The Solution

At Legacy Lakes, North Carolina’s rolling hills lends the master-planned community a natural character and appeal. Since this charm is central to the scenic and biological lure of the area, Forest City knew that it had to preserve the natural topography during the construction process.

This led the Land Group to seek out a combination of different sewer and building techniques, allowing for a unique and beautiful setting that marries natural form and function.

According to Cozens, it was worth the effort. “It takes more time and money to build, but you help preserve the area’s natural beauty. It’s priceless.”     

Enmeshing the new community with the existing golf course also provided an opportunity for Forest City to flex its development muscle. To fully connect all segments of the community, roads and sidewalks had to be built or improved. Doing so meant that changes had to be made to the golf course, while maintaining the look and feel of the design imagined by its creator: Jack Nicklaus II. The solution combines a respect for the existing land while also seeking to improve it.

This beauty will be matched by Bal Gra Harbor, which will give Forest City the opportunity to showcase its ability and commitment to protecting natural resources.

The site has already undergone Phase I soil and wetlands testing. To ensure that the natural ecosystem is not disturbed, archeological and endangered species reports also will be created. “We are working with the state coastal management office to ensure the future of the coast’s sandy banks and clear waters for generations to come,” Cozens said.

“When you are developing such a naturally beautiful area, one has to be overly cautious,” he added. “Every last detail has to be correct. And Forest City is known for that.”

When completed, the community will have set aside nearly 400 acres of pristine coastal wetlands for preservation. A large part of the nature preserve will be a unique, old-growth Cypress forest bordering the Salmon Creek.

Forest City is making crucial infrastructure additions and improvements to meet the demands of the new community by building its own sewer pump and water treatment facility.

At Cotton Creek, planners are meeting the demand of baby boomers and retirees for active, maintenance-free lifestyles.

Cotton Creek will feature a Robbie Smith Tennis Center, complete with luxurious clubhouse, fitness center and a junior Olympic-sized pool. These amenities will provide the perfect combination of relaxation and recreation for Cotton Creek’s energetic residents.

“The Robbie Smith Tennis Center is one of the amenities that sets Cotton Creek apart,” Cozens said. “Residents in search of the perfect active, maintenance-free lifestyle will have to look no further.”