Building Character

This June, a young family with two small children were the first residents welcomed to the highly anticipated Union Village neighborhood in Warren County’s Turtlecreek Township. This community is now coming to life with houses and townhomes sprouting up across its 1,400 acre site, along with playgrounds, trees, and walking paths. A town square is slated to house restaurants, shops and entertainment venues.

The front porch on “The Piedmont” by Berkey Custom Homes is a great example of the front-porch focus of the community.

This is a carefully planned community with a focus on charm and character. Its developers, New Urban Development Partners, LLC, are renown for award-winning new urban projects. The village’s plan was designed by nationally recognized town architect, Michael Watkins.

Many of the community intersections feature an architectural landmark, like this three-tiered fountain.

“The inspiration comes from old towns across the country. Local towns and neighborhoods, like downtown Lebanon, Mariemont, and Hyde Park, are perfect examples,” says Matt Obringer, project manager for Union Village.

The porch ceiling on “The Washington” by Brookstone Homes is painted Haint blue, a pale shade of blue-green that is traditionally used on porch ceilings in southern states.

“These are all places that have charm and character and offer an urban lifestyle. For Union Village, the only difference is that we are building brand new. That is really where the term ‘New Urbanism’ comes from.”

This home, “The Washington,” was built by Brookstone Homes and features an apartment space over the garage.

Almost all the houses here will have spacious front porches large enough for a swing and furniture for friends and family to gather. Hundreds of trees have been planted along sidewalks, and garages at the back of each house are accessed via alleys. All of these factors add a great deal of curb appeal to each of the homes.

An open flow between the kitchen, dining room and great room makes for easy entertaining in “The Washington” by Brookstone Homes.

Plans include over 200 acres of green space. The neighborhood and homes are designed with multiple age groups in mind, including singles, couples, families, and empty nesters offering options from townhouses and cottages to large houses with prices currently in the $300,000 to $900,000 range.

Plans for Union Village Square include restaurants, shops, a play area, and a stage for live music.

“It’s a small town, urban lifestyle with front porch living,” Obringer says. “This is a place to pull up a chair, sit back, relax, relish the views, and get to know your neighbors.”