Freehold Communities is proposing a new “Agrihood” project in St. Johns County, potentially bringing 3,300 homes to the area. The development, which spans approximately 2,700 acres south of the St. Augustine Premium Outlets, is contingent on rezoning the land from Open Rural to Planned Unit Development. Located between County Roads 208 and 214, the site is about 20 miles south of Shearwater, another Freehold project.
St Johns FL Agrihood
The Agrihood plan calls for up to 3,332 residential units, including single-family homes, townhomes, and age-restricted housing. Additionally, it includes 250,000 square feet of commercial space. The project would feature amenities such as parks, playgrounds, ball fields, and community spaces, reflecting Freehold’s focus on combining residential living with agricultural elements.
The development is being undertaken in collaboration with the Robinson Improvement Company, which has owned the land for over 100 years. The Robinson family wishes to honor their legacy by partnering with Freehold to create this agricultural-centric community. The project is divided into two phases, with construction expected to begin within five years of approval.
Freehold’s Agrihood model has been successfully implemented in other communities, such as Arden in South Florida, which includes a farm, event barn, and other communal amenities. The St. Johns project aims to follow a similar path, blending agriculture with modern living to create a unique residential experience.
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What is an Agrihood?
An agrihood is a type of planned residential community that integrates agriculture into its design. It is centered around a working farm or agricultural elements, providing residents with access to fresh produce and a rural lifestyle within a suburban or urban setting. These communities often emphasize sustainable living, organic farming, and community engagement.
In an agrihood, residents may have access to:
- A community farm where they can participate in growing food
- Farmers markets or community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs
- Green spaces, walking trails, and natural landscapes
- Farm-to-table events, gardening classes, and other agricultural-based activities
The concept aims to create a healthier, eco-friendly, and community-focused living environment by blending residential living with agricultural experiences.
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About The Developer
Boston-based Freehold Communities has developed a variety of large-scale residential communities across the United States, often incorporating innovative design elements such as agrihoods, mixed-use spaces, and sustainability features. Some of their notable projects include:
1. Shearwater (St. Johns County, FL)
- A master-planned community located in northern St. Johns County, Florida. Spanning 1,500 acres, it includes up to 2,000 homes and features extensive amenities such as walking trails, parks, a fitness lodge, resort-style pools, and a lazy river. The community focuses on nature, wellness, and active lifestyles.
2. Arden (Wellington, FL)
- An agrihood located 22 miles west of Palm Beach, Florida. Arden spans 1,200 acres and includes a 5-acre farm, event barn, 20 miles of trails, a central lake, and over 500 acres of parks and green spaces. Residents enjoy a farm-to-table lifestyle with access to fresh produce grown on-site.
3. The Grow (Orlando, FL)
- A mixed-use development centered around a 9-acre farm, designed to integrate agriculture and residential living. Located in Orlando, The Grow features a focus on sustainability and green living, offering residents a unique agricultural and urban lifestyle blend.
4. Durham Farms (Hendersonville, TN)
- A community in Tennessee with over 1,000 homes, known for its small-town charm and connected neighborhood feel. Durham Farms offers amenities like parks, a fitness center, and a clubhouse with a pool. It also includes various recreational options for an active and social lifestyle.
5. Headwaters (Dripping Springs, TX)
- Located in the Texas Hill Country, this community spans 1,035 acres and offers more than 1,000 homes. Headwaters features scenic views, miles of trails, a community garden, and a focus on sustainable living. The neighborhood has a central hub for social activities and nature-inspired amenities.
6. Bryson (Leander, TX)
- A large master-planned community near Austin, Texas, Bryson includes more than 1,500 homes. The project integrates nature and urban living, with amenities like parks, fishing ponds, walking trails, and a resort-style pool. It fosters a strong community culture with social gatherings and events.
7. Easton Park (Austin, TX)
- Spanning 2,300 acres, Easton Park is a dynamic, mixed-use community in Austin, Texas, offering thousands of homes, extensive parkland, and over 13 miles of trails. It incorporates a wide range of recreational facilities and a community center for residents to engage in social and fitness activities.
8. Homestead (Schertz, TX)
- A master-planned community located just outside of San Antonio, Homestead features more than 600 homes, parks, and open spaces. It is designed to emphasize a healthy lifestyle, with trails, fitness programs, and community events to encourage neighborly interaction.
