“Books will be written about this development, but not because of its density. They will be written because it’s cool.”
That’s part of the vision developer Jim Pace wants to convey to the Fayetteville City Council Thursday night as it decides on the future of the mixed-use development known as Pinewood Forrest, across the road from Pinewood Studios on Veterans Parkway.
The proposed development on 230 acres is planned to create a walkable community, connected to Fayetteville, Pinewood Atlanta Studios, and Piedmont Fayette Hospital through a proposed multi-use path system, with primary access off of Veterans Parkway.
The conceptual plans to be developed over multiple phases include 600 single family homes, 600 multi-family units, 100 townhomes, two hotels, a mix of office and retail space, several pocket parks, and a chapel.
Pace said the genesis of the project began two years ago at a city planning retreat when the city leaders asked him what he had planned for the residential component of the project.
“I used the term ‘Seaside on Steroids’ and I was trying to convey this project would be even better than Seaside,” he said.
Pace has developed several projects in northwest Florida that are mixed-use and have drawn acclaim. Wild Heron in Panama City was not only named best new community, but also nabbed an award for best environmental community.
Pace has heard the criticism about stormwater issues, but said Pinewood Forrest would exceed any city and state requirements to actually improve the quality of the water.
“We plan to control the flow of the stormwater,” he said.
For the past few years, Pace and his team have traveled to more than 14 communities trying to see what each community did well, and also elements that could be improved. He emphasized that low income housing is not part of his vision, and that Pinewood Forrest will be a unique development not only for Fayette County, but for Georgia.
“This will be a true community with neighbors who are neighborly and offers quick access to many areas,” he said.
Pace has also heard criticism from neighbors on the northern and southern boundaries of the project, but said Pinewood Forrest has the ability to increase their property values.
“Every year since it was built, Seaside’s property values have increased, even during the down years of the economy,” he said.
Another criticism withered at the project has been that it would detract from the progress made in downtown Fayetteville. But Pace said he’s working with city officials to make sure that downtown continues to grow and thrive.
“We’d like to see Fayetteville become a millennial village. However, you can’t do that without density. People on the street keep businesses open,” Pace said.
Pace said Greenville, S.C., is a perfect example of a downtown that has reinvented itself.
“This year, there are 600 apartments downtown. In two years, there will be 2,400 units. That’s the key to thriving,” he added.
As the hours wind down to Thursday’s vote by the City Council, Pace emphasized Pinewood Forrest will be a special place for people to live, work and play.
“There’s nothing else like it in Atlanta.”
