Kentlands Planned Montgomery County Homes
Situated in Gaithersburg Maryland, The Kentlands is a Washington DC metro area real estate development, that is prime example of "new urbanism". This Montgomery County real estate developments initial design was steeped in the conveniences of a self sustaining village. The predominant theme is that of a community where everything was within walking distance and resident participation is greatly encouraged.
Home to several thousand of Montgomery County’s residents, the nearly 20 year old community has proven to be a successful social experiment based on its founding principles. According to many households, by sustaining a home, retail, and business environment all within close proximity, the Kentlands has brought those who live there much closer together. Many residents cite the sense of ownership and pride that they feel for the entire community, which connects them frequently in the organization and participation of a number of Kent-centric events. In addition, residents allude to the nearby bustle of family activity, shopping, and entertainment as a real draw, even for the most reserved Kentlanders.
How the Kentlands Began
In 1988 the old 352 acre Kentlands farm was sold by the Kentlands Foundation Trust and Helen Kent to Joseph Alfandre & Co for an undisclosed amount. The land deal was reportedly worth between 41 and 64 million dollars. While the price was remarkably high for a 1980’s transaction, it was truly quite indicative of the overheated residential market as well as the scarcity of undeveloped land in the area. Alfandre then sold the part of the land, on the then under construction Great Seneca Highway, for $17 million. The buyer, Mel Simon, a shopping center tycoon from the Midwest, planned to construct a retail mall.
Shortly after, Alfandre found himself mesmerized by the splendor of the original farmlands and hoped to incorporate some of its buildings into his development plans. He then visited several planned communities in the U.S. and abroad before deciding that a neo-traditional town was his ultimate goal. Both influences are apparent in this community today.
Later in 1988 Alfandre hosted a week-long meeting in the old Kentlands barn that included city officials, planners, residents, and business associates. The very productive meeting yielded a plan for today’s community. By the end of 1988 the city’s approvals were received and the Alfandre’s new neo-traditional community was well on its way to fruition.
By 1991 the this planned comunity became home to its first group of residents, but this did not bring Alfandre much satisfaction as the early 1990’s brought a residential recession that created a reduction in builder development. The project lost some of its developers, and in doing so created trouble for its lender B.F. Saul/Chevy Chase Bank with federal agencies that believed the lender was over leveraged. In October of the same year the entire project was given back to the lender to avoid foreclosure. Alfandre remained on board as a consultant and his influence is surely apparent in this great planed community today.
Please note that while no region is immune to real estate recessions, there are many who believe that this county bears little of their brunt as it is an area with low unemployment and excellent schools.
