BRANDERMILL WORKSHOPS / MASTER PLAN

2010 APA OUTSTANDING PRIVATE SECTOR AWARD - VA CHAPTER

Download the Final Master Plan at www.brandermill.com

In the history of planning, master planned communities are a relatively new concept. How they survive the test of time is yet to be determined but to compete and survive in today’s changing world, master planned communities must evolve to reflect the changing needs of modern society. What worked 30 years ago, or even 10 years ago, may not work today.

One such example of a large, master planned community is Brandermill. Nationally recognized for design excellence and quality lifestyle, Brandermill was named the ‘Best Planned Community in America’ in 1977. Located approximately 20 miles southwest of Richmond on the Swift Creek Reservoir, Brandermill has over 13,000 residents on 2,600 acres. From the beginning, the goal was to offer residents a resort like atmosphere with world-class amenities along with a diversity in style and price of homes....all of which were new concepts over 30 years ago.

For most of Brandermill’s history, property values have exceeded the region and county average. However, in 2005 that changed and the community watched their average property continually fall below the county’s average. That, in addition to the proposed master planned communities and over 15,000 new homes planned for the surrounding area, caused enough concern for the Community Association to release a Request for Proposals to prepare a new master plan.

Designforum’s process for the master plan included numerous work sessions with the Brandermill residents. By engaging the community, we were able to receive valuable insight that laid the foundation for establishing fundamental ideas that formed the core values that are unique to Brandermill. The master plan provides a framework that preserves and enhances the best features of Brandermill while recognizing opportunities for improvements. In order to achieve the vision, the master plan was divided into five main categories: natural resources, community facilities, commercial / economic development, transportation, and community character.

The master plan was adopted by the Brandermill Community Association in the fall of 2009.

The Brandermill Master Plan was awarded the 2010 Outstanding Private Sector Award by APA Virginia.