Summary:

This 600 acre family-owned property in the North Carolina mountains between Highlands and Cashiers was assembled over the span of three generations.

The land is bisected by a major commercial highway.  On the north side of the highway there is a small lake which the original family cabin overlooks.  This cabin was utilized when the entire family would relocate from Florida to spend the summer months in the mountains.  On the south side of the highway is an environmentally sensitive area with steep topography and braided streams.  This land provides a wonderful view of Whitesides Mountain to the south.

Today, the property is jointly owned by family members living throughout the country, who engaged us to create a Property Development Plan.  The goal was to create a logical development of the property which incorporated their desire for land conservation while providing an income stream for future generations.

To create this plan Steelwoods principals provided Market Research and Analysis of the Highlands/Cashiers area, a full review of adjoining developments under construction, meetings with local Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development officials and meetings with local developers. Following the Due Diligence phase we created several alternative development plans for the family members review and consideration.

Outcome:

The final development plan proposes the filing of conservation easements on several of the steep slopes and braided stream areas to ensure these will always be protected from development.  It also identifies areas to reserve for future generations of the family to build on and explore.  The plan identifies a short-term development plan for large lot, single family and condominium housing. A longer term development plan notes that as the commercial corridor continues to be developed between Highlands and Cashiers, a mixed-use, retail office and housing development will be feasible.

Services:

• Site Analysis/ Due Diligence
• Market Research and Analysis
• Masterplanning
• Image Design

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