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Homes and Lifestyles
The History of
Masterplanned Communities
| What has shaped this trend in our desert southwest - and why does our region continue to lead the nation in this planning concept? In analyzing the growth, it appears that the impetus was created by the development community, with local government encouragement, to meet the needs of a burgeoning metropolitan area with rapid residential growth as a result of out-of-state buyers seeking a safe second home environment, or a secure place to reestablish their roots. Master planned communities provide a real estate oasis. |
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| The residential subdivision was brought into being in the early 1900s by the plotting of rural land for exclusive residential purposes. The master planned community became a progressive step brought about by private corporate developers with control of substantial land parcels. Through long term planning, working with municipal planning departments, utilizing various deed and other allowed restrictions and engaging the cooperation of the financial, construction and real estate segments, the masterplanned community evolved. In Arizona, while driven by economic return, masterplanned community development has been highlighted by some innovative and creative planning in concert with city agencies. |
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| Most masterplanned communities have developed on the city outskirts in emerging suburban, exurban or even rural areas. In the Valley, both Scottsdale and Tempe lay claim to early leadership with McCormick Ranch and The Lakes. The concept was brought to the Valley from California by Simon Eisner, a consultant engaged to help develop a general plan for Scottsdale. |
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| Working closely with city planners, the McCormick Ranch community was developed on an area almost as large as the entire City at that time. It was planned as a complete community with commercial centers, offices, parks, hotels and other amenities, all integrated with buffered residential products. Deed restrictions, CC&Rs and architectural controls enhanced the viability of the community as a protected, upscale area. Much of McCormick Ranch, unlike later developments, was influenced by California style and landscape architecture. It was truly a "city within a city". In fact, the landscape and maintenance costs exceeded those of Scottsdale at the time! |
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| Master Planned Communities impact the city development review and public hearing process differently than individual developments. Developers spend a long time with city planners identifying land uses and site plans so that appropriate zoning can be established throughout the masterplanned community. As a result, a certain degree of protection is afforded the masterplanned community by conforming to the zoning and land use. |
Some Master Planned Communities: Biltmore Estates - In the heart of the valley, close to all the metropolitan city amenities, and lap of luxury area. The Boulders - in Carefree. Estancia - Firerock in Fountain Hills. Whisper Rock.
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