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Madison’s Troy Gardens Builds a Sense of Community
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Troy Gardens in Madison, Wis. |
The neighbors around Troy Gardens in Madison, Wis. originally wanted to preserve a 14-acre space that included community gardens and a place to walk their dogs.
But those plans have been surpassed, and now, 12 years later, the Madison Area Community Land Trust (MACLT) has won a Livable Communities Award from AARP and NAHB for Troy Gardens, a 30-unit mixed-income co-housing community. The development’s six acres of open space includes an organic farm, community gardens, a restored prairie and a wildlife habitat.
The community was built to be fully “livable.” Before construction, MACLT sought buyers with disabilities so that designs could be adapted to meet their specific needs. All units are wheelchair-ready and all primary pathways are accessible by wheelchair. Twenty of the 30 housing units are permanently affordable.
Roadways are limited to the edges of the site and one-third of the homes back up onto the natural areas, away from parking and roads. Because the community has good access to public transportation and is located an easy bike ride from downtown, many residents only have one car — further minimizing the impact of vehicles on the development.
“The key to Troy Gardens has been the profound spirit of cooperation between the neighborhood and all the community partners we have been working with on this project over the past 12 years,” said Greg Rosenberg, executive director of MACLT. “While we are quite proud to receive this award, it is important to realize that this project reflects the contributions of many people and organizations.”
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The organic farm at Troy Gardens. | The development fosters a sense of community by providing central courtyards for grouped homes, front doors and porches that face each other and a community center that will be completed in the next phase of development. Troy Gardens has accomplished its goals of protecting its natural areas; managing its community gardens; teaching young people about conservation; providing mixed-income, owner-occupied housing; and safeguarding access for all.
MACLT won in the Livable Communities category of best developer up to 250 units. One of the key goals of the project was that it would help build community. To that end, Troy Gardens’ residents enjoy paths for walking, central courtyards and a summer youth gardening program with adult mentors. Plans include building a community center.
For more information about the Livable Communities Award, e-mail Blake Smith at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8583.
For applications for the 2008 awards program, click here.
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