Project Data:

Completion Date:     11/13/2023

Square Footage:      10236600

Building Use:           Master Planned Community

Project Description:

Indigo is a new community with a foundational connection to agriculture, built around a human-scale working farm and pasture. Fueled by a commitment to fine-grain development, Indigo will be a neighborhood that pulsates with life. The inclusive features and modern design defy the “one-size-fits-all” approach with a strong focus on community, wellness, and resiliency. Indigo will include a 42-acre working farm, multiple housing types catering to all ages and life stages, incremental development to ensure sustainable growth, and a refreshing prioritization of walkability.

A 235-acre walkable community, Indigo has approximately 800 residences, 42 acres of devoted agriculture, a 25-acre lake, and more than 70,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial development. It will feature a connected village of retail, small businesses, and residential living, with a 12-acre town center that draws inspiration from traditional Main Streets where buildings are at a human-scale and encourage interaction.

At the heart of Indigo, we’re developing a village core and community heartbeat called Indigo Commons. Harkening back to small-town Main Streets with a contemporary twist, Indigo Commons will be the intersection of community, culture, and commerce. The vibrant and pedestrian-focused retail experience is being curated specifically to help small businesses thrive and for the community to gather.

The walkable neighborhood will support local artisans, entrepreneurs, and startups, making it easier than ever for small businesses to navigate and access brick-and-mortar ownership and leasing options. First-floor spaces will focus on active retail, inviting people to shop, dine and explore, while the second and third floors of the buildings will be a combination of offices or residences, depending on the building location and the need of the local business owners.

More than a simple agricultural endeavor, the farm will be a living classroom, a source of local produce, and an unmistakable signature of Indigo’s perspective on sustainable living. People will be able to walk its fields and gain a tangible connection to their food, becoming intimately aware of its journey from soil to table. Beyond serving as a source of nourishment for residents, the produce will be available to the broader community as well, underscoring Indigo’s commitment to regional well-being.

Efficient street layouts and the introduction of alleys allow homes to live closer to the street and green spaces while encouraging cars and services to use the alleys. This framework allows residents to connect through four acres of walkable, people-centric, green corridors called Mews. Mews are home to community gathering areas, passive play elements, and a vast trail network. The idea of front-porch living and “free range” children naturally unfolds when residents have access to safe, enclosed, and vibrant communal park spaces.

With approximately 650 for sale homes and 150 rental residences, housing elevations include reinterpretations of familiar architectural styles like Agrarian, Farmhouse, Ranch and Contemporary. The thoughtful number of housing types are consciously planned to welcome everyone, regardless of age or family composition. With a fine-grained quilted pattern of development, Indigo’s design principles reflect the very ethos of diversity and variety within the neighborhood itself.

Design for Integration, Design for Equitable Communities, Design for Ecosystems, Design for Economy, Design for Well-being, Design for Change, Design for Discovery 

Ecosystems
Indigo is fundamentally connected to agriculture, with its design centered around a human-scale working farm and pasture. This connection to the land promotes sustainable agricultural practices and supports local food production. Additionally, the community framework includes four acres of walkable, green corridors known as Mews, which feature community gathering areas, passive play elements, and an extensive trail network. These green spaces enhance biodiversity, provide habitat for local wildlife, and offer residents access to nature, promoting environmental stewardship.

Economy
Indigo's design fosters economic vitality by integrating a village that combines retail, small businesses, and residential living. Anchored by a 12-acre town center inspired by traditional Main Streets, Indigo Commons offers a vibrant, pedestrian-focused retail experience. This environment is curated to help small businesses thrive, supporting local artisans, entrepreneurs, and startups. The walkable neighborhood makes it easier for small businesses to navigate and access brick-and-mortar ownership and leasing options, driving local economic growth and providing diverse economic opportunities for residents.

Adaptability
Indigo features multiple housing types catering to all ages and life stages, ensuring that the community can accommodate changing demographics and family structures over time. The incremental development approach promotes sustainable growth, allowing the community to expand and evolve without overwhelming existing infrastructure. The fine-grained quilted pattern of development reflects the ethos of diversity and variety, making Indigo adaptable to the needs of its residents and resilient in the face of change.

Attainability
A one-size fits all approach to housing options has made home buying unattainable for most first home buyers. Higher densities, smaller building footprints, and shared communal spaces allow the price of the cottages to be below other single-family homes. Not only are these cottages an attainable starter home, but they also provide an option for empty-nesters, or as an alternative to larger multigenerational housing units.

Well-being
Indigo prioritizes walkability, creating a people-centric environment that encourages physical activity and reduces dependence on automobiles. The community’s design includes a vast network of trails and pedestrian-friendly green corridors, promoting social interaction and a sense of community. Indigo Commons, the community heartbeat, provides a vibrant space for residents to gather, fostering social connections and community engagement. These design elements enhance the overall well-being of residents by promoting a healthy, active lifestyle and a strong sense of belonging.

By integrating these principles, Indigo creates a thriving community that supports ecosystems, drives economic growth, adapts to changing needs, and promotes the well-being of its residents.

Completion Date:     11/13/2023

Square Footage:      10236600

Building Use:           Master Planned Community

Location:                 Richmond, Texas

Andrew Watkins - Partner / Director of Urban Planning & Design

JZMK Partners - Planner
Dahlin Architect - Architect

Meristem Communities

Odyssey Engineering Group

Cultivate Land

TST, Inc
Segments, LLC
Hearth Agency