The philosophy that has shaped the 243-acre I'On community is to create a
neighborhood that enhances the social, economic and environmental aspects of life. This philosophy incorporates
the importance of a healthy relationship between the position of each home and the public and civic realms.
The neighborhood features more than 80 acres of green and civic spaces including lakes, creeks, parks, trails
and a Rookery. I'On is nationally recognized for its use of smart growth design and as a model for land planning
for a sustainable future and has been named "Best Neighborhood in the Nation" and "Best Smart
Growth Neighborhood in the Country" by Professional Builder and the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders).
CNU 2003 Award Winner (Excerpt):
Like many projects, I'On is a largely residential area built on previously undeveloped land in the Sunbelt. What
makes I'On stand out from the others is the builders' intense attention to architectural quality and the plan's
novel use of water bodies for civic space.
At build-out, this mixed-use, pedestrian oriented neighborhood will have 762 single-family homes and 30,000
square feet of commercial space on 243 acres. It is in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, four miles from historic
downtown Charleston. After four years of construction, it is nearly three-quarters built, with 20,000 square
feet of retail built and leased and over 600 homesites sold. Homes built so far range from 950 square feet to
over 6,500, with prices from $400,000 to over $2 million.
I'On has superbly designed houses detailed in the appropriate regional styles. The neighborhood founders
ensure quality with an urban design code and careful coaching of architects and builders. The design code draws
on the rich vernacular of the area to foster healthy and vibrant streetscapes. A design committee provides
assistance and review of all building and landscape plans. The developer provides prospective homebuyers and
designers an illustrated "Traditional Lowcountry Vernacular" booklet that complements and expands the code. |
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All homes are constructed by an approved builder member of the neighborhood
"guild," a preferred builder program. It rewards craftsmanship with special recognition and holds regular
meetings where builders can compare techniques and develop skills.
I'On's civic space is as carefully designed as its buildings. The streets are laid out as an integrated grid, slowing
traffic and providing closed vistas despite the flat topography. Few streets go straight for over 600 feet at a stretch.
Despite the absence of mature trees on much of the property, the crooked streets and narrow, well-defined street spaces
impart the feeling of a more established place.
Natural features are used as major civic attractions. The project includes two lakes and miles of marshfront. Buildings
face these water bodies, making the larger lake read almost as an urban square. The lakes and marsh have become signature
urban spaces. People come from the greater metro area to enjoy these amenities.
There are linear parks throughout the neighborhood, a lakefront performance area, and playgrounds behind many homesites.
More than 43 acres of green space have been planned. The existing parks are used by neighbors, area residents, and
tourists. Playing fields and civic-use parcels are planned.
For more information, call toll free: 1-866-330-8200 or 843-884-4499.
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