James Pratt is making a living building new homes to look like old homes.

Mr. Pratt of Pratt & Associates is building The Overlook, a traditional neighborhood design community. The Overlook is off Valerian Drive, in the Rivermont area near Bi-Lo, overlooking the Chickamauga Dam.

“Despite the economy, it’s a good site, close to downtown which helps with gas prices,” Mr. Pratt said.

The traditional neighborhood design, which evokes 1920s-era communities, was first introduced in the mid-1980s in Seaside, Fla., and later by Walt Disney Co.’s Celebration, Fla., community, said Jim Gallagher, Mr. Pratt’s partner. Mr. Pratt’s son, Win, is a co-developer.

The houses feature low-maintenance exteriors and are 1,700 to 3,600 square feet, ideal for empty-nesters or young professionals, Mr. Pratt said.

Staff Photos by John Rawlston -- The Overlook will consist of 70 homes built in a traditional neighborhood design, ranging in price from about $300,000 to more than $550,000.

Prices range from about $300,000 to more than $550,000.

Traditional neighborhood design isn’t new to Pratt & Associates, Mr. Gallagher said. The company previously has developed The Traditions, near Mountain Creek Road. Pratt is developing Reunion, in East Brainerd, and FrontGate, in Ooltewah. Pratt also is the exclusive builder at Downing Green, a similar subdivision in Collegedale.

Homes with the traditional neighborhood design have such architectural styles as front porches, balconies, columns and gables, Mr. Gallagher said. Such communities have sidewalks on both sides of the street, with a wide grassy strip and trees between the street and sidewalk.

Greg Vital, Franklin Farrow and Mike Mallen, with Highland Partners, are the developers of The Overlook. Highland Partners bought part of the former Dixie Yarns site several years ago, Mr. Vital said. The property was considered unsuitable for development, he said, because it is so steep. Only 30 of 50 acres is being developed for The Overlook, he said.

Mr. Vital said he decided to enlist Pratt & Associates as the exclusive builder because his expertise is in assisted living centers. He had considered building a Morning Pointe Assisted Living Center there, but decided the property was better suited for high-end residential use.

The Overlook will be more upscale than his previous developments, Mr. Pratt said. The homes will have a number of luxury amenities as standard features, including 7-inch crown molding and granite countertops. The homes also feature stainless steel appliances, custom cabinets and hardwood floors. That, and the location near downtown with a river view are great selling features, he said.