcarts and bicycles. Of course, there are charging stations in most places where you can park a car.
Preserving Sensitive Ecosystems
The town layout improves existing water flows and wetland ecosystems. Moreover, the development uses the best management practices for surface water and filters marshes for water quality. The community'ss integrated water management system sets a new standard for watershed protection, flood control and demand reduction. And as if all of that was not enough, native trees and plants provide the magnificent landscapes.
Incubating Start-Ups
Providing a spacious, comfortable, co-working space in town is The Hatchery. It is a collaborative working environment and supports a community dedicated to encouraging its members to find purpose, further develop their passions, and achieve their career goals. Babcock Ranch offer affordable and flexible membership options, education and networking events, and referral to business support services to encourage innovation, collaboration, well-being, and success. The Hatchery also features private and semi-private offices, and ample meeting spaces for gatherings with outstanding catering for corporate retreats and evening and weekend events.
Residences Starting at $200,000 USD
The developer, Kitson & Partners, has chosen seven builders who fabricate beautiful, affordable homes starting at $200,000 USD. From 2-bedroom apartments and homes to water view mansions, there is a home here for everyone. Many of the homes are stunning; I want to move there!
Special thanks to Lisa Hall with Hall Media Strategies for her support in writing this Alert. This is the first of a number of Alerts I will be writing about Edison Award winners. To find out more about Babcock Ranch, visit their website.
Next Week's Herman Trend Alert: COVID and Sleep
For some of us, COVID has been devastating on our sleep schedules. Plus, if you believe the new research about sleep and dementia, you will definitely want to read this Herman Trend Alert.
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