March 10, 2010
Hello Future
Kendall Yards is just the most recent Greenstone community that is taking a fresh modern approach to neighborhoods and home building. This is not the typical automobile oriented sprawling suburban neighborhood. And these are not the typical chopped up look-a-like suburban homes. Home buyers want more. They want a neighborhood and home that meet their new modern lifestyles with a focus on efficiency, health and fitness, and concern for the environment.
Suburban neighborhoods lost the plot, because they are designed for cars not people and wasteful of resources. Modern communities, like Kendall Yards, take a cue from the great neighborhoods of the past. They are beautiful, compact and walkable. Tree lined streets make walking easy and safe. Homes and community services like shopping, daycare, and restaurants are close by. Today people want to be able to walk to the store or ride a bike to the park. You can leave the car in the garage in a new Greenstone community.
We also take a fresh approach to home building. Today’s home buyers are not satisfied with a typical suburban home. They are looking for a home that is modern and spacious with an open and flexible design. A home that is healthy, efficient, and easy on the environment. We build homes for tomorrow that are energy efficient and environmentally sensitive and we call it Healthy By Design. Modern, practical and smart, this is not grandma’s house.
We’ll be taking reservations soon for the first phase at Kendall Yards. Sign up here to receive the latest information. Or check out some of our other modern new communities in north Spokane, Liberty Lake or Couer d’Alene.
March 08, 2010
Hearing Examiner Considers Amendments to Kendall Yards Master Plan
The Greenstone application for minor amendments to the approved Kendall Yards master plan is under review by the Hearing Examiner. The changes to the plan proposed by Greenstone reduce both the residential and commercial density of the project. You can find the full application and master plan on our website. The decision from the hearing examiner will be made in the next few weeks.
Plans for the first phase of residential development are being prepared and will be submitted for building permits in the next month. The first development phase will consist of 18 single family homes and 18 townhomes. We’ll be releasing full details and pricing soon. Get on our list for more information.
March 01, 2010
Urban Cycling is Nicealicious
Greenstone’s “Healthy by Design” communities celebrate the bicycle as a tool, like an umbrella for rain. We want you to use them for getting around… It is how kids get to school, how you bring the family to the park, and the way you go to coffee with friends.
We support the notion that cycling should be more about style and function than speed. In Kendall Yards we intend to back the rules of the Cycle Chic Manifesto:
I will cycle rather than use the car at every opportunity.
I choose to cycle chic with style over speed.
I will endeavor to ensure that the total value of my clothes always exceeds that of my bicycle.
I will choose a bicycle that reflects my personality.
I will respect traffic laws.
I will refrain from owning any form of “cycle wear”.
We hope that “cycle chic” is what an afternoon will look like on Summit Parkway in Kendall Yards.
Additionally, Kendall Yards is perfectly situated to use your bicycle to get to work or school. Check out the Spokane Regional Transportation Council’s bike commuting map.
The release of our first phase of residential units is coming soon. Get on the mailing list today.
February 11, 2010
Walkable Communities Are Healthier
When we think of great communities, we think of seeing kids walking to school and parks close to home. It turns out that great walkable communities do more than allow residents the convenience of being able to walk to schools, parks, and shopping, they also promote better health. The findings should come as no surprise, but a study from the University of Washington shows that people who live in walkable communities are more active and fit than those who live in areas that are less walkable. And since physical activity prevents obesity and functional health decline, and promotes physical fitness and mental health, walkable communities provide heath benefits for everyone. Read more HERE.
The study found that men in walkable communities did 600 percent more walking than their counterparts in less walkable neighborhoods, while women in walkable areas did 75 percent more walking.
Neighborhoods with high walkability have pedestrian friendly streets with sidewalks, street trees and traffic calming features such as narrow road sections. Walkable neighborhoods also have a good number of destinations, such as parks, grocery stores, retail shops, restaurants and other services close by.
Walkable communities are a priority at Greenstone. Kendall Yards will be one of the best anywhere with walking access to downtown Spokane services and the natural open spaces of the Spokane River gorge. CLICK HERE to get on the mailing to be notified when the first phase of new residential homes at Kendall Yards is available.
February 05, 2010
Make A Difference
Have you ever asked yourself, “How on earth can I make a difference?”
The good news is that one person can make a difference. If we each make a few simple changes we can make an impact in our families, communities, and world. At Greenstone we recommend these five tips:
1. Drive less, walk more: A walkable community allows you to cut down on your fuel usage because you can walk to the places that are close by instead of taking your car. Not only is walking better for the environment, but it is also better for your health. At Kendall Yards we are incorporating sidewalks, walking paths, and access to public transportation. The less fumes in the air the better it is for all of us.
2. Re-use, re-use, re-use: The plastic and paper bags you get when you go shopping are good for more than one trip. But even better is getting a reusable bag and remembering to bring it with you when you go to the store.
3. Re-cycle: You can use the recycling service you have available for paper, cardboard, plastic and bottles. Bigger items, if they’re still usable, can be donated or you can recycle through FreeCycle.org. The construction industry is notorious for generating a lot of waste. At Greenstone we have large recycle bins at each construction site and we recycle nearly all of the construction waste. Some of our excess materials are donated to low-income housing projects so that their second life isn’t in a landfill.
4. Buy from Local Farmers: Visit a Farmers Market. Most super market food travels more than 1500 miles before it gets to your plate. Local produce is the best and doesn’t have to travel very far to get to you, especially if it’s bought fresh from a farmers market. The big difference is in the taste. It probably won’t cost much more and it will stay fresh much longer. Try out the Liberty Lake Farmers Market May-October.
5. Turn it down: Turning down the thermostat on your hot water heater can also help you save money on your energy bill. Try turning down your thermostat in the colder winter months and turn up the air conditioning in the summer. A few degrees will not make a big difference. We put programmable thermostats into all of our new homes because we know that a programmable thermostat makes adjusting temperature easy and convenient, and because it will save you about $100 every year in energy costs.
