Village square concept a return to simpler times

There’s something innately charming about a town square or a village green that invites people to slow down and stroll, linger over a cafe au lait and unwind. To developer Jack Williams, it’s all about lifestyle.

“It’s really important not only to build quality homes, it’s also important to have the quality of life that comes with convenience,” said Williams, business director of Kairos Development Corp. “That’s so important, especially in these times, when people are looking to simplify and add more quality to their lives.”

The Kairos development of Avignon at Vinings fits that guideline, said Williams. The mix of 175 condos, townhouses and single-family homes, priced from $300,000 to $1.5 million, is within walking distance of the Vinings village, with its shops, restaurants and services.

“We are really a lifestyle community developer that wants to kill automobiles,” said Williams with a laugh. “If you sleep eight hours a night and spend three hours a day in the car, half of your life is gone. This kind of community gives you proximity to Vinings along sidewalks that connect you to the cafes, the bank and coffee shops. We have homeowners who said they moved here just to be able to leave their cars.”

Not far from Vinings, residents at the new Riley’s Walk enclave of 26 single-family homes have nearby Smyrna Market Village as their strolling destination.

“Having the village nearby is a huge draw for buyers,” said agent Paula Burr, who markets the houses from $459,000 to the low $500,000s. “You don’t really see too much of that village concept in Atlanta anymore.”

At Manchester Walk in Lawrenceville, the 203 homes are a short distance from the Gwinnett County Courthouse, a restored historic building surrounded by antique shops, stores and places to linger over a meal or cocktail.

“With all there is going on on the square, it’s definitely a plus for our buyers,” said agent Justin Jeffcoat. “It’s a draw for the locals as well as visitors who want to see the refurbished courthouse, the restaurants and the shops.”

The quaint commercial district of downtown Alpharetta is the backyard of buyers at Victoria Square, a townhouse neighborhood of 69 three-story units, selling from the high $300,000s.

“The location has certainly been key,” said agent Sharon Walters. “To be within walking distance of the downtown is the big thing, but we’re also 1 1/2 miles to Ga. 400 and 2 miles to North Point Mall. But it’s the convenience of being able to come home and walk somewhere that is a big draw.”

Having a town square that serves as a central gathering space and destination is so alluring that some developments have gone as far as to create their own when another isn’t close by. That’s the case at West Village, a community in Smyrna built around a new “downtown” of shops and businesses. The residential component is a blend of two- and three-story townhouses from $299,000; three- and four-story Earthcraft townhouses from $399,000; and single-family homes from $549,000. There’s also an existing section of sold-out condos.

“The idea is to have a live-shop-play community where, once you come in, you can walk to restaurants and services,” said agent Jim Peavy. “You don’t have to drive anywhere else.”