Chattanooga-based GreenTech Homes has launched its biggest-ever development as the builder has started work on a new neighborhood in Hixson called The Farmstead.
Jeremy Fitzsimmons, director of development at GreenTech, said in an interview Monday that plans are to build 240 single-family detached homes on a large vacant tract at 6909 Hixson Pike.
Slated to go up in three phases with the first encompassing 80 homes and called The Founders of The Farmstead, he put the project at about $128 million when fully built out in about three and a half years.
"This is our flagship," Fitzsimmons said about the company started in 2008. "This is our biggest single development to date."
Residences will range from 1,600 to 4,000 square feet, he said, with more than 17 home plans available including one- and two-story units and multiple exterior choices.
Homes will start with a mid-$400,000 price point, Fitzsimmons said, noting that no townhouses are planned.
"This development is the one with the most amenities," he said of all GreenTech's projects to date.
A square off which the model home that's under construction sits will have a plaza with fire pits, he said. Amenities in the development include a centralized clubhouse with a full kitchen and exercise equipment, a large resort-style pool, a dog park, a pickleball court and other activities, according to GreenTech.
Elya Kurktchi, a future resident in The Founders of The Farmstead, said he's excited for GreenTech's vision and designs.
"We love the architectural designs of the homes and the community plaza that they have planned," he said in a statement.
According to GreenTech, buyers can customize more than 20 structural features such as covered patios, bump-outs, fireplaces, parking options and others.
The company has done a lot of homebuilding on Chattanooga's Southside in what Fitzsimmons called the neo-traditional design with front porches and connections to public space. The Farmstead will continue in that trend, he said.
"A lot will be like the Southside but a new and improved version," Fitzsimmons said.
As the project develops, green spaces will be built into the design to encourage walking, the GreenTech official said.
"Building community-first is at the center of what we do, and The Farmstead embodies the features and characteristics of what homeowners want in a neighborhood today," Fitzsimmons said.
The homes will differ as people are in different walks of life, he said.
"All of them will have yards," Fitzsimmons said, adding that 80% will be designed with garages accessed from the rear. The Farmstead will feature various garage options including up to a three-bay garage, according to GreenTech.
"We care about people getting out of the house," Fitzsimmons said. "There will be very intentional spaces. The homes and streetscapes encourage interaction among neighbors."
The first homes are to be ready in July, Fitzsimmons said. He said 25 residences have been pre-sold since sales started in November.
"Rooftops will start to fly out of here," he said.
Buyers are seen as including young business professionals and empty-nesters, Fitzsimmons said.
"It's designed for all walks of life," he said. "The community spaces speak to everyone."
GreenTech officials like the Hixson market and The Farmstead site. Fitzsimmons cited the proximity to Chickamauga Lake and Chester Frost Park.
At the same time, he said, the location is close to Hixson businesses and not far from downtown.
"A lot of people in Hixson have been waiting for something a little different," he said.
Kurktchi said he's a repeat customer of GreenTech.
"We chose to continue to partner with their team because we like how they tailor our home to our lifestyle," he said in the statement.
Concerning the uptick in interest rates nationally, Fitzsimmons said there was a slight drop recently. He said he's hopeful rates will fall further as inflation continues to soften.
"We've been working on this for three years in planning and design," Fitzsimmons said.
Contact Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6318.