After three years of development, Signal Mountain's newest subdivision welcomed visitors to view its grounds during a grand opening celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 2.
The 124-acre property, an extension of Fox Run called Wild Ridge, showcases a "different kind of community," said Realtor Lori Montieth, with Keller Williams Realty. In addition to 199 homes equipped with solar panels and recharge stations for electric cars, more than 50 percent of the land will remain untouched as natural, open space.
"So it's not just house upon house upon house," Montieth said.
Developer Jack Kruesi said he chose to leave half the property undeveloped because he saw how the home industry was destroying nature to maximize profit.
"Even though I am a developer at heart, I just have this great passion for the trees and woods and nature," said Kruesi, who grew up playing in the woods and envisions future generations exploring wildlife on Wild Ridge's preserved land. "It's all about balance. You've got to balance."
The undeveloped land, which will adjoin an additional 51-acre preserve, will allow room for a three-mile hiking trail to be started this fall, adding to the property's other outdoor attractions, such as community fire pits, a trail dotted with exercise stations, and raised gardens.
The blend of natural and man-made elements has impressed several residents, including Town Manager Boyd Veal.
"Wild Ridge is located on beautiful property and is designed to take advantage of and fit into that natural setting," Veal said. "Personally, I think the overall development and the homes that have been completed so far are extremely nice. I really like the look and feel that is taking shape."
While Kruesi estimated that all 199 homes will be built within 15 to 18 years, prospective buyers and curious residents were able to tour the five completed homes, which are already for sale between $300,000 and $500,000. Visitors at the open house were also able to speak with Kruesi, builders Don and Mike Moon and the real estate team.
"It's all about planting seeds," Montieth said. "We want people to come check us out, because even if you're not interested, you're going to tell somebody else."
Though many of the three- to four-bedroom homes will be marketed to families, Kruesi hopes the coming two-bedroom homes, which he calls "late-life residences," will serve Signal residents in all stages of life and provide more housing to eliminate the need to leave the mountain when downsizing.
"I think there's an opportunity for people who love the mountain to continue to spend their lives up there and enjoy it," Kruesi said, adding, "I just hope that people have the opportunity to see a very high-quality product built by one of the premiere builders in Chattanooga in the last 50 years."
Contact Myron Madden at mmadden@timesfreepress.com or 757-6423.