Briar Chapel offers more than 900 acres of open green space, parks and 25-mile trail system
Chapel Hill, N.C. (September 25, 2008) – Newland Communities, the nation’s largest privately owned developer of planned communities, celebrates the grand opening weekend of its newest community– Briar Chapel– in Chapel Hill. The 1,589 acre mixed-use development in northeastern Chatham County is the Triangle’s largest green community. Briar Chapel features a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) built residents center, the Briar Club, as well as a green-built Information Center and Model Home Village. The community’s 900 acres of open space feature views of Bennett Mountain and Pokeberry Creek, as well as footpaths, bike trails and sports fields.
“Briar Chapel’s opening marks a new milestone in Newland Communities’ legacy as the nation’s leading developer,” said Mitch Barron, vice president of operations for Newland Communities Raleigh division. “We offer residents and the Triangle community distinct green initiatives that set a standard for creating high-quality, healthy and efficient homes,” said Barron.
The community will host a free, public grand opening celebration on Saturday, September 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. A variety of free, family-friendly activities will include mountain biking demonstrations, rock climbing, arts workshops and live music featuring the UNC Jazz Band. Complimentary natural and organic foods will be served throughout the day.
“In addition, we are enthusiastic about the relationships and partnerships Newland Communities continues creating with the local community through institutions such as the Chatham Arts Guild, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and Chatham Marketplace,” said Barron.
Upon completion over the next five to 10 years, Briar Chapel will have 2,400 homes, all built to the specifications of the Green Building Initiative developed by the Green Home Builders of the Triangle. All homes in the community will also be Energy Star compliant. Currently, Briar Chapel’s four builders are M/I Homes, Vanguard Homes, McNeill Burbank and Chatham Builder Guild.
A few benefits of green home construction at Briar Chapel:
· 30 percent of the homes face south to increase efficiencies and solar capabilities
· Highest energy efficiency and quality standards
· Superior indoor air quality control
· Increased water conservation with high efficiency appliances and fixtures
At today’s press conference, guest speaker Dianne Reid, president of the Chatham County Economic Development Corporation, discussed Chatham County’s growth and how Briar Chapel’s planned marketplace with approximately 200,000 square feet of retail space and 270,000 square feet of office space will contribute to Chatham County’s economy.
Harrell Rentz, principal of Woods Charter School, described the recent expansion of the K-12 grade public school made possible through Newland’s donation of 19 acres to the Chatham County Board of Education.
Progress Energy has developed a residential Energy Efficiency program being offered at Briar Chapel. Hal Lowrance, manager of Progress Energy Carolina’s Residential Energy Efficiency Programs, highlighted the Home Advantage program which helps homebuyers save energy and money and protect the environment.
Briar Chapel’s Model Home Village will be featured in the 2008 Parade of Homes which begins the first weekend in October.
